Princess Consort Kang murmured, "Are you Zhi’er?"
As she spoke, she reached out and pinched Bai Zhi’er’s chubby little hand, full of dimples.
Each of her rosy little fingers was adorably like a radish.
Princess Consort Kang couldn’t help but feel fond of her, quickly hugging the little one gently in her arms and gave a little bounce.
"Zhi’er, my darling, you’ve changed so much since the first time Third Aunt saw you. Now you’re such a beautiful little treasure."
Princess Consort Kang kissed her on the side of her face.
She felt that the touch was smooth like a shelled egg.
Bai Zhi’er snuggled comfortably in the arms of Princess Consort Kang, showing no sign of shyness.
"Third Auntie, we’ve reunited after a long separation, you must bring some delicious treats to entertain Zhi Bao!"
This childish remark made everyone present chuckle.
Princess Consort Kang laughed until her eyes crinkled, "Alright, alright, now that you’re at the Imperial Mansion, Third Aunt will certainly not neglect our Zhi’er."
Prince Kang stepped in opportunely, "Madam, let’s not stand here in the cold wind, Zhi’er can’t bear it. Let’s go inside and chat slowly!"
Princess Consort Kang glanced at him sideways, her gaze sharp as a dagger.
"Since Zhi’er is here, I won’t argue with you for now, but you better be mindful! Pick up that kitchen knife!"
With that, she carried Bai Zhi’er and walked into the mansion first.
Prince Kang picked up the knife and followed them with a wag of his tail.
He just knew that inviting Zhi’er back would definitely work!
The Imperial Mansion was extravagantly built, reflecting the flamboyant style of Prince Kang’s personality.
Bai Zhi’er was carried to the main room, where Princess Consort Kang set her down on the soft couch beneath the window.
The little one, on her own accord, kicked off her shoes, and her small feet in white fabric socks dangled neatly off the edge.
It seemed that with Bai Zhi’er’s presence, even the furnishings in the room came to life.
Princess Consort Kang marveled at this exquisite little darling, her black round eyes blinking obediently.
She immediately ordered a maid to bring over cakes and fruit water.
Regrettably, she had five sons herself; otherwise, if she had a daughter, she could bring out toys to entertain Bai Zhi’er.
"Zhi’er, Third Aunt heard you were coming back and wanted to go to the palace to see you, but your Father has been keeping you so closely as if you’re a precious jewel. That’s why we’re only meeting now."
Saying this, a maid nearby handed over a brocade box.
Inside laid a pair of longevity locks.
"After knowing you were coming back, Third Aunt had this pair of longevity locks made to bless our Zhi Bao with safety, longevity, and prosperity."
Princess Consort Kang picked them up and hung both longevity locks around the little one’s neck.
Bai Zhi’er played with the jade locks with her little hands, listening to the gentle chime of the embedded bells above.
The loving expressions and blessings from her family made these ordinary locks appear to be full of fragrant fortune in the little one’s eyes.
Third Auntie really likes her!
"Third Auntie, today I was forcibly brought out by Third Uncle, so I couldn’t prepare a gift for you. Next time Zhi Bao will bring it over!" the little one said in a soft and sweet voice.
Princess Consort Kang chuckled lightly, "You child, why be so formal with your aunt?"
She cast a sidelong glance, staring at Prince Kang who was watching the conversation between the big and little one.
"However, you didn’t tell your Imperial Brother? Be careful, you’ll get a scolding later, and I won’t plead for you!"
Prince Kang grinned, "Our Imperial Brother is magnanimous, he wouldn’t bear to scold me, and besides, we have little Zhi Bao, right, Zhi’er, you’ll plead for Third Prince Uncle, won’t you?"
Bai Zhi’er turned her little body, burying herself in Princess Consort Kang’s embrace.
"Zhi Bao listens to Third Auntie!"
Both Prince Kang and Princess Consort Kang burst into laughter.
Prince Kang feigned a hands-on-hips posture, "You little traitor!"