Little Nine was completely melted by the affectionate smile from Lian Muxiu. She liked his smile more than she liked the palace, more than food, even more than Bai Ting, who had grown up with her.
While Little Nine was lost in Lian Muxiu's smile, unable to pull herself away, Lian Jingyi had already issued an imperial edict.
“By the Emperor’s command: Due to the efforts in the autumn hunt, all ministers are excused from tomorrow’s morning court. They may take a rest for the day. Thus, decreed.”
“Long live the Emperor! Long live, long live, long live!”
The officials immediately knelt, offering their thanks.
Little Nine curiously looked at Lian Muxiu, wondering why he didn't kneel like everyone else.
Lian Muxiu seemed to notice her confusion and proudly explained, “I am the pillar of the nation, the most respected person in Beiyan. The Emperor has long exempted me from kneeling.”
“Oh~” Little Nine silently thought, so the National Master is a privileged figure. But isn’t it a bit self-loving for him to call himself the pillar of the nation?
Just as she was about to roll her eyes, Lian Jingyi walked over.
Lian Muxiu immediately stopped smiling. Though his face remained gentle with a smile, Little Nine could sense it wasn’t a genuine smile, but one that was somewhat fake. He slightly bowed, “Your Majesty.”
“Muxiu, I’ve told you that you don’t need to bow to me. Why do you insist on doing it every time?” Lian Jingyi’s tone carried some displeasure.
“Your Majesty, rituals cannot be abandoned. The ruler is the ruler, and the subject is the subject. Even though I have accompanied Your Majesty since childhood, I must still follow the proper rituals,” Lian Muxiu said with a calm and respectful tone, without leaving any room for criticism.
Lian Jingyi found it hard to argue against Lian Muxiu’s words, but the more he heard it, the more he felt a growing distance between himself and Lian Muxiu.
Lian Muxiu sighed. “Forget it, I’m tired. National Master should also take rest early.”
“Yes, Your Majesty, I take my leave.”
Lian Muxiu turned and led Little Nine away. Lian Jingyi called out, “National Master, it’s been calculated that in a few days, the Crown Prince of Nanyu will arrive in Beiyan. What are your thoughts on this?”
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
Lian Muxiu turned around. “Your Majesty, this is a national matter, it should be discussed at tomorrow’s morning court with all the ministers. My opinion is not important. I take my leave.”
Lian Jingyi opened his mouth, but then closed it, as if contemplating something. Finally, he sighed.
Little Nine watched Lian Muxiu with a calm expression and chirped a few times. What just happened? Why did it turn out like this?
Lian Muxiu gently rubbed Little Nine’s head. “Little thing, don’t overthink, just be happy. Tomorrow, I’ll take you to eat something delicious.”
“Chirp, chirp!” Little Nine responded happily. Muxiu is the best!
Lian Muxiu smiled at her, secretly thinking that this little fox was really easy to please.
Little Nine had grown up on White Spirit Mountain, and the few times she had tasted food from the human world were brought back by other animals who had gone down the mountain for training. Even with these few occasions, the taste had left a deep impression on her. There was a time when Little Nine didn’t want to cultivate or eat, all she could think about was leaving White Spirit Mountain and going to the human world.
But back then, she was too young.
Now, whenever food appeared, her paws, body, eyes, and mouth would lose all control. So, if someone wanted to take Little Nine away, all they had to do was give her enough food, and it would be incredibly easy.
Lian Muxiu had come to realize that Little Nine’s attachment to food had to be corrected, or at least redirected. Otherwise, one day, if someone tricked her with food, how would he find her?
However, Lian Muxiu couldn’t help but feel a little helpless because whenever food was mentioned, Little Nine’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
But many things needed to take time, didn’t they?
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Beiyan had decided to make Tan City its capital since its founding, and the city is located at the highest point in Beiyan, facing the capital of Nanyu, Yan City, separated only by a mountain range.
The layout of Tan City is well-organized, with various industries separated into different streets.
The “delicious food” Lian Muxiu mentioned was a famous delicacy throughout Beiyan.
Since morning, Little Nine had been unusually excited, barely touching the breakfast Lian Muxiu had prepared for her.
Lian Muxiu ate his breakfast slowly, while Little Nine anxiously tugged at his sleeve, trying to hurry him along. She was already getting impatient.
“Little Nine, you need to eat at least half of your breakfast first.”
Little Nine puffed out her cheeks and gave Lian Muxiu a pleading look. Could she skip it? She wanted to eat more of the other food later.
Lian Muxiu remained unyielding. “No, eat your breakfast.”
Little Nine pouted and lowered her head, her eyes full of reluctance as she reluctantly began eating.
Lian Muxiu caught a glimpse of her expression and couldn’t help but feel amused, though he didn’t show it.
“Cough, if you finish your breakfast, I’ll buy you extra portions of your favorite food and bring it back later.”
What? Little Nine immediately widened her eyes and stared at Lian Muxiu. Was it true?
Lian Muxiu nodded. “Yes, as long as you finish your breakfast.”
Little Nine’s disappointment immediately turned to joy. The sudden shift in emotion was exhilarating. She had almost given up, but now she could get something even better. Lian Muxiu is the best!