Consort Zhuang doesn't want palace intrigue; she just wants to raise her child and live a caref

After breakfast, Su Yueniang carried the Fifth Prince and slowly walked over.

She first bowed respectfully to Su Nuannuan, then carefully and gently handed the Fifth Prince, who was happily blowing bubbles and playing in her arms, into Su Nuannuan's hands.

Su Nuannuan happily took her son, gazing at his adorable face with tender, gentle eyes.

The little guy had chubby, rosy cheeks, and his big, watery eyes looked around curiously. He kept blowing out strings of crystal-clear little bubbles, as if the whole world was a playground full of novelty and fun for him.

Seeing her innocent, lively, and adorable son, Su Nuannuan's heart was instantly filled with happiness, and she felt as if her heart was melting like snow under the warm spring sun.

Time slipped away quietly in warmth and joy, and before we knew it, it was almost lunchtime.

Just then, Li Desheng's hoarse voice suddenly rang out from outside: "The Emperor has arrived—" The sound was like a thunderclap that shattered the tranquil atmosphere.

Upon hearing that familiar voice, Su Nuannuan, who had been all smiles, became furious and couldn't help but roll her eyes. However, she still had to quickly put on a smile and hurried out of the room to greet the emperor.

"Your Majesty, I respectfully welcome you." Su Nuannuan curtsied slightly and greeted the Emperor with a charming smile. At the same time, Su Yueniang, who was holding the Fifth Prince, also quickly followed suit and bowed.

The Emperor strode into the room and immediately spotted the Fifth Prince being held in the arms of the wet nurse. With a loving expression, he said, "Come, let me hold him. Has our Cheng'er grown well these days? Has he gotten a little fatter and heavier?"

Upon hearing the Emperor's words, Su Nuannuan couldn't help but secretly roll her eyes, muttering to herself: "You talk as if you've actually hugged him."

At this moment, Su Yueniang was carefully holding the Fifth Prince, and glanced at Su Nuannuan without leaving a trace.

Su Nuannuan nodded slightly, and then Su Yueniang gently handed the Fifth Prince in her arms to the Emperor.

However, even though the handover had been completed, Su Yueniang's gaze never left the Fifth Prince. She stared intently at the Emperor and the Fifth Prince, afraid that the Emperor might accidentally drop the Fifth Prince.

"Haha, my Cheng'er, you've really gained a lot of weight recently! Grow up quickly, and when you're grown up, your father will personally teach you how to draw a bow and shoot arrows, so that you can become a brave warrior!" The emperor said with a beaming smile, bouncing the fifth prince in his arms.

“Your Majesty, it is too early to teach Cheng’er these things. But His Highness the Crown Prince, he will soon be of age to begin his education. If he can receive Your Majesty’s careful guidance, he will surely achieve great things in the future,” Su Nuannuan interjected at the opportune moment.

"Yes, that's very true. The Crown Prince is indeed almost three years old, and it's time to consider arranging his early education." The Emperor nodded thoughtfully, then handed the Fifth Prince in his arms to the wet nurse who was waiting nearby.

Then Su Nuannuan reminded him, "Your Majesty, not only His Highness the Crown Prince, but also the Second Prince and the Third Prince, they are almost three years old!"

"The imperial physicians just sent someone back to report that, through their tireless efforts, they have successfully forced the poison in the General's left leg and have suppressed it steadily with top-quality medicine. If this continues, I believe the General will wake up soon." As the Emperor spoke, he secretly observed Su Nuannuan's expression, afraid that she would bring up the Fourth Prince again. He only had five princes in total, and Consort Zhuang had mentioned three of them in such a short time, so he quickly changed the subject.

"With the highly skilled physicians of the Imperial Medical Academy personally treating me, I naturally have no worries whatsoever," Su Nuannuan replied with a smile, while gently pouring the Emperor a cup of fragrant tea.

Just then, Yaoqin hurried in. She first bowed respectfully to the Emperor, then turned to Su Nuannuan and said, "Your Majesty, someone from the kitchen has come to inquire when the meal can be served?"

Su Nuannuan looked up and replied, "Serve the meal now!"

"Yes, Your Majesty." After receiving the reply, Yaoqin bowed again, then turned and withdrew to the small kitchen to arrange for the meal to be served.

After Yaoqin left, the Emperor looked around and suddenly asked, "Why is Yaoqin the only maid serving me today? Where did Jinse go?" His gaze fell on Su Nuannuan with a hint of doubt.

Su Nuannuan bowed slightly and replied, "Your Majesty, Jinse has gone back to the Zhenguo General's Mansion to visit my elder brother on my behalf."

"Your father has submitted another memorial, and at the same time, he has also handed over his military power." The Emperor narrowed his eyes slightly, staring intently at Su Nuannuan's expression, and slowly spoke.

Su Nuannuan raised the corners of her mouth slightly, revealing a faint smile, and replied softly, "That's very good. Father has entered his twilight years, and it's time for him to enjoy his retirement and live out his remaining years in peace."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor raised an eyebrow and asked with a half-smile, "Doesn't my beloved concubine feel the slightest regret? After all, that was the military power your father had accumulated over many years."

Su Nuannuan's smile remained unchanged as she looked firmly at the Emperor and said slowly, "From the perspective of national righteousness, it is indeed a little regrettable, after all, Father has always taken it upon himself to protect the Azure Kingdom."

However, if viewed solely from the perspective of a child, I do not feel regret. It is only that Father's sudden relinquishment of military power has truly surprised me.”

Just then, Yaoqin entered, bowed respectfully, and then softly reported, "Your Majesty, Your Highness, lunch is ready. Please move to the dining hall."

Upon hearing this, Su Nuannuan quickly reached out and gently tugged at the Emperor's sleeve, saying sweetly, "Your Majesty, I will accompany you to lunch."

The Emperor smiled and nodded, replying, "Very well."

After the two had finished their lunch, just as the Emperor was about to get up and leave, Su Nuannuan suddenly spoke up to remind him, "Your Majesty, I've heard that the dishes prepared in the Empress's small kitchen are also extremely delicious."

The unspoken meaning was that he hoped the emperor would not bother him again when he had nothing else to do.

"Alright, I understand." The emperor nodded slightly and instructed Li Desheng, who was serving him, "Li Desheng, send someone to Anning Palace to inform the Empress that I will be dining with her there tonight."

"Yes!" Li Desheng quickly agreed, not daring to delay in the slightest, and hurriedly beckoned Xiao Yuanzi to go to Anning Palace to deliver the message.

Queen: Listen to me, thank you!

Upon receiving the news, the Queen's previously calm face instantly darkened; this sudden turn of events had ruined her mood for the entire afternoon.

"Yingqiu!" The Empress frowned, her face full of displeasure, and called out, "Quickly go and find out for me why the Emperor suddenly decided to have dinner here?"

Upon hearing this, Ying Qiu quickly stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and replied softly, "Your Majesty, this matter was proposed by Consort Zhuang."

"Oh?" The Empress's eyebrows furrowed, a hint of surprise and annoyance flashing in her eyes. "Why would Consort Zhuang make such a suggestion out of the blue?"

Seeing the Empress's anger, Yingqiu's heart trembled, and he carefully revealed the truth: "Your Majesty, please calm down. As far as this servant knows..."

Then, Yingqiu recounted in detail everything that had happened in Cuiwei Palace to the Empress.

After hearing Ying Qiu's words, the Empress's face grew even more unpleasant. After a moment of silence, she gritted her teeth and ordered, "Immediately send someone to inform Consort Qin, and tell her to think of a way to invite the Emperor to her palace!"