"Princess, we've arrived."

The three large characters "Princess's Residence" appeared before Ning Chuge's eyes. She was stunned for a moment, then took the wrist of the maid Qiuye and stepped down from the carriage.

"This servant greets the princess."

"May the Princess be blessed"

"..."

On the way, Ning Chuge encountered many servants who bowed and greeted him. He walked past them without making a sound, and then signaled Qiu Ye beside him to help him into the room.

"Qiuye, bring in some warm water for me, and also call the steward of the princess's residence. I have something to ask him."

With a wave of his hand, Ning Chuge dismissed the maidservants serving him and turned to rest on the couch.

She was quite frightened by her mother's visit at Qixiang Palace today, but she also gained a lot.

And her mother's reminder was right; things wouldn't always go according to her plan. If her father found out beforehand, she would have very little room to maneuver in the capital.

If that's the case, then it's better to go back to Khorchin. Not only can we sell our father-in-law for a bargain, but we can also lay the groundwork for the self-inflicted injury plan later on.

Ultimately, however, it was because she herself lacked the strength to do so, and could only rely on this roundabout method to obtain a little power from her father, the Emperor.

Once this child is born, I need to hurry up and get things done.

Without keeping Ning Chuge waiting for long, Qiu Ye went out and returned shortly, followed by the steward currently in charge of the entire princess's residence.

Using the warm water that Qiu Ye brought in to wash her hands, Ning Chuyan smiled and said, "Father and Mother love this princess dearly. Recently, several imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital will be staying at the Princess's residence."

Steward Zhou, please have someone vacate a small courtyard for the imperial physicians to stay in.

Remember to find a few more clever and sensible servants to carefully attend to them, and report back promptly if anything happens.

Ning Chuge shook the water droplets off her hands and wiped them clean with a handkerchief.

The steward's surname was Zhou. He was a middle-aged man who looked quite old. He came from the Imperial Household Department and had previously worked in the palace.

Now that he is in charge of the princess's residence, he has finally found a good master. Naturally, he wants to take this opportunity to perform well, leave a good impression on his master, and gain some leverage for himself.

"Your Highness's instructions are correct. This servant will immediately send someone to make the arrangements carefully."

It goes without saying what the imperial physician's purpose was in entering the mansion. Steward Zhou, with a fawning smile, asked Ning Chuge after he finished speaking if there was anything else he needed to tell him, so he could take care of it at the same time.

Ning Chuge shook his head, "I don't have anything else to do for the time being. The prince consort has returned to Khorchin. You can arrange for people to wait at the outskirts post station morning and evening so that they can pick up any letters that are sent back in time."

Butler Zhou nodded in agreement.

"Alright, go and get busy," Ning Chuge waved his hand and took Qiu Ye to the inner room.

Seeing this, Steward Zhou thought for a moment and then turned to leave.

As orders were issued by Steward Zhou, the servants began to move, and the entire princess's residence came into action.

...

Batur returned from Khorchin in May.

A light rain was falling from the sky, which not only washed away the noise in the palace but also lowered the outdoor temperature.

Xiuning reached out her hand, and raindrops fell into her palm, slowly condensing into water droplets that rolled down into a ball.

With a slight tilt of the palm, water droplets fell to the ground, blending into the damp environment.

Chunyu came up from behind Xiuning and reached out to drape a thin gauze coat over Xiuning's shoulders.

"My lord, the princess just sent word that, considering Khan Gehao's longing for his grandson, the princess will return to Khorchin at the beginning of next month to prepare for childbirth."

"Has the Emperor agreed?"

"His Majesty approved the letter from Gehao Khan, and these are the contents mentioned in the letter."

"I understand. Go and fetch some of the medicinal herbs and fabrics that are needed from the storeroom. Send them to Ning Chuge when she leaves."

"Yes, I understand."

Xiuning turned around, still wearing that thin gauze coat.

As she moved, the thin gauze swayed gently, creating ripples that spread out in layers.

The flowers embroidered on the tulle seemed to come alive, exuding a captivating fragrance.

Thud—

Xiu Ning casually tore off her clothes and threw them onto the couch. She stretched her body and looked calmly out the window.

In two days, Emperor Kangxi will leave the palace, and this time he will not take his concubines with him. This will give them a chance to rest.

call

Xiuning hoped that Kangxi would not return too soon, as she was too lazy to deal with him, especially since Kangxi's paranoia was becoming increasingly severe.

On the night before Emperor Kangxi left the palace, he chose to visit Qixiang Palace.

Xiu Ning had just finished her dinner and was sketching out items for Ning Chuge from the storeroom book that Chun Yu had brought.

Upon hearing the palace servants announce "The Emperor has arrived," Xiu Ning hurriedly got up from her bed and rushed to the door to greet the imperial procession.

"Your Majesty, I greet you with best wishes. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless happiness and peace."

"Your Highness, please rise quickly."

Kangxi gave a slight helping hand and stepped into the main hall.

When Xiuning saw Kangxi walking ahead, her eyes darkened slightly before she quickly regained her composure.

"Your Majesty, I believe you will go and keep Consort Hui company."

After all, only the eldest prince, Yinqi, who had married and had children, accompanied Kangxi out of the palace this time; all the others remained in the inner palace.

"Haha, you're jealous."

Kangxi laughed heartily, then beckoned Xiuning to his side. "I have already sent Yinti over. I think that Yinti going there will make Consort Hui happier than me going to Chuxiu Palace."

Xiuning: ...When it comes to truly heartbreaking things, it has to be the scumbag himself who does it.

However, Kangxi's theory was not entirely wrong. Consort Hui had been out of favor for many years. Even if Kangxi went there, it would only be to sit down, drink tea, and chat. It would be better for him to meet with his own son before leaving, so that the mother and son could discuss the details.

Xiu Ning reached out and helped Kangxi to sit down on the couch. "I am so old, how could I be jealous? Your Majesty is making fun of me."

Even if Ning Chuge is about to give birth, or even if Yin Yi gets married and has children in two more years, she will really become a grandmother.

Although Xiuning always believed that she was young and beautiful, she had to admit that the shame of being young in ancient times was too severe, especially for women. Once they passed a certain age, they could no longer dress and groom themselves as they pleased.

"I find that my beloved concubine is as beautiful as ever; do not underestimate yourself."

Xiuning's face hasn't aged at all since she matured.

Emperor Kangxi was a man, and also a man of strong emotions; otherwise, why would he have wronged himself by making so many trips to Qixiang Palace?

Xiu Ning lowered her eyes and smiled shyly, exuding a unique charm that captivated Kangxi.

Indeed, when choosing between Qixiang Palace and Jingren Palace, Qixiang Palace is more cost-effective.

Kangxi drew an equation in his mind, and his eyes became even more profound and dark.

The two of them didn't have much to talk about since they were about to set off for the expedition the next day. It was mostly just Kangxi giving instructions and Xiuning agreeing with him.

Occasionally, Xiu Ning would chime in with a few words, and she would keep Kangxi's approval in mind.

The lights at night flickered, creating an ambiguous atmosphere throughout the hall.

The sounds drifted intermittently from inside, completely concealed by the bed curtains, and the subtle, delicate movements made the candlelight on the table flicker gracefully.

Ups and downs, the vast ocean stretches endlessly.

Xiu Ning leaned on the broad, sturdy shoulders of the man, her eyes glazed over, her red lips slightly parted, her face, moistened by the drizzle, looked like a blooming peach blossom.