"Greetings, Father Emperor, greetings, Empress Dowager." Hongzhou, accompanied by Wu Kuzha, paid his respects to Lanqin and the Fourth Prince.

When Lanqin saw Hongzhou bowing to her, she quickly waved her hand to let him stand up. So they sat down and Hongzhou presented Lanqin and the Fourth Master with New Year's gifts and paid his respects. After that, the Fourth Master sat down and talked with Hongzhou, while Lanqin chatted with Madam Geng and Madam Wukuzha.

While Lanqin was chatting with Geng about everyday matters, Lanqin noticed an unfamiliar woman standing behind Geng, standing separately from Lülan behind Geng.

Seeing this, Lanqin couldn't help but feel a little puzzled. If asked who Gengshi's personal maid was, it would definitely be Lülan. Therefore, Lanqin felt that it was only natural for Gengshi to bring Lülan to the palace to pay her respects.

However, this unfamiliar woman was able to follow Lady Geng into the palace. Looking at the attire of both Lülan and this woman, the woman was even more eye-catching than Lülan. It seemed that she was more popular than Lülan and had won Lady Geng's favor.

Thinking of this, Lanqin asked with some suspicion, "Who is she?"

Madam Geng smiled, glanced at Qiu Yun behind her, and said with a smile, "This girl is destined to be with me. She once saved my life, so I took her in as my goddaughter and kept her by my side to serve me."

Lanqin glanced at Qiuyun a few more times. It seemed something had happened while she was away from the capital. How could a woman gain Geng's favor so quickly and even become Geng's adopted daughter? Lanqin knew Geng's character all these years. Geng couldn't have reached such a position without being an ordinary person. This woman must be extraordinary.

However, Lanqin knew she couldn't reveal her thoughts to Geng Shi, so she nodded and didn't pursue the matter any further, saying, "I see."

When Qiu Yun was mentioned, Madam Geng recalled her previous idea of ​​giving Qiu Yun to Hong Zhou as a concubine. She sighed softly and complained to Lan Qin, "Hong Zhou has few children now. He doesn't go to the concubines that the Emperor has assigned to him very often."

Upon hearing this, Lanqin glanced at the embarrassed Wukuzashi beside her and then smiled as she advised Gengshi, "It's a good thing that Hongzhou and his wife have a good relationship. As for having children, let fate decide."

Lanqin knew that Gengshi was at her wit's end and wanted her to persuade Hongzhou. However, Lanqin was very pleased with Hongzhou's deep affection for Wukuzhashi. Offspring were something that couldn't be forced, and besides, if she sided with Gengshi, Wukuzhashi would definitely be heartbroken. Wukuzhashi's health had always been poor, and Lanqin didn't want to embarrass her.

Seeing Lanqin's behavior, Geng didn't say anything, but just glanced at Wukuzha beside her with dissatisfaction.

A short while later, the banquet was ready, and Fourth Master and Lanqin invited Hongzhou's family to take their seats.

Hongzhou suggested, "Why don't we call Fourth Brother over? It would be more convenient for him to be in Chonghua Palace."

Upon hearing Hongzhou's words, the Fourth Prince nodded without hesitation, "Su Peisheng, go to Chonghua Palace and summon His Highness the Crown Prince to dine at Changchun Palace."

"Yes, this old servant will go right away," Su Peisheng nodded hurriedly.

It was a rare opportunity for the Fourth Prince to dine with Hongli and Hongzhou, and he was very pleased. Moreover, the Fourth Prince knew that Lanqin had been regretting that Hongzhou was not present at yesterday's family banquet, and he was sure that Lanqin would be very happy to have Hongli and Hongzhou by her side for a meal today.

Lanqin, who was standing nearby, quickly said to Su Peisheng, "Call Mingyu over as well."

Fourth Master and Lanqin exchanged a smile.