es were cooperating outwardly while secretly going against orders and thus didn’t plan on pursuing them.Mo Xiuyao’s lips curled up a little as he said coldly: “Those who let me wait will have to pay f...18. Little Treasure's Deceptive Scheme (2)

18。 Little Treasure's Deceptive Scheme (2)

The news that the Young Master of Prince Dìng’s Manor was seeking a consort spread unknowingly throughout the realm. This wasn’t just exciting for the nobles in Lí City, but also for powerful individuals from other regions and neighboring countries. Representatives from Xīlíng, Nánchǔ, and several Western Regions small states arrived to express their interest in political marriages. The local nobility under Prince Dìng’s Manor were even more straightforward; they brought their daughters directly to Lí City.

Their idea was simple: if selected, their family would rise to unprecedented heights; if not, it would be a chance to see the world of Lí City. Nowadays, Lí City wasn’t just the capital of Prince Dìng’s Manor but also the main route for exchanges between Western Regions countries and Central Plains. Its scale had long surpassed that of Chǔ Capital in the past and Guǎnglíng during the previous dynasty, giving it an air of being the largest city in Central Plains.

On Lí City's bustling streets, several youths of similar age were strolling through the crowd. Although their clothes weren’t eye-catching, their handsome faces still drew many onlookers’ attention.

Mò Xiǎobǎo happily stroked his face. The disguise given by Qīlín was indeed excellent; no one recognized him on the street. Turning to look at Qín Liè, Xú Zhīruì, and Lěng Jūnhán, he nodded in satisfaction. All four of them were raised in Lí City, so the commoners there knew them well. Especially Mò Xiǎobǎo; since inheriting the title of Prince Dìng, every time he went out, he would inevitably encounter various 'coincidences'. Little Treasure sadly discovered that although he was now the master of Prince Dìng’s Manor, Lí City had ceased to be a place where he could roam freely as a child. As such, within just half a year, Mò Xiǎobǎo developed the habit of disguising himself whenever he went out.

"Why does this street seem exceptionally busy" Although Lí City was繁華, were there really so many people Looking at all the silk stores and jewelry shops along the roadside that were nearly overcrowded with people, Mò Xiǎobǎo said somewhat dazedly. Could it be that his governance was indeed effective, causing such a rapid increase in Lí City's population

Xú Zhīruì, who followed behind him, gave him a cool glance and shattered his fantasy mercilessly. "Don’t daydream; isn’t this all your doing" Xǔ Gōngzi’s heart was burning hot these days as people kept asking him questions wherever he went.

"Me" Mò Xiǎobǎo innocently looked at Xú Zhīruì, "What have I done"

Lěng Jūnhán, with a pleasant smile, turned his head to admire the various beauties coming and going. He said, “Isn’t Prince Dìng planning on selecting a consort These ladies are preparing for the selection banquet.” Regardless of whether or not he could find an eligible consort, the recent increase in profits from silk, cosmetics, perfumes, and jewelry merchants was significant, which showed that Little Treasure Marquis had made some achievements.

"Selection banquet What’s that" Mò Xiǎobǎo looked puzzled.

The other three exchanged glances, silently glaring at Mò Xiǎobǎo. After a while, Qín Liè asked, "Could it be that you never intended to select a consort in the first place" Mò Xiǎobǎo snorted arrogantly and said, “Selecting consorts I was merely joking. Have I officially issued an order or put out a notice No, right Clearly, these people are overestimating themselves.”

A group of four people were secretly hiding in a teahouse on the busiest street of Li City, peering down from windows above to observe the opposite side of the street.

"That one looks like Miss Three from Mr. Wei's family," said Leng Junhan excitedly as he leaned by the window: "Miss Three is now known as the most beautiful woman in Li City. I didn't expect her to be here."

Moh Xiao Bao glanced out with disinterest. The most beautiful woman in Li City So what. She doesn’t look more attractive than my mother or my aunts-in-law. The only thing that can be said is probably her youth, "As far as I know, Mr. Wei's family background isn't very strong. Yuhuang Pavilion’s products are quite expensive; we should send someone to investigate later. If there's any problem, confiscate everything they have!"

Upon hearing this from Moh Xiao Bao, Leng Junhan immediately lost interest in the beauty title and turned around to enthusiastically discuss with Moh Xiao Bao: "That’s right! We can have people record what these ladies buy, then check their accounts. It should be easy to catch some corrupt officials!"

Moh Xiao Bao propped up his chin as he seriously pondered the feasibility of this idea. Nearby, Xu Zhirui said with a headache: "You better first think about how you would deal with the princesses from Western Ling and Southern Chu if they are sent for a marriage alliance."

"Marriage alliance Would Southern Chu really send a princess" Originally, Southern Chu was related to the Ding Prince's family. The princess is too closely related; she can't marry.

