Starting in Exile: Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Lucky Little Wife

Chapter 220 A Childlike Question Amidst the Tumultuous Court Scenes

Sunlight streamed unreservedly into the courtyard of Ning Shou Palace, bathing every brick and stone in a warm glow. A gentle breeze rustled the blossoms. Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao, like two joyful deer, skipped and hopped into Ning Shou Palace, their clear laughter instantly shattering the tranquility.

"Grandpa, Grandma," Xiao Nanyao's clear voice echoed in the palace. Her eyes were bright and sparkling, as if they held a sky full of stars. She held Xiao Nanyi's hand and walked with hurried steps, as if rushing to a grand feast.

The Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager sat on carved sandalwood chairs, the warm sunlight filtering through the window lattice, outlining their soft silhouettes. Upon seeing the two children, smiles immediately bloomed on their faces, smiles as radiant as spring blossoms, full of doting affection.

The Empress Dowager gently patted Xiao Nanyao's head and said with a smile, "We have seen many beautiful landscapes, including fields of flowers covering the mountains and clear streams where fish swim freely."

Little Nanyao listened intently, the image of fish swimming happily appearing in her mind, and a smile involuntarily crept onto her lips. Suddenly, as if remembering something, she blinked her big eyes and asked, "Grandma, did you encounter any bad people on the road?"

Xiao Nanyi nodded obediently, a serious look appearing on his tender face. He said in a clear voice, "That's right, Grandfather. I often hear ministers talking about how there are extremely corrupt officials in some places. These bad guys are wantonly oppressing innocent people."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager exchanged a glance. A fleeting hint of seriousness crossed their eyes in that brief exchange, but it was quickly masked by the gentle smiles that returned to their faces. The Emperor Emeritus straightened his posture and spoke slowly and deliberately: “My dear grandson, in this vast world, there is indeed a small group of people with ulterior motives and evil intentions. Take Qingping Town, which we are visiting, for example; there, we encountered such an outrageous incident.”

"Is that so?" Xiao Nanyao was astonished. She subconsciously covered her mouth with her hand, her big, bright eyes wide open, as if she couldn't believe what she had just heard. She asked eagerly, "What terrible things did they do?"

The Emperor Emeritus's expression gradually turned serious, and his voice lowered: "In Qingping Town, the local Minister colluded with a wealthy merchant. They not only forcibly seized the land and houses that the people depended on for survival, but also maliciously inflated prices, making the already struggling people's lives even more miserable. It's truly a life of misery for the people."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Nanyi frowned deeply, his little face turning red with anger. He angrily shouted, "How dare these guys act so recklessly? They are absolutely despicable! Grandpa Emperor, you and Grandma must severely punish these lawless villains!"

“Of course they must be punished.” The Emperor Emeritus’s eyes were firm and dignified. “How could my grandfather and grandmother watch the common people suffer? We secretly investigated, collected evidence of their crimes, and then brought them to justice and returned what belonged to the people.”

Little Nanyao clapped her hands and said happily, "That's great! Grandpa and Grandma are so amazing! The common people must be so happy."

The Empress Dowager nodded with a smile: "Yes, the people are very happy, and they are cheering for us. Seeing their smiles, Grandfather and Grandmother feel that all the hardships of the journey have been worthwhile."

Xiao Nanyi rested his chin on his hand and asked thoughtfully, "Grandpa, how can we prevent such bad people from appearing?"

The Emperor Emeritus patted Xiao Nanyi's head and said earnestly, "This requires each of us to abide by the rules and have an upright and kind heart. Especially for officials, they must think of the people and not harm others for their own benefit."

"Then I will also be an upright and kind person in the future, and protect the people." Xiao Nanyi clenched his little fist, his face full of determination.

Xiao Nanyao quickly added, "Me too, I want to help those in need."

The Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager smiled with satisfaction as they looked at their two children's earnest expressions. The Empress Dowager said, "Your grandfather and grandmother are truly delighted that you have such thoughts. However, achieving this will not be easy; it will require you to continuously strive to learn and increase your knowledge and wisdom."

"We will definitely work hard!" Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao said in unison.

Then, Xiao Nanyi asked curiously, "Grandpa, how did you discover that those bad people were doing bad things?"

The retired emperor patiently explained, "It was the local magistrate who told us. He is a good official who has always wanted to seek justice for the people, but his power alone is too small. So, when he learned that we were there, he mustered up the courage to tell us."

Xiao Nanyao remarked with admiration, "That county magistrate was quite brave too."

“Yes, he is very brave and responsible,” the Emperor Emeritus affirmed. “Therefore, we should also learn from him and stand up bravely when we see injustice.”

Xiao Nanyi nodded, then asked, "Grandpa, will there still be such bad people in the future?"

The Emperor Emeritus sighed softly and said, "This world is vast, and there are bound to be some dark corners. However, as long as each of us holds justice in our hearts and strives to make a difference, we can certainly make this world a better place."

Little Nanyao held the Empress Dowager's hand and said earnestly, "Grandma, when I grow up, I want to go with you to help those suffering people."

The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "Very well, your grandmother will wait for that day. But for now, you must study hard and learn more knowledge so that you can better help others."

"Yes, we will definitely study hard!" Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao said firmly.

Before they knew it, the last rays of the setting sun shone through the windows, casting golden patches on the palace floor. Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao knew it was time to go back, and they reluctantly bid farewell to the Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager.

"Grandpa, Grandma, we'll come see you again next time," Little Nanyao said, waving her little hand.

"Alright, be careful on your journey." The Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager smiled as they watched the two children leave.

On their way back to their palace, Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao were still having a lively discussion about what they had just discussed.

"Brother, when I grow up, I want to be like Grandpa and Grandma the Emperor, and do lots and lots of good things for the people," Xiao Nanyao said with great anticipation.

Xiao Nanyi nodded and said, "Me too. I want all the bad guys to be punished so that ordinary people can live a happy life."