Originally, seeing Qiong Hua here was already quite unexpected for him. And seeing that mischievous child, who had played tricks on him several times, nestled in Qiong Hua’s arms, affectionately calling Qiong Hua mother, Emperor Yongning’s surprise was akin to having a restful sleep in the middle of the night, only for the room to suddenly catch fire.
A great wave of shock stirred within him.
But an emperor is indeed an emperor.
After a brief surprise, he regained his composure.
He ordered the Imperial Guard to stand outside the Cold Palace, allowing no one to enter. Everyone present today, except for the Imperial Guard and eunuchs, was to be immediately expelled from the palace, with Xiao Lizi personally overseeing the matter to ensure no mistakes were made.
Fortunately, there were not many outsiders present today, only an old matron of the Cold Palace and two guards.
I trust Xiao Lizi will handle it perfectly.
Once Emperor Yongning entered the Cold Palace, the Imperial Guard closed the palace gates.
Emperor Yongning approached Qiong Hua, looking at her with a complex expression for a long time, then signaled for Qiong Hua to get up and follow him, as he had something to discuss with her.
Qiong Hua was also quite surprised.
She hadn’t expected that the visitor would actually be Emperor Yongning!
Over the past two years, she had tried countless ways to see him, the one she couldn’t meet no matter what.
She took a deep breath, calmed her emotions, and prepared to get up, but was held back by Jun Ning, "Mother..." ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭·𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦·𝘯𝘦𝘵
Jun Ning knew that Emperor Yongning came looking for him to settle scores, and he and his mother were really in big trouble now.
However, he would take responsibility for his actions and not hide behind his mother.
Jun Ning stepped forward, spreading his arms as if shielding a chick—no, a big chick—in front of Qiong Hua. He tilted his little head proudly and told Emperor Yongning, "I am the one who patted you on the butt, the one who sprinkled chili powder all over you, and the one who pretended to be a little girl to trick you. It has nothing to do with my mother. If you want to catch someone, catch me. Don’t trouble my mother."
This is what taking responsibility means.
One person takes action, one person bears the consequences, never implicating others.
Being born a man, he had a bit of spirit.
Emperor Yongning admired this in his heart, but did not show it on his face.
Moreover, he not only didn’t express it, but he also gave Jun Ning a disdainful glance. Then he bypassed him, pulling Qiong Hua further inside the Cold Palace, completely ignoring Jun Ning.
Jun Ning thought Emperor Yongning was going to do something bad to his mother, so he hurriedly chased after them. But before he could run two steps forward, he was pulled back by the Imperial Guard.
The Imperial Guards were all trained fighters; how could Jun Ning, a child, possibly be a match for them?
He was held immobile by the Imperial Guard, unable to break free, and in the end, could only vent his emotions by howling.
"Help! The old man is eating children."
"I don’t bathe all year round. I stink. I’m not tasty. Quickly release me."
"If you let me go, I’ll teach you the Pythagorean theorem and pi..."
Outside the Cold Palace.
Led by Chef Liu, the chefs from the Imperial Kitchen, upon hearing that His Majesty found the mischievous child who had repeatedly teased him, were overjoyed. They couldn’t sit still; each left their work and came to watch.
Because this mischievous brat had also teased Chef Liu and others before.
Chef Liu and the others had been punished with lashes as a result, leaving their butts covered in welts, unable to get out of bed for days.
They had always held a grudge, wishing they could catch that brat and slice him into pieces.
But they could never find him.
Otherwise, how could they have stayed put all this time?
Those unaware might have thought they caved in and swallowed this mute grievance.
This time, His Majesty managed to find the mischievous brat who teased him, also aiding them in the process.
Chef Liu and company eagerly anticipated seeing the scene where the brat would be punished next.
But why was the Cold Palace Gate suddenly closed?
It prevented them from enjoying the spectacle.
"This kind of scene is not to be missed."
"Chef Liu, why don’t we climb onto the roof to watch?"
Someone angrily suggested.