Qin Lie smiled and said: "Actually, the bloodline between the Ding Prince's family and Southern Chu has long been distant. It’s possible that Mo Suicun might indeed send a princess your way." Mo Suicun was almost of the same age as Moh Xiao Bao, both ruling their regions since they were young. Although the two haven't clashed yet, Qin Lie could already imagine how it would play out.

Moh Xiao Bao rubbed his chin and said with a sly smile: "It's fine if they send one over. You guys are engaged anyway; what about each of you getting a princess"

"I don’t want to!" Leng Junhan protested first, looking noble as he declared: "This esteemed young master has already promised his life to Xieer Sister. This esteemed young master will remain chaste for her."

"Bull**!" Moh Xiao Bao's elegant lips spouted out extremely crude words, "Who asked you if I agreed to your marrying Xieer Dare to sully my precious Xieer’s reputation again and I’ll force a hideous, fat, ill-tempered she-devil upon you!"

Leng Junhan immediately covered his mouth and hid behind Xu Zhirui's arm. Moh Xiao Bao's thoughts were terrifying; worse was that he really had the guts to turn them into reality. Leng Junhan didn't want to come home one day and see a seven-foot-tall, fat, ugly she-devil with protruding teeth. Terrified by his own imagination, Leng Junhan’s fair face turned alternately pale and red.

"Your Highness, the envoy from Southern Chu wishes an audience."

Outside the annex, a guard hurriedly came up to report.

Moxiaobao raised his eyes and asked, "Ambassador of South Chu What's the matter"

The guard presented an embossed invitation and said, "Chu Emperor Mo Su Yun is getting married. He invites Your Highness to attend."

"Huh" Moxiaobao took the invitation with great interest; indeed it was written that in two months' time Chu Emperor Mo Su Yun would marry Lady Qian, the granddaughter of South Chu's Grand Tutor. "The little emperor is getting married Should we go and have a look"

"Little emperor Mo Su Yun" Leng Junhan asked disinterestedly. He had no impression of Mo Su Yun, so he naturally forgot that once upon a time he'd deceived him. Of course the Young Master Leng might not even think of himself as having done anything wrong. More than five years ago, they hadn't thought much of Mo Su Yun, but in recent years Mo Su Yun had made quite an impression in South Chu. He was fighting his ministers and Empress Dowager, yet he was still under twenty, so it seemed that he'd almost completely seized control over half the power in South Chu. That's what started to pique Moxiaobao's interest and got him to pay attention to this little emperor who had once been praised by His Majesty their father. And Mo Su Yun, it appeared, was gradually growing to enjoy "the infinite joy of battling Heaven, Earth, and man," for he'd lately begun to challenge his counterpart in age, Moxiaobao. Though he hadn't done anything improper yet, Moxiaobao had detected this young emperor's hostility towards him. This left the student Moxiaobao silently dejected for a quarter of an hour.

"Do you wish to go to South Chu" Xu Zhiri asked with a frown.

Moxiaobao sighed and said, "If we don't go now, there won't be another chance." Right now they still had his great-uncle and fourth uncle to help them out, but Moxiaobao saw that the former was unlikely to stay long. While he was still alive, it was fun; once his great-uncle ran away, all he could do was cry over memorial scrolls by himself. But… shouldn't they be able to drag things along until Xu Zhiri and Leng Junhan were ready to help out

Moxiaobao loved bargaining with people, but generally what he offered for discussion had already been decided upon. Therefore, the other three merely put up token resistance before giving their approval. Actually… they too wanted to go out and play.

The next morning, even before dawn four figures slipped out of Ding王府 (Ding Wangfu) and made their way towards the city gates, intending to slip through them as soon as they opened.

"Big brother, Brother Xiaobao…"

A cheerful cry rang out on the dimly lit streets. Moxiaobao stiffened first before quickly rushing over to grab the smug little boy waving at him and dragging him away with his mouth covered.

"Why are you here at this time!" Fixing Mo Yufeng, who was still as innocent-looking as ever, with a glare, Moxiaobao growled. At such an hour, shouldn't the brat be fast asleep With no sense of guilt for leaving his younger brother behind and going out to play on his own, Moxiaobao asked while gripping Mo Yufeng's collar.

Moyufeng was carelessly carried in the air by his older brother, excitedly waving his arms around. "Linyin heard Junhan Brother say he wants to go out secretly for fun without bringing Linyin along. Linyin also wants to go! Linyin will wait here for Brother to take him!"

Third Brother and the other young men all shot cold glances at Leng Junhan: He's incapable of doing anything right, yet he manages to mess things up!

Leng Junhan helplessly pinched his nose. Who knew this kid would overhear Taking the little bun from Mo Xiaobao’s hands, Leng Junhan smiled and tried to placate him. "Linyin be good. We aren’t going out for fun, we’re going out on business."

"Linyin can help Brother with it!" Moyufeng held up his small hand eagerly.

At six years old, you barely understand anything!

