The Imperial Coroner

Extra Story: Honeyed Lily - Green Is the Collar

(1) [Extra Story]

The heavy gates of the Heavenly Prison creaked open slowly, emitting a drawn-out "squeak" that echoed through the dim and oppressive prison like the lingering wail of wronged souls from the underworld.

Pressing against the iron-barred door of the cell, Xiao Heng lay prone on the ground wrapped in tattered prisoner's clothes stained with blood. The midsummer cell was as stifling as a steamer, and the stench of rotting flesh emanating from him made even himself nauseous. Hearing footsteps in the corridor, Xiao Heng clutched the iron bars and struggled to lift his head, straining to see.

From the depths of the seemingly endless corridor emerged a young man in his early twenties, dressed in civil official robes, holding a floral-patterned blanket in his arms that seemed to wrap around a tiny bundle. The man approached the iron-barred door, carefully crouched down before Xiao Heng, and said softly, "This humble official Xue Rucheng, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, by order of the Imperial Concubine... has brought him for you to see." As he spoke, he produced a token from the Imperial Concubine's palace from his sleeve and extended it through the bars toward Xiao Heng, but Xiao Heng's gaze remained fixed on the tightly wrapped floral blanket.

The young man sighed silently, put away the token, and gently lifted the blanket to reveal a peacefully sleeping little face, carefully supporting it with both hands as he presented it to Xiao Heng. Xiao Heng stared blankly at the small life wrapped in the blanket - delicate, fair, sleeping so quietly that it made him momentarily see the gentle smile of the woman who had departed before him. Xiao Heng trembled as he reached out, but halfway there suddenly remembered something and painfully withdrew his hand. He rubbed his palm vigorously against his filthy prisoner's clothes until it turned red, then extended it again. The moment his fingers touched the baby's creamy-soft cheek, he suddenly shuddered and looked up in astonishment at the person holding the child, "He... has a fever..."

The young man nodded, frowning slightly, "The lady endured torture and gave birth prematurely. He was born with congenital weakness and has been ill since birth... both legs are paralyzed."

Xiao Heng's hand froze on the baby's face. His bloodless lips trembled for a long moment before he gently stroked the child's entire face, then slowly withdrew his hand. His gaze remained lingering on that small face, unwilling to blink even once, "Go... this place is dirty... too dirty..."

The young man steadied the child in his arms and slowly stood up, nodding slightly, "Take care, Ning Jun Wang." As he turned to leave, he suddenly heard a voice made hoarser by urgency from behind.

"His... his name..."

The young man turned back and replied respectfully, "His Majesty has named him Jin Yu, seventh in succession, already enfeoffed as Prince An."

Xiao Heng slowly lowered his head, silently repeating the child's name in his mouth. After repeating it for some time, he looked up again to find the young man still waiting quietly. Xiao Heng stared blankly, "You... take care of him..."

"Rest assured, Ning Jun Wang."

(2) [Extra Story]

"Sister..."

Shi Niang had just returned to her room when she heard the faint sound from the bed. Her heart clenched as she hurried over, lifted the bed curtain, and saw the boy curled up in the thick silk quilt, his thin body shivering, his small face deathly pale, his clear eyes looking at her tearfully.

"Sister, I'm cold..."Shi Niang reached out to touch the boy's forehead, her delicate brows lightly furrowed. He had been running a high fever since the day before yesterday, vomiting severely even after drinking water. Even a healthy five-year-old child couldn't withstand such torment, let alone one as frail as him.

Shi Niang sat down by the bed, wrapping both the child and the silk quilt in her arms. She had just turned sixteen, a princess born of the empress, and this was the only child she had ever held in her life. Yet she knew all too well that a five-year-old shouldn't feel as light as a wisp of cotton. Gently patting the frail little body through the quilt, her voice was soft as a dream, careful not to startle him. "Be good, Xiao Yu."

The boy looked up at her from within her warm embrace, his gaze earnest. His young voice, hoarse from fever, carried an uncharacteristic weight. "Sister... am I going to die soon?"

Shi Niang's heart sank. After a moment's pause, she lowered her head and gently kissed his burning forehead. "No, you won't. As long as your sister is here, Xiao Yu won't die... I promise."

