Xiao Xitian was speechless.
How did she inexplicably become the little monk's girlfriend?
Besides, monks were not allowed to fall in love...
In fact, the term 'boyfriend' was still unfamiliar to Emperor Cheng and Empress Xiao.
But every time Xiao Xinling returned to the palace, she would loudly proclaim that Yun Lao Si was her boyfriend. After a few exchanges, the elders understood...
Moreover, the word 'boyfriend' was something Xiao Xinling had heard from Xiao Xitian.
"Jie Kong, have you forgotten everything I told you before entering the palace?" Xiao Jinheng's face was as dark as ink, and he really wanted to rush over and strangle the little monk.
Little Jie Kong pouted and said dismissively, "I'm just stating facts. Why are you getting so worked up..."
Hmph, it's all your fault for being so tongue-tied.
Xiao Xitian twitched her lips and stepped forward to pull Jie Kong, "Little monk, don't talk nonsense. Quickly pay your respects to the Empress..."
This was the imperial palace, and any slight deviation from the rules would result in punishment.
The little monk understood this principle well and obediently walked up to Empress Xiao, "This humble monk pays his respects to Empress Auntie!~" kuAiδugg
Empress Xiao: "..."
I am an Empress, not an auntie.
"Are you a monk?" Empress Xiao asked curiously.
Little Jie Kong nodded heavily, "Yes, Empress Auntie. Although I am a monk now, my master said that when I turn twenty, I can return to secular life..."
"It's Empress Niang Niang!~" Empress Xiao sighed in relief.
Little Jie Kong grunted and shook his little head, "I know, Empress Auntie!"
Empress Xiao: "..."
I really have nothing to say to you.
The group finally gathered and talked a lot about the events in Dashui Village. Empress Xiao then took Xiao Xitian for a walk in the imperial garden, treating her like her own daughter, as if she had found a great treasure and was extremely fond of her...
The little monk was arranged to rest in a guest room, while Emperor Cheng summoned Xiao Jinheng to the imperial study to discuss important matters.
"Heng'er means that Huang Fulin colluded with some official? That's why he dared to openly embezzle the tax silver from the canal transport?" Emperor Cheng frowned.
Xiao Jinheng stood before the desk, his expression solemn and serious, "Father, Huang Fulin has been apprehended. I wish to use him as a breakthrough to expose the mastermind behind the scenes..."
If such a great hidden danger is not removed, it will seriously affect the safety of the court.
Emperor Cheng listened, lowered his eyes, and pondered for a moment, then raised his eyebrows, "Heng'er, are you sure you want to take on this matter?"
He wasn't doubting his son's ability, but Heng'er was not yet an adult and should be playing, fooling around, and having fun like a normal child...
But now Heng'er was busy with state affairs every day and had no time to spend with Sweetie.
"Father, if you trust your son, you should hand this case over to me!~"
Xiao Jinheng cupped his hands and said with a serious expression, "Your son guarantees that within three months, all officials involved with the Jiangnan canal transport will be investigated..."
He was essentially seeking authorization.
Emperor Cheng was stunned for a moment and asked, "Then Heng'er, who do you think is the most suspicious?"
"It's hard to say!" Xiao Jinheng shook his head and looked out the window, "There are too many people involved in the Jiangnan canal transport, but I know the principle of catching the king first. If such parasites are not eradicated, the court will never have peace..."
As the Crown Prince and the future heir of the Liang Dynasty, he had a responsibility to protect the interests of the court.
If any treacherous officials dared to defy authority and engage in corruption, he could only eliminate them all.
"Alright!~"
Emperor Cheng pondered for a long time before nodding, "Then this matter will be handed over to you. Whatever you need, just tell me. Remember, the mastermind is extremely dangerous and not to be trifled with. Do not act emotionally during the investigation, do you understand?"
He was afraid that someone might target Heng'er, and before the mastermind could be found, Heng'er might meet with misfortune...
Xiao Jinheng smiled slightly, "Father, rest assured, your son can protect himself. For the next period, your son will be staying at Xitian's residence. If Father wants to see your son, you can visit the Yun residence!~"
Emperor Cheng: "..."
If you say that, does it mean you don't plan to come back after leaving the palace?
If I miss my son, I have to personally visit you at the Yun residence. Do you think you are the sun...
"You brat!" Emperor Cheng pounded the desk, "You're not even grown yet, and you're already distancing yourself from me. If you become emperor, will you directly sever father-son ties with me?"
They say daughters grow up and leave their parents, but sons are no more reliable...
Xiao Jinheng chuckled, "Father misunderstands your son. Your son just wants to avoid attention and cannot frequently enter the palace!~"
"Alright, alright, I understand." Emperor Cheng looked at him deeply and asked, "Is there anything else?"
Xiao Jinheng's eyes flashed, and he suddenly remembered the matter of the Suizhi people coming to the Central Plains, so he mentioned it to his father.
Emperor Cheng sighed softly upon hearing this, "I have already sent Si Man out to gather information and have ordered General Gu to guard the northern border. If Nasongde dares to invade the Central Plains, we cannot just sit idly by..."
Find allies as soon as possible, and don't be passively beaten.
"Your son understands!~"
Xiao Xitian was arranged to stay in the harem, in an elegantly designed courtyard surrounded by lush purple-leaf plum and poplar trees...
Every time a gentle breeze blew, the fragrance of plants could be smelled.
They were only staying in the palace for one night and would return to the Yun residence to live permanently the next morning...
At the same time, in Heyang County, in Yun Sanman's mansion.
It was almost dark, but Fang'er and Miss Murong were nowhere to be seen.
Yun Sanman searched everywhere anxiously, only to find a letter on the table.
"Sanman, Qing'er and I have gone to the market in Xinxiang. We will likely be staying there tonight and will return by noon tomorrow. Don't worry!"
After reading the letter, Yun Sanman shook his head helplessly, "Alas, people go to the market early in the morning. You two insisted on leaving in the afternoon, so what good things can you buy?"
Actually, Sanman understood Shangguan Fang'er very well...
Marrying him was already his taking advantage of Fang'er. He was divorced and had a child, but she was a dignified princess.
Although the Chen Kingdom had already perished, her status as a princess could not be changed.
Thinking of this, Yun Sanman put away the letter and went to the kitchen...
The fire in the stove had long since gone out, and there were two eggs in the pot.
Sanman intended to make himself a bowl of noodles, but found that there was no white flour at home.
Even the fermented bean paste had been completely consumed.
"Forget it, I'll go eat at my eldest brother's place!~"
Yun Sanman changed his clothes and had just walked out of the main gate when he saw a carriage rushing towards him...