无翼乌工口里番无色无摭挡

She felt like a fishbone was stuck in her throat.

While she hesitated, she started choking, and after she managed to swallow, she began hiccupping.

Jiang Yi watched the whole process in shock, until her loud hiccups scared him into a startled gasp.

“Ahahahaha~!”

“Jiang Third Son, I hate you!”

Jiang Ning grabbed her tea cup and gulped down water, but still couldn’t stop hiccupping.

Jiang Yi, holding back his laughter, patted her back: “Drink slowly, hold your breath, it will pass soon.”

Jiang Ning followed his advice, took a deep breath, finished her drink in one gulp, and indeed stopped hiccupping.

“Third Brother is amazing.”

“Just a bit, just a bit.” Jiang Yi chuckled modestly.

Seeing him laughing wildly, completely devoid of a palace maid’s grace, Jiang Ning couldn’t bear it: “Brother, you should go back soon before someone finds out.”

“Right, I should go, all thanks to you being too hilarious, I lost track of time.”

“You’re blaming me?”

Jiang Yi caressed her: “Stay obediently in the East Palace, don’t go run amok. As long as you are safe, the family will be at ease. Oh, I have something for you.”

He searched his person, and took out a stack of banknotes: “Here.”

“What is this, I don’t want it.”

“It’s money, you idiot. You can’t even recognise it, you’re utterly spoiled! Come, let me teach you, this note is worth 5000 taels, this one is…”

“…Brother, are you serious?”

“What is it?”

“Do you really think I don’t know what banknotes are?”

“Then why did you ask…”

“I mean, I don’t want your money.”

“I’m your older brother, it’s only natural I give you some spending money, take it!” Jiang Yi forcefully stuffed the money into her hand, “You can spend money freely in the palace, don’t hold back. If you need to give out tips, don’t be stingy, buy anything you like. We may be short on other things at home, but we have plenty of money.”

Jiang Ning asked in a low voice: “Do we have so much money because Father is corrupt?”

“Rubbish, don’t talk nonsense. Father would never stoop to such lowly actions.”

“But Father’s salary isn’t quite high, is it?”

“We have properties, farmland, and shops, all sources of income.” Jiang Yi laughed, “These past few years it was Aunt Liu who’s been managing the shops and she’s made a lot of money.”

“Wouldn’t have guessed Aunt Liu is such a successful businesswoman.”

“Father is busy with his duties at Imperial Court, Mother is… even when Mother is well, she has never cared for the mundane and wouldn’t get involved in business.” Jiang Yi said, “As for me, I have my own ways of making money, you don’t need to worry. Our family can’t possibly run out of money to spend.”

Jiang Ning said: “Then I won’t hold back.”

“Being polite with your brother.” Jiang Yi indulgently laughed, “I really have to go now, Father and Mother are waiting for my news.”

“Third Brother, remember what I said, be careful back home.”

“Don’t worry, I remember.”

Jiang Yi waved his hand and walked towards the door.

Who would have expected to hear Gucheng’s voice outside: “Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”

Jiang Ning was startled and instinctively looked at Jiang Yi: “Brother, go hide in my bedroom.”

“In case he goes to the bedroom, it will be even harder to explain. No worries.” Jiang Yi was quick to react, he picked up the tray of tea from the table, bent down, and pretended to be a palace maid serving tea.

Li Hongyuan’s voice came from outside: “Where is the Princess Consort?”

“The Princess Consort isn’t feeling well and is resting.” Gucheng said.

“Oh? Then I’ll go in and see her.”

“Not possible.”

Gucheng stopped him.

If Jiang Ning asked him to guard the door, then no one would be able to come in.