After coaxing the child in her arms to sleep and carefully laying him back on the bed, Shi Niang stood up and quietly moved the charcoal brazier closer to the bedside. She then tiptoed to the outer chamber and called for a palace maid around her own age.

"Dou Kou, Grand Tutor Xue should be arriving soon. Go to the study and tell him that Wang Ye is still ill and won't be able to attend lessons today..." As she spoke, Shi Niang pulled a twice-folded envelope from her sleeve and pressed it into Dou Kou's hand, lowering her voice. "Give this to him for me."

Dou Kou brought the envelope to her nose, taking a deep sniff, and smiled mysteriously. "Such a strong floral scent. Has the princess written another love poem for Grand Tutor Xue?"

Shi Niang's cheeks flushed slightly. "Don't talk nonsense..."

Dou Kou pursed her lips in a smile, leaning close to Shi Niang's ear to whisper, "If the princess could truly marry Grand Tutor Xue, that would be wonderful. Our Wang Ye admires Grand Tutor Xue so much—perhaps he'd be so overjoyed that his illness would vanish completely."

Shi Niang smiled faintly, chiding gently, "Enough of your impertinence... Hurry along now, don't keep Grand Tutor Xue waiting."

"Alright, rest assured, Princess."

(3) [Extra Story]

"Sister..."

Shi Niang fixed her gaze on the bronze mirror before her, staring at her own heavily powdered face, ignoring the call from the boy in the wheelchair beside her. Dou Kou stood behind Shi Niang, carefully arranging her intricate bridal hairstyle, while leaning down to whisper a reminder in her ear. "Princess, Wang Ye is calling you..."

Shi Niang had always refused to marry. This year, when the Emperor brought it up again—this time with a man far inferior to previous candidates—Shi Niang agreed without hesitation. Not only was the boy in the wheelchair unable to accept it, but even Dou Kou felt as if she were dreaming. Like all the palace servants here, she had always believed that Shi Niang refused to marry because she was waiting for Grand Tutor Xue, even if it meant waiting until her beauty faded.

Shi Niang responded absentmindedly, not bothering to look at the boy's pale face in the wheelchair. "Hmm..."

"Sister, why... are you suddenly leaving?"

"Better than serving others in the palace," Shi Niang said, her eyes fixed on the boy's reflection in the bronze mirror, lingering on his legs. Her voice carried a detachment Dou Kou had never heard from her before. "No one wants to serve others. If you don't want to be a burden, don't always expect others to serve you."Doukou's heart sank with dread. She hurriedly glanced at the boy in the wheelchair and saw him staring blankly at Shi Niang's frost-covered profile. After a long moment, he bit his lip tightly and nodded with difficulty, lowering his head to gaze at his motionless legs as he whispered, "Xiao Yu remembers..."

Shi Niang's brow furrowed slightly as she looked at Doukou's stunned reflection in the bronze mirror, chiding gently, "Hurry up, don't miss the auspicious hour."

Doukou quickly bowed her head. "Yes... Your Highness."

Until Shi Niang was fully dressed from head to toe, the boy in the wheelchair didn't speak another word. He simply sat quietly watching from the side. Doukou clearly saw his tightly pressed lips and the tears welling up in his clear eyes, yet not a single drop fell.

Doukou accompanied Shi Niang's palanquin all the way to the palace gates. Suddenly, Shi Niang lifted the curtain and whispered to Doukou outside, "Don't pity him too much... He's different from others. Enduring some hardship now will make his future easier."

Doukou was taken aback. "Your Highness..."

Shi Niang offered a faint, bitter smile. "I entrust him to your care."

(4) 【Extra Story】

Midnight, a lone lamp flickered like a bean.

Xiao Jue woke in a daze. The moment he opened his eyes, he saw a handsome face clouded with obvious anger. Startled, he murmured, "Seventh Uncle..."

The person seated by his bed in a wheelchair held a medicine bowl. Though merely a ten-year-old youth, his tone carried the authority of an elder. "Get up. Take your medicine."

Xiao Jue numbly pushed himself up, his body aching and weak as if he'd practiced swordplay for days on end. A faint chill permeated his limbs. He took the medicine bowl and drank mechanically, the bitterness nearly bringing him to tears.

The person in the wheelchair watched his painfully scrunched-up face with detachment, his voice laced with clear irritation. "If you dare sleep outside my study again, I'll double the coptis in your medicine."

