Chapter 1221: Disguised as a Man

Xia Ruqing firmly refused when she heard she had to become a Magistrate.

Zhao Junyao felt a bit puzzled.

"Qingqing!"

"Others go to great lengths to seek official positions, and here you are..."

"I want to promote your family, yet I have to beg you to accept!"

Why does he feel a bit wronged?

Xia Ruqing was both amused and exasperated.

"Emperor, your words are not quite right?"

She absolutely never intended to secure official posts for her family!

"I can’t articulate grand principles, but Emperor, you can’t just cater to me, you must also win people’s approval!"

"Even if Jingfeng is excellent."

"He is still merely a young man in his twenties, hasn’t even married, just an immature lad."

"How can such a resume convince the civil and military officials of the court?"

Who isn’t aware of the advantages of a prestigious family, the enjoyment of riches and honor, and who doesn’t like the glory and fame?

But these things must be rooted firmly to have any significance.

Like a towering tree.

No matter how lush and appealing the crown is, without a massive root system for support, it’s hard to maintain.

The principle is the same.

If one doesn’t gradually establish themselves, to suddenly hold a high position is akin to forcing growth.

It won’t help but rather harm him instead.

"Emperor!"

"Let him rely on his own efforts!"

"Or help quietly, but don’t make it so conspicuous!"

Zhao Junyao was clearly persuaded by her.

"Very well!"

"Then... start as a Prefect!"

Xia Ruqing: "..."

Prefect is quite a significant position too, you know? But compared to Magistrate, it’s less noticeable.

Xia Ruqing smiled slightly and didn’t continue talking.

Zhao Junyao also didn’t pursue it any further.

The two of them read for a while before going to sleep.

...

A few days later, it was the end of the year.

Because of the incident with Zhao Junqi, many officials in Jiangnan were implicated.

The civil and military officials were filled with trepidation.

Although no one dared discuss the matter, the atmosphere was ultimately different from before.

This New Year was rather ordinary, without anything particularly lively or exciting.

Xia Ruqing assisted the Four Consorts in managing affairs of The Six Palaces and wasn’t too busy.

On New Year’s Eve, they offered sacrifices to the heavens.

On the first day of the new year, they paid respects to ancestors; on the second, they entertained guests. After the second day, things became completely leisurely.

The weather remained cold.

On the fourth and fifth day, it snowed twice, and by the sixth day, the weather had cleared.

Yue Er rushed to her bedchamber early in the morning.

"Mother!"

"It’s sunny outside, I want to go out of the palace with Eldest Brother!"

Xia Ruqing looked quite reluctant.

"Where do you want to go?"

Yue Er’s eyes twinkled.

"I..."

"I want to go to Uncle’s house to play with Cousin!"

Xia Ruqing didn’t quite believe it.

"You? Going to Uncle’s house?" She eyed her with skepticism!

After thinking for a moment, she shook her head and refused.

"During the New Year, people can’t settle down!"

"If you go, your Aunt and Uncle will be all stirred up! Maybe it’s better if you don’t go!"

Yue Er protested.

"Mother!"

"It’s not like I’m going alone!"

"Eldest Brother, Third Brother, and Fourth Brother are all going too!"

"Mother, haven’t you said I can do whatever I want in the future?"

Xia Ruqing was at a loss for words by her reasoning, thought for a bit, and had to agree.

"Alright then!"

"Your second uncle is going to Jiangnan after the New Year’s!"

"It’s good for you to go out and see the world!"

"However, you mustn’t cause trouble, and you mustn’t bully Cousin!!"

Yue Er protested again.

"As long as Cousin doesn’t bully me, how could I possibly bully him!"

Xia Ruqing poked her little forehead.

"Hmm!"

"Don’t lie, or I’ll deal with you when I get back!"

Yue Er giggled, stuck out her tongue, and left.

...

Leaving Duanning Palace.

Wearing a bright red riding outfit, Yue Er joyfully rushed toward Eastern Palace, so quick her steps almost flew.

As she walked, she didn’t forget to urge.

"Hurry up!"

"Oh, and don’t forget to get me two sets of my Fourth Brother’s clothes! I want to wear them!"

The Little Eunuch nearby was almost crying.

"Princess, is it really okay not to tell the Empress?"

"If the Empress finds out, it’ll be the end for me!"

"Hmph!"

Yue Er stopped angrily, looked sideways, and tiptoed to tug at the Little Eunuch’s ear.

"If you dare tell Mother, then it’s truly the end for you!"

"Enough talking, get going!"

"Yes, yes, yes!"

That Little Eunuch didn’t dare utter another word, promptly went to fetch the Fourth Prince’s clothes.

...

In Eastern Palace.

Zhao Qichen rarely had a day off from school and some free time.

Hearing Yue Er wants to leave the palace, although feeling helpless, he couldn’t help but accompany his sister!

After all, this little girl goes wherever she wishes.

If she wants to visit a place, even if he doesn’t go along, she’ll find a way to sneak out.

Therefore...

Choosing to prevent further trouble, it’s better to accompany her personally.

After all, she’s his only legitimate-born sister!

Henger and Yeye heard the news and insisted on going too.

Zhao Qichen thought; if he’s bringing one kid, might as well bring all three.

Well...fine, let’s go together.

After breakfast.

Zhao Qichen had just changed his clothes when he heard Yue Er already coming inside.

"Brother!"

"Eldest Brother!"

The voice was sweet and sassy, filled with assertiveness.

Zhao Qichen walked out of the hall with a smile.

In one glance, he saw a radiant girl in red emerging from the snowy field.

She wore a riding outfit embroidered with a phoenix feather pattern in gold thread.

Head, neck, wrists, waist.

All adorned with exquisitely crafted jewels (gifts from the Consorts!).

Yue Er’s features blended Xia Ruqing’s elegance and Zhao Junyao’s strength, thus appearing very poised.

These shimmering jewels might look tacky elsewhere, but not on her.

Contrary to seeming garish, she radiated an inexplicable nobility, like a phoenix soaring in the sky, meant to shine radiantly.

Zhao Qichen couldn’t help but curve his mouth into a smile seeing his spirited sister.

’Indeed!’

’This is my cherished sister!’

’Only such a Yue Er fits the title of Legitimate-born Princess, and only she deserves my utmost care!’

’Father is right!’

’The Great Chu Dynasty’s most illustrious princess should be like this!’

’She is undoubtedly the moon in the sky, the brightest stars in the night, destined for everyone to look up to!’

He was even somewhat entranced by her.

When Yue Er ran up to him with big strides, Zhao Qichen still wore a dumbfounded expression.

"Hey!"

"Brother!"

"Brother, what are you looking at!"

Yue Er waved her little hand in front of his face.

Zhao Qichen snapped back to reality, quickly gathered himself and smiled lightly.

"It’s nothing!"

"Yue Er, are you ready? Hurry and gather your things, let’s go!"

Yue Er furrowed her brows gently.

"Brother, wait a bit!"

"I want to dress like a boy today when I go out!!"