An eight-year-old kid emptied his scumbag father's warehouse and followed his grandparents into

"I want to create several connected gardens like yours, complete with pavilions, towers, winding corridors, covered bridges, and waterside pavilions. It's probably difficult to achieve in this palace with its strict rules. But Brother Xiaokang already has a plan in mind, and I'll share it with Xi'er today to see if it's feasible. It will also put your mind at ease."

"Just go about your business! Since you've decided to marry Brother Xiaokang, Xier won't be so pretentious. You don't necessarily need such a vast world to settle down." Jing Chunxi turned her head and smiled at him. That smile was like a magnolia blooming in spring, beautiful and with the power to soothe people's hearts, but she still let him hold her hand tightly and followed his steps forward.

"Brother Xiaokang is still alone, so it's naturally most convenient for him to live in the compartment next to the main hall to handle government affairs and rest. But after you marry Xi'er, this bedroom in the East Palace will naturally be yours and mine." As he spoke, he led her through a moon gate and to the back of the main hall. He pointed to an independent courtyard with soaring eaves and a deep courtyard. It looked quite exquisite and spacious. His tone was firm and gentle, "Look, such a large courtyard, it will be enough for no matter how many children we have in the future. It will be enough for them to live in and play."

His gaze then shifted to the smaller mansions nearby, which were clearly reserved for his concubines of lower rank, such as his concubines and consorts. His brows knitted imperceptibly, and his tone became resolute: "These small mansions nearby are really an eyesore. They take up space unnecessarily and ruin the overall atmosphere of the courtyard. I've already had the Minister of Works bring someone to inspect them. Aside from the wing rooms required for the palace maids to live in, all these redundant buildings must be demolished."

"Next spring, this open space will be planted with your favorite flowers, plants, and trees, Xier. Look, there's enough space under that old locust tree to make two swings, one for you and one for your future children. What do you think, Xier?"

Jing Chunxi was slightly startled by these words, and her steps unconsciously paused. Although Xu Zize had repeatedly promised her that he would be with her forever and would never take concubines, she also knew that as the crown prince, he was powerless. Even if he was determined, he would not be able to withstand the joint pressure and nagging of those old stubborn people who strictly adhered to ancestral rules and cared about the succession of the royal family. He had to pretend to leave some space for the world to see.

I didn't expect him to be so decisive and drastic, not even leaving any room for maneuver.

"This...this isn't appropriate, is it? Will it lead to criticism?" Jing Chunxi was feeling a bit flustered, even a bit guilty and uneasy. It was as if he was being ignorant and encouraging the Crown Prince to go against the entire court, the civil and military officials, and the ancestral laws.

She even began to reflect in her heart whether the "only" she insisted on was really too extreme and inconsiderate for the crown prince.

"Brother Xiaokang has made his decision and has also informed father of his intentions. Brother Xiaokang will bear all the consequences. Xier, you don't need to worry about these. Just think about how to make our home comfortable and cozy in the future." Xu Zize saw her hesitation and concerns, stopped, turned to face her, and gave her an extremely firm yet soothing smile, trying to dispel the slight sadness between her brows.

Then, he continued to lead her forward, his tone becoming light and full of longing again: "Xi'er, please help Brother Xiaokang think about how to plant flowers and trees in this vacant land. During my inspection tour in the south, I will also ask people to pay attention to find some rare flowers and plants and send them back as soon as possible.

Look, the area east of our bedroom's back door has ample sunlight and good soil. Brother Xiaokang plans to transform it into your favorite osmanthus forest, Xi'er. We'll need at least ten varieties, including golden osmanthus, silver osmanthus, red osmanthus, and four-season osmanthus, with staggered flowering periods. We'll also plant a few tall magnolia trees here and there. That way, whether spring, summer, autumn, or winter, as long as we open the window or walk in the courtyard, we can smell the refreshing or rich fragrance of flowers in the bedroom all year round.

He openly said that he wanted her to help think about how to plan and arrange the layout, but in fact, as he led her all the way, passing every pavilion and every open space, he already had a clear idea in his words. He knew what flowers should be planted in which corner, what trees should be planted in which open space, and where a stream of fresh water should be brought in next to the rockery to raise a few koi. He told her everything in detail, as if he knew everything by heart.

The scene depicted is detailed, vivid and specific. No matter how you look at it or hear it, it makes people feel comfortable and yearning. It is full of the interest of life and beautiful expectations for the future.

She listened quietly, and her mind couldn't help but emerge the scene of him gently pushing her to swing in the sweet-scented osmanthus breeze, or the warm scene of him and the children laughing and playing under the old locust tree. The resistance and boredom in her heart caused by the strict palace rules gradually dissipated.

Suddenly I felt that if I were to live with him, with his careful care and interesting days, then this seemingly cold and cramped palace would not be as boring as I had imagined. Instead, it would give rise to some warmth that was worth looking forward to.

"Tomorrow... don't go to the South Gate to see Brother Xiaokang off,"

When the two were alone, Xu Zize watched Jing Chunxi take out things one by one from her magical space as if by magic, from poisons and drugs marked with various effects, to various precious medicinal materials for treating external injuries and internal diseases; from straw raincoats and tarpaulin cloaks that could withstand wind and rain, to spare clothes of varying thicknesses, wear-resistant boots and socks; to easy-to-preserve candied fruits and fragrant dried meat.

He even had no doubt that if she could, she would have wanted to give him all the steaming buns and fragrant braised pork in the space...

This meticulous act, the desire to prepare every possible thing in the world for him, made Xu Zize's heart burn, and his nose suddenly felt sore. Almost going against his truest desire, he said these words with difficulty, "Brother Xiaokang... I don't like the kind of farewell that is full of tears and adds to the sadness."

Didn't he really want to see her one more time before leaving? But "life has always been sad about separation." If this girl really appeared in the crowd seeing him off at the South Gate tomorrow, looking at him with those tearful eyes, he was really worried that he would lose control of his emotions and even have the weak thought of giving up at all costs. That would be wrong for both the country and himself.

"I understand." Jing Chunxi could naturally understand his complex and difficult-to-express emotions at the moment. Wasn't she the same? She was even worried that her emotions would lose control and she would be unable to resist following him to that unknown distance.

"Then I will go and see Erlang off, and then hide far away and never let you see me." She agreed softly, trying to find a compromise that would fulfill her feelings without embarrassing him.

"How about this," Xu Zize pondered for a moment, and suddenly came up with an idea that would satisfy both parties. He wanted her to say goodbye to her relatives, and he also wanted to spend the last quiet time with his beloved girl before their separation.

"Xi'er will go to the General's Mansion later, say goodbye to Erlang, and have a reunion dinner with your grandparents before going back. Then... just wait for Brother Xiaokang's return at home, okay?" He pronounced the word "home" very softly, with infinite attachment.

"Okay," Jing Chunxi nodded obediently and added, "Then I will come back early." She was thinking in her heart that the things she was going to give to Erlangge had already been sent over this morning, but this meal full of sadness and parting had to be eaten together when she got back. This was a ritual between family members.

At this moment, her adoptive father and mother must have rushed over with their younger brothers and sisters, and she should be the only one missing.