Chapter 1222: Out to Have Fun

Zhao Qichen was incredulous.

"You..."

"Dressed as a man?"

Yue Er chuckled.

"Can’t I?"

"Brother, think about it, nobody outside recognizes me anyway!"

"Even if we go to Uncle’s house, everyone there knows me, what does it matter?"

Zhao Qichen thought it over and agreed.

Your acquaintances will recognize you!

Those who don’t know you still won’t know you!

Surely no one would dare to gossip about a Princess, so Yue Er’s outfit... could indeed get by!

"Whose clothes are you wearing then?"

Yue Er chuckled again.

"I’m wearing Fourth Brother’s!"

As soon as she spoke, the Little Eunuch who went to fetch the clothes hurried in.

"Princess, the clothes are here!"

Yue Er mischievously grinned with pride.

"See!"

With that, she took the bundle from the Little Eunuch, happily showing it to her big brother.

"I had to sweet talk Fourth Brother quite a bit to get this!"

"Brother, wait for me, I’ll change and then we’ll leave!"

Zhao Qichen looked helpless.

"Alright!"

"Hurry up!"

Yue Er cheerfully bounced away.

Shortly afterward.

The Third Prince and Fourth Prince both arrived.

Seeing only their elder brother, they exchanged glances.

"Where’s Yue Er?"

Zhao Qichen glanced at the inner room.

"Wait a bit!"

Zhao Qiye naturally knew what Yue Er was up to.

After thinking it over, he ran to Zhao Qichen to complain.

"Big Brother!"

"Early today, that girl Yue Er sent someone over to snatch my clothes without a word!"

"Big Brother, you must stand up for your younger brother!"

Zhao Qiye spoke while pretending to cry.

Zhao Qichen looked at him indifferently.

"Yue Er is only six, can you still fit into the clothes she took?"

Zhao Qiye: "..."

"Big Brother, if you’re going to side with our sister, at least be reasonable!"

"Whether I can wear them or not, the clothes are still mine!"

"She took two outfits that Mother personally sewed for me!"

Zhao Qichen was at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond.

Just then, Yue Er emerged dressed as a man.

Her sharp eyes glinted with disdain.

"Fourth Brother, you’re so stingy!"

"They’re just two outfits, even if Mother personally sewed them, what’s the harm in me wearing them as your sister?"

"Besides... Mother couldn’t have sewn clothes like these!"

"Fourth Brother, you’re lying!"

Zhao Qiye, caught in his lie, looked uncomfortable and was about to argue.

Zhao Qichen quickly intervened.

"It’s getting late, we should hurry and leave!"

"Being late wouldn’t be good!"

Zhao Qiheng too stepped forward.

"Exactly!"

"We should get going quickly!"

Yue Er chuckled.

"Fourth Brother, I’m not arguing with you, we’re off!"

With that, she strutted forward confidently.

Her small stature was mismatched with the large-handled, knobby whip at her waist.

Yet her actions were gracefully agile, pleasing to the eye.

Zhao Qichen watched with helplessness and affection, shaking his head as he followed.

Zhao Qiheng too showed affection.

Their sister was truly clever, charming, and lively, just a bit mischievous, but that’s harmless. After all, she is a Princess.

He fluttered open his small fan with a snap and followed in strides.

Only Zhao Qiye was left fuming.

"Hey!"

"Third Brother, why aren’t you siding with me too!"

Zhao Qiheng lazily glanced back at him.

"Compared to our sister, what are you?"

Zhao Qiye fumed and glared.

"Don’t forget, we’re true brothers, born of the same mother!"

However... the three outside had already walked away.

All he got in return was the northern wind and the fallen snow.

"Hey!!!"

Zhao Qiye, in frustration, flipped several times under the eaves before reluctantly following them.

Zhao Qichen looked behind and smiled faintly.

He was long accustomed to his siblings’ bickering.

Countless experiences taught him ignoring was the best strategy.

Sure enough.

Once they mounted their horses and exited the palace gates, the three of them were at it again, laughing, racing their horses, and joking around.

Not a moment of peace, leaving Zhao Qichen with a bit of a headache.

He showed exasperation.

’What do you think? Am I right again?’

...

No further words, the four soon arrived at Hou Mansion.

Ni Manxue had heard the news early and had everything prepared.

Food, drinks, playthings, everything was ready.

She also sent a servant boy to gather information.

From the main gate to the secondary gate, the servant boys were on high alert, ready to report as soon as the royal party arrived.

In the backyard, Ni Manxue got her two sons excused from school.

Since the Crown Prince and Princess would be visiting, they were sure to accompany them, meaning missing a day at the academy.

Xia Chengze and Xia Chenghui were quite excited.

"It’s been a while since we’ve seen the Crown Prince!"

"We planned to play polo last time, but got too busy during the New Year!" Xia Chengze said happily.

Five-year-old Xia Chenghui’s eyes lit up at the mention of polo.

"Polo? Brother, I want to play polo!"

Xia Chengze ruffled his hair.

"You’re still young, wait a bit, I’ll teach you, okay?"

Xia Chenghui had no choice but to agree quietly.

Ni Manxue arranged for her sons to change clothes and went around organizing.

She had the tea room prepare the most fragrant tea.

Requested the kitchen make the best delicate snacks.

Or went to check whether the garden was cleaned.

The children didn’t like being cooped indoors.

The Hou Mansion’s small garden couldn’t compare to the Imperial Garden, but after recent snowfall, it had become quite quaint and lovely.

The kids would surely enjoy playing there.

Ni Manxue was busy, not stopping for even a moment.

Even little Master Xia Chenghui couldn’t stand it.

"Mother, why are you so nervous with Cousin and Cousin Sister visiting!"

"You’re working hard, have a seat and rest with a cup of tea!"

Ni Manxue paused, stunned.

Her little son was quite perceptive, only five or six, and he already cared for her.

So thoughtful, much better than his older brother.

She immediately hugged and kissed her younger son’s soft cheeks.

Xia Chenghui’s face turned bright red as he was just bragging a moment ago.

Oh, he wanted to show off but ended up embarrassed, oh no!

His brother would surely tease him.

Sure enough, Xia Chengze’s amused smile said it all.

Xia Chenghui felt uncomfortable and, in his fluster, unsure of what to do.

Suddenly, someone announced outside.

"Madam, the Crown Prince, two Princes, and the Fourth Princess have arrived!"

Upon hearing this, Ni Manxue swiftly put down her work.

She tidied her dress and went out with her two sons to greet them.

...

Outside the gate.

With casual attire, Zhao Qichen, Heng Er, Yeye Er, and Yue Er seemed like regular children out to play.

They had plenty of Hidden Guards around but lacked Open Guards.

At first glance, they were simply a few kids going out for fun.