The little one turned around and glanced at Bai Yanyan sitting on the ground.
Simply killing her seemed too easy.
Bai Zhi’er turned her big eyes and whispered, "Dad, we should find out why she said Mother passed away!"
"With Mother not here, we can’t let anyone bully her, right!?"
Bai Xilie couldn’t help but laugh, gently pinching her nose.
"Little one, where did you learn to say ’passed away’?"
Bai Xilie thought for a moment and nodded, "I understand your meaning, to drive her out of the palace first, then observe?"
Bai Zhi’er responded, "She is a liar, no one will believe her. Those who do are bad people Dad needs to remove from the court!"
The father and daughter exchanged a look, reaching a mutual understanding.
Bai Yanyan watched their interaction intently.
The Emperor clearly only acknowledges Princess Cui Cuo as his daughter.
Does she still have a chance?
Bai Xilie raised his head, his expression calm again.
He stared at Bai Yanyan, speaking unemotionally, "Talking nonsense and spreading rumors about the Empress is a serious crime."
"But considering your youth, Heaven shows mercy, and I won’t issue a death decree. You are to leave the palace immediately, and never spread these rumors again."
"Otherwise, I will not be lenient!"
The Imperial Guard stepped forward to drag Bai Yanyan away.
Tears poured from her eyes as she cried out, "Father! Father, don’t be deceived by others! I am your flesh and blood!"
After being dragged outside, Bai Yanyan’s voice gradually faded.
Bai Xilie’s sinister gaze fell upon Wang Yi.
"Minister Wang, you’ve passed thirty. Use your mind in everything you do. Daring to meddle in such deceitful affairs, I think you must be tired of living."
Wang Yi hurriedly bowed his head, "Your Majesty, I was simply confused due to concern because I constantly keep your affairs in mind. When I saw Bai Yanyan with a token, and able to clearly detail where she got separated from her mother."
"That’s why I suspected she might truly be Your Majesty’s daughter. It was all my mistake. Please calm your anger."
Historian Wang took out a report and began recording: Chief of Staff Wang Yi believed the words of a four-year-old, lacking clear thought, angering the Emperor.
Bai Xilie laughed, "In that case, should I thank you for your concern? Minister Wang, since you like to meddle in these things, and are fond of the child, take her home and care for her."
Wang Yi’s body trembled, "I..."
He wanted to refuse, but since he stirred up the matter, not agreeing would surely incense the Emperor further.
Wang Yi was left with no choice but to bow his head, "I accept the order."
At the end of the court session, Bai Xilie was perhaps still not appeased.
He directed Feng Fuce to take Wang Yi away, sending him to Xiuluo Guard to be flogged twenty times.
Returning to Ruizhu Palace, the Imperial Kitchen had already prepared the Princess’s morning snack.
Today’s special was a bowl of wontons with thin skin and ample filling.
A few wontons floated in the bone broth sprinkled with scallions, the pink meat looking delicious.
Bai Xilie scooped one up with a spoon, blew on it, and held it up to Bai Zhi’er’s mouth.
The little one opened her mouth wide and gobbled it up.
Mm~ Uncle Imperial Chef even added sesame oil, delicious!
Bai Xilie watched his daughter’s happy, simple face and showed a fond and relieved smile.
But, he didn’t forget to sigh and ask, "Zhi’er, were you unhappy during the morning court today?"
Bai Zhi’er blinked her big eyes and thought carefully.
"Yes!" She nodded, "Today there was too little milk cake, I ate three and there was no more."