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"This trash is considered a tribute?"

Xia Zheng disdainfully placed down the cup, shaking his head as if savoring something delicious, "Not to say anything about you, but if you treasure this lousy tea, what would become of you after tasting the tea brewed by my Yuanyuan? Wouldn’t you feel as if you’re drinking Fairy Dew and Jade Wine? "

The Old Emperor had heard the name Yuanyuan mentioned by Xia Zheng not just once.

Not only from Xia Zheng, but Princess Anle and even Consort Shu had spoken of this name by his ear.

At first, he didn’t take it to heart, but hearing it so often lately, he grew curious about this girl he had never met.

Even the Old Emperor puckered his lips childishly, clearly not fond of Xia Zheng’s manner, "If you don’t like it, don’t drink it!

You’re almost rotten to the core, and you still deceive me about having some good tea?

Hmph, if there truly was good tea, why haven’t you brought some back for me, you rotten boy?

To put it plainly, you just didn’t think of me.

I’ve really spoiled you for nothing all these years, you ungrateful whelp! "

Xia Zheng shrugged his shoulders, spread his hands and heaved a sigh of helplessness, "That really wrongs me, it’s not that I didn’t want to bring you some, it’s just that I had nowhere to put it.

You know how lazy I am. Back when I was in class, even my textbooks were turned by Little White Rabbit for me! "

"Enough!" The Old Emperor raised his hand and knocked firmly on Xia Zheng’s forehead, "Don’t think that just because I don’t leave the palace you can fool me as you please!

Your mother keeps bragging every other day, saying how you thought to bring gifts for the family this time you returned to the capital, all sorts of delicious pastries, fine wines, and even a warm sleeve made out of bunny fur.

Hmph, you brought back so many good things, yet you say there’s no room, simply because you don’t consider me part of your family! You little scamp!"

Xia Zheng couldn’t help but twitch his mouth; so that’s why he hadn’t heard his mother nagging in the mansion lately. She had been over here in the palace bragging about it all!

"Ah, that’s right, I brought back so much that there really was no space left to bring something for you," Xia Zheng chuckled and quickly interjected before the Old Emperor could explode again, "Don’t be upset now. This time, I’ve solved such a big problem for you; doesn’t that gift outweigh those pastries and wines? "

The big problem he referred to, obviously, was the printing of books. The Old Emperor felt relieved, to be honest. Printing was truly a burdensome task, and nobody wanted to take it on. Luckily, there was this rotten boy who just knew what he wanted.

However, despite his relief, the Old Emperor remained curious why Xia Zheng suddenly decided to take on this hot potato, so today, especially for the Lantern Festival feast, he had him summoned to the palace in advance.

"I like this gift. However, if you would share the secret of printing with me, I would be even happier. Hey, don’t try to bluff me with the flimflam you use on court officials; I am your uncle and your maternal uncle. I know very well what you have up your sleeve," the Old Emperor remarked.

Xia Zheng grinned without saying a word and took out something that looked like a jade pendant, continuing to fiddle with it casually.

The Old Emperor stayed silent, finally unable to resist any longer, his face showing a defeated, powerless expression, "All right, I’m convinced. Just say what you want, and stop beating around the bush like a shy maiden."

How could Xia Zheng be timid? Knowing that the Old Emperor just wanted to show a bit of strength in words to regain some face, Xia Zheng didn’t fuss about it.

He carefully placed the jade pendant back inside his clothing and then sidled up to the Old Emperor with a sly smile, whispering, "This trick wasn’t my idea.

How could I take someone else’s credit? But the credit that’s due must be acknowledged, so uncle, please keep this in mind.

When the real inventor comes, let her claim the credit from you in person, and you can’t forget when the time comes! "

The Old Emperor gave him a pointed look, "A gentleman’s word is his bond, and even more so, the Emperor’s word—haven’t you heard of ’The Emperor does not jest’? But who are you trying to take credit for? Surely not that... what’s her name, Lin Yuan?"

The moment Lin Yuan was mentioned, Xia Zheng couldn’t suppress the smile on his face; he proudly lifted his chin and claimed, "Of course. Who else but her could come up with such a brilliant method for printing books?"

"All right, all right, stop blowing your own trumpet. You’ve taken your credit, showed off enough; now it’s time to talk business," the Old Emperor interjected.

Xia Zheng raised an eyebrow, glanced casually outside, and seeing that it was about time, he explained in detail to the Emperor the method of printing books using movable type that Lin Yuan had come up with, of course not sparing any praise for Lin Yuan in the process.