Chapter 6 — I'm as frugal as a chrysanthemum, but I'm raising a poor son? Eighteen years later, I became the queen mother

I didn't sleep a night. Early the next morning, when it was just dawn. I called Trieu Hanh up.

“Let's go out for a walk.”

He was very obedient, rubbed his eyes, and let me dress him in thick clothes. Xuan Ha is very worried.

"Niang Niang, the wind is strong outside, the Third Prince's body is weak..."

“It's okay.”

“If you stay in your room forever, your body will only get weaker and weaker.”

I held Trieu Hanh's small hand and walked out of Tuy Ngoc Hien. This is the first time since coming here that he has walked out of this institute. It is very curious about everything outside. Look a little east, then look a little west. But don't say anything, don't run around. Just hold my hand tightly. I have no purpose. Just walk slowly on the small paths in the palace. Palace garden at the end of autumn, extremely desolate. Leaves fell all over the ground, making rustling sounds when stepped on. Occasionally, palace men who get up early pass by and see us and stay away from us. In the eyes, there is pity, or contempt. I don't care. Today I went out, not to relieve my sadness. But to "come across". I'm betting. Bet on your luck. After walking for about half an hour, Trieu Hanh felt a bit tired. The little face was so cold that it turned red. I picked it up and used my cloak to wrap it tightly.

“Is it cold?”

He shook his head, burying his face in my neck. Warm, yet a bit ticklish. Just when we were about to return. I heard a series of neat footsteps behind me. My heart moved slightly. I don't turn back. He hugged Trieu Hanh and walked under a big tree along the road. I put it down and pointed to an empty bird's nest on a tree branch.

“You see, the birds have all flown away.”

Trieu Hanh raised his small face and looked attentively. The sound of footsteps got closer and closer. Finally, stop right behind us.

“Lady Tinh Tan, you are so elegant.”

A familiar voice rang out. It's Vuong Duc Toan. I picked up Trieu Hanh and slowly turned around. Paying homage to Vuong Duc Toan.

“General Manager Vuong Van An.”

Behind Vuong Duc Toan is a team of eunuchs carrying a palanquin. The palanquin is empty. But the bright-hued curtain clearly stated its owner's identity. The emperor's throne. He must have just returned to court early and was on his way back to Duong Tam Palace. Vuong Duc Toan's eyes fell on Trieu Hanh in my heart. Compared to two days ago, it had clearly become thinner. The small face didn't have much color, making those eyes look even bigger. A strange light flashed in Vuong Duc Toan's eyes.

“This third prince is…”

“He doesn't eat well, eats very little.”

I answered calmly.

“I think, taking it out for a walk, maybe it will be better.”

I did not mention a word about the difficulty of Ngu Thien Room. Nor did we mention the plight of the young chef. But I know, a cunning person like Vuong Duc Toan already understands everything. There are words that don't need to be said directly. To put it bluntly, it's the opposite.

“It's true that we should travel more.”

Vuong Duc Toan nodded.

“Prince Kim Chi Ngoc Diep, Lady Tinh Tan needs a lot of effort.”

“That is within my duty.”

He didn't say anything more. I also didn't say another word. He nodded slightly at me, then led people forward. A short meeting, just like that ended. Xuan Ha Standing next to it, watching, I was so impatient that I couldn't bear it. She must have felt that I had missed a good opportunity to press charges. I hugged Trieu Hanh and watched the king gradually walk away. My heart is more calm than ever. The bet has been made. Just waiting for the results. I'll take Trieu Hanh back to Tuy Ngoc Hien. The lunch that Ngu Thien Room brought was still cold leftovers. I won't let Xuan Ha argue. Don't let her reason. I just took two mantou cakes, soaked them in hot water until soft, then fed them to Trieu Hanh. I also ate one myself. All afternoon, Tuy Ngoc Hien was unusually quiet. Until sunset. A little eunuch carrying a basket knocked on Tuy Ngoc Hien's door. He was wearing the uniform of the Internal Affairs Purchasing Department and had a very strange face.

“Is it Lady Tinh Tan?”

His attitude was extremely respectful.

“Servant, as ordered, bring some fresh food to the lady and the third prince.”

Xuan Ha opened the basket. Inside were a few fish still jumping and cracking, a piece of fresh pork belly, and a bunch of green vegetables. There was even a small bag of premium silver charcoal. Xuan Ha was both surprised and happy.

“Who told you to bring these things?”

The little eunuch smiled.

“Your Highness, you don't need to ask too much.”

“From now on, every day at this time, the slave will bring it.”

“The price is calculated based on the supply price, the settlement is done once at the end of the month.”

"It's just this matter, please keep it a secret."

He finished speaking, performed a ceremony, and then quickly left. Xuan Ha closed the door and looked at me excitedly.

"Lady! We are saved!"

I look at the things in the basket. The heart hung in the air all day, and finally came down. I won the bet. Vuong Duc Toan did not disappoint us. He cannot openly help me. But we use this method because we open up a way to live. That night. Tuy Ngoc Hien's little chef, for the first time, emitted kitchen smoke. I personally went to the kitchen, stewed a pot of fish soup, and braised a plate of braised meat. The aroma of food spread throughout the small, cold hospital. Trieu Hanh sat at the table, his bright eyes looking at the dishes on the table. I scooped him a bowl of milky white fish soup.

“Taste it.”

He picked up the small spoon and carefully took a sip. Then it raised its head and looked at me. It grinned, revealing a huge, radiant smile.