"My esteemed ministers, you have all worked hard. I have been on campaign for several months, and you have all remained steadfast in your posts, for which I am deeply gratified. I am tired today, and I will reward you according to the established system after I have rested. Now, you may all disperse," the Fourth Prince said to the crowd.

After exchanging pleasantries, the Fourth Prince dismissed the soldiers and led Lanqin back to Changchun Palace.

"I've been longing for this palace." The Fourth Prince and Lanqin stood at the palace gate, looking at the plaque of Changchun Palace and smiling at each other.

A clever palace maid stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, you don't know, but our Consort stands at the palace gate every day, saying that she's waiting for you to come back so you can see her at a glance."

"What are you saying? You have no manners," Lanqin scolded with a laugh. The rules of Changchun Palace were not strict to begin with, and she had always been lenient with the palace maids, so it was common for them to speak up without being asked.

"A reward. I am pleased to hear that," the Fourth Prince said with a smile.

The entire Changchun Palace was filled with joy. The Emperor's treatment of the Empress made the servants even more cheerful and carefree.

After the palace maids had prepared hot water for the Fourth Prince to bathe, Lanqin dismissed them and personally helped the Fourth Prince change his clothes.

Looking at Lanqin's elegant features, the Fourth Prince felt as if he had brought all the distant mountains and beautiful women into the harem.

Lanqin helped Fourth Master change his clothes and was about to take her leave when Fourth Master reached out and grabbed her, wanting her to put her ear close to hear him speak. This stumped Lanqin, as Fourth Master was sitting in the bathtub, and she was still dressed; to put her ear close, she would have to kneel and dangle towards the bathtub.

But doing so might get your clothes wet.

Seeing Lanqin hesitate, the Fourth Prince pulled her forcefully, and Lanqin fell onto him, her clothes soaked through. Lanqin was startled and was about to lash out when the Fourth Prince whispered in her ear, "I know you won't wait for me at the palace gate, so I'm going to punish you."

"What—what are you going to punish me for?" Lanqin asked shyly. They had been married for over twenty years, but every time Fourth Master acted this way, Lanqin felt as if she had returned to more than twenty years ago.

"You are to serve me during my bath, and take a bath with me as a couple." After saying this, the Fourth Prince lingered on Lanqin's neck.

Lanqin said helplessly, "I have already taken a bath."

"Accompany me to bathe one more time," the Fourth Prince said.

"I understand," Lanqin said, her face slightly flushed.

...

Ushiha followed the Fourth Prince and Lanqin into Changchun Palace. However, neither her father nor her mother noticed her presence and went straight into the main hall without leaving her a word. But Ushiha didn't care. She was thinking about her two children. She asked the palace servants about the children's recent situation and then went to the main hall where the children were. She chatted with Green and Sasar, who had not yet gone to bed.

"Let your mother see you. I've missed you so much these past few days," Ushiha said affectionately to the two children, holding one in each arm.

The two children were overjoyed and played around for a while. Then, Green looked at Ushiha and then outside: "Mother, where is Father?"

“Good boy, Grin, your father has some things to do. But he’ll be back soon. Be good, and he’ll bring you lots of fun things.” Ushiha comforted the children and then talked about what had happened on the road to distract them. The three of them chatted for a while, then got tired and fell asleep together.