Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1095 - 129: Miss Xiao (Part 2)

"Your idea isn't bad. Why don't you put it all in writing?"

"Yes, Your Majesty." The Minister of Revenue felt no strain from the extra task; anything that boosted the national treasury's funds was fine, and drafting ten rules posed no challenge for him.

"Your Majesty, aren't you concerned that His Highness Prince Han doing this in Lingnan might make the people ditch farming and flock to business for profit?" Prime Minister He knew full well he lacked power over Lingnan issues, yet worry gnawed at him, "Your Majesty, Lingnan's grain production has outstripped Jiangnan in recent years, turning it into Great Zhou's biggest granary. If Lingnan's folks abandon fields for trade, the fallout would be unthinkable."

"No need to fret, Xiao Shi has methods to manage it. Lingnan's farmlands won't lie idle."

Prime Minister He's heart settled upon the emperor's confident words.

After chatting more on various topics with Prime Minister He and the rest, the emperor sent them away.

Sun Doudou, posted at the Imperial Study entrance, spotted the Minister of Revenue grinning ear to ear and wondered if Prince Han had cooked up yet another clever scheme to rake in cash, or else why the wide smile?

Just then, a graceful and lovely palace maid arrived carrying tea.

Sun Doudou rushed up to welcome her.

"Miss Xiao."

Xiao Siyun replied courteously, "Little Mr. Sun."

"Prime Minister He just departed, Miss Xiao. You can take the tea in now."

"Many thanks, Little Mr. Sun."

"Miss Xiao, feel free to call me Doudou."

Xiao Siyun gave a faint smile, "I'll head in then."

"Safe travels."

As Xiao Siyun entered the Imperial Study, a door guard asked Sun Doudou curiously, "Sun Doudou, why so courteous to Miss Xiao?" The kid treated her almost like a superior.

Sun Doudou shot the guard a scornful look, boasting proudly, "You wouldn't understand." Miss Xiao wasn't just any maid; she was destined to be Princess Han, the future Empress, and his own future mistress, so respect was a must.

The guard misread it completely, his face twisting in astonishment as he whispered, "Miss Xiao... to Empress..." Sun Doudou's kick cut him off mid-sentence. Clutching his leg, he whined, "What was that kick for?"

"Who let you spout rubbish?" Sun Doudou landed another kick, "One slip like that and you'd lose your head."

Sun Doudou's warning froze the guard in terror, draining color from his face as he stuttered, "I..."

Sun Doudou jabbed the guard's brow, "What nonsense fills your skull all day? Do you know who the emperor is?"

"Brother Dou, my mistake..." The guard shook with fright.

"I heard zilch earlier, and neither did you."

"I said nothing." Gratitude shone in the guard's eyes toward Sun Doudou, "Thanks, Brother Dou."

Mimicking his master's usual scolding tone, Sun Doudou advised the guard, "Watch your tongue from now on."

"Got it, Brother Dou." The guard shut his trap tight, silent as a mouse.

Within the Imperial Study, Sun Kui accepted the teacup from Xiao Siyun and set it before the emperor without delay.

Eyeing his prospective daughter-in-law, the emperor remembered Zhao Yao's mention of point tea in the letter, "Xiao Shi lately invented a fresh tea method called point tea, involving several steps. Check it out." He passed the letter detailing point tea to Sun Kui, who relayed it to Xiao Siyun.

Xiao Siyun accepted the letter respectfully with both hands, her gaze falling on the bold, carefree strokes. Prince Han's script wasn't the finest she'd encountered, but it felt the most... unbound. Indeed, unbound; his handwriting revealed a wildly free-spirited soul.

Finishing the letter, surprise lit up her face.

"Your Majesty, this..." Drawing patterns on tea foam—could that really work?

"I want to sample Xiao Shi's new point tea. Think you can prepare it?"

"I'll give it my all." How on earth did Prince Han dream up such an amazing tea-drinking style?

"I'll await your success." With a wave, the emperor dismissed Xiao Siyun.

"I withdraw." Xiao Siyun bowed out.

"Your Majesty, why do you have Miss Xiao serve by your side?" The emperor selected Miss Xiao as the future Princess Han. For years, she has handled numerous duties in the harem, thoroughly versed in palace rules and responsibilities. Earlier, the emperor permitted Miss Xiao to depart the palace for wedding preparations, yet he abruptly reversed his decision—not only forbidding her exit but also calling her to attend him personally. Next year, His Highness Prince Han and Miss Xiao are to marry; without returning home soon to get ready, it could be too late.

"She hasn't passed the final test yet. Once she does, I will naturally let her go home to prepare for the marriage." Summoning Xiao Siyun to serve beside him forms her ultimate trial. "I previously ordered you to observe her every action—don't forget."

A pang seized Sun Kui's chest, prompting a swift, deferential reply: "I have not forgotten." Clearly, the emperor had purposefully placed Miss Xiao at his side. Temptations and challenges abound around him, leaving it unclear if Miss Xiao can endure them all.

"I hope she won't disappoint me." He had personally chosen this prospective daughter-in-law and permitted her palace entry for grooming. Up to now, her performance has impressed greatly.

"Lately, numerous people have sought Miss Xiao's aid or tried currying favor with her, but she rejected them all." Attending the emperor daily offers chances to glimpse his routines or secrets, drawing harem dwellers eager to probe through her.

"Keep watching her."

"Yes." Over these years, Miss Xiao earned widespread respect in the palace. Ladies, eunuchs, and maids alike hold her in high regard. She excels in her roles too, earning praise from many harem women—Lady Liang foremost. Unbeknownst to Lady Liang, Miss Xiao is destined to be her daughter-in-law. Prince Han remains equally oblivious.

Miss Xiao's looks aren't strikingly beautiful; her demeanor stays calm and composed, almost overly mature. One wonders if the spirited Prince Han will take to her.

Besides, as a mere commoner, Miss Xiao might face Prince Han's scorn over her humble origins for his future Princess.

Chosen from countless candidates, if Prince Han rejects her, the emperor's long investment in Miss Xiao's upbringing would go to waste.

"Your Majesty, aren't you worried His Highness Prince Han might not favor Miss Xiao?"

"That foolish boy lacks discernment; he doesn't grasp true affection." Recalling this, the emperor chuckled wryly, "When choosing his consort, I seek not his fancy, but a fitting match for him."

"May His Highness Prince Han come to appreciate Your Majesty's intentions." The emperor toiled secretly for Prince Han's sake, and Sun Kui hoped the prince wouldn't waste those pains.

Noting how Zhao Yao mirrored the emperor's nature, Sun Kui sensed an ominous feeling. Somehow, he suspected Prince Han's apathy toward the emperor's arrangements and contempt for all laid out for him.