Crowned by the Treacherous Big Shot
Chapter 539 - 463 Emperor Liang Dotes on Treasure Piggy the Most

Chapter 539: Chapter 463 Emperor Liang Dotes on Treasure Piggy the Most

In broad daylight, Prince Jin called a child his father.

The crowd, blocked here alongside him, could barely stifle their laughter, nearly bursting out on the spot.

Prince Jin’s face flushed with embarrassment.

Under the clear skies and in full view of everyone, what an outrageous joke this was.

Could someone please explain to him what was going on here? Why was there a child on his father’s Emperor’s Chariot?

His father didn’t even like children.

Naturally, children were mostly terrified of his father—crying upon seeing him, with not a single one daring to approach.

Prince Jin was utterly baffled. His first thought after the initial shock was to figure out which family’s child was so unruly as to climb onto the Emperor’s Chariot and make a scene.

But when his gaze swept over the eunuchs carrying the Emperor’s Chariot, he had to admit that no child could have so easily bypassed them to climb aboard.

Lu Qi, standing beside Prince Jin, said, "It’s Zhaozhao."

He had spent a few days in the palace and had seen this little one, who had his royal grandfather wrapped so tightly around her finger that he didn’t know what was up or down. He also recognized her voice.

He knew that his royal grandfather doted on her—far more than he doted on him, the Imperial Grandson.

Of course, he wasn’t about to vie for favor with a child. He was the Imperial Grandson, and his royal grandfather’s strict yet affectionate approach toward him was meant to prepare him for the day he would inherit the empire.

As for a little one like Zhaozhao, who was doted on to the heavens, she would grow up to be nothing more than a spoiled Commandery Princess.

"It’s that child."

Prince Jin suddenly understood.

Lu Qi hadn’t spent much time with Emperor Liang and didn’t have a grasp of the Emperor’s temperament or his past, so he wasn’t too astonished that Emperor Liang would dote on a child to such a degree.

Only Prince Jin, as his son, could deeply sense the importance this little one held in Emperor Liang’s heart.

Still, he wasn’t concerned.

He said unhurriedly, "When Pingting was young, your grandmother kept a cat. She loved it dearly, so much so that even when it scratched Pingting, she couldn’t bring herself to throw it away. But, you know, the novelty always wears off eventually."

Lu Qi nodded. "I understand, Father."

Prince Jin said indifferently, "Using a child to vie for favor—well, I suppose the Crown Prince’s Mansion must truly be at their wit’s end."

Lu Qi glanced back and said to Prince Jin, "Father, they’re here."

Upon hearing this, Prince Jin turned to look and saw Lu Zhaoyan and Lu Yuan strolling leisurely toward them, looking entirely at ease.

Father and son also noticed the pair.

Lu Yuan smiled nonchalantly. "Oh, what a coincidence. I thought we’d been delayed so long on the road that we’d arrive half a day after you, dear Uncle. Turns out you’re so kind-hearted, waiting for us here in the Imperial Garden."

A flicker of sternness passed through Prince Jin’s eyes.

Lu Zhaoyan blocked Prince Jin’s gaze and said to Lu Yuan, "Come, greet your two royal uncles."

The Third Prince, Prince Rui, was the son of the late Concubine Liu, who had been posthumously honored as Consort Liu after Emperor Liang ascended the throne.

The Fourth Prince, King Qi, was the son of Shen Zhaorong.

Lu Yuan cupped his hands in salute. "Third Royal Uncle, Fourth Royal Uncle."

Both nodded courteously, treating this nephew with respect under everyone’s watchful eyes.

Truly befitting their status as princes—they played their roles better than those shortsighted palace attendants.

Back on the carriage, Lu Zhaoyan had already given Lu Yuan some background on the princes.

Among all the princes, the ones with the most esteemed parentage were Prince Jin, born to Consort Hu, and Prince Fu, born to Consort Jiang.

However, Prince Jin was the eldest son, so his role as heir apparent was practically an open secret.

Prince Fu didn’t need to go out of his way to court the favor of their eldest brother like the others did.

"Second Brother, where’s Sixth Brother? Didn’t he come with you?"

Prince Rui asked.

Lu Zhaoyan replied, "He went to buy lingzhi for Mother Empress."

Prince Rui said, "How considerate of Sixth Brother."

The Fourth Prince, King Qi, asked in a sarcastic tone, "Second Brother, the child is still young. Make sure to teach her properly."

Lu Zhaoyan’s gaze grew cold. "What do you mean by that, Fourth Brother?"

King Qi glanced at the tightly closed curtains of the Emperor’s Chariot and sneered. "Though she’s just a little girl, she’s still of imperial blood. If she behaves with such a lack of decorum, people will think our Imperial Family has no upbringing."

"Who are you calling uneducated?"

A commanding and severe voice rang out from behind the group.

Everyone felt a shudder run through their hearts and hurriedly turned to bow respectfully.

"Father!"

"Royal Grandfather!"

"Your Majesty!"

Emperor Liang strode to the front and gave King Qi a fierce glare.

King Qi’s scalp tingled with dread. "Father, I was only worried that a small child running about might offend you, so I spoke up."

Emperor Liang snapped furiously, "A small child, offend me? What, am I a tyrant?"

King Qi was at a loss for words. "...That’s not what I meant."

Lu Yuan chimed in with a cutting jab, "Dirty minds see dirt everywhere."

King Qi: "...!!"

From behind the curtains of the Emperor’s Chariot, Treasure Piggy poked out her chubby little face and called out, "Great-Grandpa! Baby’s here to pick you up after court!"