Xiao Jue's nose stung from the scolding. Biting his lip hard, he hung his head as tears pattered down, a few drops falling into the medicine bowl with soft, crisp plinks. Last night had been his first day assigned by imperial decree to serve as this man's guard. The man had only asked his name before burying himself in case files without another glance. Unsure what to do, and seeing no guards outside the study, Xiao Jue had remained standing watch there. The bitter cold of deep winter pierced to the bone, and he was just a seven-year-old child. Before long, he'd lost consciousness standing there.

Remembering his father's final words from half a month ago - "Be loyal and dutiful" - Xiao Jue buried his head deeper, clutching the medicine bowl as he nodded vigorously. "I won't dare again..."

The wheelchair occupant said nothing, starting to push himself away. Panicked, Xiao Jue gulped down the remaining medicine, set the bowl aside, threw off the covers and scrambled out of bed. The moment he stood, dizziness and weakness overcame him, sending him collapsing to the floor with a thud.

The sound of wooden wheels grinding against the floor ceased abruptly. That cool, displeased voice spoke again. "What are you doing?"

Blushing, Xiao Jue climbed up from the floor, grabbing his clothes from the foot of the bed and pulling them on. "I... I'll be ready immediately!"

The person in the wheelchair frowned. "The fourth watch just passed. Why are you getting up?"

Dressing hurriedly, Xiao Jue answered with earnest solemnity, "This humble guard is commanded by imperial decree to protect Seventh Uncle... Wherever you go, I follow."

The wheelchair occupant paused, taken aback. "I don't need your protection."Xiao Jue's face flushed even redder. "Seventh Uncle... I promise I'll never fall asleep on duty again!"

The person in the wheelchair pursed his lips lightly, watching him quietly for a moment before speaking in a tone as plain as water. "You're still feverish. Go to sleep... I need to rest too."

"Which room are you sleeping in? I'll stand guard at your door."

"This is my room."

Xiao Jue froze.

The wheelchair occupant said casually, "Just sleep in this bed... If there really are assassins, you can protect me in time."

Xiao Jue thought for a moment, then responded properly, "Yes."

"You sleep first... I want to read for a while."

"Yes."

(5) [Extra Story]

In March, when orioles flew over growing grass, the imperial garden was filled with spring scenery.

The sound of wooden wheels rolling over the ground came from the other end of the path. The Crown Prince's expression changed as if he had seen a ghost. He suddenly grabbed Jing Yi's arm and dragged them both into a nearby holly bush.

"Your Highness..."

"Shh—"

Jing Yi was startled by the Crown Prince's puffed cheeks and wide-eyed glare, quickly closing his mouth and remaining silent. Through the dense foliage, he curiously looked toward the source of the sound. Having entered the palace as the Crown Prince's study companion at age eight, now nearly three years later, he understood well the temperament of this heir to the throne who was two years his junior.

This nine-year-old master feared nothing in heaven or earth, and no one in the palace could control him. Jing Yi, who accompanied him daily, had never seen him so afraid of anything before.

Whoever could make the Crown Prince afraid must be an extraordinary person.

With the sound of wooden wheels, could it be palace servants pushing carts to tend the garden?

But how could servants be extraordinary...

Before Jing Yi could ponder further, the wheel sounds grew closer. Through the gaps in the leaves, he saw the approaching figure.

It was a youth about his age, dressed in white with jade-like features, noble yet cold and stern. The wooden wheel sound came from the wheelchair beneath him. The path was paved with fine pebbles, and the slender youth, lacking strength, pushed with difficulty. The palace maid following beside him showed faint pity in her expression, but only pitied him without offering help.

Jing Yi watched in surprise. Having been in the palace for three years, he had never seen this person before.

The youth and palace maid passed before the holly bush and gradually moved away. The Crown Prince let out a long sigh of relief and tugged Jing Yi's arm. "Alright, alright, let's go out!"

Recalling some palace rumors, Jing Yi looked thoughtfully in the direction where the youth had disappeared. "Your Highness, is that Prince An?"

The Crown Prince brushed the dirt off his buttocks and pouted unhappily. "Yes... he's my seventh uncle, and he's very fierce."

Jing Yi asked curiously, "How is he fierce?"

The Crown Prince said seriously, "He doesn't smile."

