Yan Huisheng stayed at the Princess Residence for half an hour before leaving.
Princess Qingping and her husband-in-law tried to send him off, but were stopped by Yan Huisheng. Qingping could only have Duanhua escort him. Yan Huisheng also refused Duanhua’s company, saying she was tired today and should rest early. He said he could leave on his own.
Therefore, Duanhua did not send him off, only waved her hand and said, "Take care, Cousin Crown Prince. If you get annoyed by the courtiers again, send someone to find me, I will come to your rescue."
Yan Huisheng chuckled, "Alright."
That said, he turned and left.
Qingping stared in astonishment as Duanhua was so casual in front of Yan Huisheng. After Yan Huisheng left, she poked Duanhua’s forehead with her finger, "You silly girl, are you looking for trouble? How can you talk to the Crown Prince like that?"
"Mother, if the Crown Prince has no objection, why should you? You’re not going to live with me forever." Duanhua pouted, "It was he who told me not to be afraid of him and to be myself in his presence."
Qingping was silenced.
The husband-in-law laughed, pulling Qingping to him, "Alright. The Crown Prince indulges her, and you never really disciplined her before. There’s no point in trying to teach her now."
Qingping sighed, "Poor Crown Prince."
Duanhua giggled and asked Qingping, "Mother, did you see the jade pendant the Crown Prince was wearing? How do you like the knot I made?"
"I saw it." Qingping responded reluctantly, "You worked hard on that knot in the Eastern Palace."
"After the Crown Prince returned to the Eastern Palace, he dealt with memorials while I made the knot. I found it quite enjoyable." Duanhua rested her chin in her hand, "If life could always be like this, it would be just what I wanted."
Qingping was surprised, "Is that how you two get along? I thought you were messing around and making him play with you in the Eastern Palace."
"How could that be?" Duanhua looked at her mother, "Mother, you misunderstand me so much. Do you think I’m that immature?"
"You are."
"I used to be, but I’m not anymore."
"Okay!" Qingping laughed, "As long as both of you get along well and you’re satisfied with your life, and the Crown Prince is satisfied with you, that’s the best outcome."
"Yes, I am very satisfied, and the Crown Prince is very happy with me." Duanhua grinned, "Today he even let me hug him."
Qingping and her husband-in-law exchanged glances, then Qingping asked, "Did you initiate it?"
"The Crown Prince is so nice, I couldn’t resist." Duanhua explained gleefully, "but he said he was afraid you would scold us for not being respectful, so he didn’t let me hug him for too long."
"Alright!" Qingping waved her off, exasperated, "Both your father and I are tired, go back early!"
She feared if her naive daughter continued, she would reveal all the details of her relationship with the Crown Prince, which they, as parents, probably wouldn’t enjoy hearing too much about.
Duanhua nodded, then got up with a joyful heart to leave.
After she left, Qingping, somewhat vexed and amused, uttered with a smile, "Such a childish girl, the Crown Prince really has his hands full with her."
"Perhaps, that’s what the Crown Prince needs. Aren’t there plenty of mature and dignified girls in the Capital City?" The husband-in-law patted Qingping’s hand, "You should rest now! You’re visiting the Imperial Palace tomorrow."
Qingping nodded.
The next day, early in the morning, after breakfast, Qingping then headed to the Imperial Palace. Her husband-in-law, out of concern, escorted her to the palace gate before heading to his official duties.
After Qingping entered the Imperial Palace, the Emperor was still in court. As she had done before, she waited in the side hall.
After the Emperor’s morning court, the palace maid reported that Princess Qingping was there. Surprised, the Emperor wondered why his beloved sister, who was expected to be resting and nurturing her early pregnancy, was visiting. Except for a few individuals, her condition was kept secret from the public. So why was she visiting him now?
He knew that Qingping, whenever she sought an audience with her imperial brother, it would always be for a reason, either bringing complaints about someone or looking for something. Now that she was pregnant again, the Emperor suspected she had come for another reason.
As the Emperor arrived at the side hall, Qingping saw him and immediately got up to greet him, "Imperial brother."
"It’s been quite some time since I last saw you. Instead of taking care of your pregnancy at home, why are you in the palace? What important matter brings you to see me personally?" The Emperor asked.
"A very important matter." Qingping said earnestly, "Imperial brother, you’ve been looking well lately."
The Emperor had his suspicions, he grunted dismissively and took a seat, "Speak up. What is so important that it brought you here? I’ve appointed the Crown Prince to handle most of the court affairs recently, which has relieved me a lot. Naturally, I look better."
He felt much more relaxed since he had fully empowered the Crown Prince. The Emperor had never felt this kind of relief during his reign.
Qingping also sat down, withdrawing a gift list from her sleeve and handed it to the Emperor, "Imperial brother, this is the congratulatory gift that Su Rong sent to Duanhua yesterday through a merchant group."
The Emperor looked puzzled as he took the list and after reading it, he gasped, "This is what Su Rong gave to Duanhua?"
"Yes, it is said to have been plundered from the private vaults of the Nanchu King." Qingping sighed, "Imperial brother, there are over a hundred all-quality items, none of which are mediocre. What’s more, seven or eight of them are priceless. You know that I can’t repay such a gift, so I can only come to you for help."
The Emperor’s beard quivered, "I knew there would be no good news when you came to see me."
"How could this not be good news? Duanhua is about to marry into the Eastern Palace. The gifts Su Rong gave her have all been added to her private treasures. When she marries the Crown Prince, they will all accompany her to the Eastern Palace. When she starts a family, they will all belong to the Imperial Family. They are gifts for your grandchildren, not for me."
The Emperor coughed, "So, you want me to help you pay back the gift?"
"You just have to help me pay back a few items, and the Crown Prince said he’d help Duanhua pay back a part." Qingping responded.
The Emperor took a deep breath, "A few?"
"It depends on your mood, anyway, they are for your niece." Qingping answered.
The Emperor grumbled, "But it’s through you that she will receive them. When Su Rong left the Capital City for Nanchu, she didn’t even write me a letter. In her eyes, I am not her uncle at all."
Qingping looked at him, "To be honest, imperial brother, you weren’t exactly kind to Su Rong during her stay in the Capital City and given such a short time, how could she cultivate such deep affection for an uncle. You can’t blame her for this."
The Emperor sighed, "During that time, there were so many state affairs and major cases continuously occurring in the Capital City. How could I have the mood for any of that?"
Qingping remained silent.
Again, the Emperor looked at the congratulatory gift list, "The Nanchu King’s private vault really held some precious items. This girl Su Rong was quite generous towards Duanhua. Let’s do it this way. I will open up my private vault and select a few items to send to your residence. As for the rest, you guys figure it out."
Seeing his quick acceptance, even though he only agreed to a few items, Qingping was satisfied. She thanked him, laughing, "Thank you, imperial brother."
The Emperor glared at her, "Tell me, from childhood till now, how many treasures have you swindled from me?"
Qingping smiled, "Who asked you to be my only biological brother?"
The Emperor couldn’t help laughing.
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