No one noticed when the dejected envoy from the Chen Kingdom, Li Jun, left.
Chu Chen kindly sent people to return the Yunyue Kingdom's silk that had been forgotten.
"Little Chenzi, you were quite imposing just now."
As Chu Chen returned to the Empress's side, he heard a casual remark.
Without a word, Chu Chen immediately prostrated himself. "This subject is in fear. This was all Princess Xin Yue's filial piety. She could not bear to see Your Majesty insulted, and due to national considerations, she could not punish the Chen Kingdom's envoy. Thus, she devised this plan for me to step forward."
"If Your Majesty wishes to punish, please punish only this subject alone."
"Hmph."
"Do you think I don't know? You still want to take all the blame? You think too highly of yourself."
"Go back and tell that girl Xin Yue that I sentence her to copy the Book of Songs ten times. You will kneel by her side and face the wall in contemplation until she finishes copying, and only then will you be allowed to rise."
The Empress coldly issued the punishment.
"Yes, this subject thanks Your Majesty for your grace."
Chu Chen rose and scurried away.
As for the punishment, would any minister dare to ask if Princess Xin Yue had finished copying? Would they dare to enter the palace and ask Princess Xin Yue if he had been kneeling and facing the wall?
The expressions of the ministers below were somewhat strange. These astute individuals knew that this punishment was merely a formality. Whether it would even be implemented was questionable.
However, this was also an explanation from the Empress to them. Chu Chen, the little eunuch, had not interfered in state affairs or attempted to sow chaos, but was merely acting under the bold instructions of the princess's filial piety.
And a princess, in theory, had the right of succession. It was only natural for her to pay attention to and learn about state affairs.
It was just that her actions were a bit frivolous, but the outcome was truly satisfying.
The Chen Kingdom, as a neighbor to the Yunyue Kingdom, was much stronger overall. Therefore, they often sought trouble.
The entire Yunyue Kingdom had long been displeased with the Chen Kingdom. Now that they had openly humiliated them so thoroughly, their spirits were greatly lifted.
Upon returning to Qingming Palace, Princess Xin Yue eagerly inquired, "How was it? Did you thoroughly humiliate that envoy from the Chen Kingdom?"
"Reporting to Your Highness, naturally."
"The Chen Kingdom's envoy was brainless. With a little trick from this subject, he fell right into it and was severely humiliated. He probably won't even keep his life after returning."
Chu Chen replied with a chuckle, briefly recounting the events. In his mind, however, he was recalling the process of his life simulation from yesterday.
"Really? That's great! They always come here to show off every year, they deserve it!"
Seeing Princess Xin Yue's excitement and regret at not witnessing the scene, Chu Chen suddenly had an idea.
"Your Highness, you see that Miss Chen Shengnan and Miss Shao Lili are both busy with their affairs recently. Don't you think you have fewer people to accompany you for entertainment?"
"Now that you mention it, it does seem so. Only you are left to play with this princess."
Princess Xin Yue nodded, her eyes suddenly lighting up with realization. "Little Chenzi, what good idea do you have now?"
Chu Chen smiled slightly. "The shops in the city have mostly opened recently, and there are no excuses for Your Highness to go out and play. I thought, perhaps we could persuade His Majesty to allocate two to three hundred people as your personal guards, and also permit Your Highness to recruit five hundred strong men for training."
"Using the excuse of being interested in military affairs, take them to the city's training grounds for a month. Afterward, under the guise of inspecting the results, lead them out of the city for field exercises."
"Then, wouldn't we be able to go to other places and play for two or three months before returning?"
"Eh? You can do that?"
Princess Xin Yue's eyes lit up. Why had she never thought of such a good method before?
Although she couldn't leave the city for that month of training, with the excuses of training soldiers, studying military affairs, and inspecting the troops, she could continue to play freely within the city.
Not to mention the two to three hundred personal guards, there would always be someone who could bring her some amusement like Little Chenzi, right?
When the troops were mobilized, once they were outside the city, it would be a case of "the heavens are high and the emperor is far away." When she returned would be up to her.
"That's wonderful! As soon as Mother finishes her court session, we'll go persuade her!"
Princess Xin Yue was extremely happy and had already begun to look forward to it.
"Good."
Chu Chen smiled slightly, the plan complete.
As it neared noon, the Empress finished her court session. Just as she sat down, she heard Princess Xin Yue's hurried shouts.
"When will this girl Xin Yue ever grow up? If only she had half of Little Chenzi's ability and composure."
The Empress felt a headache coming on.
"Mother, I want to ask you for a favor."
Princess Xin Yue, a little embarrassed, twirled her index finger.
The Empress glanced at Chu Chen and smiled. "I knew you wouldn't come to me without a reason. Speak, what is it?"
"It's like this, I've already come of age. According to royal rules, adult princes are assigned three hundred personal guards. I see my four older sisters all have them, and I want one too."
As she spoke, Xin Yue began to act coquilously, holding the Empress's hand.
"There is indeed such a rule. But with your temperament, can you manage so many people? Don't come crying to me later."
"Also, the court only pays half the expenses for the food and clothing of these personal guards. You will have to cover the rest yourself."
"You've always only known how to play, and you haven't even managed the businesses I gave you. Where will you get the money to support them?"
The Empress felt weary just thinking about this. This was why she had arranged for Xin Yue to follow Chu Chen, hoping he would teach her something.
"Ah? I have to pay myself?"
Princess Xin Yue was dumbfounded. The monthly expenses for three hundred people would be considerable, and she wasn't sure if she had that much money.
Her eyes darted around, and she continued to act coquilishly. "Oh, I can't afford it. Mother, please help me raise them. You're so rich anyway."
"No, this is a royal rule."
The Empress refused decisively. There was a method to this.
"This girl, you either don't want them, or if you do, you pay half the cost to support them yourself."
"This..."
Princess Xin Yue looked to Chu Chen for help.
In his sleeve, Chu Chen gave a thumbs-up.
Suddenly, Princess Xin Yue felt more confident and said proudly, "Isn't it just paying half the cost to support three hundred people? If my sisters can do it, so can I! Then Mother, please allocate the personnel to me quickly, preferably within two or three days."
"Alright, you said it yourself. Don't come crying to me later."
The Empress first looked deeply at Chu Chen, but she did not refuse. This was the rule. She had not assigned them to Princess Xin Yue before because she truly believed the girl had no money.
"Is there anything else?"
Seeing that Chu Chen and the princess had not left, the Empress frowned.
"Hehe, well, Mother told me to study more. I've been studying how to manage shops and make money, so I was thinking, why not learn how to lead troops into battle recently?"
"What are you trying to do now, you girl?" the Empress said exasperatedly.
"I just want Mother to allow me to recruit five hundred strong men and learn how to train troops. Didn't Mother say that what you read in books is not as good as experiencing it yourself?"
The Empress, who had initially been reluctant to agree, was pestered by Princess Xin Yue for a quarter of an hour before reluctantly agreeing to the matter.