As the weather grew colder, Lanqin had caught a cold these past few days and was kept confined to Changchun Palace by Baoqin and Yuxiao, forbidden from leaving. Lanqin could only lie on the soft couch, leisurely finding a book to savor. Golden paulownia leaves unfurled beneath the eaves, and sparse, slanted branches of purple smartweed stretched out, casting layered, winding shadows on the blue brick floor. In the distance, the endless, unobstructed shadows of flowers stretched out.
Lan Qinqing coughed a few times and called out, "Baoqin? Baoqin? Pour some tea..."
A familiar scent wafted to her nose, fresh and familiar. Before Lanqin could turn around, a cloak had already been draped over her shoulders: "I heard you're by my side? I've been quite busy lately and haven't had time for you. I'm sorry you've suffered..."
Her voice was somewhat sparse and faint, like fresh frost touched by night dew, carrying a hint of regret and apology. Lanqin smiled, resting her arm on her shoulder, and said, "Your Majesty, what are you saying? Qin'er is fine; she just kicked off the covers in her sleep last night. There's really no need to make a fuss..."
Fourth Master sat down beside Lanqin and carefully examined her. Seeing that she was indeed alright, he breathed a sigh of relief and said, "You're such a grown woman, and you still can't take good care of yourself!"
Lanqin sat up straight, took Fourth Master's hand with interest, and asked, "Is there any news about Thirteenth Master?"
Fourth Master smiled helplessly. He took out a letter and handed it to Lanqin, saying, "I knew you were anxious about this matter, so... I received the letter and came to show it to you..."
Lanqin eagerly opened the letter. In the blink of an eye, the Thirteenth Prince had been away from the palace for more than two months. The Thirteenth Princess had tried to inquire about the matter indirectly many times, but the Thirteenth Prince had orders to keep, and Lanqin could not reveal too much. Every time she saw the Thirteenth Princess return disappointed, Lanqin felt a little guilty.
After reading the letter, Lanqin beamed with joy: "That's wonderful! Your Majesty, the Thirteenth Prince said he has found the location of the White Lotus Sect! He can send troops to encircle and suppress them soon, does that mean they will be back soon?"
The Fourth Prince affectionately stroked Lanqin's hair and chuckled, "Seeing how happy you are, I thought it was for me..." Lanqin blushed, pouted, and playfully tapped the Fourth Prince, laughing, "What are you saying? Isn't the Emperor right beside me?" She then leaned into the Fourth Prince's arms and murmured, "If the Emperor had left me for this long, I would have definitely followed him..."
Fourth Master laughed heartily: "Just as Qin'er's style..."
"Now we can finally give the Thirteenth Prince's wife an explanation. She will definitely be happy..." Lanqin murmured to herself.
After a while, the Fourth Prince suddenly remembered that he had something else to do. He took Lanqin's hand and led her to the table. He picked up a pen and wrote down a date. Lanqin didn't understand. The Fourth Prince smiled and said, "This is the date I have set for Hongshi's wedding... What do you think?"
Lanqin suddenly realized, slapped her forehead, and said, "Qin'er almost forgot about this. Master said that he would hold a wedding banquet for Hongshi in the fall. I didn't expect time to pass so quickly!"
Seeing Lanqin's slight disappointment, the Fourth Prince stepped in to comfort her, saying, "Why are you still reluctant? You begged me to agree to his marriage..." Lanqin glanced at him sideways and pouted, "Qin'er knows, Qin'er is just a little sentimental. After all, the way Hongshi used to snuggle in Qin'er's arms is still vivid in my mind, as if it were just yesterday. I never thought he would be getting married and starting a family so soon..."
The Fourth Prince chuckled and shook his head, saying, "You still have me, don't you? I'll always be with you..."
Lanqin nodded and smiled, embracing the Fourth Prince, and thought of Hongzhou. "Master, since Hongli is getting married soon, shouldn't we consider Hongzhou...?"
Fourth Master nodded and said, "Hongzhou should get married soon. Is there a suitable woman for him to marry?"
Lanqin whispered, "Master, have you forgotten about that girl named Wu Zhaku? Hongzhou is very satisfied with her. We owe Hongzhou too much; this time, we must make sure to prepare a grand wedding for him..."
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