Yi Zixie didn't even spare a second glance at Grand Princess Zande. The woman was being melodramatic, a pure case of an ugly person overacting.
After about fifteen minutes, Grand Princess Zande emerged again.
The figure who reappeared before everyone was still that of a noble and beautiful princess.
No one knew if the image of her current appearance in their minds was the same as her earlier frantic state.
"Does the Grand Princess still require this Grand Tutor to further prove my identity?"
Yi Zixie looked lazily at Grand Princess Zande and asked casually.
Grand Princess Zande smiled apologetically at Yi Zixie.
"It was my fault earlier, for doubting the Grand Tutor's identity. I apologize."
"Since the Grand Tutor can produce so many treasures from the palace, you are undoubtedly the Grand Tutor."
Yi Zixie nodded and said, "Good, now that the Grand Princess has confirmed my identity, let's talk about the disaster relief we handled earlier..."
"Grand Tutor, please wait a moment."
Grand Princess Zande urgently interrupted Yi Zixie. Seeing Yi Zixie look at her curiously, she explained.
"This Grand Princess... I, still wish to discuss the matter of that glazed screen with the Grand Tutor first."
Yi Zixie raised his eyebrows. "The Grand Princess is not concerned about the safety of the people or national affairs, but is instead discussing a glazed screen. Is that... befitting of a Grand Princess's dignity?"
Grand Princess Zande was instantly choked by Yi Zixie's words. Her mind had been entirely occupied by the glazed screen, and she had forgotten such an important matter.
Looking at Yi Zixie's playful gaze, Grand Princess Zande felt a heavy heart.
She feared that Yi Zixie now firmly believed that the glazed screen either concealed a secret or held significant memories for her.
Regardless of what Yi Zixie was thinking or which angle he was taking, neither was a good thing for Grand Princess Zande.
"I was confused earlier, Grand Tutor. Please do not take offense," Grand Princess Zande said apologetically.
"This Grand Tutor naturally wouldn't take offense, but I fear the Emperor and the common people might, wouldn't you agree, Grand Princess?"
Yi Zixie's tone was one of feigned concern, as if he were genuinely looking out for Grand Princess Zande.
However, everyone in the room, except for Baili Ziyun, understood the hidden meaning of his words.
"You don't need to worry about my mother. His Majesty, my cousin, greatly respects my mother. Furthermore, His Majesty loves me the most. As long as I say a few good words to His Majesty, he will definitely not blame my mother."
After speaking, Baili Ziyun slightly lifted her chin.
Yi Zixie glanced at Baili Ziyun indifferently, silently thinking two words: moron.
However, on the surface, he was too lazy to pay her any mind.
With such a moron, one could only watch her continue to be foolish.
"Ziyun, how many times have I told you not to always call His Majesty 'cousin'?" Grand Princess Zande said with a frown.
Although they were indeed cousins, there was a distinction between ruler and subject. How could one address the Emperor like that, especially in front of outsiders?
She did not believe this was elevating her status; it was courting death.
If these words were to reach the Emperor's ears one day, she couldn't even imagine the consequences.
If the Emperor were to overlook it, it might be dismissed as a joke.
But if the Emperor cared, it would be considered an insult to imperial authority. While not a capital offense, being disfavored by the Emperor was a possibility.
"But Mother, His Majesty is clearly my cousin, and he often corresponds with us, isn't he? It's obvious we have a very good relationship, so why can't I say it?"
Indeed, Baili Ziyun retorted to Grand Princess Zande with a very unresigned and wronged tone.
Baili Ziyun's remark truly left Grand Princess Zande speechless. She pondered inwardly why, after so many experiences, Baili Ziyun's temperament had not changed at all.
Oh, no, that wasn't quite right.
There had been some change.
At least, she was very afraid of Shen Xiaoyan today. Every time Shen Xiaoyan looked at her, she would sit obediently, not daring to even raise her head, let alone speak.
Grand Princess Zande wished at that moment that Shen Xiaoyan's gaze could remain fixed on Baili Ziyun, so that Baili Ziyun would not have the opportunity to drag her down.
However, this thought was merely a fleeting wish in her heart.
Dispelling her various thoughts, Grand Princess Zande looked at Yi Zixie.
"His Majesty's intention is that while the court will bear the brunt of the disaster relief, the scope of this snow disaster is too vast, and the number of affected people is too great. Furthermore, the national treasury has been gradually depleted in recent years. He still hopes that court officials and capable individuals from among the populace can jointly contribute to disaster relief."
"This Grand Princess has not only brought troops and relief supplies, cotton-padded clothes, quilts, and money from the court, but also some items donated by myself."
"The Grand Princess and His Majesty are benevolent. The disaster victims will undoubtedly be grateful."
Although Yi Zixie's words sounded like flattery and praise, his tone was exceedingly flat.
So flat it was as if he were remarking on whether you had eaten today.
Grand Princess Zande was choked by Yi Zixie's tone. However, remembering that the glazed screen was still in Yi Zixie's possession, Grand Princess Zande could only continue to speak with a smile.
"Grand Tutor, you flatter me. Although the items brought are considerable, they are far from enough to help so many disaster victims."
Yi Zixie shrugged indifferently and said, "Didn't the Grand Princess just say there would be contributions from various court officials?"
"Consider the vast number of loyal officials in our Great Chu in recent years; there must be at least eight thousand, if not ten thousand. Even if each person donated a hundred taels, it would likely be more than enough to deal with this snow disaster."
After Yi Zixie finished speaking, Grand Princess Zande's face immediately turned somewhat embarrassed.
After a long pause, she stammered, "The court officials have not yet expressed their stance, and it will take some time to gather their contributions..."
Yi Zixie: ...
So, everything you said just now was a load of bull?
Seeing that Yi Zixie remained silent for a long time, Grand Princess Zande felt a bit flustered herself.
"As soon as I arrived here, I heard that the Grand Tutor and A'Han were providing relief to the common people affected by the disaster. Your methods are excellent and the results are very good. Although it's only been two days, it has already spread throughout the surrounding areas. The people are all waiting to see where you will go today."
Since Yi Zixie did not respond, Grand Princess Zande had to force herself to continue.
"Therefore, Grand Princess, it would be best if you state your request directly. Otherwise, if too much time is wasted, today will be in vain. We don't mind, but I fear those waiting disaster victims might feel disheartened."
Yi Zixie finally responded this time, but his words made Grand Princess Zande feel that it would have been better if he hadn't spoken.
"Then this Grand Princess will be brief. This Grand Princess hopes that you will hand over the various relief supplies you have to this Grand Princess, and this Grand Princess will have people distribute them to the disaster victims uniformly."
"In His Majesty's name?" Yi Zixie asked with raised eyebrows.
Grand Princess Zande nodded as a matter of course. "Of course. If not in His Majesty's name, then perhaps in this Grand Princess's name?"
Grand Princess Zande intended this remark as a joke to ease the atmosphere, but Yi Zixie did not buy it at all.
"I suspect the Grand Princess is growing old and has developed a memory problem. If you truly lack a competent physician by your side, this Grand Tutor can prescribe you some medicine, and I guarantee it will cure you."
Upon hearing Yi Zixie's cold remark, the faint smile on Grand Princess Zande's face froze.
"What does the Grand Tutor mean by that?"