Ch88.1 - Extra 3

Translator: ChiFu

When His Majesty flew into a rage, everyone fell silent as if struck by a chill. Each of them treaded carefully, fearing that the city gates might catch fire and they would be the fish caught in the crossfire.

For the days that followed, the atmosphere in the court was enough to make one’s blood run cold. It felt less like entering the Taiji Hall and more like making a round trip to hell, only emerging half-alive.

Wen Mingyu managed to calm Mu Zhan down, helping him relax and settle considerably, but the incident had happened nonetheless. Mu Zhan’s discontent lingered, finding it difficult to fully recover just yet. The children could see it and sense it.

Having witnessed their daddy’s injury firsthand, with blood staining his face, they remained frightened even after Wen Mingyu assured them he was alright and was acting as lively as ever. After falling ill, they became even more clingy than before.

Although they had always loved playing with their daddy, now they grew restless the moment Wen Mingyu was out of sight for even a second. They had practically become little shadows trailing behind him, following wherever he went, not even sparing him a moment’s peace when he went to the bathroom.

The little dumplings followed Wen Mingyu, the little chick followed the little dumplings, and somehow they formed a little train, trailing one after the other.

When Wen Mingyu turned to see this scene, he found himself both amused and exasperated.

And it wasn’t just the two little ones. The adult wasn’t much better. Mu Zhan had been handling state affairs with remarkable speed of late, but the moment he found a break, he would cling to Wen Mingyu as if suffering from skin hunger, unable to bear even a moment’s separation.

Thus, Wen Mingyu often found himself in a strange predicament; two legs were clutched by the dumplings, his waist was encircled by Mu Zhan, while a little yellow chick strutted around them in circles, chirping incessantly.

“…”

Wen Mingyu wore a complicated expression. He couldn’t walk properly. This must be what they meant by ‘pain and pleasure intertwined.’ He was touched that they cared so deeply for him, yet also somewhat troubled by being followed wherever he went.

But Wen Mingyu couldn’t force them to change their ways. He could only gently reassure them, proving he was fine and putting their minds at ease.

One day, the two children discussed with their tutor the idea of finishing their lessons early to pick up their Father Emperor after court.

At the entrance to the Taiji Hall, the two dumplings stood to one side, waiting for the ministers to file out after the court session.

Wei Yingwu emerged and spotted them at once.

His frame was like a small hill, tall and burly, with an imposing presence. He exuded a menacing aura born of years of warfare, a sight that could terrify kids into uncontrollable sobs.

He strode towards the two imperial heirs, his immense shadow engulfing them both. It was as if a vulture stood over two chicks—there was simply no comparison.

Wei Yingwu came to a halt before them, then crouched down and bowed. Unable to resist, he reached out to gently tug at their little hands resting at their sides and made a conscious effort to soften his rough voice as he asked in a low tone, “Have the young prince and princess come especially to await His Majesty and the Empress after court?”

They nodded, their voices ringing out clearly. “Yes, we have.”

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Wei Yingwu had come specifically to cheer them up, feeling sorry when he heard how they had been frightened to tears and fallen ill.

Just then, two old ministers emerged, their expressions grave and their brows furrowed. They looked rather displeased as they argued quietly over something.

The dumplings and Wei Yingwu were standing nearby, close enough to hear them clearly.

The two old ministers, too, happened to hear the children’s childish laughter. Following the sound, they looked up and caught sight of the two young heirs in Wei Yingwu’s arms. They paused for a moment, then immediately bowed in respect.

Little Chilli asked in a soft, sweet voice, “Are you arguing?”

The old ministers shook their heads and explained, “Your Highnesses, we were merely discussing state matters. We had no intention of arguing. We apologize for disturbing you.”

But Little Chilli said, “Really?”

With this one casual word, she sat on Wei Yingwu’s shoulder, looking down on them from above. She actually exuded a regal air, already carrying a hint of the sovereign’s presence.

Seeing how young Her Highness was, the elderly minister, who had clearly intended to brush the matter aside with a few casual words, was taken aback.

Little Chilli continued, “I don’t care what you say, but you’d better make up as soon as possible. I don’t want to see Father Emperor and Daddy in a bad mood because of you, do you understand?”

The old minister’s heart skipped a beat, and he couldn’t help but glance up.

The little princess’s face was still rounded with childishness, but when her smile faded, her innocent charm gave way to an unmistakable air of royal dignity. Whether it was their imagination or not, her words seemed to carry hidden meaning and warning.

It was not just the little princess; the little prince standing silently beside her, with a faint smile on his face, also appeared to be showing the early signs of a future ‘smiling tiger’. Someone not to be underestimated.

Should one say that they truly live up to being the children of a tyrant?

The two elderly ministers managed a faint smile and replied respectfully.

Inside Taiji Hall, Mu Zhan and Wen Mingyu faintly heard voices from outside. It seemed to be Little Chilli and Little Rice Cake, so they instructed Zhao Dequan to bring them in.

The moment they heard their Father Emperor and Daddy were looking for them, their faces lit up with smiles. Eagerly, they patted Wei Yingwu to get down, then scampered on their little legs into the hall.

