Did the Seventh Prince attend court today?

Arrow Pavilion Square is located on the east side of the outer court area, some distance from the Zhenghe Gate of the inner court. When the deer strolled over, the First Prince and Su Yan'an had already arrived ahead of them, panting heavily, clearly having taken a long detour.

Su Yan'an, panting with his hands on his knees, said, "I wasn't this tired even after squatting in a horse stance for two hours."

The eldest prince waved his hand, too weak to even speak.

Lu trotted up to the two men, grinning, and said, "Your harvest is absolutely worth your effort. Everyone who sees it gets a share today, and we'll split the loot as soon as we get the money!"

"I can't accept this." Su Yan'an's face lit up with joy, and her legs and back pain disappeared instantly. She smiled more brightly than a flower. "Then thank you very much, Your Highness."

The eldest prince laughed and scolded, "Look at you, so useless."

Su Yan'an retorted earnestly, "Do I care about that little bit of money? I'm just grateful for the young prince's generosity!"

The three chatted and laughed, putting on quite a show in front of Tianhe Gate.

When the time was right, the eldest prince and Su Yan'an left the palace together, while You Lu turned into Tianhe Gate and returned to Yixin Palace.

Since his relationship with the Empress improved, Emperor Wulong rarely stayed in Yixin Palace. He usually went directly to Fengyi Palace after finishing his political affairs. Today was no exception. However, what was surprising was that Eunuch Kang was waiting in front of the palace.

"Why isn't Eunuch Kang serving the Emperor?" Youlu asked as he stepped forward.

Kang Gonggong's face crinkled with a smile as he said, "This servant is ordered to wait here for Your Highness. The Empress has invited Your Highness to dine at Fengyi Palace. Your Highness, please come with this old servant."

For some reason, he felt genuinely happy whenever he saw the young prince.

Youlu nodded. "Then wait a moment, I'll go take a bath and change first."

He was still wearing a practical outfit that allowed him to move around easily. After spending most of the day on the training ground, he was sweating profusely and felt quite uncomfortable.

"No rush, Your Highness, take your time." Eunuch Kang smiled, his eyes crinkling.

Feeling bad for keeping people waiting, Youlu quickly took a bath, changed into casual clothes, and followed Eunuch Kang to Fengyi Palace, with Pixiu following happily behind him.

There were still very few people in Fengyi Palace. Although it seemed a bit deserted, it was much more comfortable than a place where people were watching you no matter where you went.

Youlu was led by Eunuch Kang to the Winter Warm Pavilion in the main hall of Fengyi Palace, where the Empress usually dined. At this time, there were four dishes, a soup, two desserts, and a drink on the table. The dishes were all very ordinary home-style dishes, but they looked very appetizing.

Having probably studied for exams all afternoon, Youlu is actually quite hungry now.

Emperor Wulong and his empress were already seated at the table. Upon seeing the deer, Emperor Wulong puffed out his beard and glared at them, saying, "This is the first time since I became emperor that I've dined with others like this. You've got quite the airs, haven't you?"

A deer grinned and said, "Father, Mother, you've been waiting a long time! Your deer is here!"

Emperor Wulong was both amused and annoyed, and pointed at him with his finger.

The Empress smiled and invited, "Please have a seat."

Youlu thanked them and sat down opposite the two of them in a carefree manner.

"His Majesty said you don't like the imperial food in the palace, so I asked Granny Cen to make a few home-style dishes. Try them and see if they suit your taste." The Empress used serving chopsticks to pick up a piece of stir-fried shredded seafood with vinegar and put it into his bowl.

Emperor Wulong said sourly, "This kid doesn't need your help; he's very impolite."

Youlu was truly unceremonious; he picked up his chopsticks and shoveled the shredded seafood into his mouth, giving a thumbs-up and exclaiming excitedly, "One word: Absolutely amazing! This flavor should only exist in heaven; how often can one taste it on earth!"

The old nanny standing behind the Empress couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Youlu remembered her; this was the old nanny who exuded a faint sense of death from last time.

The old nanny curtsied and said with a faint smile, "Your Highness is too kind."

It turns out she was Granny Cen, and she was the one who cooked this meal.

Eunuch Kang joked, "I never thought I'd see Granny Cen smile again. It has to be our little prince; he's so sweet-talking."

Granny Cen immediately suppressed her smile; she managed to hide the smile on her lips, but she couldn't hide the smile in her eyes.

