Regent, please maintain your aloof image.

The next day, Su Qianrou woke up and found that Chang Le and the others were not there, and Mu Jinchen was also nowhere to be found. She was puzzled. Just then, she saw Uncle Liang and asked, "Uncle Liang, where are the prince and the others?"

"The prince is fishing by the pond, while Princess Chang Le and the others have already returned."

"I went back. When was that?"

"I just got back not long ago."

Su Qianrou was very puzzled. They had agreed to stay for a few days, but only two days had passed. Why did they suddenly go back without saying goodbye?

Then they arrived at the poolside and saw Mu Jinchen sitting there leisurely. It was truly rare to see him so relaxed.

"When did you fall in love with fishing?"

"woke up".

Su Qianrou walked to his side, glanced at the pond, and asked, "Did you catch any fish?"

"I caught two fish. I'll have the kitchen make you some crucian carp soup later to warm you up."

"It's so cold, why don't you take a hot water bottle?" she said, putting the hot water bottle in her hand into his hand and making him hold it.

But Mu Jinchen didn't answer, saying, "I'm fine, don't get cold."

Su Qianrou sat down beside him, placed one of his hands on the hot water bottle, and covered his with both of her own, saying, "Let's do it together."

Mu Jinchen chuckled and replied, "Okay."

Then, Su Qianrou leaned on his shoulder and said, "I heard that Chang Le and the others went back."

"Ok".

"Why did they suddenly go back? Did something happen?"

"They probably have things to deal with. After all, they hold important positions, so it's normal for them to be busy."

"How could they be busier than you, the Regent? Besides, it's Prince Consort Xiao and Prince Ying who hold important positions, not Chang Le and the others. Why did they go back too? They were supposed to go to the hot springs together, but they went back before they even got to soak in the hot springs."

“I’m here for you, I can stay with you,” he said, reaching out to put his arm around her waist.

Su Qianrou thought to herself, "Being with you would be more than just soaking in a hot spring. I'd better not. I can manage on my own."

"You're so boring, I'll keep you company."

"It's rare to have such free time, so you should enjoy your fishing. I won't bother you any longer. Remember to come back for dinner later," she said, getting up to leave. Before leaving, she made sure to leave him a hot water bottle so his hands wouldn't get cold.

Mu Jinchen looked at her with a smile on his lips.

In this cold winter, nothing is more comfortable than soaking in a hot spring. So, after waking up from her afternoon nap, Su Qianrou went to the hot spring bathhouse. Looking at the steaming pool, she was very excited and couldn't wait to take off her coat and go in.

Chunzhu also prepared all kinds of fruits for her, which was incredibly thoughtful.

Su Qianrou leaned against the edge of the pool with her eyes closed, looking very comfortable.

Not long after, Mu Jinchen came in. Seeing that she hadn't noticed him, he quietly took off his clothes and then tiptoed into the pool.

Su Qianrou sensed someone was there and immediately opened her eyes. When she saw it was him, she breathed a sigh of relief and asked, "Why are you here?"

"I'll come soak in the hot spring with you," Mu Jinchen said, walking towards her.

Su Qianrou knew that if she stayed with him, she wouldn't be able to leave in less than half an hour, so she said, "I'm ready, I'll go up first, you can soak slowly." After saying that, she tried to run away, but little did she know that her inner garment perfectly outlined her figure, making her look incredibly alluring.

Therefore, Mu Jinchen looked at her with the eyes of a hungry wolf seeing a lamb, wishing he could pounce on her immediately, and he did just that. He pulled her into his arms and whispered in her ear in his deep and charming voice, "Why are you running?"

"I didn't run away."

"That's good, stay and soak with me a little longer," he said, pulling her to sit down by the pool.

Su Qianrou felt a little uncomfortable sitting on his lap, so she remembered something.

"Don't move around."

"Let me go, I'll sit next to you."

"Sit here."

"I'm not leaving."

Mu Jinchen didn't say anything, but picked up a piece of orange and held it to her lips.

"I won't eat it."

Mu Jinchen had no choice but to eat it himself.

"I've soaked long enough, I'm going up now."

No rush.

"What do you want to do by stopping me like this?"

What do you think?

"Can't you think of anything else? All you ever think about is..."

"What do you know?" Mu Jinchen asked knowingly.

You know the answer in your heart.

"I just want my wife to spend more time with me, but it seems she's not too willing."

"It's that simple."

"What else could it be? Is there something Madam wishes me to do?" Mu Jinchen's hands deliberately wandered over her body.

"I don't".

"there is nothing".

“Mu…”

Before she could finish speaking, Mu Jinchen kissed her, and then things got out of control. Soon, soft moans could be heard from inside the room.

For the next three days, the two were inseparable, spending all their time together.

Three days later, the two returned to the Regent's Palace. Mu Jinchen went to the study to handle official business first, while Su Qianrou returned to Yanxi Palace.

Yanxi Palace

Chunzhu and Qiulan were packing their things, while Juxia reported to Su Qianrou about the recent situation at the manor.

"By the way, Your Highness, the Empress Dowager sent someone yesterday to invite you to the palace after you return."

"Did you say what it was about?"

"Never".

"I understand. Wake me up early tomorrow so I can go to the palace to pay my respects."

"Yes".

Longevity Palace

Su Qianrou entered the palace early to pay her respects.

"Your daughter-in-law greets Your Majesty, may Your Majesty be blessed with ten thousand years of happiness and peace."

"The sun must have risen in the west today! The Regent's Consort, who usually doesn't come to pay her respects for ten or fifteen days, has actually come to pay her respects to me today."

"My mother is kind and has exempted me from paying my respects every day. I am very grateful."

"I think it would be better if you came to pay your respects every day. That way, you won't have to drag Chen'er to some hot spring resort, which would not only delay state affairs but also make you a laughing stock."

“In the past, the prince was always busy with official duties and had no time to rest properly. Now that things have finally come to an end, it is good for him to take a breather and relax a bit. What do you think, Mother?”

The Empress Dowager was unable to refute it, and then said, "Take this back," and handed her a booklet.

Su Qianrou took it, glanced at it, and asked in confusion, "This is...?"

"I have a list of all the unmarried noble ladies in the city. I plan to choose two concubines for Chen'er, and a few more maids. Take this list back to Chen'er and let him take a look. If he likes any of them, he can bring them into the household. If not, I will choose them myself. It would be best to settle this matter before the New Year, and then let them come into the household to serve after the New Year."

Su Qianrou did not agree.

"What, you have a problem with that?"

"no".

"There is no best. Don't forget your status. You are the legal wife, and you should be magnanimous."

"Yes, daughter-in-law understands."

"Alright, let's go back."

"Daughter-in-law takes her leave," Su Qianrou said, leading Chunzhu out.

The Empress Dowager glanced at her, found her an eyesore, and then looked away, no longer looking at her.