At this moment, the female official in the kitchen was asking the aunt beside the Empress Dowager whether to serve the meal. The young palace maid who was waiting to call Emperor Chongjin and the others to dine was also standing to the side, unsure whether she should leave.

Judging from her appearance, she had been waiting there for a while, her unfriendly gaze sweeping coldly over Cui Zi, who was standing under the eaves.

Seeing Cui Zi with her eyes downcast and her mouth closed, it was obvious who had delayed the meal.

Emperor Chongjin's originally gentle and smiling face suddenly turned cold, and his sharp and displeased gaze swept over the palace servants of Lady Min.

When the people of Shouci Palace saw Emperor Chongjin arrive, their hearts skipped a beat as the emperor's face darkened with displeasure. They quickly came to greet him.

Emperor Chongjin, with his hands behind his back and a little boy and two mischievous sons, marched in a grand procession toward the palace.

The palace maid at the door naturally dared not stop Emperor Chongjin. Upon seeing this large entourage, she hurriedly opened the palace door, and one of the maids rushed into the palace to report.

Emperor Chongjin walked in unhurriedly, waiting for the little palace maid to inform the Empress Dowager first. There was also a silly little girl, holding a small flower basket that she had warmed up. When she saw the door open, she happily skipped and jumped inside.

A faint sound of sobbing could be heard from inside the hall.

But the little one was running around so fast that he didn't pay any attention to the affected crying.

In the blink of an eye, the little boy carrying the flower basket turned into the screen.

The little palace maid felt she was moving fast enough, but as soon as she turned around the screen, a small ball rolled past her, accompanied by a soft, sweet, baby voice:

"Grandma Empress Dowager! Grandma Empress Dowager!"

The Empress Dowager, seated at the head of the table, had a cold and stern expression. She closed her eyes to rest and ignored the people kneeling before her, appearing solemn and distant.

Upon hearing that soft little voice, she immediately opened her slightly cloudy eyes. When her gaze fell upon the round little figure, her face immediately filled with affection, as if she were afraid of frightening the little baby.

"Niannian is here?" The Empress Dowager smiled broadly as she watched the little girl fall onto her lap, her eyes and mouth full of kindness.

The little dumpling, with his dimples, tiptoed and presented the flower basket in his arms to the Empress Dowager like a treasure. He tilted his head back, looking proud and asking for praise, and said in his childish voice, "Grandma Empress Dowager, my beautiful grandma, Niannian is giving you flowers!"

Oh dear, this baby is so angry!

The Empress Dowager didn't examine the flower basket closely; instead, she was amused by the little boy's sweet, honey-like lips, which made her beam with joy.

What woman doesn't like to be called a "beauty"? Especially when it comes from the mouth of a little baby. Whether it's true or not, it's true in the little baby's heart.

She immediately forgot about that annoying Min Shi, and laughed heartily twice. She first praised the little baby's fluffy head, "Niannian is truly my sweet little darling, she even knows to give flowers to the Empress Dowager!"

Those serving her also smiled. Seeing the Empress Dowager's joyful smile, she smiled more easily. Her gaze swept over Min Shi, whose face was stiff and ugly below, and she smiled coldly, her eyes flashing with disgust.

However, the little girl was unaware that she had done a good deed. All she knew was that her grandmother was happy and even praised her!

The little baby, delighted by the praise, giggled and snuggled into his grandmother's arms. His rosy cheeks were pink and tender, and his bright, dark eyes sparkled like stars, blinking adorably.