Youlu blinked innocently, "I'm just telling the truth."

This dish couldn't compare to the food of the celestial realm, of course, but it certainly suited his taste, and his praise was genuine. He just hadn't expected the chef to be there; his flattery had backfired spectacularly. This wasn't intentional flattery; after all, he hadn't known beforehand that this woman was Granny Cen.

The Pixiu jumped around anxiously, ["Let the beasts have a taste too!"]

While everyone was distracted, Youlu secretly picked up a piece of stewed beef brisket and threw it into the Pixiu's mouth.

The Pixiu cupped its face in its hands and chewed, exclaiming with delight, "It's so delicious!"

A deer inwardly boasted, "A deer-certified product is guaranteed to be top-notch!"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Wulong and the Empress exchanged a glance, shook their heads, and chuckled.

Granny Cen said gently, "If Your Highness likes anything, you can send someone to let this old servant know what you would like to eat in the future, and this old servant will make it and have it sent to you."

"That's wonderful, thank you, Granny!" Youlu cheered.

Emperor Wulong rolled his eyes repeatedly, truly feeling that comparisons were the thief of joy.

He has been married to the Empress for over twenty years, and Granny Cen has never given him a kind look, let alone cooked for him. Why does this kid receive such special treatment as soon as he arrives? This is differential treatment, and he is not happy about it!

After dinner, the three of them moved to the West Warm Pavilion for tea.

Granny Cen brought over a pile of dried fruit and candied fruit, as well as melon seeds, fried dough twists, and candied hawthorns, and placed them in front of Youlu as snacks for him.

Lu was flattered; this Granny Cen was truly cold on the outside but warm on the inside.

He thanked her politely, saying, "Grandma, you're so kind. I only need a little bit. Please don't tire yourself out."

In reality, he just wanted to pack it up and take it with him.

Meanwhile, the Pixiu was already hiding under the small table, showing off fiercely when no one was paying attention.

Granny Cen's reaction was to bring over another pile of fruit and nuts.

Emperor Wulong wanted to touch a grape to eat, but Granny Cen glared at him and slapped his hand away. He was so angry that he drank three cups of tea before he could calm down.

The Empress chuckled and told Eunuch Kang and Granny Cen to leave.

Youlu picked out a few large, round lychees and stuffed them into Emperor Wulong's hand, comforting him, "Father, don't be angry. It's not like you just found out I'm more likable than you. You should be glad that Granny Cen likes me, so you still have a chance to be loved by her as well."

Emperor Wulong nearly vomited blood, gritting his teeth as he said, "Anyway, you're going to Xiangyang for disaster relief in a few days. Once you're gone, I won't have to see you anymore!"

The Empress gave him a reproachful look, then turned to Youlu and said thoughtfully, "Little Deer, your father and I have discussed it, and it's best if you don't go on this disaster relief mission."

A deer asked in surprise, "Why?"

"Are you afraid that you'll be assassinated once you leave the palace? After all, you've offended so many people." Pixiu mumbled, chewing on a candied hawthorn.

It was right; Emperor Wulong and the Empress did have this concern.

Youlu had figured it out, but he was still a little troubled.

But I've foreseen that my eldest brother will face a calamity on this journey; if I don't go, he might suffer.

Pixiu: [Is it because you changed the selection of disaster relief personnel?]

You Lu nodded. "Originally, the Third Prince was supposed to go on this disaster relief mission, but because of my interference, it became the Eldest Prince's turn. This situation is my fault, and I should take responsibility. I don't want to see the Eldest Prince become disabled. But Father and Mother weren't wrong; there are many assassins lying in ambush on the way to Xiangyang. If he gets injured, I'll be in big trouble."

The Empress's hand, which was resting on the small table, trembled. Emperor Wulong grasped her hand and gave her a reassuring look.

The Empress nodded to Emperor Wulong, her gaze hardening as she looked at Youlu. She said, "Little Deer, this journey will undoubtedly be fraught with danger. Given your special constitution, you cannot afford to get injured, so you shouldn't go. Your eldest brother is being looked after by his uncle; he'll be fine."

The child was in so much pain from a simple cut; if the injury were more serious, he might have died from the pain. She couldn't be so selfish. As for Li'er, she could ask A-Yue to keep an eye on her; she figured he'd be fine.

If something really happens...

The empress dared not think about it, but she did not regret her decision.

The fawn was a matter of great importance to the nation, and even if it meant abandoning her own son, she would prioritize protecting him.