Si Zheng watched Bai Xilie walk away with his entourage.
She hurriedly wanted to follow, so she hastily bid farewell to Bai Zhi’er.
Qingmei frowned, sensing something amiss, and called out to her: "Chief Aunt, the Princess hasn’t given her approval yet, why are you leaving?"
Bai Zhi’er’s soft voice floated out from the bed curtains: "Let her leave, and don’t let her come back in the future."
Si Zheng’s expression visibly darkened upon hearing Bai Zhi’er’s words, but she forced herself to keep smiling.
"It’s my fault for not satisfying the Princess today. I’ll return now and work harder on refining my painting skills," she said, then hurriedly departed.
Only then did Qingmei turn to Bai Zhi’er and say: "Princess, you shouldn’t have let her go. There’s something off about Si Zheng’s gaze. Just now, didn’t you notice? She was practically glued to the Emperor!"
That Si Zheng undoubtedly harbors intentions to compete for favor and flatter!
Bai Zhi’er, however, had already lain down, her small hand clutching the brocade quilt.
Her round, grape-like eyes glistened with sleepy moisture after a yawn.
"Sister Qingmei, let’s stay away from her today. I just noticed a trace of blood on her face; something bad is definitely going to happen today!"
The little one spoke with a coaxing tone: "Be good, listen to me, let’s not bother with unlucky things."
Qingmei was momentarily stunned.
She thought the little princess was merely speaking childishly.
But the conviction in her words carried such weight, even Qingmei found herself half-believing.
"But if Si Zheng does manage to find an opportunity..." Qingmei hesitated.
Given Si Zheng’s nature, wouldn’t she turn everything upside down?
If she ever became the little princess’s stepmother, she’d undoubtedly be the most sinister one!
Bai Zhi’er’s long lashes drooped slightly as her tiny body shifted to lie sideways, her silky black hair spilling onto the pillow.
"Don’t worry, Daddy doesn’t like her. Even if she strips completely naked, it wouldn’t matter! She’d only be treated like a salted fish and thrown out!"
The little one muttered while closing her eyes, her face still carrying a serene, sweet smile.
"Besides, Mommy said Daddy’s birth chart is highly ominous yet supremely precious—he’s born to be an Emperor. But, he’s cursed for wives! Any woman who tries to cozy up to him is just asking for a shorter life!"
Qingmei was taken aback.
She held great admiration for the legendary Empress.
She quickly asked: "Then isn’t Lady Empress afraid herself?"
Bai Zhi’er pouted and replied nonchalantly: "Mommy isn’t afraid at all. She even says that the more Daddy is cursed, the more thrilled she gets."
The Empress was becoming increasingly fascinating and enigmatic.
Within moments, Bai Zhi’er had sunk into her dreams.
As the little one slept, her chubby face puffed adorably at the sides, irresistibly cute.
Qingmei had to restrain herself several times from reaching out to pinch it.
She tucked the quilt around the Princess snugly, then quietly tiptoed out.
Meanwhile, Bai Xilie strode quickly toward the Imperial Study Room, with Si Zheng tight on his heels, using Bai Zhi’er as a pretext to "report" progress.
"The Princess is truly clever and innocent, but today, she spoke childishly and said... that the Emperor helping the Empress carry her shoes is your greatest fortune."
Si Zheng wore an expression of heartfelt concern for the Emperor.
She lowered her voice: "This statement was overheard by Chunhong and Liulyu. Once we’re back at the Imperial Affairs Bureau, I’ll make sure to educate them both, so they won’t spread unnecessary rumors."
"However, does Your Majesty require my assistance in selecting a few disciplined nannies from the Imperial Affairs Bureau to educate the Princess?"
Bai Xilie suddenly stopped in his tracks.
Si Zheng nearly bumped into his chest.
She silently retreated two steps, but out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of the sturdy physique beneath the Bright Yellow Dragon Robe.
Si Zheng couldn’t help but blush.
The Emperor possessed strikingly handsome features and an imposing figure. Being near him felt almost intoxicating—like teetering between heaven and earth.