re humble, servant has read a few books and understand how glorious this situation currently is. But perhaps... once Madam regains her hands, it will be the end for servant," she said.Qingshu frowned...419. Kidnapping the Young Emperor

419。 Enticing Away the Young Emperor

The Grand Secretary of Ding王府 had arranged for a residence in Li City that was only two streets away from his own mansion. For instance, countries like Western Ling, Beirong, and Nanzhao all have their respective embassies in Li City. However, the Great Chu never did establish one before. This is partly due to the awkward relationship between the Great Chu and Ding王府, and secondly, neither Mo Jingli nor Mo Jingqi wanted to acknowledge that Ding王府 was an independent power. Therefore, every time envoys from the Great Chu arrived, they were accommodated by the Grand Secretary of Ding王府. But this time, Mo Jinyu proactively informed Mo Xiuyao about the intention of the Great Chu to establish an embassy in Li City, a sign of weakness that was quite apparent.

Inside the residence, Mo Suicloud managed to free himself from Mo Jinyu and the officials accompanying him and walked into his own room. The originally hesitant and immature face darkened immediately. He sat silently by the side table, lost in thought.

Before ascending the throne, Mo Suicloud never imagined that one day he would become a king of a country. Just like his dead imperial brother Mo Subao, his mother was just an unremarkable palace maid. Compared to him, Mo Subao's existence was even more ignored; not even his name was chosen by his parents but by the palace maids. Perhaps he was luckier than Mo Subao because he wasn't selected by Mo Jingqi as a successor to become emperor at that time. Over these years, observing Emperor Mo Subao’s life in the palace with cold detachment, he saw it all too clearly. He thought he would quietly live out his days outside the palace after reaching adulthood, an inconspicuous prince. Yet unexpectedly, Mo Jingli was suddenly deposed while on a military campaign, and Empress Dowager Taihuang and all royal relatives found him to be the most suitable candidate for the throne, thus making him the emperor of Great Chu.

Mo Jingli's deposition indeed relieved him. Although he had only seen Mo Jingli a few times, each encounter made him feel an eerie sense of danger. He clearly felt that Mo Jingli wanted to kill him. No, it should be said that Mo Jingli wanted to eliminate all princes left by the previous emperor. And he did not wish to die.

Only after sitting on the imperial throne did he realize his younger brother’s hardships. In Empress Dowager Taihuang and the royal families’ eyes, he was merely a pawn in their game of chess. Mo Suicloud knew that wasn't what he wanted. He didn’t want to live under these people’s control for life. Having heard many stories about Ding Wang, he wished to become someone like him.

So when facing Ding Wang, his respect was genuine. He truly admired and looked up to the awe-inspiring王爺, so much that when paying respects, he couldn't help but glance at Ding Wang. But when meeting those cold eyes of the fair man with white clothes and hair, he panicked a little. Those indifferent eyes seemed not to see him yet saw through his most hidden thoughts clearly. He quickly feigned fear and lowered his head, knowing that he had likely raised suspicions in Ding Wang’s mind…

Mo Suicloud bit his lip and furrowed his brows slightly. Although shrewd and daring, he was still a child of eleven or twelve years old. In the past few years, no one truly taught him how to deal with such unexpected situations; thus, he couldn’t help but panic for a moment. If... if Ding Wang wanted to kill him...

"Your Majesty, there's a young lord who wishes to see you," an attendant reported quietly from outside the door.

Mo Suicloud was in a bad mood and frowned unhappily, "What young lord I don't wish to see."

"But..." The guard hesitated. Mo Suicloud impatiently said, “If anything is important, have Juyu Wang report it; no need to disturb me!” Soon there was silence outside the door. Mo Suicloud sneered inwardly; they didn’t take him as a real emperor and were merely going through the motions of reporting. Although he found it strange that someone would seek out himself in Li City, he had no mind for such matters now.

"Tink...tink..." Just then, there was a soft tapping on his window. Mo Suicloud frowned, just as he stood up to see the window being opened from outside and a handsome young man sticking his head inside.

Mo Suicloud’s brows furrowed slightly; after sizing him up for a moment, he asked, “Was it you who wanted to find me”

The boy pursed his lips and quickly climbed up through the window. He nodded lightly as he landed on the ground, saying, "Right, why didn't you see me" Mo Suicun couldn’t help but roll his eyes. Did I even know him

After taking another look, he discovered that the boy was extremely handsome and seemed younger than himself. Although he wore plain clothes, it did nothing to hide his innate noble aura. After pondering over in his mind, Mo Suicun asked, "Are you…Mo Yuchen"

The young Master of Ding王府rolled his eyes but then smiled as he moved next to Mo Suicun and said with a grin, "You’re really smart, how did you guess that I am the Young Lord" Mo Suicun held back from rolling his eyes. In Li City, who else would dare enter the inn where the emperor was staying other than the young master of Ding王府

"Young Master, what brings you here" Mo Suicun assumed an imperial air and asked seriously.