The threshold was an obstacle, but being used to it, they cleared it as if clearing a level, running smoothly inside. Stepping onto the floor tiles as black as a jet, they threw themselves towards their daddies, lifting their faces and smiling as they said, “Your humble children pay their respects, Fathers.”

The girl’s eyes were strikingly black and white, bright and dewy, clearly and purer than a stream in the sunlight. That radiant, adorable, innocent expression was a world away from the one she had shown moments earlier to the old ministers outside the hall. Had those two ministers seen her now, they would surely have been even more astounded.

Wen Mingyu was completely unaware that the two dumplings had startled two of their stubborn ministers outside. After all, Little Chilli and Little Rice Cake behaved like kids in his presence, clinging to him, acting all coy, and frequently competing with Mu Zhan for his attention. It was exactly the childish manner one would expect from kids of that age.

Mu Zhan was also unaware of this at the time. It was only later that he sensed something amiss from the ministers. He then went to Little Chilli and Little Rice Cake to sound them out, and the two little dumplings didn’t see any reason to keep it a secret, so they told him straight out.

Mu Zhan found that this was indeed the case. He smiled and prepared to begin teaching them the art of imperial rule.

Then, Little Chilli burst into tears and wept bitterly.

The lessons were too difficult, and there was even less time for play. She threw herself into Wen Mingyu’s arms, her eyes brimming with tears, sobbing that she was a fool, that she’d rather be a pretty, useless fool than attend these lessons.

Wen Mingyu couldn’t help but laugh upon hearing this. So, the main priority was still looking pretty, was it?

Seeing how hard the two were struggling with their studies, he discussed with Mu Zhan whether they should slow down the pace a bit. After all, they were still young, and it wouldn’t do good for them to miss out on the joys of childhood and end up looking so miserable.

Upon hearing this, Mu Zhan brought the two’s homework over for Wen Mingyu to look at, adding, “They just love to be pampered, but they are natural at learning. I was actually planning to give them even more homework.”

After looking through it, Wen Mingyu wore a complicated expression. It was likely a mix of joy and exasperation one felt after suddenly realizing that the two darlings at home were actually geniuses.

So, Wen Mingyu didn’t mention lightening their workload any further but said instead, “Just add a little more. Let them have time to play.”

“They will have time. Look, aren’t they having a fine time flying kites right now?” Mu Zhan said with a smile.

Wen Mingyu followed his gaze out the window. Sure enough, Little Chilli was running about at top speed, her smile brighter and more dazzling than the sunlight.

But just as Wen MIngyu turned his gaze away, Little Chilli suddenly sneezed. She rubbed her nose with her chubby little hand and felt a sudden chill run down her spine. She suddenly had a bad feeling about it. She turned to Little Rice Cake and said, “Big Brother, I think someone’s cursing me behind my back.”

Little Rice Cake gave her a casual glance and nodded. “I couldn’t agree more.”

Little Chilli, “You think that person was really out of the line, and you want to hit him, right?”

Little Rice Cake nodded, but what he was really thinking was, No. I actually agree with the uncle who told you off.

As it turned out, after they had finished flying kites and went back, Little Chilli heard the dreadful news and almost threw herself on the floor, throwing a tantrum and declaring she was not going to study anymore.

Mu Zhan shot her a look that had a cooling effect on her for a few seconds, but the little firecracker had always been one to respond to kindness rather than harshness. She immediately turned and threw herself into Wen Mingyu’s arms, sobbing as she tattled, “Father was mean to me.Waaaa.”

Her expression said, I’m so pitiful, Daddy, please comfort me.

Wen Mingyu chuckled helplessly, gave her cute bun a gentle squeeze, and said, “But Father only wants you to learn more and do this for your own good. You’re so clever, it would be a shame not to learn. How about this, you get good marks, and Daddy will give you a reward?”

Little Chilli’s eyes lit up, practically sparkling, and her thick, curled eyelashes fluttered like small fans.

“Yes, I want to go out of the palace and play with Daddy!”

“Alright, if you study hard.”

Wen Mingyu nodded in agreement without hesitation and even fed Little Chilli a piece of sweet cake.

Little Chilli opened her mouth and took a bite. As she tasted the sweet filing, she beamed with a radiant smile. “I’ll work really hard for Daddy!”

Standing nearby, Mu Zhan and Little Rice Cake both gazed intently at Little, who was nestled in Wen Mingyu’s arms, acting all sweet and charming. Their expressions were complex and subtle.

It a stream of comments could pop up above them, the screen would likely be filled with—

She’s so good at this.

Is it too late for me to collapse here and sob now?

I want a cuddle too. I want comfort. I want to be fed qaq.

Little Chilli, the most coquettish little dumpling of them all, wore a triumphant smile as she snuggled up to her favorite daddy, completely ignoring the two stone statues beside her who were seething with jealousy.

ChiFu: took a breather and did this while waiting for my sore eyes to relax

Thank you for the warm and comforting comments, everyone!! I was really touched while reading them. TT And for the reader who’s supported me thru kofi, thank you ! not gonna lie, it helped with my internet expenses. If you like my work, you may consider donating to my kofi

I’m going to do my best henceforth with my fourth set of exams, which is hopefully, also my last TT and overall my situation too! Let’s all do our best with whatever we’re facing now. fighting!