The news that the Second Prince would be staying overnight at Huifang Courtyard took everyone by surprise.
Especially Qiu Ming, who immediately looked up at Dong Yuzhong.
Seeing him nod slightly with a smile on his face, he finally felt relieved.
Then he led everyone to the backyard to tidy up.
Huifang Courtyard is a rather small two-part courtyard, originally with an empty backyard, so it was just given a simple sweep, and even the furniture arrangements were incomplete.
Suddenly saying that the Second Prince was going to stay made them rush to prepare.
Fortunately, the people under Dong Yuzhong are all quite capable.
They cleaned up the room thoroughly and laid high-quality bedding on the bed.
Xia An brought a set of plain mosquito net covers and a brocade quilt.
There weren’t many things, but they were elegant and clean.
"The Second Prince will have to make do for tonight; tomorrow I will bring people to properly arrange the backyard to ensure that you are comfortable."
The Second Prince nodded, though he had known the people in this courtyard for just half a day.
Yet he inexplicably felt at ease.
Smelling the unique scent of the quilt and pillow, for the first time, the Second Prince felt a sense of warmth.
The Emperor was resting in Lin Wanyi’s room, so the person on night duty was naturally Dong Yuzhong.
Thus, Qiu Ming took Xiao Luzi to stand watch at the Second Prince’s room.
In case he needed anything.
The small kitchen always had a stove warming water so that even if he wanted a sip of something hot in the middle of the night, it could be delivered immediately.
"At your service, Your Highness."
"At your service too, Your Highness."
"It’s nothing, I just wanted to check. Go ahead and sleep."
With that, he turned over and covered his head, facing the wall to sleep.
Xiao Luzi looked puzzled, but Qiu Ming’s eyes had a hint of contemplation.
A restful night, this was probably the most comfortable sleep the Second Prince had had since entering the traveling palace.
The backyard was close to the peach forest, so now and then, the sweet aroma of ripe peaches wafted over.
Just like in the Second Prince’s dream, bringing a sense of peace and contentment.
Good sleep naturally leads to a good spirit.
When he got up early to have breakfast with the Emperor and Lin Wanyi at the front of the courtyard, his complexion looked much better.
For this reason, the Emperor became even more convinced that his decision was a great one.
So while drinking porridge, he said,
"Do you have anything in your room that you need to bring over? Just let Dong Yuzhong know, and he can handle it."
The Second Prince’s eyes darkened as he contemplated for a moment.
Then he shook his head and said softly,
"In response to Father, your son has nothing to bring."
He then picked up a fried dumpling, slowly chewing.
Lin Wanyi and the Emperor exchanged a worried glance.
So young and yet not attached to anything, not even the items he’s used to.
It’s truly unimaginable.
And the Emperor felt more and more disgusted with Nanny Chai.
This was the person Princess Consort Lan claimed had the merit of raising the Second Prince daily?
It’s simply laughable.
If Princess Consort Lan were here now, he would certainly have a good questioning for her.
Seeing the father and son, one angry, the other sad, Lin Wanyi quickly brought over a bowl of soy milk.
"Your Majesty, have a taste; this soy milk was freshly ground by Xiao Luzi this morning and has been simmering for a while."
As she spoke, she added half a spoonful of sugar.
The Emperor wasn’t fond of sweets, a fact Lin Wanyi had discovered over this period.
Then she picked up another small bowl, similarly serving half a bowl for the Second Prince.
But added two spoons of sugar.
After all, children generally love sweet things.
This notion, Lin Wanyi was deeply familiar with.
Recalling how she used to fight with her brother and sister for candied chestnuts at her grandfather’s house, she couldn’t help but smile knowingly.
Her smile made both the Emperor and the Second Prince momentarily lose themselves.
Ahem, Dong Yuzhong coughed twice before entering the room.
Interrupting the warm ambience.
"Your servant greets the Emperor, greets the Second Prince, greets Lin Changzai."
"What is the matter?"
"In response to the Emperor, Nanny Du has arrived."
"Quickly let the nanny in!"
The Emperor’s tone uncharacteristically carried a hint of excitement and respect.
Even Lin Wanyi, and indeed the Second Prince thought it was quite curious.
The three of them looked towards the door, seeing a nanny dressed in dark blue satin walk in.
Her visage was somewhat square and stern, but her brows carried an air of tranquility.
She was plain in appearance, but her overall composure and relaxed confidence were not to be underestimated.
Even Dong Yuzhong was respectful in her presence.
One could easily ascertain her important status.
This was the first time Lin Wanyi had seen her.
Yet the faint sandalwood scent on her body was the second time Lin Wanyi had encountered it.
It turned out the scent she had once smelled emanating from the Emperor was actually from this nanny!
It seemed she was often engaged in Buddhist rites; otherwise, she wouldn’t have such a fragrance.
"Your servant Du Ming greets the Emperor, wishing Your Majesty everlasting peace."
Afterward, respectfully greeting the Second Prince and Lin Wanyi.
"Your servant greets the Second Prince, greets Miss Lin."
Her attitude was much more sincere than many nannies who had been seasoned in the palace.
"Nanny, please rise, as I have said, you need not stand on ceremony in the future."
"Your servant dare not accept this, for rules are rules and cannot be lax in any bit."
With just these words, everyone present could understand her temperament and thoughts.
"The Second Prince is still young and has no sensible nanny to serve him. Therefore, I trouble you, nanny, to come out of retirement to care for him on my behalf."
"Rest assured, Your Majesty, your servant will indeed care for the Second Prince to the best of my ability."
The Emperor nodded with a smile; he had no doubts about Nanny Du’s capabilities.
After all, she was the one who raised him when he was young.
If it hadn’t been for his father’s sudden passing, he would not have...
Let bygones be bygones; it was a good thing to gather once more at Huifang Courtyard today.
As Lin Wanyi watched Nanny Du, she noted how she took the chopsticks from Xia An’s hand, serving dishes for the Second Prince.
Her expression softened significantly, full of warmth.
The Second Prince had not met this Nanny Du before.
Wary of nannies by nature, he hadn’t relaxed one bit since Nanny Du entered the room, though he said nothing.
Lin Wanyi noted this, thinking she should find a chance to speak with the Second Prince later.
Otherwise, having such severe inner trauma at such a young age was not good.
However, when Nanny Du looked up, she inadvertently locked eyes with Lin Wanyi.
The look in her eyes seemed to convey a sense of recognizing an old friend.
Lin Wanyi found it extremely curious, but soon Nanny Du smiled slightly.
Continuing to serve dishes for the Second Prince.
They had a rather ordinary meal; the Emperor had to return to Qiqing Hall to handle state affairs, so he left with Dong Yuzhong first.
However, soon after, Mr. Qin, the Deputy Director of the Inner Court Department, arrived with his men.