The Empress Dowager’s smile deepened at the mention of her little grandson; she was almost laughing with her eyes disappear and only her teeth showing.
"Jiulang is already twenty-three this year! Other young men his age are already hearing ’daddy!’ from their children! But he’s just fine! Hmph! Just an obtuse kid!"
Although the Empress Dowager complained with her mouth, her eyes were filled with an unfathomable affection.
Mrs. Hong sighed softly in her heart: Because of Consort Lan, His Majesty’s heart was heavy and could not be easily relieved, and His Highness was deeply affected, having spent years waging war and delaying his marriage.
The accident a year ago brought him back to the capital, allowing him to reunite with his grandmother.
The Empress Dowager would rather not have this family cheer, would rather he be far away at the borders and not seen, as long as he remained healthy and safe.
His Highness carries too many burdens. Now, the little princess seems like a nice girl, and I so wish she and His Highness can have a happy ending.
"Jiulang has been gone for over half an hour, hasn’t he? Medicinal baths shouldn’t be soaked for too long, as it’s bad for health. Keep track of the time and let someone know to call him out on time."
Upon hearing the Empress Dowager’s instructions, Mrs. Hong quickly said:
"Please don’t worry, Empress Dowager, I’ve been keeping an eye on it! Shall I also call the princess at the same time?"
The Empress Dowager smiled enigmatically at the words and shook her head:
"No need to hurry. Let her sleep more! That girl seems delicate and frail, and on this long winter night, she must be exhausted."
Mrs. Hong understood instantly, and with a gentle smile, she said, "Then I’ll go to the kitchen and check, and make some nourishing soup for the princess."
At this moment, Yun Ran was half-lying by the hot spring pool, her eyes dazed, her pink cheeks like peach blossoms, with a hint of charm, allure, and color at the corner of her eyes, incredibly intoxicating.
Her hands pressed against Nangong Mo’s chest, trying to push him away, but her whole body was soft and without an ounce of strength, instead seeming like she wanted to resist yet welcomed him.
"Nangong Mo... I was wrong... I was really wrong..."
Although her mind was hazy and unable to turn properly, Yun Ran clearly remembered the foolish thing she did in a moment of rashness...
If, at first, when he kissed her it was gentle, restrained, and cautious.
Then later... it was like a sudden storm that took away all her breath and mind, domineering and intense, allowing no refusal.
The man whispered at her neck, his voice hoarse.
His hot lips lingered over her snow-white skin, making mischief heedlessly.
Yun Ran trembled lightly, her fingers tracing his chest, leaving a shallowing scratch mark.
"Nangong... Mo... Are you a dog... or something?"
The man said nothing, but his actions gave her an answer.
Recalling the rumors about him in the capital, Yun Ran was almost about to cry.
"Nangong Mo... you liar..."
The man finally lifted his head, gazing at her blushing beauty like a peach, his eyes deep and as dark as the sea, "Hmm?"
"...Didn’t you say... you had a secret illness?"
"I’ve only said that I’m blind and have lame legs. When did I say such a thing?"
Then why does everyone say this? The whole capital says this... how can it be... false?
"Rumors cease with wise men."
Is that implying she’s a fool??
The man’s hot fingertips softly brushed over her rosy lips, his voice low and hoarse, "As for truth or falsehood, why not verify it yourself?"
Yun Ran: "...No, no need... Mmm!"
Half an hour later, Mrs. Hong appeared at Minghua Palace.
Upon seeing Feng Xuan waiting far outside the door, she was somewhat surprised, "Commander Feng, why aren’t you serving His Highness inside?"