Chapter 15: What About the Day After Tomorrow?
As the person closest to Emperor Yongning, Xiao Lizi could clearly feel that recently, the Emperor was deeply worried about the matter of searching for the princess. Even his footsteps were heavier than usual.
The journey that normally took half an incense stick's time took almost a whole stick today, and he was covered in sweat.
"Your Majesty, should I help you wipe the sweat?"
Xiao Lizi took out the handkerchief he carried with him and waited at the side.
Emperor Yongning paused, allowing Xiao Lizi to help him wipe off the sweat.
After wiping, they continued to stroll in the Imperial Garden.
At this time, the Imperial Garden was quite empty. The air everywhere felt humid and stuffy, which made people uncomfortable. However, Emperor Yongning did not mind. Without those chirping women around him, he rather enjoyed the peace.
As they passed by a rockery, Emperor Yongning said, "I seem to vaguely hear some sounds coming from over there."
Xiao Lizi perked up his ears and listened carefully, "No, I don't hear anything!"
Emperor Yongning gave Xiao Lizi a look of contempt, "Let's go, let's check it out."
At the entrance of the rockery cave, little Jun Ning and little Jun Yu had already finished eating the roast chicken, and they were chirping away, discussing when to meet next.
"Boss, do you have time tomorrow? Can we meet here, same time, same place, tomorrow?" Jun Yu asked eagerly, looking at Jun Ning.
It was clear that he really liked Jun Ning and enjoyed spending time with him.
This kind of fondness came inexplicably, unexplainable, but he simply liked him.
Jun Ning pondered while stroking his chin, and said, "Ah Yu, I might not have time tomorrow." His mother had been watching him closely recently, and it wasn't easy for him to get out; today was a special situation.
"Then the day after tomorrow? Will you have time the day after tomorrow?" Jun Yu persisted.
The little guy's eyes were full of longing, making it impossible for one to dampen his spirits.
However, Jun Ning scratched his head, apologetically saying, "...Well, I also don't have time the day after tomorrow."
Jun Yu fell silent, looking at Jun Ning with grievance and pity, his big eyes welling up with tears, as if they were about to fall at any moment.
Jun Ning really couldn't bear to see Jun Yu cry. He looked away with irritation after a glance, grabbed Jun Yu's shoulders, shook them, and said, feeling a bit annoyed, "Ah Yu, Ah Yu, don't cry!"
Not far away, Emperor Yongning was displeased, "This little brat actually made little Seventeen cry?"
Since Jun Ning was sitting with his back to Emperor Yongning, the Emperor couldn't see the look of difficulty on his face, so seeing Jun Yu cry, Emperor Yongning assumed Jun Yu was being bullied.
Moreover, Jun Ning's silhouette was identical to the little brat who had turned his back on Emperor Yongning and patted his own butt that day. Without needing to see his face, Emperor Yongning immediately identified Jun Ning as the little brat who had teased him before.
His first impression of this little brat wasn't good.
Seeing this scene now, he naturally assumed that this little brat was up to no good again today, bullying others.
Speaking of which, weren't the Imperial Guards searching everywhere for him these days?
The Imperial Guard had exhausted every effort to find him but easily encountered him by chance?
Just like how it's often hard to find something with an iron shoe, yet it comes easily without effort!
Emperor Yongning wasn't sure if it was due to anger or something else, but his spirits suddenly lifted, and he became lively, moving with brisk steps.
He strode forward in anger, wanting to personally catch and teach that little brat a lesson.
He also wanted to stand up for his little, timid son, who didn't talk much and was very shy.
No one can bully his little son.
This little brat dares to be insolent; watch him break this brat's leg.
However, Xiao Lizi held him back, "Your Majesty, take a closer look, the Seventeenth Prince doesn't seem to be getting bullied by that little brat. The Seventeenth Prince looks like he's playing with that little brat."