The two sisters reminded Lanqin of her own daughter, Bechuk, who was about the same age as them. However, they lacked Bechuk's innocent and romantic smile; instead, they displayed a cautiousness and a keen awareness of how to read people's expressions.
Lanqin made a decision on the spot, so she asked Baoqin to distribute the snacks she brought to the three girls, and also gave them some jewelry. Before leaving, she instructed the nanny to take good care of the three girls.
As soon as the Fourth Prince returned to the Hall of Mental Cultivation after court, he found Lanqin standing outside the hall.
The Fourth Prince was surprised. Lanqin smiled and got up to help him change his clothes. The Fourth Prince laughed and said, "Why didn't you wait for me at Changchun Palace? You came all the way to Yangxin Hall. You're not well yet, so you shouldn't move around too much..."
Lanqin greeted the Fourth Prince with a smile, saying, "Qin'er has something to ask of Your Majesty, so I prepared some snacks to please you."
The two entered the hall together.
The Fourth Prince chuckled and said gently, "Oh... I'm very curious, whose business could make my beloved concubine come to me to curry favor..."
Lanqin took Fourth Master's hand and led him to the table. She smiled and brought out the snacks and juice she had prepared in advance. Fourth Master had a great appetite and tasted a few bites of each. Lanqin rested her chin on her hand and watched Fourth Master eat with a smile.
"Speak, what is it..." Fourth Master smiled indulgently at Lanqin, his mouth full of food.
Lanqin hesitated slightly: "Qin'er heard that the princess chosen by the Fourth Prince for a political marriage has already entered the palace..."
The Fourth Prince wiped his mouth and nodded: "That's right, I have already settled them in Chuxiu Palace, where they will be taught by nannies, and they will be granted the title of princess soon..."
Lanqin thought for a moment and said to the Fourth Prince, "Actually, Qin'er went to Chuxiu Palace to see them today..."
Fourth Master asked, "What?"
Lanqin sighed, "Just looking at them makes me a little sad..."
The Fourth Prince paused slightly, a flicker of panic crossing his eyes. Ever since Lanqin's near-death experience at the assassination attempt, he had been exceptionally anxious about her, fearing she might suddenly disappear. Even the slightest hint of emotion from her could send shivers down his spine. He gripped Lanqin's hand tightly and asked urgently, "Qin'er..."
Lanqin smiled and said, "Marriage alliances are originally the duty of princesses. Bechuk is the emperor's daughter and also a princess of the Qing Dynasty. It was because I, Qin'er, did not want my daughter to marry far away that these three innocent girls were made to suffer in her place..."
Lanqin nodded guiltily, and the Fourth Prince hurriedly comforted her, saying, "If anyone is to blame, it's me. I am the ruler of the country, and it was my daughter who..."
Lanqin quickly covered Fourth Master's mouth and gently scolded, "Qin'er, you mustn't say that, Master..."
The Fourth Prince embraced Lanqin and whispered, "I know you have a kind heart, but I also can't bear to see Biechuk marry far away, and I can't bear to see you heartbroken..."
Lanqin looked up at the Fourth Prince and said, "So, Qin'er would like to ask Your Highness if these three girls could stay in Changchun Palace..."
Fourth Prince was taken aback: "Changchun Palace?"
Lanqin nodded and said earnestly, "Firstly, it would be good for them to keep each other company. Secondly, I can teach them some life experience on the grasslands. They are young and don't understand many things. If they marry without knowing what to do, they will definitely be isolated and helpless on the grasslands. I don't want the princesses of the Qing Dynasty to go to their deaths as soon as they get married. At least I can make sure they live in peace, and then I can have peace of mind..."
The Fourth Prince felt a warmth in his heart and gazed at Lanqin with deep emotion, "Your kindness and gentleness are a unique treasure in my heart, and I hope to protect your heart forever..."
The promise from the Fourth Master touched Lanqin's heart like a gentle spring breeze, almost bringing her to tears. She turned around and reached out to hold the Fourth Master's long, warm neck.
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