At first, his mouth twitched, and then he seemed to realize something. Not daring to linger any longer, he hurried forward at a brisk pace.
He had to leave quickly before Bao’er saw him.
If he were seen, it would be too late.
Emperor Yongning strode forward quickly, his pace almost no different from a jog, leaving the group of eunuchs with no choice but to follow hastily.
Then, Princess Jing Shu, daughter of the Crown Prince, who was playing in the Imperial Garden, witnessed this amusing scene.
Leading the group of eunuchs running ahead was the Emperor, with little Jun Ning trailing behind on short legs.
This amusing scenario was something never before seen within the palace.
Jing Shu watched and couldn’t help but cover her mouth and laugh.
It was well-known throughout the palace that Emperor Yongning dearly loved Princess Anle, yet now his demeanor suggested he was avoiding Jun Ning.
Only the sharp-eyed could see that this avoidance carried an undercurrent of deep affection.
Otherwise, why would the mighty Emperor fear being seen by a child? And even disregard his ailing body to run ahead?
The palace attendants playing with Jing Shu in the corner smiled, thinking, "Ever since the Emperor had a princess, he has changed!"
Jing Shu didn’t think much of it; she simply found the scene funny. Watching it, she couldn’t help but wonder if it would be even more amusing if Jun Ning were chasing with a knife or a stick?
With this thought in mind, Jing Shu immediately broke a thin branch from the tree nearest her and solemnly handed it over when Jun Ning passed by.
"Hey, take this, use it to chase!"
Jing Shu simply couldn’t bring herself to use the term ’aunt’ and replaced it with ’hey’.
Jun Ning, knowing well the little mischief-maker’s mindset, glanced sideways at the branch Jing Shu offered and left a remark: "My name’s not ’hey’, and I’m not chasing anyone to kill," then continued forward. Updates are released by 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩•𝗳𝗂𝗋𝖾•𝕟𝕖𝕥
The Emperor thought she was just a child who wouldn’t focus as much as adults, thinking she wouldn’t have noticed them, which is why he ran.
Yet, Jun Ning’s keen eyesight was as sharp as an eagle’s.
Not far away, not only was the Emperor there, but also the traitorous Xiao Lizi, Wei Lin, and others.
"Stop!" Jun Ning called out repeatedly.
Upon hearing the calls approaching, Emperor Yongning knew the little girl had seen him and wouldn’t stop until she caught up. But he had already reached the end of the Imperial Garden, and there was no path ahead.
His body couldn’t sustain running any longer, so he stopped, coughing for a while before discreetly wiping his mouth with a handkerchief, waiting calmly for Jun Ning to catch up.
When Jun Ning arrived, instead of blaming or complaining about why the Emperor ran, her first words, catching her breath, were: "Father, why are you so afraid to see me? Are you afraid I’ll beg you again not to arrange my engagement?" She paused, "I...I agree to the engagement."
When Emperor Yongning saw Jun Ning catching up, within those few seconds, he even planned how to deal with Bao’er’s likely tantrum.
Though hastily conceived, perhaps his plan might not be too reliable, but he had thought it through.
In urgent cases, he could use it first, failing that, think again.
But then Bao’er told him she agreed to the engagement.
So she wouldn’t fuss over it anymore?
All his plans went to waste!
Emperor Yongning was surprised by Jun Ning’s sudden nod of agreement and queried her further, learning that Qiong Hua used her own marriage example to persuade her, which lessened her resistance.
Jun Ning continued, "Father, I still have one condition!"
As long as she accepted the engagement, any conditions would work.
Emperor Yongning asked, "What’s the condition? Let’s hear it."
Feeling emotional due to Jun Ning’s nod of agreement, Emperor Yongning couldn’t contain his excitement and added, "Whatever you want, Father can fulfill it for you..."
However, when Jun Ning truly expressed her desire, Emperor Yongning regretted it.
Jun Ning replied, "Father, I want to educate my Prince Consort myself!"
Bao’er, couldn’t you spare your father this scare?
Not even mentioning the General’s status, where having the most learned officials in court teach his legitimate son would pose no problem. But it is unheard of for a woman to educate her husband directly throughout the realm!
If this information spread, it could likely impact Bao’er’s reputation.
Even if she’s a princess, she wouldn’t escape sharp criticisms.
Emperor Yongning advised, "The General’s legitimate son has his tutors. I can allow you to play with him from a young age, allow you access to the National Guardian General Mansion, and cultivate feelings with the Prince Consort, but you cannot educate the General’s legitimate son."
Jun Ning thought, by educating her Prince Consort, she intended to spend more time with him, positively influencing him through close association, so that he could play with her while embracing new virtues internally!
Since Emperor Yongning had directly allowed them to play together from a young age, she no longer needed to approach her Prince Consort under the guise of education.
She didn’t want her actions of educating her Prince Consort known, fearing surreptitious criticisms.
"Okay," Jun Ning accepted happily.
Just then, Emperor Yongning suddenly coughed up blood.
This time, unlike before, it was undeniable. He couldn’t control the metallic taste rising in his throat, and in front of everyone, he spat a mouthful of blood.
Jun Ning’s mind descended into chaos, "......"
"Father, what’s wrong?" Jun Ning quickly approached, tugging at a corner of Emperor Yongning’s yellow robe with profound concern, saying, "Father, don’t scare me. You’ve always been healthy; why did you suddenly cough up blood? What happened?"
"Did something occur?"
After speaking, Jun Ning suddenly remembered her father’s recent insistence on arranging her engagement. After Qiong Hua’s persuasion, she thought this was his early consideration for her future.
Now, it seemed that wasn’t the case.
She suspected her father knew something was wrong with his health and, worried he couldn’t always be there, wanted to arrange her engagement.
Jun Ning grew more frightened, uncontrollably crying.
No one had ever treated her so kindly; she didn’t want to lose, after finally having tasted its sweetness.
"Father, you mustn’t have anything happen," Jun Ning said.
"Bao’er, don’t worry, Father will be fine."
Emperor Yongning knelt to wipe Jun Ning’s tears gently and then suddenly fainted.
Xiao Lizi and others hurriedly carried Emperor Yongning to the Panlong Palace and summoned the Imperial Physician.
The Imperial Physician, after examination, concluded that——Emperor Yongning was poisoned.