Jing Yi didn't quite understand. "Doesn't smile?"

"He never smiles." The Crown Prince emphasized again heavily before frowning and speaking earnestly. "Think about it - among all these people in the palace, is there anyone who's not fierce but doesn't smile?"

Jing Yi pursed his lips. His intuition told him that the youth's cold sternness was only a thin layer on the surface, but he couldn't find suitable evidence. In the end, he could only offer a light, meaningless comment. "He doesn't look like a bad person.The Crown Prince looked up at Jing Yi, who was half a head taller than him, feeling unconvinced. "If you don't believe me, let's go ask the Grand Tutor."This young master may be mischievous, but he has always been reasonable.

Jing Yi nodded, "Alright."

"Let's go!"

Extra Story: Honey Lily - My Longing Heart

(1) [Extra Story]

The seventh month brings cooling winds.

Shangshu Mansion, capital city.

Xiao Jue looked at the characters on paper that had become as crooked and messy as random scribbles, feeling frustrated as he dropped his brush.

"Yan'er..."

With most of his spine lacking sensation, he had specially commissioned an iron corset to support his back while handling official business. Though it helped him sit upright, the heavy, rigid iron would exhaust him and drench him in sweat within an hour, making his already struggling handwriting completely unsightly.

Leng Yan entered from the outer room, her heart aching at the sight of his pale, sweat-drenched exhaustion. Reaching to remove his iron corset, Xiao Jue instead smiled and extended his right hand toward her.

Whenever he reached the point in his paperwork where his writing became illegible, he would always beg Leng Yan to hold his hand and help him finish, just as she had taught him calligraphy six months earlier.

Leng Yan sternly slapped away the hand he'd extended toward her face, unfastened the iron corset, caught his suddenly limp body, and lifted him horizontally into her arms. After placing him on the bed, she shot him an exasperated glare. "Do you know what time it is? Sleep!"

Xiao Jue gazed longingly at the stack of official documents on the desk. "There are just a few more..."

Leng Yan pulled the quilt over him, leaving no room for negotiation. "Close your eyes and sleep. We'll deal with them tomorrow morning."

"Yan'er..."

Leng Yan narrowed her eyes, a mischievous smile playing on her lips as she traced the outline of his body over the quilt. "If you still have energy to spare..."

Xiao Jue hurriedly shut his eyes. With morning court attendance tomorrow, he absolutely didn't want to endure another session of receiving the emperor's and his colleagues' knowing looks while sporting red marks all over his neck. "No, none left... I'll sleep, going to sleep right now..."

"Good."

(2) [Extra Story]

Five Flavors Inn, Jiangnan town.

"Sweet and Sour Ribs," said Shi Niang in plain clothes and without makeup, steadily placing the perfectly presented plate on the table as she cheerfully addressed the customers. "Enjoy your meal, everyone!"

Before her words faded, newly seated customers at another table called out familiarly, "Shi Niang, snow vegetable with shredded pork noodles, extra two spoonfuls of peanuts!"

"Coming right up!"

Shi Niang slipped into the cramped kitchen and said to Mu Yao, who was busy yet orderly by the stove, "One bowl of snow vegetable with shredded pork noodles, extra peanuts."

Mu Yao acknowledged without looking up.

Shi Niang moved behind Mu Yao, wrapping her arms around his waist, pressing her cheek against his broad, sturdy back. Inhaling his scent of kitchen smoke and listening to his suddenly racing heartbeat, she felt utterly secure and content. "That bowl is for Manager Lu from the rice shop. I heard from his wife recently that he's been having some heart troubles, so remember to go light on the salt."

"Mmm..."

From the small dining area outside—smaller than a bedroom in Prince An Manor—came another call for the proprietress. Mu Yao freed one hand to pat the arms still encircling his waist, his lazy tone carrying warmth steeped in the familiarity of their daily life. "Customers are calling, go on."

Shi Niang released his waist but then linked arms with him. "Kiss me."

Mu Yao frowned. "I'm covered in kitchen smoke..."

Shi Niang glared with her beautiful eyes. "Hurry up and kiss me!"They had been married for over half a year, yet even in private, he still felt shy about such matters. Shi Niang, however, loved teasing him about it, and he would never refuse her.

