The Empress Dowager's voice was deep and authoritative: "Issue my imperial decree, reprimanding Marquis Xingbai for failing to properly educate his daughter, for misbehaving in the palace, for bullying the county princess, and for insubordination. Marquis Xingbai is hereby ordered to discipline her properly!"
As a warning to others, the ladies below, who had previously harbored some thoughts, immediately turned pale, and their lively eyes became much more subdued.
The Empress Dowager withdrew her gaze and summoned the head palace maid, He Wan, instructing her to take Chang Yin away to wash and tidy herself up.
The little girl, acting like a big sister, ruffled Changyin's messy hair and said seriously, "Changyin, go on, I'll be waiting for you, little sister Changyin."
Since entering the palace, Changyin has been surrounded by Hu Bao, and no one else can get close to her. She has not bathed or groomed herself for several days, and she herself is feeling a little uncomfortable.
She responded quietly and obediently, but stopped when He Wan led her by the hand to the door.
Then, under the strange gazes of He Wan and the Empress Dowager, she surprisingly gave the Empress Dowager a timid smile, somewhat shyly, and whispered "Grandmother".
It was probably the first time the little girl had called someone "grandmother," and she sounded a bit awkward and tongue-tied. After she finished, her little face was flushed, and she quickly pulled He Wan away with her head down.
He Wan was stunned for a moment, but when Xiao Changyin pulled her away, she couldn't help but laugh.
The Empress Dowager only reacted after seeing Changyin run away, and her timid "Grandmother" was followed by tears streaming down her face when she came to her senses.
The little baby looked up and saw the Empress Dowager with tears streaming down her face. She blinked in surprise, reached out to wipe away the Empress Dowager's tears, hugged her, and said in a childish voice, "Grandma Empress Dowager, don't cry. Changyin will go take a bath, and Niannian will stay with Grandma Empress Dowager."
Hearing the little baby's comforting voice in her arms, the Empress Dowager felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She smiled, took a handkerchief, wiped away the tears on her face, and laughed happily, "Good, good, Niannian is keeping Grandma Empress Dowager company. Our little Niannian is such a lucky little thing."
The little dumpling giggled along, instantly enlivening the previously touching atmosphere.
Consort Xue looked at the little baby in the Empress Dowager's arms, her smiling phoenix eyes flashing almost imperceptibly.
The next moment, the little boy seemed to sense something and looked over. His bright, dark eyes blinked, clean and clear, reflecting everything he saw.
Consort Xue's smile froze for a moment, but then she smiled brightly again and said to the Empress Dowager, "It's been a long time since our palace has had such a lively and adorable child. It's truly delightful! From now on, Nian Nian will be pampered in Your Majesty's palace, making your palace very lively!"
As expected, Consort Xue knew how to please her. The Empress Dowager looked at the little girl in her arms with her big, bright eyes, as clear and sparkling as stars in the sky, innocent and clever.
The thought that her cold and quiet Shouci Palace would one day have such a little one fills her with joy. She also feels a bit more fond of Consort Xue, who brought it up, and looks at her with admiration, saying, "In this palace, you have the sweetest tongue and know best how to make me happy."
Consort Xue's smile deepened, and she feigned envy, echoing the Empress Dowager's words, "Then Your Majesty must allow me to come and bother you more often. Since Quan'er went to the Prince's residence, my palace has been quite deserted."
The "Quan'er" mentioned by Consort Xue is the sixth prince, Huo Chengquan, who is just five years old this year.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
