The Qing Palace Never Meets Spring

Qingwan watched them walk towards the study, then returned to her bedroom, leaned against the couch, and said with a wry smile, "What a tiring day."

Chenxiang knelt down and massaged her legs: "What a coincidence that happened today. But thanks to Physician He's words, if Concubine Guarjia brings up the child in her womb again, it will have nothing to do with the Fujin."

"Yes," Qingwan sighed, "This young Physician He is really perceptive. By the way, what did the princess say?" The last question was directed at Muxiang.

Mu Xiang said, "This servant picked out the details and told the Eighth Princess about them. The princess said that the affairs of the master's courtyard were not her responsibility, but this time she would trust the Fujin (principal wife) this time. She believed that the Fujin understood that no matter how much they argued, it was an adult matter and would not involve the children."

Yi'an and Yi Huan were also at Chun Que's place today. However, after they left, the two of them stayed with Chun Que, which suggests that someone had already told the two sisters about this incident.

That's why she thought of asking Yi'an for help. If Yi'an was unwilling, she would have to put in more effort with the imperial physician, and Muxiang wouldn't be able to arrive just in time for Yinxiang's return.

Chenxiang was somewhat puzzled: "During this time, even though I'm a bit slow and the Princess Consort doesn't take me out much, it's clear that the two princesses treat her very well."

"But this good fortune came too easily; our Lady didn't even have to do anything."

Qingwan smiled and said, "It's quite rare to see our Miss Chenxiang thinking like this."

Because of her young age, Chenxiang was not very mature, and she knew this herself. So whenever she went out, she didn't need Qingwan to tell her; she would just have Muxiang go with her.

She knew she was inferior to Muxiang in these aspects, so she was extremely obedient and did whatever she was told.

Chenxiang smiled shyly. Muxiang looked at Qingwan before explaining to her, "Firstly, both princesses are probably good-natured people and have nothing to compete with our Fujin. Secondly, the princesses are good to our Fujin more for the sake of the Thirteenth Prince. After all, our Fujin and the Thirteenth Prince are united in public, which is something that the concubines in the courtyard cannot compare to."

Whatever the reason, it's a good thing for us, just like today.

Chenxiang nodded in understanding.

In the study, after Yinxiang sat down, he said to Physician He, "You may sit down as well."

"Thank you, Thirteenth Master."

After the tea server had left, Yinxiang spoke up: "You've been the one taking care of the Eighth Princess's health all along. How is she now?"

Physician He lowered his head, closed his eyes briefly, and then said, "Reporting to Thirteenth Prince, Eighth Princess has fully recovered."

Yinxiang did not notice his strangeness and then asked, "The Eighth Princess's wedding date is set for July. I would like to ask if you are willing to go to Mongolia with the Eighth Princess."

If you are willing....."

"I am willing."

"Hmm?" Yinxiang heard his reply before he could finish speaking. He paused for a moment before saying, "This is not forcing you. You can think about it again. If you are willing, I will promote your younger brother who is currently taking the imperial examination, as long as he passes it in the future."

Physician He rose and bowed, his tone firm: "This servant has no intention of taking advantage of the princess's kindness. The Thirteenth Prince knows that the princess saved my life, therefore this servant is willing to accompany the princess to Mongolia."

Yinxiang stared at him intently, tapping his bent fingers on the table repeatedly. After a long while, he said, "That's for the best. Go back and prepare. I'll handle the rest."

"Yes, the slave will leave."

Yinxiang watched Physician He's departing figure with an inscrutable gaze, and in the end, he could only sigh.

Then she summoned Zhang Rui and asked, "What did the Princess Consort instruct you to do?"

Zhang Rui said, "Reporting to Your Highness, the Princess Consort instructed me to go to Lord Ahazhan and bring back Zhuying, who was serving Consort Guarjia, saying that Zhuying disturbed all the Princess Consorts today."

"Hmm? Tell me about it in detail."

Zhang Rui had already instructed people to investigate the matter thoroughly afterward, so when Yinxiang asked him, he told him everything without bias.

After hearing this, Yinxiang smiled knowingly: "Your wife is too soft-hearted to use such tricks. Since she has said so, just do as she says. I can't refuse her."

You have given Ahajan proper instructions; don't waste your wife's good intentions."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will send someone to give the order right away."

Yinxiang then got up and went back to the main room. As soon as he entered, he saw Qingwan leaning against the couch with her eyes closed, looking tired. In front of her was a maid named Chenxiang or Muxiang, who was sitting on a stool and holding Qingwan's hand, doing something.

Yinxiang tiptoed forward, crossed his arms, and leaned against the door separating the bedrooms, listening to the two talking.

The maid said, "My lady, it's been a long time since you've done needlework. Why don't you get your nails trimmed? I'll go to the pharmacy tomorrow and get some medicine for you to soak your nails and wear nail guards."

Yinxiang lowered his eyes to look at Qingwan's hand, but the maid blocked his view, so he couldn't see it clearly.

He thought about it and realized that his memory was not very clear, probably because he hadn't paid attention to it before.

He couldn't quite recall what Qingwan's hands looked like—whether they were as delicate as cream, as elegant as orchids, or plump and fair.

As for whether Qingwan usually wears armor, he couldn't recall. However, Yi'an and Yihuan always wore a set of enamel armor, which he personally supervised to be made at the Imperial Workshop when the sisters had their birthdays, so they often wore it.

Yinxiang unconsciously stared at Qingwan, lost in thought.

When Qingwan opened her eyes, she saw Yinxiang with his arms crossed, lost in thought. She waved for Chenxiang to get up, and then walked up to Yinxiang and called him "Master".

Yinxiang suddenly snapped out of his daze, realizing that he had been so engrossed in looking at Qingwan that he was still in a daze even when she was right in front of him. Feeling a little embarrassed, he said to cover it up, "Thank you for your hard work today."

When Shenxiang noticed Yinxiang entering, he had already left on his own. Qingwan smiled gently after hearing Yinxiang's words: "It's what I should do."

Seeing that Yinxiang was standing still, she reached out to pull him up, but then withdrew her hand halfway and said, "There is one more thing I need to tell you, Master." She then told him about the bamboo shadow.

Yinxiang noticed Qingwan's actions. Apart from when he rested in the main room, the two rarely had intimate moments, and the couple acted very distantly.

Seeing Qingwan withdraw her hand, he was somewhat disappointed, but mostly relieved.

Although I had heard it from Zhang Rui before, I listened carefully to Qingwan repeat it again before saying:

“Since you entered the household, I have given you the authority and respect of the primary wife. I have also entrusted you with all the affairs of the inner quarters. Don’t make a fool of yourself and embarrass me in public.”

Qingwan replied, "Don't worry, Your Highness." This was true; although Yinxiang wasn't particularly attentive to women, he wasn't bad either. If he had nothing to do, he was even quite patient. With Yinxiang's personality, it would be convenient for her to manage affairs after he was given a separate residence.

Silence fell again after these words, and after a long while, Qingwan finally heard Yinxiang's voice:

"Next month, the Emperor will be going to inspect the border regions. My eldest brother, second brother, fifteenth brother, sixteenth brother, and I will be accompanying him. Do you... want to go?"