"Going out every day means sleeping in the open and eating by the wind. Plus there are tigers that want to eat people," Leng Junhan threatened him.

Moyufeng’s big eyes shone brightly as he looked at him, "Tiger! Fight tiger!"

Xu Zhirui stepped forward and grabbed Moyufeng, staring down at him solemnly. “No going!”

"Can’t go" Moyufeng blinked his eyes and looked up at his cousin with big longing eyes.

“Hm.”

“Waaaaah…” Moyufeng pouted his little mouth, about to let out a loud cry. Everyone hurriedly stepped forward to tightly cover his small mouth; this little master’s cries had enough power in them that they could wake up half the street. The kid curled into Xu Zhirui's arms, looking pitiful as he looked at his own brother, "Won’t take me I’ll cry!"

Mo Xiaobao rolled his eyes; he changed his mind. Whoever said this little brat was dumb, he’d kick them to death!

Thus, the quartet of young men, having been duped by a little kid not yet seven years old, took the plump and fair toddler toward the city gate.

When dawn broke, Mr. Qingchen came to the王府to discuss official matters and only then realized that there wasn't a single master in the Ding Prince's Manor. On his usual desk in the study was a letter.

The Chu Emperor is getting married; I must return within half a year.

Seeing this, Xu Qingyan, who stood behind Mr. Qingchen, couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his mouth; to send gifts for half a year, this little prince truly had the nerve to do so.

"Did Little Treasure also take Liren away Should we go after them" A child of about fourteen taking another true little kid out always made people uneasy. Xu Qingchen shook his head and laid down the letter before slowly starting on official matters, "No need, if he took him away, there must be a reason." Besides, even if Mo Xiaobao had run away from home, it was impossible for just some kids to go alone; surely there were many undercover guards or even Qilins following secretly. Furthermore, the people of the Ding Prince's Manor stationed all over could take care of them along the way; they needn't worry about anything happening.

Xu Qingyan nodded his head and cursed Mo Xiaobao inwardly for lacking a sense of righteousness, not telling him about such an interesting matter. Just as he was thinking this, he saw Mr. Qingchen suddenly turn around to look steadily at himself. Xu Qingyan jumped in fright, thinking that his brother had caught onto his thoughts, "Eh... Big Brother"

Mr. Qingchen said coolly, "There's something I need to attend to quickly."

"What is it" Xu Qingyan was bewildered.

Mr. Qingchen replied calmly, "The selection banquet for imperial consorts." Those bored old men in Li City were just as concerned about this matter as they had been when waiting for Mo Xiuyao to ascend the throne; apparently, even the location and time had already been decided upon. If they found out that Mo Xiaobao had played a trick on them and ran away, wouldn't they be so angry that they'd spit blood

"But... What does it have anything to do with us" Xu Qingyan said somewhat tremulously; he didn't want at all to argue with those old men.

Mr. Qingchen pondered for a moment and nodded, "You're right, it has nothing to do with us. If anyone asks you about it, just say that we'll make a decision when the prince returns."

Xu Qingyan kept nodding, then said cheerfully, "Who knows Maybe Mo Xiaobao will bring back an imperial consort when he comes back." And if this were to happen, one could only imagine how those old men would react.

On an official road dozens of miles from Li City, Fourth Brother rode a horse leisurely on the road. One of the horses carried a finely dressed little child.

"I feel like we forgot something important," said Leng Junhan with a frown, looking rather troubled.

Moxiaobao turned his head to look at him and asked, "What is it"

Leng Junhan glanced at him and replied, "The Selection Banquet!" He recalled someone mentioning that the selection banquet was planned for early next month, which was still a couple of weeks away. If Moxiaobao wasn't around then, what was the point

Moxiaobao waved it off dismissively, saying, "It’s just a small matter."

"Did you give instructions before leaving"

“Why would I need to give instructions” Moxiaobao asked in puzzlement. “That Selection Banquet wasn’t something I ordered them to arrange; if they want to, let them.” As for how the selection was conducted and who would marry the chosen candidates afterward—those were none of his business either. He had merely casually expressed a desire for monogamy to those close to him. Who knew these people would come up with so many unnecessary theories in their free time

“They might delay it until you return,” he said, “Don’t underestimate how much they want the position of Princess Consort. It’s not difficult at all for them to wait until you return to hold the banquet.” Moxiaobao would eventually go back.

Moxiaobao patted his little brother's head and smiled, saying, "That’s even better. I remember that many soldiers in the Mo Army haven’t yet married. I was just planning a matchmaking event for them to settle their marital affairs."

“…”

——-

The author has decided to rename the story to "Moxiaobao’s Deception Chronicles," as she can't see any sign of Moxiaobao needing to struggle.even Ye Yue. As soon as he compromised and showed that he wanted to leave with them, it would surely be the end of their family. He believed that Ye Lvyi wouldn’t kill him out of filial piety, but Mo...