Mingbao blinked his eyes and looked at Mo Suicun in a rather peculiar manner. "What business Look at me like this…what important matter could I possibly have" He was only ten years old, so how could he handle such matters yet At the moment, he was just an unfortunate child who had been dragged out to meet potential enemies by his detested father.

Mosuicun watched in silence as Mingbao sat down and started munching on a fruit from the table. He felt a slight pain at his forehead, for his long years of living in the palace told him that this boy was not someone to be trifled with.

Mingbao looked at Mo Suicun standing by silently and waved a hand. "Come sit here."

Mo Suicun sat down opposite Mingbao, watching how happily he ate. He wondered if the Prince of Ding王府had ever allowed his son to eat enough. “What do you want”

Mingbao smiled brightly and said, "To play with you! Father says I am the host and must treat guests well. I was worried that you might be lonely, so I came to find you."

"Play" Mo Suicun was somewhat confused.

It wasn’t that he didn’t know his place as a guest. Rather, he could not understand how he and this young master of Ding王府could possibly have become close enough to play together.

Mingbao pouted and looked at Mo Suicun with pride. "What do you say Will you go"

Meeting Mingbao’s seemingly challenging gaze, Mo Suicun suddenly gritted his teeth and nodded firmly. “Sure! I am still an emperor; how can a mere young lord scare me” So this was why the little emperor had agreed to play with him—because he knew that Mingbao wouldn’t dare hurt him

They were leaving right now, so Mo Suicun stood up to open the door. Mingbao quickly pulled him back and asked, "What are you doing" Mo Suicun looked at him in surprise. “Aren’t we going out to play” Mingbao rolled his eyes and pointed at the half-open window. “I came in through there, so how would you explain to others that I was here If Father finds out, I’ll be in big trouble.”

"So, what do you want to do"

Moxiaobao pointed at the window with a pure and innocent smile and said, "We can climb over the wall."

"Climb over the wall!" Moxiyun almost cried out in alarm.

But Moxiaobao had already jumped onto the windowsill. He held on to it and peeked outside before turning back and asked, "You're not afraid, are you" Moxiyun took a deep breath and replied, "Who’s afraid Let's go!"

"That's more like it," said Moxiaobao with a nod. He then lightly leaped down from the window. Moxiyun was startled; he quickly climbed up to see that Moxiaobao was impatiently waving at him from beside the wall corner. Since Moxiyun couldn't perform any martial arts, it was rather awkward for him to climb out of the window. He followed behind Moxiaobao and hid as they sneaked through the inn, but to their surprise, they managed to slip out the back door undetected. Clearly, this wasn’t the first time Moxiaobao had done something like this.

Outside the back door of the inn, several figures immediately surrounded them and pulled them into a frantic run once they stepped outside. Only when they reached a safe spot did Moxiyun get the chance to look around at his companions. He noticed that these children were actually younger than him, which made him feel grown-up and responsible all of a sudden. Looking down at Moxiaobao who was half a head shorter than himself only strengthened this feeling.

"Brother Xiaobao, is this the young emperor from the Great Chu" Cold Junhan asked with an innocent look on his face despite being dressed in white brocade robes that gave him the appearance of a spoiled rich kid.

Next to him, Xu Zhirui—whose expression was as stern as his father’s—frowned at Moxiyun and said, "You need to change your clothes. Otherwise, someone might recognize you." Just being stared down by these two kids who barely reached his chin made Moxiyun break out in a cold sweat.

From the side, Mu Lie—who had changed his name to Qin Lye—threw an old bag over and said, "I knew you'd forget about your clothes."

Moxiaobao raised his eyebrows disdainfully. "So what I still managed to get out of there without changing my clothes. The guards were so useless." As His Highness had predicted, it was all about the thrill of the moment. Leaving the inn with a kidnapped young emperor from Great Chu was just too fun; acting like servants and slipping away wasn’t nearly as challenging.

Cold Junhan gazed at Moxiyun with salivating eyes. "His Majesty... I’ve never seen a real emperor before. This is my first time seeing one in the flesh..." Moxiyun was sweating profussionally; he had thought that there were dangers everywhere in the Chu Palace, but now he would rather face Empress Dowager Taizong and all her ministers than deal with these clearly deranged children. Did this little fatty think he was a roast duck The way he stared at Moxiyun made him feel like a piece of meat that had been drooled on... Moxiyun decided right then to keep his distance from this white, chubby boy.

