Page 338

Just as Lian Hua was about to continue, Xiao Jizi reminded her, and she paused, her train of thought breaking for a moment: "Ah?"

After a brief thought, she also realized that she had misspoken.

Ah, that was close. She almost sentenced Xiao Linzi to death.

She sheepishly chuckled twice: "That, cough~ I misspoke, the death penalty can be pardoned, but the living sentence cannot be escaped, cough cough..."

Everyone heaved a sigh of relief. That explained it, a simple mix-up. The mistress/Little Lady wouldn’t be that cruel.

Lian Hua touched her somewhat hot face, coughed twice to mask her embarrassment. Just when she was trying to display her authority, she misspoke. Gosh, that was embarrassing. Thankfully, it was just among her own people. No worries, no worries.

Clearing her throat, she resumed: "Cough, so, to continue, Xiao Linzi’s death penalty is pardoned, but the living sentence cannot be escaped.

From today on, you are officially relieved from your lookout duties.

These duties will now be handed over to Xiao Jizi.

When you are carrying out tasks in the future, you mustn’t be distracted by counting pebbles again.

And you’re also to be punished by spanking your palm three times.

If I punish you this way, do you have any objections? "

Xiao Linzi let out a big sigh of relief, as if he had escaped death. He knew his mistress was so lovely, she wouldn’t sentence him to death.

He shook his head: "The mistress’s punishment is fair. I have no objections."

Seeing his good attitude, Lian Hua was satisfied. She lifted her hand, palm up, and said: "Xiao Qing, where is my treasured sword?"

Xiao Qing hurriedly handed over the rattan that had been refitted with a handle.

Xiao Linzi shivered, lowered his head, not daring to look, and obediently stretched out his hand.

Lian Hua, holding the rattan with an imposing air, flicked the rattan and revealed a mischievous smile.

Oh, this was so satisfying. Punishing people really was the most pleasing thing, haha, His Majesty loved to punish her, and not without reason.

She waved the rattan above Xiao Linzi’s palm, faking a few strikes, each time making Xiao Linzi shiver, before finally hitting him lightly, three times.

Happily done with the teasing, Lian Hua was generous with her praise. Starting with Xiao Linzi’s performance as lookout, she commended Xiao Jizi for being attentive and for giving her enough time to hide things.

It occurred to her there should be a two-tiered defense. In addition to the lookout, in case His Majesty waltzed in unexpectedly, there should be a warning system like Xiao Jizi’s to ensure foolproof coverage.

Ah, how clever she was!

No sooner said than done, she slapped the table and shared her idea with Nanny Qi, her eyes twinkling, hoping for praise.

"Mhm, if you think it’s feasible, then go ahead and do it. Don’t worry about anything," Nanny Qi said with a smile, indulging the Little Lady’s happiness. She had never expected the Little Lady to be able to deceive the Emperor, that wily man.

All Lian Hua needed was Nanny Qi’s approval, and she was very happy, especially since Nanny Qi always supported her unconditionally.

Thus, she excitedly began to arrange the second tier of defense, and after some consideration, she decided to assign Xiao Linzi to redeem himself by taking on the new role.

Fearing Xiao Linzi was too foolish and might give them away, she had him practice: "You’ll be outside the door; if you see His Majesty coming from afar, how would you remind me?"

Xiao Linzi thought for a moment and hesitated: "Should I just loudly say ’His Majesty is coming’?"

Lian Hua frowned: "That doesn’t seem quite right, does it?"

It’s a bit like announcing there’s no silver here, isn’t it?

After another thought, Xiao Linzi realized it wasn’t quite right. They already had one such incident with Brother Xiao Ji intercepting His Majesty. He then said: "Then should I say ’His Majesty is coming again’?"

Lian Hua’s brows furrowed even tighter, "Still no good, it’s as if His Majesty can’t come."

Her brows creased with concern, she muttered to herself, "Oh dear... it’s somewhat difficult, His Majesty is so intelligent, and you’re so dense, how can we make it so you remind me without raising any alarm and without letting His Majesty realize?"

The problem was that Xiao Linzi’s mind wasn’t good at twists and turns, even if you taught him what to say, he wouldn’t be able to apply it flexibly. Hence, a method suitable for Xiao Linzi had to be found.

Hmm, I still need to think of a good method.

If it were Xiao Jizi, she wouldn’t have this worry.

Xiao Linzi fell into deep thought, indeed, His Majesty was so intelligent, he couldn’t think of any good method.

Xiao Qing also started pondering with her finger in her mouth.

Xiao Jizi, on the other hand, stood with his hands tucked away, silent, keeping his eyes on his nose and his nose on his heart, trying his best to lessen his presence. If he were to tell his master, His Majesty might have already noticed, and he would be beaten to death, right?

Yes, he definitely would. The master hadn’t taken away the weapon yet...

Suddenly, the only sound in the Side Hall was Nanny Qi leisurely sipping tea, she felt that watching the little girls and these Young Eunuchs and Little Palace Maids frolic every day made for rather beautiful days.

With her head propped on her hands, Lian Hua thought and thought, her eyebrows furrowing and relaxing, until an idea struck her head, heh, she had an idea!

She slapped the table, unable to contain her joy, but then she suddenly thought, if she, being so clever, couldn’t manage it, could Xiao Linzi do it?

Lian Hua was somewhat doubtful, continuously scrutinizing Xiao Linzi with her eyes, weighing the feasibility.

Xiao Linzi almost panicked under her gaze, thinking about hiding behind Brother Xiao Ji.

Seeing the stupid and dull look on Xiao Linzi’s face, Lian Hua felt a niggle of worry in her heart, hmm, this really was a big problem.

Or should she just let it be for now and push forward with it? Duck onto perch first?

Fine, let’s move forward while watching, let him continue with this for now!

Having made her decision, Lian Hua was spirited and energetically told everyone to wait for her while she went inside to fetch something.

Alone in the inner chamber, she fumbled around, and it was unclear from where she produced a book, triumphantly carrying it to the small hall, and with a slap placed it into Xiao Linzi’s hands, to the astonishment of everyone.

Hands on hips and brimming with confidence, Lian Hua asked Xiao Linzi, "Do you know how to read?"

Xiao Linzi, confused, stared seriously at the characters in the book for a while, then read aloud, "The Book of Poetry!"

Then, he nodded his head.

Next, he saw a flash of light swiftly pass through the almond-shaped eyes of his master, suddenly brightening up, making him feel a chill in his heart.

Clasping her fists to her lips, Lian Hua cleared her throat, paced around Xiao Linzi for two turns, her mind contemplating the profound truths to speak of. She intended to persuade Xiao Linzi with sentiment and reason to undertake this task.

Xiao Linzi grew increasingly nervous; over these days, he had also gotten to know his master’s temperament well. This demeanor seemed like his master was preparing to teach him a lesson...

Everyone else was clueless and watched Lian Hua intently.

Yet Lian Hua felt it was about time, a slightly uncomfortable yet mischievous expression appeared on her face, as she stood with her back straight and hands behind her, she said with stirring conviction, "Under His Majesty’s governance, the land is at peace now, the people live and work in happiness, and the world praises His Majesty as a wise sovereign.

But what people do not know is that from a young age, His Majesty braved the harsh cold and scorching heat, diligently studying books, doing the extraordinary, achieving the impossible.

In places unseen, it is His Majesty who bears the weight of the world, allowing the people to have the good days they enjoy now. "