The adolescent fourteen-year-old crown prince graciously allowed his cherished maid and confidante, Han Yasheng, to assist him in the ceremonial act of getting dressed. She draped a fur coat over his customary attire, defying the emperor’s suggestion by prioritizing Li Jie’s warmth over mere elegance. Completing the ensemble, she carefully placed a cozy hat upon his head.
Li Jie grinned, noticing the slight furrow on Han Yasheng’s brow and understanding her concern. “I’m warm, don’t worry,” he reassured her.
Patting the prince’s hair with meticulous care, Han Yasheng ensured that his appearance remained impeccable. “I don’t understand the royal family.”
“Neither do I,” Li Jie chuckled, rising to his feet with a stretch. “Should we really do this?” he pondered, eyeing the puffy hat that adorned his head.
“It’s either endure the court’s nagging or risk Your Highness catching a cold,” Han Yasheng replied with stern resolve. “I will always choose the latter. If Your Highness dares to touch the hat or take it off, I will make sure you regret it.”
Li Jie smiled, his rosy cheeks giving a hint of warmth. “I won’t.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
As they completed their preparations, a gentle knock echoed on the door, heralding the arrival of the Huang siblings, Huang Baozhai and Huang Yiming. “Your Highness!” Li Jie heard Huang Baozhai’s cheerful voice.
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Acknowledging the disparities in their ranks, Li Jie walked a brief distance ahead of the Huang siblings. Though indifferent to such distinctions, today, as they met with the court and the royal family of the Western kingdom, Li Jie was cautious not to make even a single misstep.
“What are you going to do?” Huang Baozhai inquired. “When you meet the Westerners, I mean.”
Li Jie bit his lip, uncertain. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “I suppose I’m expected to entertain them and make a good impression?”
“When you put it that way, I can’t help but think of something else,” Huang Baozhai chuckled.
“As you arrive,” Huang Yiming interjected suddenly, “don’t remove the hat. It’s very cold.”
Huang Baozhai cast a glance at her sibling and then at Li Jie’s hat as they approached the main hall.
“I’ll be honest, Your Highness,” she said, patting the hat discreetly when no one was looking. “This makes you look ridiculous.”
“Health is more important,” Huang Yiming responded with unwavering determination. “Besides, they are the guests. Why should he be the only one concerned with appearance?”
Li Jie secretly smiled, aligning himself with Huang Yiming. “I suppose you’re right.”
Yet, his focus abruptly shifted as the Western royal family emerged near the court’s entrance, engaged in conversation.
Huang Baozhai’s eyes widened. “Is that the western prince?”
With no mention of Li Jie removing his hat or attempting to adjust his hair, his cheeks flushed, and his gaze attempted to avoid the other prince’s eyes, though failing miserably.
“Your Highness,” the western prince smiled, acknowledging the boy with a bow before others. “Good evening, Your Majesty.” Li Jie bowed to the western king, then turned to address the prince. “Good evening, Your Highness.”
With cheeks tinted a shade unrelated to the cold, the eastern crown prince uttered the words he had been instructed.
“Merry Christmas.”