If Cold Junhan knew what Moxiyun was thinking, he would have protested vehemently. He simply hadn’t met an emperor before; who would’ve thought the biggest person he had seen in life was a prince Although said prince was someone even many emperors feared, that didn't make him an emperor either. Now that he finally got to see a real-life young emperor, Cold Junhan’s insatiable curiosity compelled him to study Moxiyun thoroughly.

Qin Lye shot the somewhat anxious young emperor a glance full of nonchalance and amusement. He seemed better than Mo Xuyun—although Qin Lye couldn’t tell any real difference. Just being so easily led out by this young prince made him wonder how many people would be alarmed if Great Chu’s young emperor suddenly went missing from an inn.

However, Qin Lye didn't care about that; it was up to the young prince to play as he wished, and all he needed to do was ensure their safety.

Pushed by Mo Xiaobao, Mo Suiyun changed into the regular clothes Qin Lie had prepared for him. As a result, these children appeared to be common rich kids. Licheng now gathered many nobles and wealthy merchants; there were usually children of noble families playing on the streets, so even walking down the street didn’t attract much attention.

Mo Suiyun was born in the imperial palace and only left twice in his life: once accompanying the Chu court to the south, and this time heading north to Licheng. Naturally, he found everything novel and interesting. Mo Xiaobao’s group wasn’t as well-traveled as Qin Lie; even Colding Han and Xu Zhirui had grown up roaming around a lot and were used to it all. Saying that they were going out to play was more like the children accommodating the inexperienced young emperor, Mo Suiyun, while also exploring the city. When Mo Suiyun started feeling hungry, Mo Xiaobao generously led him to Licheng’s best tavern for a meal.

The tavern staff obviously knew this group of people very well and skillfully guided them to the quietest room on the second floor as soon as they entered.

Seated in the room, Mo Suiyun tried his best to suppress his curiosity and discomfort, asking, "Young Master, do you often come here"

Mo Xiaobao smiled sweetly and said, "Not really. We only come occasionally, but the food here is delicious. Don’t be shy; this tavern belongs to Qin Lie’s family, so they won’t charge us."

Qin Lie silently rolled his eyes. It was okay to eat for free, but there was no need to announce it so openly, right Little Young Master, do you still remember that the little emperor in front of you is your enemy

Mo Suiyun looked at them enviously and said, "It’s truly great being like you."

Colding Han blinked his eyes and tilted his head to look at him. "If you like it here, you can stay with us and play together. We won’t bully you." Among the group, Colding Han had the best impression of Mo Suiyun; however, this good impression was based on the fact that he was the first emperor he had ever seen.

Mo Suiyun was stunned for a moment before shaking his head and saying, "I can’t stay."

Colding Han nodded understandingly. "I know you are the Emperor of Chu. Is being an emperor fun" Mo Suiyun shook his head sadly. "It’s not fun at all."

"Not fun" Colding Han touched his forehead and asked, "Brother Xiaobao, do you still want to be the emperor The little emperor says it’s not fun." Mo Xiaobao snorted disdainfully. "I am destined to become a Duke; being an emperor is nothing special. I will become a Duke, got that"

"Emperors are greater than Dukes," Xu Zhirui calmly explained the basics to his cousin.

Mo Xiaobao shot him a sideways glance and said, "Which emperor dares say he’s greater than my father"

The group looked at each other and shrugged. Indeed, there were no emperors who dared challenge the Duke in this world now. Xu Zhirui insisted, “Even so, an emperor is still more important.”

Mo Xiaobao frowned and thought for a moment before saying, "Okay, then I will become a Duke first!" How could he stand up if he didn’t step on his father He hadn’t even considered becoming an emperor. Mo Xiaobao confidently planned in his heart.

Mosuiyun asked while eating the fragrant dishes on the table, "What if you don’t become the Prince Regent"

Moxiaobao looked at him in puzzlement and said, "Why wouldn’t I be the Prince Regent"

"Isn’t there a young prince in the DIng王府 (Prince Regent's Mansion)" Mosuiyun said casually, "Just like how the throne doesn’t necessarily go to the crown prince, the position of Prince Regent isn’t necessarily passed down to the eldest son."

“Hmm...” Moxiaobao pondered and nodded. “What you say makes sense. Thank you for reminding me. I’ll make sure Linyi will be a good little brother.” Mosuiyun smiled faintly, "No need to mention it. It was just an offhand comment."

"By the way, Mo Suizhun, I heard that the Grand Empress Dowager of Da Chu is very fierce. Is your imperial grandmother nice to you" Moxiaobao’s eyes twinkled as he asked with concern. Mosuiyun paused in his meal and smiled, "My empress dowager treats me well."

