Looking at the memorials that offered mixed reviews of Li Chang'an, Emperor Xingchang was deeply conflicted, feeling that he was increasingly unable to understand his daughter.
These memorials included those praising Li Chang'an's merits in serving the country on the battlefield over the years, those subtly suggesting that it was inappropriate for her, as a royal princess, to remain in the military camp, and those bluntly criticizing her for forcibly taking the crown prince away.
After reading through the mountain of memorials, Emperor Xingchang felt his eyes were sore, but he didn't slack off. He rubbed his temples, drank a few sips of ginseng soup, and quickly continued working, carefully dividing the memorials into three parts.
Although he was not yet clear which officials had colluded with the Regent, there were at least many people who had opinions about Li Chang'an and Feng Beichuan. This time, he had to seize the opportunity and eliminate any future troubles!
It was late at night and inconvenient to leave the palace, so Li Chang'an returned to Shou'an Palace, where he used to live, intending to make do for the night.
She hadn't set foot in this place for three whole years. Everything was as before, unchanged. Stepping inside felt like stepping into another world. However, the slightly decaying, dusty smell reminded her that she had been away from the palace for more than three years.
After her mother passed away, the emperor entrusted Li Chang'an to a concubine to raise. Now, the concubine who raised her has also passed away, leaving behind only a cold and desolate palace for many years.
My thoughts are flowing freely.
The palace maids and eunuchs who used to serve in Shou'an Palace have been gradually reassigned to other palaces. Only a few servants who had previously received much favor from the Dowager Consort and Li Chang'en still take turns coming here to clean regularly.
So at this time, there is no one here.
That's good. Li Chang'an is happy to be at ease. The training she received in the military camp has gradually made her used to taking care of herself. If someone were to be arranged to serve her, she would feel uncomfortable.
After a quick search, Li Chang'an found a set of clothes he used to wear, washed up, changed, and went to bed, completely unaware of the commotion Zhao Ruyue had caused outside.
The next day, Li Chang'an got up early and rushed to the General's Mansion. Compared to the palace, she actually preferred to stay in the General's Mansion, after all, it was her home in name only.
Thinking of the little dumpling he saw that day, glaring at him with a huff, Li Chang'an felt a sudden itch in his heart, thinking that when he saw him again this time, he must give him a good hug and pinch his chubby little cheeks.
Thinking this, he rode the horse a little faster.
"Your Majesty, Princess Chang'an rode to the General's Mansion early this morning."
The scouts immediately reported Li Chang'an's whereabouts to Emperor Xingchang, who had already finished reading the memorials and returned to the Zhengqing Hall to rest.
"Keep an eye on things but don't act rashly. Just report the situation."
Emperor Xingchang lay on his couch, closed his eyes, and waved his hand. The spy then left silently.
Emperor Xingchang suddenly opened his eyes and summoned the head eunuch: "Go to the Imperial Study, I need to draft an imperial edict."
When they returned to the General's Mansion, it was still early. The steward was taken aback when he saw Li Chang'an return, and then quickly went to report to the Second Madam.
After that incident, Li Chang'an was ordered to go to the army, and the responsibility of managing the general's mansion fell on the second concubine, Xia Fu. Her three-year-old brother-in-law, Qin Yubao, was also entrusted to Qin Xia Shi for care.
Because the old general and his wife passed away suddenly, they were unable to give Qin Xia a formal title before their deaths. However, she had been in charge of the general's mansion for three years, and naturally, she had long been the de facto head mistress in everyone's hearts.
Moreover, Qin Xia was a shrewd woman who single-handedly managed to keep the General's Mansion in perfect order.
"Aunt Wang, go to the kitchen and keep a close eye on things, make sure the milk broth doesn't burn at the bottom."
Qin Xia was giving instructions about breakfast. Since the young master was teething and growing, she had the kitchen prepare milk pudding every morning.
Although Qin Yubao was not Qin Xiashi's biological child, the child was entrusted to her care right after he was born, so she took extra care of him and treated him as if he were her own son.
Just as she was about to coax the little darling out of bed, Qin Xia learned from the steward that Li Chang'an had returned.
Unable to help but frown, Qin Xia thought to herself, "Didn't Li Chang'an just leave a few days ago? Why is he back again?"
Although Li Chang'an was no longer considered a member of the General's household after his death, logically speaking, she was still the General's wife, while I was merely one of the old General's concubines.
Regardless of the circumstances, Li Chang'an was superior to Qin Xiashi in terms of status and position.
However, Qin Xiashi now controls the entire General's Mansion, and the young master is like her own son. If it weren't for Li Chang'an, she could live her life as the mistress of the General's Mansion with a clear conscience.
The expression on her face vanished in an instant. Qin Xia quickly composed herself, got up with a smile, and went out to greet him.
Even if she was unwilling, she had to put on a good show, especially since Li Chang'an was a princess, so how could she dare to be negligent?
"Oh dear, why didn't you let me know you were coming back sooner? I would have been able to prepare a welcome dinner for you."
As soon as she stepped out, she was greeted by Li Chang'an coming in. Qin Xia quickly stepped forward, warmly grasped her hand, and gave a slight bow, exchanging pleasantries flawlessly.
Looking at the woman in front of him, she appeared to be only twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old. Her face was still beautiful, and she had a kind and gentle expression. However, her beautiful eyes gleamed with shrewdness.
Li Chang'an naturally understood that this concubine was no pushover, but as the saying goes, one doesn't hit a smiling face, so she followed suit and exchanged pleasantries with Qin Xia.
"Where's Yu Bao? Hasn't he gotten up yet?"
Li Chang'an walked into the main hall, looked around, but couldn't see that small figure.
“Brother Bao is still asleep. I was just about to go and wake him up.”
Just then, a tiny figure suddenly appeared out of nowhere and ran headfirst into Qin Xia's arms.
"Mother, I'm hungry."
The visitor was Qin Yubao, Li Chang'an's brother-in-law.
The little baby was rubbing his sleepy eyes, his face still a bit drowsy. The light blue undergarment he was wearing made his fair skin look even more rosy, making you want to pinch his cheeks.
Seeing the little baby, Li Chang'an's heart softened. He really wanted to go up and pick him up and kiss him, but when he thought of Qin Yubao's angry look when he saw him last time, he couldn't help but smile bitterly and gave up.
"Bao-ge, be good, rinse your mouth first, and get dressed before we eat, okay?"
Upon seeing Qin Yubao, Qin Xiashi's face softened, and she lovingly stroked Qin Yubao's hair, gently coaxing him.
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