Mu Yao turned his head awkwardly and pressed a kiss to Shi Niang’s rosy lips. The moment it was over, his entire face flushed as red as a chili pepper in a pan, and he quickly turned away again. "Hurry and go…"

Only then did Shi Niang release his arm with a laugh and turn to leave.

"Coming!"

(3) [Extra Story]

Liangzhou, Governor’s Mansion.

"Xiao Lian… don’t be afraid. This is our own home. No one here would dare bully you."

Upon returning from the government office, Xue Ming’s first task upon entering the room was always to gather Qi Lian—who was curled up in the darkest corner—into his arms, gently patting and soothing her trembling body.

It had been nearly a year since they returned to Liangzhou. Qi Lian no longer cried or made a fuss easily, but she remained exceptionally fearful of people. Whenever she was alone in the room, the sound of anyone passing outside would send her shrinking into a corner, not daring to move until Xue Ming returned.

It took a long while for the person in his arms to calm down. She lifted her head and looked at Xue Ming with a pitiful expression, murmuring softly, "Husband…"

These were the only words she had learned so far. Xue Ming had taught them to her on their wedding night, and she had remembered them instantly.

Xue Ming kissed her forehead, slowly helped her up from the floor, and touched her sunken stomach. He had been too busy with official duties to return for lunch at noon, which meant she must not have had even a sip of water all day.

Xue Ming guided her to sit by the table and poured a cup of water, handing it to her. Qi Lian was clearly parched, gulping down half the cup in one go. But she only drank half, offering the remaining portion to Xue Ming. "Husband…"

Ever since he brought her out of the capital, no matter what food or drink Xue Ming gave her, no matter how hungry or thirsty she was, she would never finish it all by herself. She always saved half for him. The more thirsty or hungry she felt, the more she would set aside for him. If Xue Ming refused, she would grow anxious and start crying.

Watching Xue Ming take the half-cup of water and drink it all in one go, Qi Lian broke into a satisfied smile, as sweet and pure as a fresh lotus in summer.

Xue Ming sighed helplessly and patted her head. "Xiao Lian, you’re pregnant now. You need to take care of yourself, understand?"

Qi Lian continued to smile sweetly, enjoying his affection like a contented cat, but it was clear she hadn’t understood what he said.

"Never mind…" Xue Ming chuckled softly, pinching her fair cheek lightly as if speaking to himself. "Starting tomorrow, I’ll work from home."

Xue Ming couldn’t tell whether she understood that sentence or not, but the smile in her eyes clearly deepened, and she called out to him again with a laugh.

"Husband…"

(4) [Extra Story]

Capital, Prince An Manor.

"Father, look!"

Before Xiao Jinyu could even lift his head from the stack of case files, a soft little body had already climbed into his lap by stepping on the wheels of his wheelchair, holding a small green snake—already unconscious—right in front of his face.

Xiao Jinyu set down his brush, both amused and exasperated, and steadied the wild three-year-old girl in his arms. He took a handkerchief from his sleeve and wiped the mud from her face. His second child was, as he had wished, impeccably healthy—but also hopelessly mischievous. Ever since she learned to crawl, Xiao Jinyu had found himself utterly powerless to control her."Youyou..." Xiao Jin Yu rescued the snake that was nearly squeezed in two by her small hands, looking sternly at his daughter whose big eyes were blinking. "These snakes are raised by Master Ye for medicinal purposes. You can't play with them, understand?"

Xiao Qingyou puffed out her chubby cheeks, her face full of defiance. "I wasn't playing with it!"

Xiao Jin Yu wasn't angry either. He placed the small snake lying in his palm before her and asked seriously, "Then tell me, why were you holding it?"

"I wanted to show it to Father!"

Xiao Jin Yu patiently pressed further, "Show him what?"

Xiao Qing You pointed at the smooth little snake, answering with utmost seriousness, "It has no feet."

Xiao Jin Yu didn't immediately grasp her meaning, "Hmm?"

Xiao Qing You's small hand gently stroked Xiao Jin Yu's lifeless legs through his clothes, "Father can't run, but Father has feet. It runs fast, but it has no feet. Father is still better."

Only then did Xiao Jin Yu realize that this little girl had shown him the snake to comfort him—someone who couldn't stand—by comparing him to a creature without feet.

