Chapter 97: Chapter 97: Fifth-Rank Pleasant Person
Nanny Du and the others were shocked when they received news that the Second Prince was moving to Huifang Courtyard.
Not to mention, the Third Prince still lived next door.
Why would the Second Prince move to a changzai’s courtyard?
Could Nanny Chai’s actions have implicated the Second Prince, causing the Emperor’s displeasure and leading to his relocation?
A string of questions lingered in their hearts.
But for now, it’s impossible to figure it out, so it’s better to first go and check the situation at Huifang Courtyard.
They didn’t yet know that this path was irrevocable.
Originally thinking to send news out if anything happened, they were unaware that awaiting them was a silent disappearance.
The Second Prince awoke from his nap still a little dazed.
He heard some quiet noises coming from the courtyard outside.
It seemed to be filled with people.
The Second Prince quietly got off the bed, hid behind the door, and opened a small crack to peek.
He saw Nanny Du, no longer as domineering as before, now looking full of fear.
And those maidservants who had always depended on Nanny Chai and Nanny Du were trembling with fright.
Standing on the steps, Nanny Du displayed great "authority."
It’s said a new official would burn three fires upon taking office, but her fires were the true flames.
The burning left everyone in sheer terror.
"To speak bluntly, I have looked after the current Emperor, and because of past sentiments, the Emperor granted me the fifth-rank title of Yi Ren; I’m no match for the dead Nanny Chai. Stop your sneaky behavior, I can’t stand sand in my eyes! If I find anyone being disloyal or disrespectful to the Prince, they’ll regret it! Understand?"
"Yes!"
Nanny Du’s face was stern, and her words were even more terrifying.
Among palace nannies given a noble title, Nanny Du was the first, an unprecedented occurrence.
So even Dong Yuzhong wouldn’t dare offend her easily.
Let alone Nanny Duan and Bing Mei.
"Are you all hungry or just lazy? Speaking weakly like that! Do you need to be sent to Yeyou Court to work for a few days to know how good your current days are?"
Everyone shivered with fear.
Pinching their thighs, they shouted loudly.
"Yes!"
After this response, Nanny Du spoke again.
"Don’t you all know the Second Prince is still napping? Being so loud, are you trying to scare the Second Prince? If anything happens to the Second Prince, see if you can afford the consequences!"
Everyone felt like crying without tears.
They couldn’t retreat or advance!
If they had known how difficult Huifang Courtyard would be, they wouldn’t have come!
Now it’s too late to regret it.
They could only tuck their tails and persevere.
Inside, the Second Prince covered his mouth, his eyes mischievously smiling.
It was his first time seeing Nanny Du and the others get humbled!
He felt a bit of satisfaction.
He couldn’t help but look at Nanny Du, who was still scolding.
His heart held more affection for her.
Life went on irregularly and ordinarily.
Those serving the Second Prince arrived, but Nanny Du didn’t allow them close.
Each was sent to do heavy, tiring work.
Either washing clothes or sweeping the courtyard, four or five people crowded in one room.
Others were fine with it, but Nanny Du, accustomed to luxury, couldn’t stand it.
But being under someone else’s roof, she had to bow her head.
She was a bullheaded crab, but facing Nanny Du, she could only be steamed, serving as others’ food.
Therefore, she thought to find a chance to send news out.
Otherwise, days like this would be hard to bear.
Nanny Du’s rules were formidable but mostly used to discipline the servants.
And the Second Prince could come and go freely.
Throughout the day, he spent most of his time in the front courtyard talking with Lin Wanyi and others.
When Nanny Duan and the others arrived, they also brought pieces of the wooden ox and horse.
Thus, the Second Prince learned the wooden ox and horse were gifts from Lin Wanyi.
So, after spending an afternoon building, a basic form was finally there.
Lin Wanyi was surprised; the Second Prince appeared weak but had a keen mind.
When Lin Wanyi was his age, she couldn’t understand these toys her father made.
Seeing the Second Prince’s focused expression, Lin Wanyi thought he resembled her brother quite a bit.
"Since you like this wooden ox and horse, let me give you a basket as a birthday gift."
A basket?
The Second Prince’s focus was not on the words "birthday gift," but on "basket!"
"Lady Lin, is this true?"
"Indeed. Before entering the palace, my father gave me many; since you like them, I’ll gift them to you."
"Great, I like them, I like them; this is the best... oh no, the second-best birthday gift I’ve received."
The mention of the second-best birthday gift piqued Lin Wanyi’s curiosity.
So she asked.
"Then what’s the best one?"
"Back when Mother and Eldest Imperial Brother were alive, they spent my birthday with me."
Just a company left such a deep impression on the Second Prince.
Lin Wanyi felt a bit sentimental.
It seemed Empress Xu passed too early.
If she were still around, Lin Guifei and others wouldn’t dare be so blatant!
Seeing Lin Wanyi silent, the Second Prince suddenly felt a bit uneasy.
Remembering that when in Lanfei Palace, mentioning Empress Xu and Eldest Imperial Brother was often met with displeasure.
So the Second Prince thought Lin Wanyi also disliked him mentioning these.
Therefore, he awkwardly said.
"Lady Lin, don’t be angry, I was just rambling."
Seeing his cautious demeanor, Lin Wanyi felt a bit more sorry for him.
"No problem, I entered the palace late and never met Empress Xu and Eldest Prince, will you tell me about them?"
The Second Prince’s round eyes suddenly widened, looking at Lin Wanyi.
It seemed he wanted to discern whether her words were sincere or false!
In this harem, many sweet talkers existed, but few truly respected Empress Xu and Eldest Prince.
Children were most sensitive.
After sensing Lin Wanyi’s sincerity, the Second Prince thought for a moment before speaking.
"Actually, I don’t remember much; I was very young then."
"You’re still not that old now."
Lin Wanyi teased.
It softened the somewhat somber mood considerably.
The Second Prince pouted, immediately rebutting.
"Does Lady Lin even want to listen?"
"Listen, I promise I won’t interrupt!"
Seeing her "apology," the Second Prince continued.
"Mother was the gentlest and most kind person in the world. I’ve never met my mother since birth, so she has always been my ideal image of a mother."