Chapter 268 Warmth

She angrily criticized Consort Liang: "It's alright, we shouldn't bother with someone like her! It would be a waste of our feelings to bother with her. Fourth Prince, you are so outstanding, don't listen to what she said."

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

More than feeling sad, Xie Yunwen actually felt relieved.

He used to cling to that illusory thing, but now that he's made up his mind to let it go, he feels a sense of lightness.

The brother and sister chatted for a while longer, and after confirming that Xie Yunwen was indeed not experiencing any major negative emotions, they completely relaxed.

"Fourth Prince, what do you plan to do? You and Consort Liang have fallen out. Putting aside how to explain this to Father, how will you get along with Consort Liang in the future?"

As the saying goes: Filial piety is the principle of Heaven, the righteousness of Earth, and the conduct of the people.

With filial piety weighing heavily on his shoulders, and Xie Yunwen being a prince, this matter would likely cause controversy if it got out.

However, these are all secondary, because no matter how you look at it, Consort Liang was in the wrong first. Those who have nothing to lose are not afraid of those who have something to lose, and Sheng Sheng did not believe that the outcome of the argument would be detrimental to Xie Yunwen.

Sheng Sheng was worried because Xie Yunwen and Consort Liang lived in the palace, and they would see each other all the time. Sheng Sheng felt awkward just thinking about it.

Moreover, since Consort Liang and Empress Zheng have been colluding in private, it's hard for Sheng Sheng not to worry that Consort Liang might do something outrageous to the Fourth Prince.

"Furthermore, since she doesn't want Fourth Prince to receive treatment for his leg ailment and has made a deal with Empress Zheng, it might not be appropriate for Fourth Prince to stay in Liuyun Pavilion with her if he wants treatment." Sheng Sheng thought for a moment and came up with two solutions. "How about Fourth Prince, you come and stay at Yuqing Palace? It's lively there, Fourth Prince, you can come and join the fun. If Fourth Prince doesn't want to, Sheng Sheng will go with you to Father and explain the situation, and ask Father to make an exception and let you live alone earlier, okay?"

Princes could only live alone in a palace when they turned thirteen. Once they came of age, they could be granted the title of king and have their own royal residence outside the palace.

Xie Yunwen is already twelve years old, not far from thirteen, so it's not too unusual. Besides, there's a reason for it, so the Emperor will definitely agree.

Xie Yunwen felt a warmth in her heart as she looked at the little dumpling who had gone to such lengths for her: "Okay, I'll do whatever you say."

"hey-hey."

As they spoke, the two arrived at the Brocade Palace, and from afar they saw Green Ping waiting at the palace gate.

Lü Ping was somewhat surprised to see Xie Yunwen, but she didn't show it on her face. She respectfully bowed and said, "This servant greets the Fourth Prince and the Second Princess."

Sheng Sheng cheerfully helped the person up, saying happily, "Where's Mother? And where's Sheng Sheng's honey cake?"

"The pastries are ready, and the Imperial Concubine is waiting for the princess in the main hall."

"Alright, let's go quickly, Fourth Brother!"

Sheng Sheng took the initiative to go behind Xie Yunwen and help push his wheelchair, but because he was small, he couldn't push it very hard and could only move forward at a snail's pace even with all his strength.

Xie Yunwen was both amused and exasperated, and quickly turned her wheelchair herself, saying, "I can do it myself."

Sheng Sheng continued pushing with a heave-ho: "It's alright, Fourth Brother, Sheng Sheng will help you!"

Xie Yunwen chuckled and let her go.

Lüping and Zijuan lagged behind. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Lüping quickly asked Zijuan, "Why is the Fourth Prince here?"

Zijuan briefly explained the situation to her, and Lüping exclaimed in surprise, "Ah? Then I must hurry and tell you about this so that Your Highness can be mentally prepared."

"Yes, and given the princess's personality, she will definitely help the Fourth Prince resolve this matter properly. It would be good to tell Her Majesty now so that she can help our princess think of what to do."

Lüping quickly ran ahead to find Consort Rong. Fortunately, after pushing the wheelchair for a long time, by the time the two children entered the palace, Consort Rong had already heard most of what had happened.

"Mother!"

"Your Highness, Consort Rong."

Consort Rong walked over with a smile, taking one hand in each of their hands. Green Ping, with her keen insight, went around behind Xie Yunwen to help push his wheelchair.

"Come here quickly, I've been waiting for you for a long time, and this honey cake is almost cold. But this milk has been kept warm over the fire. Someone, quickly bring the milk up."

Consort Rong did not mention the Liuyun Pavilion, but only ordered someone to bring milk, and then touched the temperature of the two children's palms.

"Why are your hands so cold?" Consort Rong frowned slightly. When the milk was brought over, she quickly had someone pour milk for the two children.

Apart from Xie Yuxiao, Xie Yunwen had never had such an interaction with his elders, let alone been cared for. He was quite reserved and didn't say a word.

With her eyes crinkling, Sheng Sheng explained, "It got windy outside just now, and it got chilly after a while, but it's not cold at all."

"It's not cold, it's not cold. You'll know you're wrong when you catch another cold." Consort Rong glared at her with a smile, then said to Xie Yunwen, "Don't be like this child, always thinking you're tough and won't get sick. You'll regret it when you actually get sick. Even though it's almost spring, it's still quite a while before the weather warms up. Children are most prone to getting sick during these seasonal changes. You all need to be careful to keep warm. Why didn't you bring a hand warmer with you when you went out?"

The palace maid poured two cups of milk. Consort Rong handed the milk to Sheng Sheng and Xie Yunwen, saying, "Drink some milk to warm yourselves up. However, I didn't know you were coming, so I added sugar to this milk according to Sheng Sheng's preference. It might be a little sweet."

Consort Rong's gentle words startled Xie Yunwen. These nagging, motherly instructions were completely unfamiliar to Xie Yunwen.

Consort Liang had never said these things to him before.

Even his mother, who should have been closest to him, had never treated him this way, yet Consort Rong could easily care for him as an ordinary junior.

Therefore, Xie Yunwen, who was already somewhat reserved, froze completely. He had never been at a loss when faced with difficult scriptures and poems, but now, faced with this ordinary scene, he didn't know what to do.

She gulped down a mouthful of milk, and the warm, sweet milk instantly washed away the chill from her body, making her feel incredibly refreshed.

Seeing Xie Yunwen still holding the cup in a daze, Sheng Sheng knew he was at a loss. At times like this, he needed someone to give him some guidance.

Sheng Sheng gently nudged his arm, the one that wasn't holding the cup, and feigned anger: "Fourth Brother, why aren't you drinking? Do you think the milk from our Jinxiu Palace isn't good enough?"

"How could that be?" Xie Yunwen said hurriedly, then glanced at Consort Rong, smiled, and drank the milk in his cup in one gulp.

The milk was warm and rich, just as Consort Rong had said, it had been sweetened.

Xie Yunwen doesn't eat sweets much, but this sweet milk was surprisingly delicious.

Perhaps it was because it was really too cold outside, this warm drink felt especially comforting.