When Bai Zhi’er dashed back to Ruizhu Palace.
Taking advantage of the Imperial Guard’s inattention, she made her way straight to the main hall with her tiny steps.
Standing at the doorway, the little one used her pinkish hand to hold the door frame, quietly peeking in with half her head.
On the lounge chair, Feng Fuce was still asleep with his eyes closed.
The young boy’s brows were dark and cool, even while sleeping, one could feel the fierce aura exuding from him.
Bai Zhi’er tiptoed inside and sat down by the soft couch.
Only then did she lightly wave her little hand.
She cleared her throat, her childish voice soft and delicate: "Brother Fu Ce? Brother Fu Ce! Why are you asleep!"
Feng Fuce slowly opened his eyes, his expression changing from the confusion and indifference of just waking to a gradually clear and deep look.
He stood up from the lounge chair: "I fell asleep without realizing it, you didn’t run off anywhere, did you?"
Bai Zhi’er raised her small face, her exquisite features showing no hint of guilt.
"I didn’t move at all, but you, you slept for a long time. When Father comes, I’ll tell on you, hmph!"
Feng Fuce curled his lips into a smile, his demeanor elegantly cool.
By evening, Bai Xilie arrived.
It seemed the situation wasn’t optimistic, Bai Xilie’s eyes held a faint anxiety.
But the moment he saw his daughter, he adjusted his emotions.
"Zhi’er, look what Father brought for you." Bai Xilie took out a string of prayer beads, fragrant with sandalwood.
Expertly crafted and adorned with high-quality Purple Jade Stone.
Bai Zhi’er toddled over, examining it in her hand.
Hmm? Isn’t this the stone used for flooring in the immortal palace?
Bai Xilie watched as the little one blinked her big eyes examining it.
He couldn’t help but chuckle lightly: "The Purple Jade on this is said to be the gemstone of the immortals; it’s said frequent wearing can prolong life."
"Father just got it today and thought it suited Zhi Bao perfectly. If you don’t like prayer beads, Father will have it taken apart to make a hairpin for you to wear."
Bai Zhi’er couldn’t help but widen her bright, watery eyes.
Wearing a floor stone on her head!?
The little one shook her head repeatedly, her voice sweet and soft: "Father, there’s no need for such trouble, this looks very pretty as it is, Zhi’er likes it, thank you, Father!"
She accepted the prayer beads.
In the mortal world, such things might be worth millions, but in Bai Zhi’er’s eyes, it was just a few paving stones.
However, Father’s thoughtful gift is invaluable; she would cherish it well.
Bai Xilie patted his daughter’s head: "Good girl, go wait for Father inside the hall. Father has a few things to say alone with Marquis Wan."
Bai Zhi’er obediently nodded, clutching the prayer beads, swaying step by step.
As she passed by Feng Fuce, she didn’t forget to stick out her tongue, making a playful face.
Feng Fuce’s expression didn’t change, his demeanor calm.
However, the fingertips hanging in his sleeve moved slightly toward his palm.
While Bai Zhi’er was fiddling with a little cloth tiger in the inner hall.
She heard outside, Bai Xilie’s voice faintly lowered in anger.
"How could you let the Princess go to Xiuluo Guard alone!"
Bai Zhi’er froze, clutching the cloth tiger.
Concern rose in her bright, black eyes.
She toddled to stand behind a peony vase half her height, eavesdropping on the commotion in the outer hall.
Bai Xilie’s spy, after consulting the Imperial Physician and Qingmei’s condition, inadvertently discovered that after the Princess went to Xiuluo Guard, Qingmei seemed to be doing much better.
If Qingmei falls ill and infects Bai Zhi’er, she is only three years old - how dangerous that would be!
Feng Fuce stood in front of Bai Xilie, neither humble nor arrogant.
Only his cold lashes lowered slightly, his fair and handsome face revealing no emotion, nor did he reply.