That night, Gu Nuo’er told Gu Yihan everything that she and Ye Siming had discovered at the porridge stall.
It was already night time and it was dark outside. A stretch of white snow covered the green tiles and a bone-piercing cold wind blew.
However, the Qiushui Palace was as warm as spring.
After Gu Nuo’er finished washing her hair, she sat on the red carpet and played with her fabric tiger.
Noble Consort Qiao listened to her daughter’s story of what had happened today while drying her hair with a small brazier.
Gu Yihan bent his knees and sat on the ground opposite Gu Nuo’er, listening to everything with narrowed eyes.
Gu Nuo’er snorted in her childish voice. “Father, these people are too shameless. They wanted to bully us just because Baby Nuo and Elder Brother Siming are young!”
Gu Yihan’s gaze was cold and filled with killing intent. “I’ve long felt that they should die. If such people are kept alive, no matter how we deal with them…
“They will only think of ways to take advantage of the situation and implicate the citizens who are really poor and leading tough lives.”
Noble Consort Qiao raised her long eyelashes and glanced at the emperor. Her red lips moved but she didn’t say anything.
On the other hand, Gu Nuo’er was a mischievous child. She said softly, “Father, it’s not that our method isn’t right, but that we didn’t find the right leader!”
Gu Yihan raised his eyebrows and looked at his daughter. “Baby Nuo has a new idea again?”
Gu Nuo’er’s hair covered her forehead, making her eyes look even more lively.
“Although Father had guards to watch over them, the people who took the porridge will still have their food snatched away. This is because the soldiers on patrol don’t have the energy to constantly keep an eye on this group of people.
“However, Father can choose someone who is usually very familiar with this group of beggars. You can give the person some authority while he supervises and keeps an eye on them while they are distributing the porridge. That way, this matter will be easily resolved!”
Gu Yihan saw his daughter’s sparkling eyes and asked with a smile, “From your tone, you seem to have someone in mind?”
Gu Nuo’er twisted her small body and smiled. “Nothing can be hidden from Father! There’s an uncle called Duan Hanping who lives in the east alley.
“Today, he saw that Baby Nuo and Elder Brother Siming are too young, so he reminded us out of goodwill. Not only that, but we also met many times. Father, can you…”
As the child spoke, she reached out two chubby and fair fingers to tug at Gu Yihan’s dragon robe.
Her sparkling eyes flickered with pleading.
How could Gu Yihan not respond to his daughter’s pitiful gaze?
He immediately smiled brightly. “How can Father not agree to what Baby Nuo said? It’s Duan Hanping’s fortune to have met you.”
After saying that, he waved his hand and called for Chunshou to come in. “Pass down my decree. That Duan… Duan something ping from the east alley will be promoted to a patrol officer from today onwards. He will be in charge of the winter porridge distribution.”
Eunuch Chunshou received the order and said, “Your Majesty and the princess’s clothes for tomorrow’s trip are also ready.”
Gu Nuo’er raised her curious eyes. Gu Yihan waved his hand. “Bring them in.”
Eunuch Chunshou clapped his hands and two palace maids entered with clothes.
It was a set of matching father and daughter outfits, one bigger and one smaller.
They were in a soft bluish green color and the material was smooth.
Gu Yihan’s piece was embroidered with a few tall green bamboos.
As for Gu Nuo’er’s, it was embroidered with small bamboo shoots.
Eunuch Chunshou smiled and said, “It’s already been made according to His Majesty’s request. It has to be of a low profile, but the material can’t be too bad either, lest it makes the princess feel uncomfortable.”
Gu Yihan took Gu Nuo’er’s dress and touched it repeatedly.
His handsome brows furrowed. “This kind of workmanship is still a little too rough. Baby Nuo’s skin is tender and she won’t be able to wear it.”
After saying that, he threw it on the ground, indicating that they should redo it.
