As Yinreng had predicted, the rain intensified.
The servants guarding outside noticed the ominous weather and began passing messages inside.
The Empress Dowager found an excuse to have Yinzhen escort Ulanara Fanghui and the Grand Minister's wife out of the palace.
When Ulanara Fanghui saw Yinzhen walking out of the small tea room at the door, she blushed and didn't know what to do with her hands and feet.
She followed the Grand Minister's wife shyly and bowed to Yinzhen, saying, "This servant greets the Fourth Prince."
Yinzhen hurriedly dodged, saying, "We happen to be going the same way, I'll give you a ride."
The Grand Minister's wife followed at a distance, letting the two go first.
A large oil-paper umbrella sheltered the two of them.
Yinzhen glanced at the wind direction and moved the umbrella to the side.
"Move closer to me, so you don't get wet in the rain," Yinzhen said.
Ulanara Fanghui obediently moved a small step inside, so small that it was barely noticeable unless you looked closely.
Yinzhen sighed inwardly. He finally understood where his father's praise of him as dignified, elegant, and disciplined came from.
His concubine was different from his second wife; she lacked the second wife's gentle and charming demeanor.
However, he was different from his second brother, the Crown Prince. He was quiet and reserved, which suited his wife, who was respectful to him.
"Do you like girls?" After a short silence, Yinzhen took the initiative to ask.
Ulanara Fanghui exclaimed in surprise, glancing at him quickly, seemingly not understanding the meaning of his words.
“I really like Second Brother’s eldest princess.” Yinzhen patiently added, “The one that Imperial Father was holding in his arms just now.”
Tana was not shy around strangers, and Ulanara Fanghui noticed her when she bowed to the Empress Dowager.
"The eldest princess is clever and adorable; it's hard not to like her." Ulanara Fanghui carefully tried to understand Yinzhen's meaning.
"Do you like it?" Yinzhen asked.
Ulanara Fanghui understood: "Of course I like it. Whatever the Fourth Prince likes, this servant likes too. Mother taught that a woman should put her husband first and follow his preferences. Besides, this servant genuinely thinks the First Princess is very cute."
“Last month, someone told me that you don’t like girls,” Yinzhen asked tentatively.
Ulanara Fanghui was initially astonished, but then her eyes regained their clarity.
"Thank you for trusting me, Fourth Prince. I will certainly not let you down." Ulanara Fanghui said to Yinzhen with her chubby little face with great solemnity.
Yinzhen smiled, revealing a small dimple on one cheek, inherited from Consort Wuya. It was fine when he wasn't smiling, but once he smiled happily, it would inevitably show.
Ulanara Fanghui raised her head and happened to see it.
Yinzhen and she locked eyes, paused for a moment, then Yinzhen turned his head, covered his lips with his left fist, and pretended to cough.
His smile was forcibly suppressed, replaced by a cold expression.
Yinzhen couldn't possibly escort the person out of the palace gates. When he was almost at the prince's residence, he stopped.
"Grow up well, and I'll be waiting for you to marry me. As long as you're a dutiful wife, I won't mistreat you." Yinzhen pushed the umbrella into Ulanara Fanghui's hands, and without waiting for a reply, turned and ran.
That hasty reaction was somewhat like fleeing in panic.
Ulanara Fanghui gripped the umbrella handle with both hands, her mouth slightly agape, speechless with astonishment.
The Fourth Prince's words were so direct; it was truly embarrassing.
After Yinzhen left, the Grand Minister's wife naturally quickened her pace and walked to her daughter's side.
"Mother, the Fourth Prince said he would be good to me," Ulanara Fanghui whispered, nestled beside the Grand Minister's wife.
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