"certainly."

Consort Lian's smile was as forced as it could be; those two words were practically squeezed out of her mouth.

The hall was warmed by a charcoal fire, a stark contrast to the frigid temperature outside.

The little girl held the warm tea in her small hands, sipping it gently. In just a short while after entering the hall, her cheeks had regained their rosy glow.

"Second brother, Sister Yue'er said that the Yuanshuo era will be here in a few days."

Although she was completely confused when she first heard it, fortunately, that bastard Buddha Lian gave her a little lesson: Yuan Shuo is New Year's Day, which means the Lunar New Year is just around the corner.

"Yes, fireworks will be set off in both the palace and among the common people. It will be very beautiful and lively. Sisi will definitely like it."

Helian Ci brushed away a strand of hair from the little girl's face. In previous years, he and his mother...

Confined to the dilapidated and secluded courtyard of Ronghua Palace, the festive atmosphere of the New Year was never relevant to them. The dazzling fireworks that pierced the sky were fleeting and could not ignite even a candle in his heart.

"Yes, yes, that day the handsome Prime Minister brought my third brother to see me, and told me so many fun things about Yuan Shuo."

There were dragon and lion dances, fire-breathing performances, lots and lots of beautiful lanterns, and lots and lots of delicious food!

As he finished speaking, Sisi couldn't help but swallow hard, looking every bit like a little glutton.

"Want to go?"

Helian Ci raised an eyebrow; he could guess what the girl was planning without her saying a word.

"Mmm! Sisi wants to go, she wants to go!"

Sisi's little face lit up, her fluffy little head bobbing, her bright eyes sparkling with a light more dazzling than fireworks.

"Just think about it. On the day of Yuanshuo, Father will definitely hold a banquet and invite all the officials to celebrate. You are our little princess of Beiyin. Do you think Father will agree to let you leave the palace at that time?"

Helian Ci leaned back slightly and lightly flicked Mou Sisi's forehead with his finger, rudely shattering the little girl's daydream.

Mou Sisi, "!!!"

All the delicious food, fun activities, and beautiful sights... just like that, gone?

"Master, please feel free to go."

Sisi turned her little face, her grape-like, watery eyes looking pitifully at Nanrong Jinghua beside her.

Now, whenever a certain Sisi has a little wish, she seeks out a handsome tutor. It's all because of Nanrong Jinghua's requirements for young girls.

She almost always grants his requests, which explains why Sisi is so dependent on Nanrong Jinghua now.

Helian Ci's sickly pale face twitched violently between his brows, his dark eyes narrowed as he looked at Nan Rong Jinghua.

He refused to believe that Nan Rong Jinghua could persuade his father to let the little coward go out of the palace to play on Yuanshuo Day. If he had that ability, then he…

"good."

Nan Rong Jinghua readily agreed, leaving Helian Ci speechless, unable to think of anything to say.

"But my second brother said that Father..."

Sisi was a little worried. After all, she knew her son's personality well enough. He was a man of his word and had no feelings for her.

"Don't worry, I will discuss this matter with His Majesty, and His Majesty will agree."

Nan Rong's face was stunningly beautiful, her eyes were gentle beneath her long silk robe, and her thin, clear lips held a faint, indulgent smile.

"Oh."

Helian Ci gave a cold sneer. A certain Si Si turned her head curiously, and Nan Rong Jing Hua followed suit. Helian Ci scoffed.

"If you can convince Father, I will not object to you and the little coward from now on."