Rebirth of the Ninth Princess

"In gratitude, he later became a teacher himself and don't receive payment from his students. Since then, people commemorated that day as Redemption Day. On this day, people cook their own meals, walk instead of riding, and generally do everything themselves to reflect on the value of hard work and assess their lives over the past year."

After hearing the story, Yuanjiu's eyes lit up as she leapt to her feet. "Father Emperor, tomorrow let's also experience the Redemption Day!"

"My darling, what are you planning now?"

Yuanjiu leaned over and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Father Emperor, tomorrow let's go out and have fun! Let's bring Uncle Cailun, Uncle Qingtian, Sister Hanxue, Aunt Yue, the four elder sisters, the four shadow guards, and—of course—Xiaoding!"

Ouyang Qingcheng chuckled. "Alright, you mean you want to bring everyone you know, don't you? So, what exactly do you have in mind?"

"We're going to the countryside!"

"Very well. Father Emperor knows a nice spot out in the countryside with mountains and water. Alright, time for bed now, my darling. I'll have the carriages prepared."

"And don't forget, we need to prepare lots of things too!"

"Yes, yes, I know. Cailun!"

Cailun appeared immediately. "Your Majesty, Your Highness."

"My darling, tell Uncle Cailun what we need to prepare."

"Uncle Cailun, tomorrow we're going to the countryside to have fun."

Hearing this, Cailun was delighted. "Your Majesty and Your Highness want to go for a picnic? Please give me your instructions, and I'll get everything ready at once."

Yuanjiu nodded seriously. "Yes, it's a picnic. Uncle Cailun, we'll need two large iron pots, two sets of bows and arrows, two fish spears, and umbrellas in case it rains. Also, prepare seasoning and enough fresh food for fourteen people. That should do it."

Cailun froze for a moment and then cautiously reminded her, "Uh, Your Highness, with so many people, we'll probably need to prepare carriages as well."

"Let's figure out how many horses and carriages we'll need and arrange it accordingly. Oh, and don't forget fourteen sets of tableware and enough firewood."

Cailun looked distressed, utterly unsure of what the princess was planning.

Ouyang Qingcheng, noticing Cailun's confusion, kindly offered a hint. "The four shadow guards and the four palace maids will also come along. To avoid drawing too much attention, everyone should ride in carriages."

Yuanjiu then turned back to Ouyang Qingcheng. "Father Emperor, quickly send the shadow guards to inform Uncle Qingtian. We'll leave early tomorrow morning!"

Ouyang Qingcheng agreed immediately and waved for Cailun to begin preparations.

Excited about her wonderful plan, Yuanjiu didn't fall asleep until late that night.

The next morning, a group of thirteen people changed into disguises.

Ouyang Qingcheng cast a large invisibility barrier to conceal everyone as they boldly exited through the west gate.

Ouyang Qingtian was already waiting outside, where two carriages had been prepared in advance.

"Xiaojiu, where are you taking us for fun?"

Yuanjiu giggled. "It's a secret. Let's go!"

"Yes, little princess!"

The group of fourteen people boarded the carriages and headed toward the countryside.

Ouyang Qingcheng, Yuanjiu, and Ouyang Qingtian shared one carriage, driven by Cailun.

Shadow Guard Jin Yi transported Hanxue, Aunt Yue, and four palace maids, while Shadow Guard Jin Er led the way on horseback, and Shadow Guards Jin San and Jin Si followed behind on horses.

Yuanjiu leaned out of the window, curiously watching the scenery outside.

Because of the holiday, the imperial city was livelier than usual, with people bustling about and the sounds of street vendors filling the air.

After about half an hour of travel, they finally arrived at the place Ouyang Qingcheng had mentioned.

It was the foot of a majestic mountain, with a wide expanse of grassland stretching out before them.

A clear river meandered through the scene, and nearby trees cast large patches of shade.

Although not breathtakingly beautiful, it was a serene spot, perfect for a picnic.

The fresh air of the countryside instantly lifted everyone's spirits.

Yuanjiu instructed Cailun to take out the tools they had brought from the carriages.

Then she unveiled her plan.

"Today, we're here for a picnic! But since it's redemption day, we didn't bring any prepared food. That means everyone will need to work together to solve the food problem!"

She glanced slyly at Ouyang Qingcheng.

The group exchanged bewildered looks.

With a sweet smile, Yuanjiu began assigning tasks:

"Shadow Guards Jin Yi and Jin Er, you're responsible for hunting. Shadow Guard Jin San, along with Sister Xiaoer and Sister Xiaosan, will gather enough firewood. Sister Hanxue, Aunt Yue, and Sister Xiaoci will handle roasting the meat and cooking. Since Sister Xiaoyi knows the most about herbs, she'll gather seasoning herbs, accompanied by Shadow Guard Jin Si. Uncle Qingtian will build the stove. As for Uncle Cailun, Father Emperor, and me, we'll catch fish. And remember—unless there's danger, no one is allowed to use magic! Otherwise, you won't experience the true joy of labor. Father Emperor?"

The Emperor? Doing manual labor?

Everyone's eyes widened as they turned to Ouyang Qingcheng.

Ouyang Qingcheng looked at Yuanjiu with a doting smile. "As you command, my darling!"

He then addressed the others: "Today is about having fun. There's no need to feel stressed. Let's get started. Whether you succeed or not, return here in half an hour. For safety, don't wander too far."

The shadow guards hesitated. "But, Your Majesty, what about your safety—"

Ouyang Qingcheng's attention had already shifted to Yuanjiu, who was enthusiastically picking up a fish spear.

He waved his hands dismissively and said, "Don't worry. There's no one else around here."

The guards exchanged glances before heading off with their tools.

Meanwhile, Xiaoding barked to get Yuanjiu's attention. "Yuanjiu, I want to help too!"

"Then Xiaoding can jump in and catch fish with me!"

Ouyang Qingcheng shook his head, picked up his darling Yuanjiu, and set her aside. "My darling, just watch. Let Father Emperor handle this."

Holding the iron spear, he approached the riverbank.