Capítulo 1622: Chapter 1597: Tossed Around

Mingda: “…Third Brother, you’re too naughty.”

Changyu rolled her eyes and said, “I didn’t even snatch Yang Changbo, why would I snatch Bai Shan?”

Manbao said to Prince Gong, “Your Highness, you need to read more books. Next time, why not recite the Book of Rites as you climb the mountain? It’ll help with your breathing.”

The three of them turned together, leaving Prince Gong with their backs, and continued to admire the scenery below the mountain.

Mingda looked at the sunlight towards the horizon and said, “The sun seems to be setting soon, I heard the sunset looks particularly beautiful from the mountain.”

Manbao, who had watched many sunsets, nodded, “That’s right, let’s watch the sunset before we leave.”

Changyu said, “But I’m getting a bit hungry.”

Manbao took out a pouch and gave it to her, “There are fried beans inside, for you to eat.”

It was the first time Changyu had eaten such a thing. As she ate, she asked, “Where did you get this? It’s really tasty.”

“My sister-in-law fried it for me, dried beans that can last for a few days, just a pity they’re not hot now, they’d taste even better that way.”

The beans were crunchy and made a crackling sound. Changyu found it intriguing as she ate, and seeing Mingda reach out for some, she shared. The three of them ate with a crackle.

Behind them, Prince Gong swallowed a bit and then his stomach growled.

The three turned back to look at him, then Mingda and Changyu glanced at Manbao.

Manbao sternly said to Prince Gong, “Your Highness, losing weight not only requires exercise but also controlling your mouth, so you can’t eat right now, or today’s climb will be wasted.”

But it didn’t stop there. After descending the mountain, Manbao revised Prince Gong’s diet, removing all dishes and listing only three things: steamed buns, not many, just two; boiled lean meat, calculated by weight; and boiled vegetables, served in large bowls.

Manbao’s diet had only one phrase, “Less oil and salt.”

Nanny Shang reviewed it and, although finding the diet simple, she didn’t think Zhou Man was being harsh after checking the quantity, so she instructed the kitchen to follow it.

Prince Gong was initially happy to see so much meat brought to him, but after one bite, his happiness disappeared.

It was completely tasteless; why did he have to eat such things?

How did Prince Gong grow up in this not-so-abundant world? By eating, of course!

Why did he grow so fat? Naturally, because the food was delicious!

Prince Gong enjoyed many foods; he wasn’t picky but had high standards. Every dish had to have good color, fragrance, and taste. Even during previous weight loss attempts, his dietary quality never decreased, only the quantity was reduced.

A dish without spices or less oil and salt—what taste could there be?

Prince Gong found it tasteless and thought Zhou Man was being vindictive. However, he stubbornly said nothing.

This situation only lasted until the next day because when Zhou Man came to see him again, she brought two sandbags.

Manbao told him to tie the sandbags to his calves, saying, “Your Highness’s health has improved a lot lately. Look at your stature—so majestic that even His Majesty would be pleased, but your body is still heavy, so it’s not quite there yet. After pondering last night, I finally thought of a treatment method.”

Manbao pointed to the sandbags on the ground and said, “I learned to climb walls in the past and know martial artists practice Light Body Technique by tying sandbags on their legs. This way, one day when the sandbags are removed, they’ll be as light as swallows and can fly onto rooftops effortlessly.”

Prince Gong looked at the sandbags on the ground and exclaimed, “I am not a thief; why should I learn this?”

“Your Highness, who says the Light Body Technique is for thieves? You can also serve the country on the battlefield,” Manbao said. “As a prince, supported by the state, shouldn’t it be right to repay the country?”

Prince Gong rolled his eyes without any hesitation, “I can lead an army into battle?”

He had no problem with it, but would the crown prince and the court ministers dare let him lead the military?

Manbao said, “Which is because you lack this capability. You find riding a horse challenging, so how could you lead troops to war? Come, tie the sandbags onto Prince Gong.”

The attendants were used to obeying her, immediately picking up the sandbags to tie onto Prince Gong.

Prince Gong wanted to resist, but after considering Zhou Man’s words, he also wanted to see if his father would allow him to lead an army when he became capable.

Nanny Shang, seeing his half-hearted resistance, couldn’t help but glance at Zhou Man.

Manbao nodded with satisfaction, and Prince Gong, barely climbing for a mere three quarters, was already regretting it.

He had no recollection of how he managed to climb halfway up the mountain or how he descended in a daze.

Seeing him so thoroughly exhausted, Manbao finally turned back to the Eastern Palace with satisfaction. Hmph, she might not bully others, but doesn’t mean she can’t torment her own patient!

Upon returning to the Eastern Palace, she just happened to meet the crown prince enjoying the scenery in the garden’s corridor. Seeing her, he beckoned her over.

Manbao, carrying her medicine box, happily waddled over, looked up at him with a smile after greeting him.

The crown prince glanced at her smiling face and casually asked, “How is Prince Gong’s illness?”

“Your Highness, rest assured. Prince Gong’s health is improving daily. I assure you he won’t have the energy to trouble you before the crown princess gives birth.”

Intending only to inquire into the situation, the crown prince didn’t expect to instantly receive his most anticipated answer. After a brief silence, he asked, “Just slimming down, how hard can it be?”

Manbao looked him up and down and said, “For someone who hopes to ride to the training ground and practice martial arts like you, it’s not difficult. But for someone who loves to sit and eat without moving, like Prince Gong, it’s very hard.”

The crown prince had heard of it—rumor had it that today Prince Gong cried on the mountain, throwing a tantrum wanting the sandbags removed, eventually being helped down by the attendants.

To this day, the crown prince couldn’t comprehend his brother’s point of suffering.

However, recently, his troubles had indeed lessened considerably. Although some in the court still targeted him, without this brother who loved causing trouble, the burden on him felt significantly lighter.

The crown prince was somewhat pleased and thus told Zhou Man, “Then treat Prince Gong well, but don’t slacken on the crown princess either.”

“Rest assured, Your Highness, I’m keeping an eye on the crown princess as well.”

The crown prince nodded, waving his hand just as he was about to dismiss her, suddenly recalling something, he asked, “Why were you crying the other day at Chongwen Pavilion?”

Manbao paused for a moment before defending, “Your Highness, I wasn’t crying, just feeling wronged.”

The crown prince laughed, “Just because you were fined two months’ salary?”

Manbao replied gloomily.

The crown prince said, “This time, eight ministers were fined half a year’s salary—not just pay but also rations.”

Manbao said, “That was because they fought. I just arrived a little late once, and normally some ministers are late too.”

The crown prince said, “This time, you all were implicated because of me. Alright, don’t you want me to save face for your parents? I’ll save your face.”

Manbao exclaimed “Ah?” in confusion.

The crown prince chuckled and waved, “Go back to your duties.”