Crowned by the Treacherous Big Shot

Lu Yuan sighed, "My grandfather injured his leg while repairing the temple. The Goddess treated him and taught him martial arts, all to help him strengthen his body."

This seemed like something the Goddess would do, so Emperor Liang didn't suspect anything.

But for some reason, he didn't particularly like his future in-law.

He always felt like this man was infuriatingly smug.

Prince Jin chuckled lightly, "Mr. Liu, was your eye injury also caused by repairing the temple? Should we have the Imperial Physician take a look?"

If they removed his eye patch, no way he wouldn't reveal the truth!

"Oh—who's this little tiger cub?"

The Miao King strode forward and bumped Prince Jin aside with one shoulder.

Prince Jin winced in pain, frowning deeply.

How infuriating!

He might have suffered internal injuries!

Lu Yuan's lips curled into a smirk.

Of course you're injured internally. Too bad it won't show for a while—by the time you're back in your manor, it'll flare up.

Serves you right for being up and about so early. Can't let you leave empty-handed; you've got to take something back with you.

Taking injuries counts as taking something.

Treasure Piggy immediately recognized the Miao King and scampered over to him.

The Miao King hung the birdcage on a tree and lifted the little one high into the air. "This is my great-grandchild, isn't it? I'm Great-Grandfather!"

Treasure Piggy wriggled her little body in excitement and called out sweetly, "Great-Grandfather!"

"Eh!"

The Miao King was overjoyed, tossing the little one high into the air and catching her steadily.

Treasure Piggy was elated, laughing uncontrollably.

She no longer remembered catching birds; at this moment, she herself was a little bird flying high!

"Again! Again!"

"One more time!"

"One more time!"

"Haha!"

The little one played to her heart's content, her laughter echoing through the entire mansion.

Emperor Liang was a bit stunned.

He had never seen the little one laugh so happily.

"When I coax her, has she ever laughed this joyfully before?"

Eunuch Yu chuckled awkwardly, "You haven't coaxed Miss Zhao Zhao like this, Your Majesty."

It wasn't entirely Emperor Liang's fault; he had never coaxed a child—whether sons or granddaughters—and lacked experience.

Meanwhile, the Miao King, despite only having Liu Qingyun as his biological daughter, had been through enough with her for ten. He had coaxed her so much, his head nearly went bald!

Emperor Liang's sons and granddaughters were all obedient and clever, while the Miao King's daughter grew more mischievous with each passing year.

"Ahem."

Lu Yuan cleared his throat and said softly, "If we keep playing, it'll expose the ruse. Strategize, strategize."

The Miao King smacked his lips, reluctantly catching Treasure Piggy.

Emperor Liang thought to himself, Now it's my turn.

To his surprise, the Miao King plucked some grass and swiftly crafted a grasshopper out of it.

"Wow!"

Treasure Piggy flailed her little arms behind her, "Great-Grandfather is amazing!"

The Miao King chuckled, "Do you like it?"

Treasure Piggy grabbed the little grasshopper, "I love it! I love it the most!"

Not only did the Miao King make grasshoppers, but he also crafted dragonflies, birds, and grass hats, making the little one squeal with excitement!

Emperor Liang felt an immense pang of jealousy.

Ever since this old man arrived, his precious great-granddaughter hadn't spared him a single glance. All morning, it had only been "Great-Grandfather" this and "Great-Grandfather" that.

Standing to the side, Lu Zhaoyan asked calmly, "Isn't this a bit excessive?"

Lu Yuan's lips did not move as he replied, "Don't you want to see your father humbled?"

Lu Zhaoyan replied, "I do."

He smiled, "Does Zhao Zhao want to stay in the manor and keep Great-Grandfather company?"

Treasure Piggy: "Yes!"

Emperor Liang's face darkened.

Prince Jin, having taken a blow of inner strength from the Miao King, felt like his chest was on fire.

Lu Zhaoyan smiled faintly and asked, "Big Brother doesn't look well. Are you feeling unwell? Would you like me to call the manor physician to take a look?"

The fact that they dared call the manor physician showed they weren't afraid; they were confident nothing could be detected.

Prince Jin forced a tight smile, "No need. Qi'er's wedding is approaching, and there's work to be done at the manor. I'll take my leave."

Lu Zhaoyan said, "I'll see you off, Big Brother."

Lu Yuan: "I'll go too."

Lu Zhaoyan whispered, "Why are you going?"

Lu Yuan glanced at Emperor Liang's iron-like face, "I'm worried the two of them might start fighting and accidentally destroy the fish pond."

Lu Zhaoyan: "…"

Treasure Piggy, sweaty from playing, was carried off by the nanny to change clothes.

The courtyard was left with only the Miao King, Emperor Liang, and Eunuch Yu.

Emperor Liang instructed Eunuch Yu, "Go to the kitchen; I'll be dining at the Crown Prince Mansion today."

"Yes!"

Eunuch Yu hurried off.

The Miao King plopped down on a stone bench and leisurely crossed his legs.

His carefree posture severely tested Emperor Liang's patience.

Still, remembering that this was his future in-law, Emperor Liang barely managed to hold back.

"Speak your mind."

The Miao King said.

"That… the way you played with Zhao Zhao just now…"

"Want to learn?"

Though slightly embarrassed, Emperor Liang, being someone who never hesitated to ask for guidance, calmly replied, "Zhao Zhao's favorite—teach me, and I'll reward you."

Who the hell cares for your reward?

But—

If I teach you, does that make you my disciple?

Once a teacher, always a father. That makes me your daddy!

The Miao King straightened his back, "Which one do you want to learn?"

Emperor Liang thought for a moment, then said, "Zhao Zhao's favorite one."

Crafting grasshoppers—she said it herself.

The Miao King gave Emperor Liang a peculiar look, "Wait, do you even need to learn that?"

Emperor Liang replied, "Everyone has their own strengths."

"Ah… true."

The Miao King stroked his chin, "But, uh… how do I teach this?"

Emperor Liang said earnestly, "Teach me step-by-step."

The Miao King widened his eyes, his expression a complex mix of emotions, "Step-by-step?"

Is it this hard to be a teacher nowadays?

Emperor Liang nodded, "Just once—I'll definitely master it."

The Miao King scratched his head, "Alright, alright then."

Reluctantly, he stood before Emperor Liang, "Ready? I'm starting now."

"Hmm."

Emperor Liang nodded.

In the next instant, the Miao King gathered his energy to his core, shouted, and scooped Emperor Liang up, tossing him high into the air.

The suddenly hugged and lifted Emperor Liang: "...!!!"