"The princess is truly beautiful and intelligent, one in a million. No wonder the usually aloof Ninth Prince is so enamored with her." Seeing how close the thirteenth prince was to Ji Fengyao, and how much Ji Fengyao also liked the thirteenth prince, Consort Yin didn't rush to take him back. She smiled and teased, "It's a pity that our thirteenth prince was born a little late. Otherwise, I would definitely have snatched a princess like the princess back for the thirteenth prince."

That sounds like a joke.

But in the current situation, it hits the nail on the head.

Ji Fengyao naturally understood Consort Yin's words and became even more certain that Consort Yin was indeed reminding and helping her, but why was that?

Could it be that Consort Yin can still hope that the thirteenth prince will seize the position of Crown Prince?

Ji Fengyao examined Xiao Shisan's face more closely:

He is a very fortunate child. If he grows up and his features become more defined, it wouldn't be unreasonable to say that he has the appearance of an emperor.

As the saying goes, you can tell what a child will be like at one year old, and what they will be like in their old age at three.

Little Thirteen is only four months old!

Consort Yin schemed for him for all sorts of trivial matters, without even worrying about shortening his lifespan.

However, this was Consort Yin's personal wish, and since she was expressing goodwill towards her, Ji Fengyao couldn't very well turn around and discourage her.

Thinking this, while holding Little Thirteen, Ji Fengyao silently circulated her spiritual power to soothe and nourish Little Thirteen's meridians. This was the greatest blessing she, as Little Thirteen's Ninth Imperial Aunt, could bestow upon him.

The process of warming and nourishing the meridians was very comfortable, and Little Thirteen fell asleep comfortably.

Consort Yin then allowed the palace maids to take Little Thirteen away.

Ji Fengyao stood up to take her leave.

Consort Yin was slightly surprised, but gently persuaded her to stay: "Princess, why don't you rest and have some tea here? I will send someone to keep watch, and once the Ninth Prince comes out, I will have someone bring him here to pick up the Princess and leave the palace together."

Consort Yin's intention to protect her was quite obvious;

Ji Fengyao also knew that the Empress Dowager was trapped in Changyin Pavilion by the Empress, and the Emperor could not leave the Imperial Study even if he wanted to keep Shang Xiye occupied.

If she stays with Consort Yin today, no one will be able to get her out.

But she insisted, "Thank you for your kind offer, Your Highness. It is the season when flowers are in full bloom and willows are green. The sun is shining brightly outside and the spring scenery is just right. I would like to take a walk in the Imperial Flower Garden, look at the flowers, and enjoy the scenery. It would be more pleasant than sitting indoors."

"Then, Princess, please go ahead." Seeing that she was determined to leave, Consort Yin had no choice but to give in and said, "If you need anything, please send someone to inform me at any time."

This means that we will protect her to the very end.

Regardless of Consort Yin's motives, Ji Fengyao appreciated her kindness, nodded and smiled in agreement, and then left with her three maids.

At this moment, in the Imperial Garden.

Following the Empress Dowager's instructions, the Fourth Prince, Shang Xize, was waiting in the pavilion in the center of the lotus pond for the palace maids to bring Ji Fengyao over.

He carried his two lapels behind his back, gazing at the lotus leaves stretching to the sky and the pink and white buds standing gracefully in the pond, and the lush green willows on the distant bank, feeling a sense of joy.

Because his birth mother was of humble origin, merely a servant, he was the least noticeable of the five surviving princes. Even after more than ten years of careful maneuvering, he only had a meager amount of power behind him, barely enough to protect himself.

But now, the Empress Dowager, this formidable figure, has suddenly extended an olive branch to him;

He was also allowed to marry Princess Chonghe, who possessed extraordinary medical skills.

Furthermore, it was announced that this matter had been approved by the Emperor!

Even after standing in the pavilion for a while in the cool breeze, Shang Xize still felt dizzy and unclear-headed, as if he were dreaming.