"Good girl..." Xiao Jin Yu kissed her dirty little cheek, took one of her small hands, and placed the snake in her warm palm. "It has no feet, and I can't run. Will you take it back to Master Ye for me?"

Xiao Qing You solemnly cradled the small snake in her hands, lifting her flushed little face to beam warmly at Xiao Jin Yu.

"Okay!"

(5) [Extra Story]

Capital City, Streets and Alleys, Sunset

"Candied hawthorn berries—!"

A rich, sweet-sounding call drifted into his ears, and Jing Yi instinctively turned to look. Several years ago, he had already been promoted from Vice Minister to Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. The Emperor had long intended to elevate him to the position of Chancellor, but Jing Yi could never bring himself to part with the demanding duties of the Three Law Divisions.

All his dearest loved ones lived within this city. Entrusting the heavy responsibility of safeguarding its peace to someone else was something he simply couldn't feel at ease about.

Jing Yi's gentle gaze swept across the bustling streets and alleys, then suddenly fixed on the entrance of a narrow lane not far away.

Two familiar small figures stood there, gazing longingly at the bundle of candied hawthorn berries across the lane. A warm smile tugged at Jing Yi's lips as he quietly approached, unnoticed by the children.

Xiao Qing You stared straight at the bright red candied hawthorn berries, pouting and muttering, "My father won't let me eat random things from the street..."

Jing Yi chuckled inwardly, then turned his gaze to the boy standing beside Xiao Jin Yu's precious daughter.

It was his own rascal of a son, Jing Mu. At five years old, he had become Xiao Jin Yu's disciple. Now twelve, standing beside six-year-old Xiao Qing You, he already carried himself with a hint of maturity.

Jing Mu looked down at the little girl torn between craving and fear, offering a solemn but terrible idea, "Then let's eat it before returning to the estate. Wang Ye won't find out."

Xiao Qing You shook her head dejectedly, "He will. My father is the most amazing; he knows everything."

How formidable Xiao Jin Yu was, Jing Mu understood even better than Xiao Qing You.

Jing Mu furrowed his handsome brows—so like his father's—pressed his lips together, as if steeling himself for a great resolve, then declared firmly, "Then... if Wang Ye blames you, just say I forced you to eat it. Then Wang Ye will only punish me."

Xiao Qing You quickly shook her head, widening her eyes to glare up at him, "No! My mother forbids me to lie. If I lie, she won't want me anymore!"

Jing Mu seemed to realize his idea wasn't good either, scratching the back of his head in frustration, "Then what should we do..."

Xiao Qing You pursed her cherry-like lips, cast one last longing glance at the bundle from which a few more candied hawthorn sticks had been sold, gritted her teeth, and said decisively, "Let's not eat it."Jing Mu furrowed his brows that had yet to develop a heroic air, looking at her seriously, "But you really want to eat it."

Jing Yi couldn't hold back any longer and cleared his throat softly behind the two terribly conflicted children, a smile in his voice.

"Father?"

"Uncle Jing!"

Jing Yi walked over with a smile, reaching out to pat the children's heads. "Let me make the decision for you. If His Highness blames you, just tell him the truth—say I bought them for you."

So what if Xiao Jin Yu glared at him a few times? He'd been enduring those glares for over ten years already, and who knew how many more years he'd have to endure them in the future. A few more glances wouldn't make much difference...

The two children weren't foolish; they understood immediately. Their clear eyes instantly filled with joy, and Xiao Qingyou even tugged at his sleeve while jumping up and down.

"Thank you, Uncle Jing!"

"Thank you, Father!"

Jing Yi led them to the hawthorn candy vendor and let each choose a stick, smiling as he reminded them, "Don't play too late. Return early, so His Highness and the Imperial Concubine won't worry."

"Okay!"

Watching Jing Mu holding Xiao Qingyou's hand as they ran off joyfully, Jing Yi suddenly remembered something. His smile deepened as he turned to the vendor. "Give me five more."

"Right away!" The vendor took the candied haws from the stand while grinning warmly. "Sir, you're truly blessed to have so many children at home!"

"Not that many, just three..." Jing Yi fished out some copper coins from his sleeve, counting them carefully while wearing a warm smile. "It just occurred to me that my wife loved eating these when she was young. It's been a while since I've seen her have one."

"Your wife must be a great beauty!"

