The useless second daughter of the Hua family

Qingyao always felt uncomfortable about what happened that day. Since then, she never visited the little prince again, but she helped them to come on time behind the scenes and specifically asked the nanny to take good care of them.

The eldest prince learned of Qingyao's actions, so he found her privately and reminded her earnestly: "I know you have a kind heart and have done your best for Sixth Prince's affairs. But everything should be done in moderation, so as not to cause trouble for yourself."

Qingyao didn't refute immediately after hearing this, but showed an interested expression and responded softly: "Then tell me in detail. If what you say makes sense, I will listen to you."

Seeing this, the eldest prince could only shake his head helplessly, then slowly opened his mouth and told Qingyao the story about his sixth younger brother.

It turns out that the Sixth Prince Li Luo was born to the late Queen, and was a legitimate son. The late Queen and the Emperor had a deep affection for each other, but unfortunately they had no children. The late Queen was already weak, and had been pregnant several times, but failed to keep the baby, and the children all died in the womb. The Sixth Prince was the Dragonborn that the late Queen had given birth to despite everyone's opposition and risking her life. However, the Emperor did not like this son, but thought that he had killed his beloved wife. So, in a rage, the Emperor ordered him to be abandoned to the cold palace, left to fend for himself. Fortunately, he was rescued by a kind concubine in the cold palace, and after the concubine died, he was raised by the little maid beside the concubine.

After Qingyao heard this, she couldn't help but sigh: "Your father is so unreasonable!"

The eldest prince's face changed, and he gently scolded: "Ayao! Do you know what you just said? If other people hear such treasonous words, you may lose your life!"

However, Qingyao didn't care and responded righteously: "As a minister and the emperor's teacher, I should give honest advice and act accordingly. But you, as the head of many princes, how can you turn a blind eye to such an obviously unfair thing? After all, he is your brother. Can you really watch him live in such a miserable state?"

Since they met, there had never been any quarrel or conflict between the two. Under the disappointed silent gaze of the eldest prince, Qingyao gradually regained her composure and rationality, and she realized that what she had just said was indeed too impulsive and harsh.

So, she said apologetically: "I'm sorry, Li Xu, I shouldn't have lost my temper with you. You were just reminding me with good intentions. This is originally your family affair, and I, as an outsider, really shouldn't interfere too much or comment on it."

"You have no conscience. When did I ever treat you as an outsider? You can use whatever the emperor gave you. When have you ever been polite to me?"

The eldest prince Li Xu has always been gentle and approachable, and does not have the arrogant and conceited habits of other princes. Therefore, Qingyao is quite close to him. Although the two have only known each other for a short time, they have become close friends who can talk about anything.

"Forget it, I've said everything that needs to be said. You can take care of yourself." Li Xu sighed softly and said no more.

Qingyao reached out and patted Li Xu on the shoulder, smiling and saying, "Thank you for your advice, Your Highness. I know what to do in this matter."

Qingyao turned and left. She decided to meet the Sixth Prince again. However, when she saw the frail figure being bullied by the palace maids again, she couldn't help but feel pity for him. After all, he was the son of the current emperor and the beloved child of the late queen! How could he end up in such a miserable state?

"Maybe... I should help him get the dignity and treatment he deserves." Qingyao thought silently.

After that day, Qingyao would go to the cold palace from time to time. She brought all kinds of daily necessities for the Sixth Prince, from clothes to food. The Sixth Prince silently watched Qingyao's busy figure, with an indescribable gratitude in his eyes.

Qingyao did not deliberately avoid others when she left the cold palace, but no one came out to stop her. As time went by, Qingyao gradually realized that all this might have been tacitly approved by the person in charge.

From then on, Qingyao went to the cold palace more and more frequently. Not only did she bring material help to the Sixth Prince, she also taught him all kinds of knowledge. Li Luo eagerly absorbed everything Qingyao taught him.

Time flies, and the Sixth Prince gradually transformed from a child into a young man. And Li Luo's teacher-student relationship with Qing Yao also underwent a subtle change...

On this day, Qingyao returned to Beijing after traveling south with the eldest prince. She came to the cold palace as usual, but found that the sixth prince was missing.

After questioning Cui Sang, Li Luo learned that Cui Sang's condition had worsened, so he went to the emperor to ask for medicine.