"You’re so lucky. My father is very strict with me. Since you are the emperor… everyone listens to you. I’m just a young prince... my father oppresses me every day." Moxiaobao sighed enviously.

Mosuiyun’s smile turned slightly bitter; he wasn’t as fortunate as it seemed being an emperor. Sometimes even his servants wouldn’t listen to him, let alone everyone else. Looking at the innocent and curious Moxiaobao who tugged on him with questions and the carefree faces of Leng Junhan, Xu Zhirui, and Qin Lie around him indulging in their meal, Mosuiyun felt a surge of jealousy. Why could they live such worry-free lives while he had to tread carefully every day within the Chu palace

"I will definitely be better than my father!" Moxiaobao slammed his hand on the table and shouted.

Leng Junhan and others quietly glanced at him but continued eating without responding. Seeing this, Moxiaobao loudly protested again: "I’ll definitely be better than my father!"

Mosuiyun looked at his angry yet embarrassed expression with a smile and said, “I believe you will.”

Hearing him say that, Moxiaobao’s mood brightened instantly. He slapped Mosuiyun on the shoulder. "That's right! I knew we're in the same boat. You'll definitely be better than your father too! We’ll work hard together!"

Mosuiyun twitched at his words, unsure whether this was a blessing or a curse for him. Although he had no recollection of his own father, he knew well that as an emperor, he was highly unsuccessful. Seeing Moxiaobao’s sincere expression as he gnawed on a crystal pork knuckle, Mosuiyun decided to take it as a blessing.

When Mo Jingyu finally found them and caused chaos in the whole city of Li City, the children had already finished eating and left the table in disarray. The delicious dishes were scattered about with leftovers strewn around. Leng Junhan was lying on the bed rubbing his stomach, full from overeating, while others were still talking animatedly.

"Your Majesty!" Mo Jingyu called out gravely.

Mosiuyun was momentarily stunned and then remembered that Mo Jingyu didn't know he had run out of the inn. He hurriedly tried to stand up, but Moxiaobao whispered beside him, "Don’t be afraid of him; you’re the emperor and have nothing to fear."

Mosiuyun gave him a grateful look before standing up and saying, "Uncle Wang, is there something"

Mo Jingyu's eyebrows twitched. Before he could speak, Feng Zhirao walked out with a smug smile, saying, "Duke Yu, didn’t I say the emperor would be fine in Li City"

Mo Jingyu held back his anger and nodded at Feng Zhirao before asking, "Your Majesty, how did you end up here"

Mosiuyun said softly, "I... I went out to play with Prince Xiao."

Mo Jingyu took a deep breath and said, "When Your Majesty wants to go out in the future, it’s better to take someone along. It also prevents people from worrying." Mosiuyun nodded, saying, "Uncle Wang, I know I was wrong." Seeing that he truly knew his mistake, Mo Jingyu nodded, letting the matter pass. Mosiuyun usually followed orders obediently, so when he suddenly went missing from the inn today, it greatly alarmed everyone in Chu Kingdom. Fortunately, Ding王府 soon reported that Mosiuyun had been dining here with Moxiaobao and others.

Mo Jingyu looked inside and saw those children lying on soft couches with innocent expressions as they stared at him. Mo Jingyu found it hard to believe that a few kids younger than Mosiuyun could persuade the usually cautious little emperor to sneak out of the inn for fun.

Moxiaobao felt he should say something and blinked, addressing Mo Jingyu: "Duke Yu, don’t be angry at Brother Suiyun. It’s all my fault. Originally, I wanted to visit Brother Suiyun in the inn, but... he wouldn’t see me. In a fit of temper, I secretly went into his room. Brother Suiyun only agreed to come out and play after much pleading."

Mo Jingyu said with a faint smile: "Your Highness’s words are too weighty; Your Highness can go directly to the inn to play with the emperor in future. However, we should return now as everyone at the inn is searching for him."

Mosiuyun obediently stood up and followed Mo Jingyu out. Moxiaobao sent him off lingeringly at the door, promising he would come find him tomorrow to play.

Feng Zhirao leaned against the doorway with a pleasant smile as he looked at the four little devils, asking: "How was it Was playing with Chu Kingdom’s little emperor fun"

Leng Junhan shook his head and said, "Not fun; he’s rather foolish."

Xu Zhirui tilted his small head in thought before saying, "It wasn’t fun; he’s insincere."

Qin Lie rolled his eyes: "Even more detestable than Mosuyun." Mosuyun was timid and weak-willed, but not as timid now. He just had too many tricks up his sleeve.s full moon banquet meant that everything was over. From now on, they could just have fun.Below, Lei Tengfeng frowned as he sat next to Prince Southern Command; he asked softly, "Father, what does Duk...