"Yes," Jing Yi's smile grew even brighter in his eyes, "I've never seen anyone more beautiful than her."

(6) [Extra Story]

Prince An Manor, Six Strategies Yard.

Wu Jiang wore a pained expression, helplessly watching the two identical little ancestors before him.

These were Xiao Jin Yu's third and fourth children, Xiao Qingyuan and Xiao Qingyi—a pair of five-year-old twins. Their features already carried Xiao Jin Yu's refined handsomeness, but no one knew whom they'd inherited their temper from—they were hopelessly mischievous. While Xiao Jin Yu was taking his afternoon nap, the two had sneaked into his study and scribbled all over several official documents he'd left on his desk.

Xiao Jin Yu never laid a hand on the children himself when disciplining them; he always left it to Wu Jiang to administer the punishment.

How could Wu Jiang dare to truly strike Xiao Jin Yu's precious children hard? He always went through the motions lightly. But this time, Xiao Jin Yu was truly furious. Adopting the manner of presiding over a court session, he actually determined who had drawn on which documents based on the scribbles—declaring that whoever drew on more documents would receive corresponding spankings from Wu Jiang. In the end, he ruled that Xiao Qingyuan should receive five strikes and Xiao Qingyi seven, even writing out a formal judgment document with a stern face and stamping it with his official seal.

The two children were stunned by Xiao Jin Yu's divine deduction and obediently followed Wu Jiang to receive their punishment.

Their obedience ended there. When Wu Jiang was about to punish them, the two identical little ancestors refused to tell him who was who, insisting that Wu Jiang guess for himself.

In the entire Prince An Manor, only Jing Yi could handle these two. Wu Jiang had always been at their mercy.

"Young masters, please don't make things difficult for this humble official..."

The two mischievous children, delicate as jade carvings, exchanged grinning glances and shook their heads in perfect unison.

Wu Jiang put on a stern face. "Then you'll each get seven strikes."Neither of them showed the slightest trace of fear, both gazing at him with cheerful smiles.

"Uncle Wu is a good man."

"Uncle Wu is the fairest."

"Uncle Wu would never do such a thing."

"Uncle Wu must be teasing us."

Wu Jiang felt nearly driven to madness. As a nearly forty-year-old third-rank general, he found himself trapped by two youngsters, evoking a profound sense of life's bleakness...

Just as Wu Jiang was racking his brains, a gentle voice suddenly came from the corridor beside the courtyard.

"Qingyuan, Qingyi."

The two children's eyes lit up. They abandoned Wu Jiang and rushed over competitively.

"Aunt Xiang!"

Wu Jiang sighed with a mix of amusement and exasperation. Most children in Prince An Manor feared him but adored the gentle Xiao Xiang. Although Xiao Xiang also had no way of handling these two brothers, they never caused her any anger. In her presence, they became as docile as kittens.

"Come," Xiao Xiang smiled as she crouched down, opening the basket she carried and presenting it to them. "Freshly steamed pastries. Each take one piece. I'll bring the rest to One Heart Garden. After dinner, you can share them with your older siblings."

"Okay!"

The two children obediently took their pastries and began eating right there in the corridor, as if completely forgetting they had come to be punished.

Xiao Xiang quietly approached the helpless Wu Jiang, her soft smile deepening as she whispered, "The one on your left is Qingyi, the one on your right is Qingyuan."

Wu Jiang was taken aback. "How did you know?"

Xiao Xiang glanced at the two children engrossed in eating, her smile growing slightly brighter as she lowered her voice further. "The Imperial Concubine taught them well. All of Wang Ye's children are like this - whenever there's food, the older always lets the younger take first, never competing or grabbing."

Wu Jiang's resigned smile softened somewhat as he nodded gently.

Xiao Xiang faintly furrowed her brows and whispered a reminder, "Go easy on them, they're just children..."

"I know."

Just as Xiao Xiang was about to leave, Wu Jiang called out to her in a low voice, making her quickly stop. "What is it?"

Wu Jiang glanced at the two children who hadn't finished their pastries yet, then carefully lifted the cover of Xiao Xiang's basket, retrieved a pastry, quickly stuffed it into his mouth, and urged Xiao Xiang to leave quickly like a thief.

Xiao Xiang walked away smiling, not going far before hearing that steady, reliable voice call out.

"Are you two ready?"

(The End)