LOT – Chapter 124 The Emperor Is a Monkey Wearing a Crown, and the Empress Is a Monkey Wearing a Phoenix Crown, Right?

Lin Mo and Bai Xiao were sitting a bit farther away, which was smart of them—they at least had the sense not to squat right in front of others while eating melon (gossip).

“An Lang, it’s been so long since we last met. Don’t you miss me at all?” The eldest young lady had finally managed to come out; of course she didn’t want to go back so soon.

An Mi knew the Grand Commandant was still dissatisfied with him. If the Grand Commandant found out they were meeting in private, his impression of him would worsen even further.

“Young Lady, what lies between us isn’t a matter of a moment. Right now the Grand Commandant still disapproves of me. If he were to find out about our secret meetings, our relationship would only become more difficult, and it wouldn’t be good for your reputation either.”

“Don’t worry. I will definitely pass the exams this year. When the time comes, I’ll marry you in glory and splendor—no one will dare look down on you.”

An Mi understood why the Grand Commandant had set such requirements for him.

If his own daughter, raised with such wealth and status, were to fall for a penniless scholar, he too would never allow her to end up with such a man.

Over the years, he had managed to earn some money, but compared to noble families of high officials, it was utterly insignificant.

The money he had saved might be enough to support an ordinary family for a lifetime, but for a girl born in wealth and privilege, it wasn’t even worth as much as a single set of her jewelry.

He didn’t want the woman he loved to suffer in the future. That was why he had to work hard.

“Hui’er, be good. As the eldest sister, you must set an example for your two younger sisters. If they were to learn of this, what if they followed suit? There are far too many unworthy men in the world. I love you, which is why I will respect and cherish you—but no one can guarantee that the men they meet will be gentlemen.”

An Mi gently patted the eldest young lady’s head, his voice full of tenderness.

Even Lin Mo was moved. 【This An Mi really is a good man. Though he loves money, his whole being radiates refinement, without a hint of vulgarity. He’s a proper gentleman.】

Bai Xiao munched on the candy he’d taken from Lin Mo’s pocket and said: 【Of course. He’s someone I’ve personally vouched for. And there’s a reason he cares so much about money. An Mi lost his parents early. He became a xiucai (licentiate) at a young age, and after that he earned a living by copying books for others.】

【He saved up little by little, and eventually came to the capital. In short, he’s had a bitter life. If you grew up in a honey jar, then he grew up in a jar of bitter medicine. His childhood was truly harsh.】

The eavesdroppers nearby were also moved. To grow up in such circumstances and still remain upright—truly not easy.

The Grand Commandant sighed quietly. This young man was indeed good, but he still had to think of his daughter.

Achieving scholarly rank was the one requirement he had set. If An Mi succeeded, he could lend some support, ensuring his daughter would live better.

But if he failed to obtain even that, no matter how good he was, the Grand Commandant could not give him his daughter.

His daughter had grown up in luxury. Perhaps she wasn’t on par with palace princesses, but she wasn’t far behind either.

Right now, blinded by love, she might be willing to suffer hardships with him. But what about the future? Marriage was for life. Even if divorce was possible later, who would willingly let their daughter bear such a shameful reputation?

No matter how reluctant the eldest young lady was, An Mi still escorted her back.

In his heart, Lin Mo gave him a thumbs-up.

The melon was finished. Lin Mo promptly dragged Bai Xiao off to the streets to feast.

They even set up a little stall to tell fortunes. Business was booming; some people even came specifically to wait for them.

By now, Bai Xiao had become the famous Master Bai.

“Hahahaha! We made so much again today. Now I can finally understand why An Mi loves making money so much—earning money really is addictive!”

Lin Mo grinned so widely at the money pouch in her hand that her molars showed.

All the money Bai Xiao earned was in her possession now. She no longer relied on monthly allowance alone—she had plenty of her own private stash (though it was really Bai Xiao’s earnings).

She also noticed that lately her mother had doubled her monthly allowance.

Her mother explained it was because she was growing up and should dress nicely, buy some jewelry or clothes when she liked. A young lady shouldn’t always look so sloppy.

Lin Mo agreed verbally, but immediately spent it all on food.

While gnawing on a candied haw, Bai Xiao said:
“When can we go out and have some fun? Staying in the capital all the time is so boring. Isn’t there a big melon to eat soon?”

He had noticed the capital wasn’t nearly as explosive as before.

Back then, secret affairs and illegitimate children were everywhere—there was fresh gossip almost daily. But now the officials and wealthy merchants were far too quiet and well-behaved.

Lin Mo thought for a moment. 【In a while, it’ll be the Empress’s birthday. Her celebration is usually held at an imperial villa outside the palace. We can go along then. You can shrink down and hide in my clothes, and I’ll take you with me to play!】

Bai Xiao’s eyes lit up instantly. Why hadn’t he thought of that?

The next morning at court, the two were already whispering about what games to play during the Empress’s birthday banquet.

Bai Xiao: 【Forget about playing—have you prepared a birthday gift yet? Don’t tell me you carved another wooden figurine.】

If she gave the Emperor a monkey wearing a crown for his birthday, would she now give the Empress a monkey wearing a phoenix crown?

Just imagining it was terrifying!

Everyone present was thinking the exact same thing as Bai Xiao—even the Crown Prince was worried for his mother.

Last time, the monkey given to his father had ended up with him, and he had placed it in his study, glancing at it whenever he was tired.

But if his mother received another monkey, what then? Was he supposed to put it in the Crown Princess’s quarters?

Lin Mo chuckled slyly. She had long since prepared her gift. How could she possibly give the same thing twice?

【You’re underestimating me. Last time I gave the Emperor a wooden carving. This time, I carved a jade sculpture myself! I even invited a master to teach me. He said I was really talented!】

Bai Xiao was silent for two seconds, then replied: 【But the last person who said you were talented was that suona player… and then you played the suona at your own birthday banquet.】

Everyone present: …

This kind of “talent” was downright frightening!