CHAPTER 366: CHAPTER 366: TWO BIG MOUTHS

The eunuchs and maids at the entrance of the Imperial Study Room felt a chill in their hearts when they saw the envoy focusing his attention on Jun Ning.

The princess has been pampered over the years, living freely and willfully, without any skill in subtlety, flattery, or reading the room, much less knowing how to speak with tact.

What if, what if the princess accidentally reveals the Emperor’s war preparations, what then?

The whole kingdom of Dongchu might be at risk.

The eunuchs standing closer to Jun Ning kept giving her meaningful looks, hoping she would notice and understand their intent.

But after a while, they received no response from the princess.

The princess acted just the same as ever.

Clearly, she didn’t understand their signals.

Everyone around felt a knot in their chests tighten.

Jun Ning internally ridiculed, "What’s with all the exaggerated expressions? I’m not blind; I can understand your signals. You’re so anxious, it’s as if you’re afraid the envoy might notice something suspicious!"

Actually, at this moment, the best course of action for Jun Ning, in light of the suggestive glances from those around, was to remain as she would, without any reaction at all.

Otherwise, the envoy, who wasn’t a fool, would surely see through any issue at a glance.

After her internal mocking, Jun Ning met the envoy’s questioning gaze and said gracefully, "If you have any questions, please, ask."

The envoy was quite satisfied with Jun Ning’s open and confident reaction. He chuckled softly, "Princess, do you know if those sought by His Majesty have been found?"

The envoy had some boundaries, and he did not try to coax any information regarding warfare from Jun Ning.

Jun Ning scratched her head, "I truly don’t know what you’re talking about?"

It wasn’t an act; what quest is he referring to?

Jun Ning really had no idea; all she knew was that war was imminent.

"Don’t know? Oh..." The envoy seemed a bit surprised, but seeing Jun Ning as merely a little girl, it was understandable that she was oblivious to certain state affairs. Coming to terms with this, he accepted it.

"But do you know what your father, the Emperor, is busy with lately?" The envoy tentatively began probing for information about the war.

Jun Ning initially thought the envoy was a gentleman, not despicable enough to pry about the war from a child’s lips.

Hearing his question, she realized she had overestimated him.

The struggle between nations, the winner becomes king, how could they possibly care about decency or lack thereof?

Jun Ning inwardly let out a bitter chuckle, and straightforwardly said, "...I don’t know."

Hearing this response, the hearts of those around that had been hanging high finally settled down.

"Really don’t know?" The envoy, however, felt a chill, as he had done basic research on the members of the Dongchu royal family before coming, especially this little princess before him.

This was the Emperor’s most beloved princess, doted upon beyond measure, never shielded regardless of whether during court sessions or approving documents.

Her not knowing whether the Emperor found the subjects he was looking for was understandable. But she hovered around the Emperor daily, claiming ignorance regarding what he’s been up to lately, he couldn’t believe.

He thought this little girl must be wary of him, so she was unwilling to speak.

Thinking thus, the envoy pulled a piece of caramel from his pocket, presenting it to Jun Ning, "Princess, this caramel is a specialty of Bei Xia, would you like to try it?"

Jun Ning did not accept, "Sorry, esteemed envoy, I’m changing my teeth and cannot eat sweets."

"Changing teeth?"

The envoy, not having children himself, was not familiar with kids changing teeth, and as to whether Jun Ning’s words were true or false, he couldn’t discern.

He simply saw Jun Ning did not want it and did not insist further.

He pointed to the distance, "Princess, it’s alright if you don’t want to eat the candy, could you accompany me to stroll over there?"

At the entrance of the Imperial Study Room, where it’s not appropriate to ask direct questions, by going over there, he’d certainly be able to.

Jun Ning: "......"

The surrounding people again broke into a cold sweat for Jun Ning.

What to do now? If the princess were taken over there, what would be asked no one knows, if the princess inadvertently said something wrong, no one knows either.

Everything would be beyond control.

The danger would only grow more perilous.

Amidst burgeoning crisis!

Everyone worriedly looked at Jun Ning, fearing she would nod and agree.

Jun Ning gave a reassuring look to those around her, and said, "But I’m here waiting for my father’s summons, I can’t leave."

"Your father is still unconscious; it could be a long while before he summons you." The envoy coaxed, "Come on, let’s go; it’s alright."

"These words are in error." Jun Ning earnestly stated, "Precisely because my father is still unconscious, I should stay here and await news; how can I just walk away? And how could I wander around carelessly?"

Envoy: "......"

Surrounding people: "The Princess truly understands."

Jun Ning took a deep breath, continued a bit melancholic, "In times of trouble, I must remain by his side, as he dotes on me dearly."

This reasoning for refusal was flawless.

These sentiments would come from a dutiful and sensible daughter!

The envoy, despite his wish, felt awkward to press further because of Jun Ning’s words.

The intention to extract some useful information from Jun Ning’s mouth couldn’t be realized, and he abandoned it. He could only stand aside and wait with Jun Ning for Emperor Yongning to awaken and summon them.

But as they waited a long time, Emperor Yongning still did not awaken, yet they received a shocking piece of news.

The Eldest Prince and General Guide had begun to fight, brawling over who should be the commander in the expedition, fighting until they were both battered but without resolution.

They had no choice but to find Emperor Yongning to adjudicate.

Beyond that, they even clamored loudly as they approached the Imperial Study Room, yelling who should be the commander this time, who should everyone listen to?

They argued so fiercely that they paid no attention to those around.

Time and again, Jun Ning tried to stop them, but was shoved aside.

And the topics of their dispute, were entirely overheard by the keenly listening envoy.

Jun Ning: "......"

The surrounding eunuchs and maids: "........."

Though they guarded against Jun Ning subconsciously leaking information, they could not guard against the Eldest Prince and General Guide’s loudmouths!

It’s over, it’s all over.

The envoy now knew about Dongchu’s war preparations.

The envoy, however, acted like a delicate lamb, looking at General Guide in shock, intending to confirm, "Sir, you mentioned competing for the position of commander? Is it that a war is imminent?"

General Guide hadn’t even noticed who was asking the question or thought anything of it, and candidly replied, "Yes indeed. What? Is there a problem?"