After receiving the Fourth Prince's approval, Lanqin summoned Hongzhou to Changchun Palace.
Hongzhou had been frowning and looking dejected these past few days because of Xueying's situation. He was listless and couldn't muster any energy, but he still came despite his worries so as not to spoil Lanqin's mood.
Hongzhou started asking outside if Hongli was also there. He breathed a sigh of relief when he confirmed that he was the only one there. Lanqin saw that Hongzhou was dejected and unhappy, and said with heartache, "Hongzhou, why haven't you come to Changchun Palace to pay your respects to me these past few days?"
Hongzhou was embarrassed, so Lanqin teased him, "Did you have a conflict with Hongli? Tell me, and I'll stand up for you..."
Hongzhou quickly waved his hands and said anxiously, "No, no, no... Your Majesty has misunderstood. Hongzhou and Fourth Brother are on very good terms and have no conflicts whatsoever..."
Hearing Hongzhou's words, Lanqin felt slightly comforted, but her heart ached even more. Hongzhou valued Xueying so much, yet even so, he didn't get jealous or angry with Hongli...
Lanqin smiled and deliberately said, "Did I upset you?"
Hongzhou scratched his head, thought for a moment, and smiled, "It's because I've been busy with my studies lately and haven't had time to come and pay my respects to Your Majesty. Your Majesty is very kind to me, and I will never forget that. I will definitely come to Changchun Palace to pay my respects at any time in the future..."
Lanqin smiled and nodded, then turned to instruct Baoqin and Yuxiao to bring up the things she had prepared.
Baoqin carried Hongzhou's favorite snacks and slowly laid them out on the table, leaving Hongzhou dumbfounded. Lanqin pulled Hongzhou to sit down and picked out a few pieces for him, placing them on a plate.
"These are all your favorite dishes. I specially ordered the kitchen to prepare them for you, but I waited and waited and you still didn't show up. So I had to send someone to invite you..." Lanqin smiled at Hongzhou. Upon hearing this, Hongzhou felt even more guilty and stood up to bow to Lanqin.
"Your Majesty has placed such goodwill in my heart, and I am deeply grateful. I have no way to repay you, so please accept my deepest gratitude..." As he spoke, Hongzhou was about to kneel down when Lanqin quickly stopped him, helping him up and saying with heartache, "You silly child, what are you saying about gratitude? You and Hongli grew up together since childhood. In my heart, you are also my son..."
Lanqin trembled with shock when she uttered the word "son," but Hongzhou seemed unfazed and didn't find it strange. Lanqin said dejectedly, "Quick...quickly try it and see if it suits your taste..."
Hongzhou quickly reached out, grabbed a piece, and popped it into his mouth, praising it repeatedly.
At this moment, Yu Xiao brought over a new set of clothes. Lan Qin stood up herself, placed the clothes on Hong Zhou to compare, and laughed, "It really suits you. I was worried that the size wouldn't fit you, but it seems my memory is still reliable..."
Hongzhou felt a warmth in his heart, his eyes reddening with emotion. He hesitated and asked, "Your Majesty, did you prepare this for me?"
As Lanqin helped Hongzhou change his clothes, she said with a smile, "Put these on and let me see..." Without saying a word, Hongzhou cooperated with Lanqin and changed his clothes, even turning around in front of her.
Hongzhou seemed a little uncomfortable and kept blushing. Lanqin felt even more guilty and looked at Hongzhou with admiration, saying, "Hmm...not bad...Hongzhou has grown up. He's so handsome and elegant. He looks good in anything..."
Hongzhou was taken aback. What was the meaning of the word "handsome"?
Lanqin exclaimed in surprise, then quickly explained, "It means Hongzhou is handsome..."
Hongzhou knew that Lanqin often used strange words and phrases, so he wasn't surprised. He looked down at his new clothes and smiled to himself, saying, "Hongzhou thinks it looks pretty good too..."
This made Lanqin and Baoqin Yuxiao laugh heartily. Lanqin and her son Hongzhou hadn't laughed so freely in a long time. Lanqin felt very gratified. Looking at Hongzhou sitting in front of her, Lanqin was filled with emotion...
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