Xiu Ning smiled radiantly, "This concubine will arrange for the palace servants to bring Ning Chuge back immediately."

This was a point she had mentioned to Kangxi earlier. Because Ning Chuge lived in Shou Kang Palace, she didn't have much time to see Kangxi on weekdays. Furthermore, Ning Chuge had recently begun her studies, so she spent even less time in Shou Kang Palace. On several occasions, her visits to pay her respects to Kangxi would even be at different times.

Xiuning couldn't let her daughter lack presence in front of her own father. Since relying on Shou Kang Palace didn't allow her to see Kangxi much, she might as well include Qi Xiang Palace as well.

That's why Xiuning often went to Shou Kang Palace to pick up Ning Chuge when Emperor Kangxi came.

The purpose, of course, was to allow the father and daughter to spend more time together so that Ning Chuge could have a better life after she got married.

Emperor Kangxi did not object to Ning Chuge's return. On the contrary, compared to Chunxi, whom he had adopted, and the fourth princess who had just been born last year, Emperor Kangxi's relationship with Ning Chuge was clearly closer.

That's how people are; they don't miss strangers, but they want to spend more time with people they're close to.

"I heard from the Empress Dowager that Ning Chuge is good at riding horses and is already brave enough to get on horseback. That's great."

She's a smart child, and with her cute and endearing looks, who wouldn't like her?

Xiu Ning casually handed the matter over to the palace maid at the door, and nodded with a hint of pride. "But this child is still too bold. I heard from the professor's teacher that she climbed up without telling the palace servants." Although everything turned out well in the end, it still scared the Empress Dowager and Xiu Ning quite a bit. The Empress Dowager even restricted Ning Chuge from riding a horse until now.

Kangxi put down the soup he had finished drinking, smiled and shook his head. "Arrange for more people to follow her. Also, the horse farm in the suburbs just sent over a few fine horses, including some relatively docile foals. Ask her what she thinks, and if she likes one, let her choose one."

These horses were originally raised on the imperial estates outside the city to serve Emperor Kangxi.

When Emperor Kangxi was under a lot of pressure, he would secretly go out to relax, but most of the time he was in the Forbidden City conducting official business. So even if horses were selected and sent in, they were just being kept and wasting manpower and resources.

Upon hearing Kangxi's words, Xiuning spoke up first to respond on Ning Chuge's behalf, "He must be overjoyed. I don't know who this child took after; he's been very wild since he started his education. Even the Empress Dowager said he was born with the wrong temperament."

Those with plenty of energy are even more mischievous than the average prince.

But that's understandable. The child is healthy and well cared for, so it's no wonder he's like a little cannonball running around everywhere.

While Xiuning and Kangxi were chatting, the palace maid who had gone to Shou Kang Palace to fetch Ning Chuge also brought him back.

"Mother, before I even entered the door, I heard you complaining to Father about me again. Alas, I am truly innocent."

With a sweet, childlike voice, Ning Chuge entered through the door with a cheerful smile.

Xiuning and Kangxi looked up at the sound and saw their pretty daughter appear in front of them in no time.

Compared to Kangxi, Xiuning had a clearer understanding of Ning Chuge's changes.

When Mingming came back before the New Year, she was just a fair-skinned, chubby little cutie. But after her first education, not only did her skin darken a shade, but her chubby cheeks also became much fuller.

If Ning Chuge was previously like a sweet and sour little dumpling, then now she has become a vibrant little cheetah, with a completely different spirit and energy.

Emperor Kangxi beckoned, and Ning Chuge sat down next to him.

"Your skin has gotten a bit darker. Have you been doing a lot of outdoor classes lately?"

Emperor Kangxi did not object to Ning Chuge exercising more. After the incident of the dead child, Emperor Kangxi even hoped that his children could exercise more, at least to ensure their health and increase their chances of growing up.

Ning Chuge nodded generously, "My daughter liked it, so she asked her grandmother to add some."

However, all of this is within my daughter's capabilities. I don't want to embarrass Father Emperor. Father Emperor is excellent in riding and archery, so I cannot be inferior.

As she continued, Ning Chuge became a little embarrassed, but she still puffed out her chest and spoke, showing that she was still quite proud.

Upon hearing this, Xiuning and Kangxi exchanged a glance, especially Kangxi, whose eyes couldn't hide his amusement.

"Excellent! As expected of my daughter!"

"Father Emperor~"

Ning Chuge couldn't help but act coquettishly, resting her small head on Kangxi's body, her whole body twisted like a pretzel, making people laugh.

Seeing this, Xiu Ning cautiously glanced at Kangxi's expression and breathed a sigh of relief when she found that there was no obvious change in him.

"Your Majesty, I'll go check on the food preparations," Xiu Ning said, rising to leave some space for Ning Chuge and Kangxi, the father and daughter who hadn't seen each other for several days. "Ning Chuge, you're not allowed to ask your father for anything anymore."

Ning Chuge nodded in agreement, "Mother, don't worry, I understand." Moreover, she didn't need to say anything; she only needed to mention it slightly, and Father would grant it to her.

Kangxi waved his hand at Xiuning, "Don't worry, Ning Chuge is very sensible, I know what I'm doing."

Xiuning: ...It would be strange if you could count it. Half of the reason Ning Chuge has developed into this personality is because Kangxi spoiled him.

However, it's a case of one willing to give and the other willing to receive, and besides, the daughter didn't suffer any loss.

Xiu Ning nodded helplessly, and as she turned to leave, she didn't forget to give Ning Chuge a look. Although the child gave a no-questions-asked gesture, who knows?

...

With Xiu Ning personally overseeing things, the meals prepared by the small kitchen became even more meticulous.

Moreover, to ensure the quality of the meals, Chunyu made a special trip to the imperial kitchen and asked the chefs there to prepare several dishes that Emperor Kangxi liked in advance.

By the time the steaming hot food was placed on the table, it was already getting dark.

"Mother, I will not be returning to Shou Kang Palace today."

As Ning Chuge ate her rice and vegetables, she weighed the pros and cons of leaving and staying in her mind, and felt that she should take the opportunity to gain more benefits (even if it was just to improve the relationship).

“Alright, I will arrange for someone to go to Shou Kang Palace later,” Xiu Ning replied. This kind of thing often happened when Kangxi came. “Your Majesty, please try this soup. I heard it was specially prepared for you by the Imperial Kitchen.”

As they were talking, Xiuning had already ladled out two bowls of soup and placed them in front of Kangxi and Ning Chuge respectively.

Upon seeing this, Kangxi took the drink and his expression changed slightly after taking a sip.

Xiuning, with her sharp eyes, naturally noticed the problem and understood that there might be some 'hidden story' behind the soup.

With a smile on her lips, Xiu Ning then served Kangxi another bowl, saying, "When I fetched it, I specifically instructed that Your Majesty liked it. I didn't expect the servants in the Imperial Kitchen to be so dedicated; they deserve a reward."

Want to take a look?

Ning Chuge looked down at the remaining half-bowl of soup, which had a strange smell. Should he give it a reward?