As they were talking, Chen Yuwei's huge yurt arrived.

She lifted the curtain and went inside, where Xia He helped her change into a new outfit.

Seeing that it was still early for her shower, Chen Yuwei simply dried herself off with a wrung-out towel.

The whip had been tossed to Xia He as they walked. Chen Yuwei took a breath and said, "I'm getting old. My body can't handle sudden exertion."

I didn't feel anything while sitting on horseback, but as soon as I got off, I felt sore all over.

Xia He quickly reassured her mistress that she was not old at all and looked more beautiful than the younger concubines, "Your mistress has always been the envy of the concubines in the harem."

Chen Yuwei smiled and said, "What's there to envy? Everyone is just trying to make a living in the palace. Whether they live a good or bad life doesn't really matter."

The thought of living such a meager existence gave Chen Yuwei a headache.

Some people just love to fight and compete, making the palace a chaotic mess.

Next time there's a chance to leave the palace like this, Chen Yuwei will make sure Hongli takes her along no matter what.

Leaving the palace is so much more interesting; the beautiful mountains, rivers, and scenery are far more captivating than the monotonous Imperial Garden within the palace grounds.

"We've expended a lot of energy today, so let's prepare extra food and invite Yonghu and the others over to dine together."

Since the five children came to Mulan Qiumi, they've been playing so much they're never home.

Aside from seeing the children in their entirety on the first day, Chen Yuwei only heard news about them but never saw them.

It was fortunate that the children's short legs prevented them from riding those tall horses; otherwise, given Hongli's ability to hold equestrian and archery competitions every day, Yonghu and the others would definitely be the kind of long-term regulars who would come whenever they were called.

They all seemed like attention-seekers; Chen Yuwei didn't know who they took after.

Even Hongli wasn't this unreliable. How could someone like him be groomed to become an emperor? Forget it, Chen Yuwei felt she was doing quite well for now and there was no need to make things difficult for herself. She decided to leave it at that for now.

Humming a little tune and singing a little song, Chen Yuwei leisurely waited in the main hall for someone to come over.

Soon, only their voices could be heard, but they could not be seen.

Yonghu's uniquely bold voice drifted into Chen Yuwei's ears from afar.

Mother

"Mother!" "Mother!" "..."

One, two, three, four, five... Five little radish heads lined up in front of Chen Yuwei.

"You've finally decided to come. Have you had a good time these past few days? Poor Mother, it's so hard to even see you."

Not wanting to say anything harsh, Chen Yuwei grumbled a few words and led the children to eat.