Can't a princess ascend the throne?

Chapter 8 What's there to worry about!

Upon receiving this important news, Ying Jiuque and his companions wasted no time, quickly obtaining their waist tokens and leaving the palace, heading straight for Tonghua Lane. Emperor Jingtai squinted at their hurried departing figures, feeling somewhat sentimental.

"It's good to be young..."

After reminiscing about the youthful days of the boys for a while, Emperor Jingtai waved his hand.

“These young people are so reckless. Not a single one of them knows how to fight, yet they dare to rush over like this. If they run into some unreasonable people, they'll be bullied to death. Fine, you go and help them.”

The tall figure in the darkness nodded and silently followed.

The room fell silent for a moment. Jiu Fu opened his mouth, but then closed it again.

Emperor Jingtai laughed heartily.

"You old fool, what are you pretending to be worried about now? You don't even want your godson's future? Should I call him back?"

"His Majesty trusts that child, and this old servant is very happy about it. However, this old servant is worried that there will be criticism in the court..."

"What's there to worry about!"

Emperor Jingtai, who came from humble origins, had become much more refined in his demeanor after thirteen years on the throne, but he was still quite fierce at heart. Now that there were no outsiders around, he spoke freely and without restraint to Jiufu, who had been with him for nearly twenty years.

If the historians saw this, they might make a big fuss about it.

"Your godson is in the prime of his life. What good is it to stay in the palace all day? He should go out and make something of himself. That way, he won't have lived in vain as a man. Besides, those arrogant fellows always think they're better off than others. In my heart, I've never cared about family background, only whether someone is useful. Speaking of family background, I'm just a country bumpkin. How can those powerful families say I'm worthy of sitting in this seat?"

Jiufu sobbed and bowed deeply.

"Your Majesty is the true Son of Heaven, acknowledged by all the world. This old servant sincerely believes that you are the most wise master in the world!"

His Majesty, in the midst of his busy schedule, still remembered his godson. How could he not be moved? People like them suffer discrimination every day. Because they have no roots, it's as if they've committed some heinous crime. Those high and mighty adults, although they greet them with smiles every day, can clearly see whether there is any respect for them in their eyes.

It's one thing for others, but his adopted child, who is perfectly healthy in body and mind, is openly and secretly despised and scorned just because he has a eunuch father. Jiu Fu may not say anything, but that doesn't mean he's unaware.

That silly boy, he'd better seize this opportunity!
Ying Jiuque and her two companions led a line of golden-armored guards out of the palace, completely astonishing those secretly watching. His Majesty had actually entrusted his personal guards to this newly appointed county princess! If it weren't for the fact that today was Ying Jiuque's first appearance in the capital as an adult, everyone would have thought she was a long-hidden gem hidden away by His Majesty! Wait a minute, although Ying Jiuque looks somewhat frail, she is truly a beauty. Could His Majesty have taken a liking to her?

Quite a few people have thought of this possibility, but even if they have strong suspicions, they dare not openly say it out loud.

Ying Jiuque didn't think much of it. She worked for His Majesty, so it was normal for him to assign her some manpower. Ten days seemed like a long time, but if she could investigate this matter thoroughly sooner, she could save face. After all, she really didn't want to be a sheltered young lady confined to a secluded mansion. Tonghua Lane was a commoner's alley, and it would be too conspicuous for their group to pass by like that, so they had changed into plain clothes before leaving. However, the golden-armored guards were all tall and imposing, with a fierce aura that made them look unapproachable. They were only there to investigate the truth, not to arrest anyone. After a brief consideration, Ying Jiuque decided to go with Chunyu Shuang and Xie Mingchen first. Xie Mingchen's harmless demeanor wouldn't arouse suspicion.

Following the address given by Xin Tanhua, the three finally found a small courtyard with a dark brown wooden door. The door looked unremarkable, but from the outside, one could see a tall paulownia tree peeking out from the courtyard, its leaves lush and green, a perfect sight for the season.

He casually stopped an elderly woman with gray hair who was walking in a hurry. Ying Jiuque smiled and took out a handful of candied melon seeds and handed them to her. The old woman, who was not very happy at first, immediately beamed with joy and became extremely enthusiastic.

"Young lady, you look unfamiliar. Are you looking for someone? Who are you looking for? I'm not bragging, but I know everyone in this alley!"

Jiu Que smiled and dodged the other person's outstretched hand.

“Auntie, I vaguely heard that there’s a girl named Yunniang living here? That’s my cousin. Her family suffered a disaster and she came to seek refuge here. But the letter came a little late because our whole family was away. We were so worried when we received the letter after we came back! You can imagine how pitiful she was, with only a little girl to take care of! My two siblings and I searched for almost half a month before we found out that she seemed to live here. And that’s how we met you, Auntie!”

Even Chunyu Shuang was surprised that Ying Jiuque could be so down-to-earth. She recalled that this princess had been living on the estate, perhaps it was related to this? In that case, Princess Ying didn't seem to be as pampered as she had imagined.

Upon hearing this, the old lady was incredibly excited, as this would be her topic of conversation with her neighbors for the next two weeks!

He excitedly pointed to the wooden door behind him.

"What a coincidence! That girl lives here! I saw her go out to buy groceries this morning! Shall I knock on your door?"

Seeing that Ying Jiuque and the other two were hesitant, the kind-hearted old woman took a closer look at the only man among them. Seeing that Xie Mingchen was weak and frail and not as strong as herself, she simply pulled Ying Jiuque towards the door.

"Bang bang bang!"

"Yunniang! Are you there? Open the door!"

Light footsteps soon echoed inside, and a moment later, a beautiful face appeared as the door opened.

"Aunt Lin, what..."

Halfway through her sentence, Yunniang saw Ying Jiuque, whose face was partially visible behind Aunt Lin and who was staring at her with a smile, and she couldn't say anything more.

Ying Jiuque, without any hesitation, led Xie Mingchen and Chunyu Shuang inside, and casually handed Aunt Lin a small oil paper bag filled with candied melon seeds, prominently displaying the name of the most famous candy shop on East Street. The desserts at this shop were very expensive, and her little grandson had been nagging about them for days; this would finally shut him up!

Taking one last peek through the gap at Chunyu Shuang's official boots hidden under her skirt, Aunt Lin ate a melon seed and quietly pressed herself against the corner of the wall.

(End of this chapter)