Bao Xi thought seriously and then answered, “Yes!” I collapsed, even Xiao Shang and Xiao Yang hadn’t, but he had! He then added, “I’ve slept with my mother.” At this moment, I really wanted to strangle him. From now on, another cute little treasure was added to my side, troublesome yet adorable…
[Volume One: Encounter – Chapter Twenty-Five: Princess Ping]
After playing in Bao Xi’s palace for several days, I felt that the imperial palace was boring to death!
Although the palace walls were large, they gave a feeling of constraint that I didn’t like. I preferred freedom.
During these days, I spent my time with Bao Xi in the royal garden, mostly in the antique pavilion. While I didn’t dislike the pavilion, Bao Xi always enjoyed eating snacks there, and it could get tiresome.
Yet, even when I grew bored, I felt indifferent. Nothing would change, so I continued to keep him company, hoping to accumulate good karma. This convinced me of my own kindness.
One day, while helping Bao Xi change and wash, a eunuch I disliked brought two ‘eunuchs’ to serve Bao Xi. After he left, they removed their hats—one was Shu Yang, the other Mo Ran.
Bao Xi pouted in dissatisfaction, saying, “Why is it you again? Wasn’t dressing as palace women last time enough? Now you’re disguising as eunuchs to sneak into the palace. Aren’t you afraid I’ll blame you?” I was impressed that Bao Xi could recognize Shu Yang and Mo Ran despite their disguises.
Mo Ran pulled me into his arms, “What are you going to do about it? We’re not here for you, little brat.”
Bao Xi jumped off the bed, pushing with his small hand, “Don’t touch my future wife!”
” I spat blood. Mo Ran was so angry he forgot his father’s name, and Shu Yang’s face turned ugly, but he remained polite: “May I ask why Your Majesty says so?” I admired Shu Yang’s patience.
Bao Xi proudly smiled, wrapping his small hand around my waist: “Because we’re already engaged!” I was dizzy; did he really need to bring this up?! Mo Ran angrily walked over, picking up Bao Xi like a chicken: “You little brat, don’t talk nonsense! I’m afraid you made this up during a game of house!”
Bao Xi struggled free, “Of course not! We’re truly engaged! Is it up to you, this ill-mannered bad guy, to interfere with our marriage?” Shu Yang’s face became increasingly difficult, his eyebrows furrowing, “Please show some self-respect, Your Majesty.”
I couldn’t stand it anymore; the thick vinegar smell in the room was unbearable! “Damn it! Are you done?! Whoever doesn’t shut up, I’ll kick them out!” Everyone immediately fell silent.
“No, Bao Xi, you can’t leave the palace,” I said firmly. Bao Xi asked, “Why?!” I stroked his head and explained, “Because your country needs you. If you leave and neglect state affairs, wouldn’t I become a sinner for eternity?”
Bao Xi thought for a moment, “That’s true. What should I do? I don’t want to leave you.”
When Moran heard that this troublemaker couldn’t leave the palace, he smiled triumphantly, “What to do? Just stay! A kid shouldn’t learn about running away from home. Obediently stay in your palace!”
I shot Moran a murderous glance, “If you dare to interject again, believe me, I’ll smack you with a brick!” He quickly covered his mouth. I smiled, “That’s more like it! Baoxi, if you want to leave the palace, you must get your sister’s approval. Let’s talk to her after the morning court session.”
Baoxi nodded helplessly, “Okay then.”
After the morning court, I linked arms with Shuyang and said, “Shuyang, you’re so handsome. You look good in anything!” Shuyang smiled, “As long as you like it.” Moran complained, “Why only praise him? Don’t I look good too?”
I rolled my eyes, “If you think you look good, why don’t you just become a eunuch forever?” Moran turned away, “A woman with no taste.” I twisted his ear, “Call me daddy!” At that moment, Baoxi, who had been holding back, turned around: “Hey! Are you two done being affectionate?!”
We all immediately fell silent. Moran pretended to be well-behaved, but in his heart, he was strongly restraining himself.
Baoxi domineeringly ‘snatched’ me from Shuyang’s side, pulling my sleeve and angrily marching forward.
After a long walk, we finally arrived at Baoxi’s sister, Princess Qingping’s palace. I was out of breath and really wanted to spank Baoxi. He had insisted on walking instead of taking a sedan chair, making me trudge the entire way.
“Wait here, Xiao Han will come with me,” Baoxi pulled me inside. I felt dizzy—why was he dragging me in? As soon as we entered, I saw a dignified and elegant beauty playing the qin, her features so beautiful, she seemed almost unreal, like a fairy.
Baoxi cheerfully called out, “Sister!” The fairy stopped playing and smiled, “Baoxi’s here? Why didn’t you send word?” Baoxi mischievously stuck out his tongue, “Hehe, I wanted to surprise you!” The beauty’s gaze turned to me, “Baoxi, who is this?”
Baoxi pulled me forward, “Someone very similar to Luo Yan, my fiancée!” I thought the princess would scold us, but unexpectedly, she smiled at me, “Oh, is that so? Can you tell me your name?” I felt awkward—why was she so beautiful, and I was beautiful too, but her smile was much more charming? I needed to practice my smiling.
Before I could answer, Baoxi said, “Her surname is Ling, name Xiao Han!”
“Princess Qingping stood up and walked to me, ‘Nice to meet you.’ The more I looked, the more beautiful she seemed. (A certain Ling: ‘Yes, very beautiful, how narcissistic.’) I stammered, ‘I, I am too.’
Baoxi chatted with the princess for a long time, even having tea! If you want to chat, couldn’t we do this another day?
I tugged Baoxi’s sleeve to get his attention. He said to the princess, ‘Sister, I want to leave the palace to play with Xiao Han!’ The beautiful woman smiled slightly, ‘Okay, but you must bring guards.’
Baoxi hugged me tight, ‘No need, Xiao Han knows martial arts and is very skilled!’ I laughed awkwardly, ‘Just a bit.’ The beauty threw me another stunning smile, ‘Miss Xiao Han, you’re too modest. Not bringing guards is fine, but with conditions.’
I knew it wouldn’t be that simple. Troublesome~ Baoxi hugged me even tighter, ‘Sister, please tell me.’
The beauty elegantly sipped her tea and said, ‘You must return immediately when I send a message calling you back, without delay. Also, when you return, you must meet my requirements in state affairs.'”
If you can do these two things, you may leave the palace.”
Baoxi smiled brightly, “Okay! No problem! We pinky promise!” After they made their promise, he took my hand and skipped out, with the beauty’s voice behind us: “Baoxi, remember our promise! Have fun!”
As soon as we left, Moran said provocatively, “Little kid, can’t go out, right?” Baoxi stood in front of him, “Who says so? My sister agreed!” Moran’s mood plummeted, “Hmph, so what? Look at that raised chin.”
As soon as I shouted, “Mo Ran!” he calmed down, but I added, “Bao Xi is still young. Can’t you be a little more considerate? As an older brother, you should care for your younger sibling instead of bullying him. Think about it; put yourself in his shoes. What would you do?”
Mo Ran pulled at his ears, constantly saying, “I know… I know I was wrong… I will remember Father’s teachings…” Bao Xi looked pleased, clapping his hands, while Shu Yang helplessly shook his head, “You two are such live wires…”
The days after leaving the palace drove me almost crazy. With Shu Yang and Mo Ran already having conflicts and now an additional Bao Xi, how could I not be annoyed? I really regret bringing Bao Xi out of the palace!
Now every day I watch Mo Ran bullying Bao Xi, Bao Xi bullying Shu Yang, and Shu Yang silently enduring…
