How could the Empress Dowager refuse? This fish soup is neither too sweet nor too salty, so there's no need to worry about the little one coughing after eating it. The little one pleaded with his honey-sweet little mouth, and the Empress Dowager immediately fed him again.
In no time, the bowl of fish soup was empty.
The little baby nestled in Huo Chengche's arms, happily being fed by his grandmother, the Empress Dowager, and excitedly kicked his little legs.
Huo Chengche held the chubby little dumpling, took a handkerchief and wiped her little mouth, a faint upward curve on his lips.
The little boy also adored his older brother, the Crown Prince, and obediently let him hold him and wipe his mouth. When Consort Xue wanted to take him back, he refused.
Consort Xue watched this scene, clutching the handkerchief in her hand tightly, her smile stiff, even appearing somewhat ferocious.
Huo Chengche glanced at Consort Xue indifferently, fed the little baby some milk, and casually pulled her into his arms, subtly blocking Consort Xue's view.
The Empress Dowager watched this scene with loving eyes, smiling from ear to ear, and no longer cared about Consort Xue.
She smiled and pinched the little dumpling's chubby cheeks, then turned to Huo Chengche and said, "Niannian has just entered the palace, Che'er, you must take good care of your little sister."
Huo Chengche smiled and agreed.
Consort Xue took a deep breath, smiled gently, and continued, "His Highness the Crown Prince is usually very dignified, and most of the children in the palace are afraid of him. But he is unusually gentle with little Niannian who has come from afar! Little Niannian is indeed more likable than the little princes and princesses in the palace."
Upon hearing Consort Xue's words, Zhuang You frowned slightly, her face darkening, and she grew increasingly disliked Consort Xue's head maid, Li'er.
Li'er had no time to argue. She quickly lowered her head and walked to Consort Xue's side. While pouring her wine, she whispered, "Your Highness!"
This single shout jolted Consort Xue awake considerably.
However, having already spoken, she could only hurriedly raise her head and, as expected, see the Empress Dowager's faintly displeased gaze.
"What are you saying, Consort Xue? Niannian's good fortune has awakened Che'er, so what's wrong with Che'er treating her exceptionally well?" The Empress Dowager frowned in displeasure and gave Consort Xue a deep, authoritative look.
The Empress Dowager reprimanded her in front of so many people, and Consort Xue felt her face burning. Her smile was stiff, but she still pretended to be annoyed and joked, "Yes, yes, Your Majesty is right. Look what I said. I was so happy to see the Crown Prince wake up that I said whatever came to mind. Your Highness, please don't be offended."
Dejiang, who had been standing respectfully by her side, glanced at Consort Xue, then lowered her head again.
Huo Chengche didn't even bother to glance at Consort Xue, but gently coaxed the little boy to drink some water and rinse his mouth.
Her movements were extremely gentle, but her words were as cold and sharp as ice from the depths of hell: "Your Highness, there is no need to apologize to me. These words are meaningless to me, but when they reach the ears of Prince Hengchang, they cannot be resolved with a perfunctory 'apology' from Your Highness."
Upon hearing Huo Chengche's words, Consort Xue's hard-won smile vanished instantly, her face paling, and she could no longer smile.
The Empress Dowager's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this. She carefully considered Consort Xue's words again, and her expression quickly darkened.
She glared at Consort Xue and snapped, "Consort, you have no right to criticize the sons and daughters of the Huo imperial family. Niannian was personally invited to stay in the palace by the Emperor and myself; she is not someone you can use as a pawn!"
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