Qingyao had a bad feeling in her heart and hurried to the emperor's bedroom.

When she rushed to the palace, she saw the Sixth Prince kneeling alone in the rain.

"Who told you to run around!" Qingyao shouted angrily.

"I... I just want to see my father." The Sixth Prince lowered his head, his voice trembling slightly.

The eunuch beside her hurriedly stepped forward with an umbrella to shield her from the rain. "Lord Qingyao, the Sixth Prince has offended the Holy Emperor and is punished to kneel here and reflect on his mistakes."

"Eunuch, has His Majesty gone to bed? I would like to see His Majesty."

"His Majesty has ordered that if you wish to see me, just go in."

"Thank you."

Qing Yao stepped into the main hall, knelt on both knees, bowed her head and said: "Your Majesty, the Sixth Prince is still young, and he was disrespectful in front of the palace. It is really my failure to teach him well. I beg Your Majesty to punish him severely."

The emperor raised his eyes slightly, his gaze fell on Qingyao, his eyes were full of helplessness, and he asked softly: "Why are you so concerned about that child?"

Qingyao did not raise his head, but answered in a slightly low voice: "Qingyao lost his parents when he was young, and he knows the pain. He also knows the pain of relatives meeting but not recognizing each other. I really can't bear to let him go through this torture again."

After hearing this, the emperor frowned slightly, and after a moment of silence, he spoke again: "Qingyao, are you still blaming your uncle?"

Back then, the emperor had just ascended the throne and his foundation was not stable. The barbarians on the border rose up and invaded. In order to avoid the suffering of the people, the ministers in the court proposed peace talks and marriage. But at that time, the only princess in the palace who was eligible for marriage had already married. In order to protect the country, the emperor had no choice but to cruelly separate the two. Not long after that, the prince consort "suddenly fell ill and died", and the princess was too sad, depressed and had a difficult delivery, and the baby died in her womb. No one knew that on that night, the poor child was secretly sent to the imperial tutor's residence.

Qingyao closed her eyes tightly and adjusted her emotions in a few breaths. When she looked up again, she was calm and indifferent again, "Qingyao, I don't know what your majesty means?"

Upon seeing this, the emperor sighed softly, and his tone became slightly gentler: "Forget it. Considering that he is still young and it is his first offense, I will forgive him for now. But if there is a next time, I will never condone it easily!" After that, he waved his hand to signal Qingyao to get up and leave.

Qingyao breathed a sigh of relief, thanked the emperor, and left with the Sixth Prince.

As soon as they entered the cold palace and closed the door, Qingyao suddenly pushed Li Luo to the ground. Cuisang, who was standing by, saw that the two were wet all over, and she struggled to get them some dry clothes, but was stopped by Qingyao's eyes.

"I haven't seen you for three months, but you've become bolder! Is that a place you can trespass into?" Qingyao glared at Li Luo and scolded him harshly.

"You've been gone for such a long time, and Sister Cuisang is so seriously ill, what can I do?" Li Luo raised his head, a hint of grievance and resentment in his eyes.

"Are you a child? Do you need me to watch over you all day? I have already taken care of the nanny in charge, and left enough silver for you. I have taught you so much, but you can do nothing but act recklessly at the critical moment." Qingyao became more and more angry as she spoke.

"It was you who said you would take care of me, but you went and had a good time with your eldest brother. If you can't do it, you shouldn't have promised it so easily!" Li Luo retorted, with a hint of unwillingness and anger in his voice.

Seeing Li Luo, who seemed to have suffered a lot of grievances but was still stubborn and refused to bow his head, Qingyao couldn't help but feel helpless and amused. Finally, she sighed and said softly, "Okay, I'm wrong this time, get up quickly." After that, she smiled slightly, took the initiative to stretch out a hand, and pulled Li Luo up from the ground.

When the two stood side by side, Qingyao suddenly realized that the little boy had grown up quietly and was as tall as her. This made Qingyao feel proud that her son had grown up.

Seeing that Li Luo was still stiff-necked and looked unconvinced, she couldn't help but reach out and rub his head, scolding him: "You, when will you really be sensible? Look how scared your sister Cui Sang is! Just stay still, I will find a way to find an imperial physician to treat her."