The Fourth Prince arrived at Changchun Palace for lunch early this morning. He had been reviewing memorials until late last night and had retired to Yangxin Hall for the night. Lanqin, unaware of the Fourth Prince's arrival, hurriedly prepared some pastries.

"Fourth Master, why did you come so suddenly today?" Lanqin asked curiously. In the past, he would always inform her in advance so that she would have time to prepare the dishes that the Fourth Master likes to eat.

Fourth Master looked at Lanqin with a smile in his eyes and said, "When I woke up this morning, I suddenly had some thoughts. It's been a long time since we've enjoyed some time alone together."

Lanqin was puzzled, wondering what the Fourth Master was up to all of a sudden, but judging from his tone and expression, it must be something to be happy about.

Seeing Lanqin's stunned expression, Fourth Master decided not to keep her in suspense any longer. "Lanqin, do you still remember what I promised you before?" Fourth Master asked tentatively.

Lanqin smiled, realizing that this was what it was about.

"Of course I remember. Your Majesty promised to take me out of the palace for a trip. However, I am too busy with state affairs to ask for that." Lanqin remembered every promise the man in front of her had made to her, and she kept every word in her heart.

The Emperor looked at Lanqin with heartache. She had always been so sensible and considerate. When would she ever think of him? "I promised you before that when the country was at peace and the weather was good, I would take you to the south of the Yangtze River. Now that the country is stable and our children are married, it is time for us to go out and relax."

Lanqin was deeply moved when she heard Fourth Master say this. They had indeed not had their own private space for a long time. She was only thirteen or fourteen years old when she first got together with Fourth Master, and they had been together for twenty years. The twists and turns and hardships during this period could not be explained in a few words.

"Your Majesty, the matter of Nian Gengyao has only just been resolved. I don't want to affect you because of myself. How about you take me to Jiangnan after some time has passed and the court is more stable?" Lanqin didn't want to spoil the Fourth Prince's mood, but she hadn't fully investigated the matter of Nian Gengyao yet, and she was really worried.

The Empress and Empress Fucha have always been a heavy burden on my mind. It's clear that Empress Fucha was the one who poisoned Consort Nian, but I haven't been able to find any evidence. Although these two have lost their power on the surface, they have secretly won over many people. If I were to go out with the Fourth Prince with these worries on my mind, I would certainly not have a peaceful time. I also can't let go of Hongli, so it's better to politely decline now.

The Fourth Prince has thoroughly investigated Nian Gengyao's case, and there are no remaining supporters in the court. Seeing Lanqin's solemn expression, the Fourth Prince wondered if something was on her mind. "Lanqin, tell me the truth, is something troubling you?"

"Your Majesty, I do indeed have something to deal with recently," Lanqin told the Fourth Prince honestly. "Oh? Even the clever and quick-witted Lanqin has something she can't handle?" the Fourth Prince teased.

Lanqin glanced at the Fourth Prince with a resentful look. "Your Majesty, once this matter is resolved, I will tell you and accompany you out of the palace, shall I?" Lanqin's tone softened.

"What is it? Do I need to get involved?" Fourth Master sensed that Lanqin was in a heavy mood and wanted to help her, but he respected Lanqin's own ideas and let her grow through experience.

Lanqin didn't want to hide it from the Fourth Prince, so she said, "It's about the Empress and Lady Fucha. I can handle it. After I figure this out, I'll accompany Your Majesty out of the palace." The Fourth Prince agreed.