Consort Lian choked for a moment, and when she met Nan Rong Jinghua's cold gaze, her heart skipped a beat.

Unfortunately, given the current situation, it's not an easy time to make a move. No matter what he does during this period, he can't gain even the slightest bit of the Emperor's favor.

Now that spring is approaching, Ci'er is going to the frontier, a journey that will last for eight or ten years. In the meantime, she needs to maintain a good relationship with the little princess; otherwise, how can she, all alone, establish herself in the harem?

Moreover, her maternal family was not powerful, and she still needed the assistance of the eldest prince, who doted on the little princess.

Consort Lian twisted and turned the handkerchief in her sleeve, suppressing the ferocity and resentment in her eyes.

In any case, she absolutely could not offend the little princess. Not only that, she had to lower her stance and try her best to please her, just like she did at Yongqing Palace at the beginning.

"What are you saying, little princess? Didn't you used to love being close to me the most?"

As she spoke, Consort Lian tried to hug Helian Si, which frightened Si so much that he shuffled around and hid behind Nanrong Jinghua.

“Aunt Lian, that was before. Let’s not talk about the past anymore. Sisi is here to see the Second Prince. Is the Second Prince here?”

"Look at what you're saying, child. 'The past is just like now...'"

Consort Lian was inwardly nauseous, but she forced a smile. Unfortunately, she couldn't step forward this time as she was stopped by a pair of arms.

Looking up, one sees Nan Rong Jinghua's divine face. Though the eyes beneath the long silk robes are obscured, one can sense the chill emanating from the young man.

"My esteemed guest, I am unwilling. Please have some self-respect."

Sisi's chubby little hands gripped Nanrong Jinghua's robe even tighter. Ah, having a handsome tutor backing her up felt so good!

Thankfully, my little darling learned her lesson. My villainous tyrant daughter must always have a powerful backer when she goes out!

Otherwise, my little darling would fall into the hands of that dreadful Rong Momo and Aunt Lian, sob sob.

The smile on Consort Lian's face froze completely. As the atmosphere grew tense, Helian Ci's voice rang out from behind her.

"Mother."

Mou Sisi's eyes lit up, and her fluffy little head peeked out from behind Nan Rong Jinghua.

"Second brother, Sisi is here."

Helian Ci returned a smile to Mou Sisi, took a few steps forward, and stood before the three of them.

“Master, Master, the umbrella is divided among the two imperial brothers, one piece at a time.”

The second prince didn't have an umbrella, so I was very anxious. I walked out from behind Nan Rong Jinghua, took Nan Rong Jinghua's hand, and took a few steps closer to Helian Ci.

Nan Rong Jinghua always indulged the little girl, so he followed her a few steps forward.

A red plum blossom umbrella isn't exactly small, but it's not big either; if three people squeeze in, it'll definitely be a bit crowded.

Mou Sisi patted her little belly and felt a little annoyed. "Sigh, it's all my fault for eating too much meat. I've become a chubby baby."

Helian Ci chuckled, rubbed the little girl's fluffy head, and said that he didn't need to use an umbrella, but Sisi disagreed, afraid that Helian Ci would get cold.

The three of them selectively forgot about Consort Lian, who was standing nearby. The smile on Consort Lian's face could no longer be maintained.

The two palace maids who were holding an umbrella for Consort Lian and attending to her closely exchanged glances, keeping their eyes downcast.

"Your Highness, Princess, Young Master Jinghua, it's cold outside. Why don't we go inside and talk? There's a charcoal fire and hot tea inside, it's quite warm."

This opening remark gave his master a way out. "Yeah, yeah!"

A certain Sisi's eyes lit up, but then she paused, looked at Consort Lian, and asked cautiously,

"Aunt Lian, can Sisi go in?"