Jun Ning’s suspicious gaze settled on the handful of household soldiers behind her.
The household soldiers, seeing the princess’s expression coupled with their mistress, the main lady of the National Guardian General Mansion’s imposing stance—how could they not understand that the princess suspected them of betraying her?
While marveling at the princess’s intelligence despite her young age, the soldiers quickly shook their heads to prove their innocence.
They truly hadn’t betrayed the princess, saying nothing at all. As for why the mistress was so imposing, it must be due to concern for the princess!
Jun Ning saw the soldiers shaking their heads, and the heavy stone weighing on her heart fell to the ground.
She turned around and smiled sweetly at Lady Qi, "Mother, I was just playing and accidentally lost track of time! Please don’t blame me."
The little girl smiled so innocently that it was impossible to be angry with her.
After all, one doesn’t raise a hand against a smiling face.
Looking at Jun Ning’s smile, Lady Qi suddenly couldn’t muster any anger.
Oh well, as long as she’s back safe and sound, I’ll let it go this time.
Lady Qi squatted down, opened her arms to Jun Ning, "Come here, dear."
Jun Ning rushed over and plunged into Lady Qi’s embrace, sincerely saying, "Mother, thank you."
Had it not been for her mother’s arrangement of household soldiers today, running there alone with Nanny Zhang would have been akin to entering a lion’s den. Jun Ning dared not imagine the eventual outcome.
"Why thank me? I scolded you for not returning on time; what’s there to thank?"
Lady Qi was a bit puzzled.
Why is the little girl different from other children her age?
If it were other misbehaving children her age, being scolded , they would surely cry and demand to go home; how could they possibly stay or say thank you sweetly?
Lady Qi was perplexed, looking at Jun Ning.
Jun Ning didn’t explain much, vaguely saying, "Thank you is thank you, no need for a reason."
Her words were inexplicable, not matching the context.
Lady Qi didn’t understand what kind of gratitude did not require a reason?
But seeing that the little girl was still young, speaking clearly was impressive enough; why be concerned?
Perhaps she misspoke.
Let it be if she did!
Lady Qi didn’t overthink; she picked up the little girl and headed into the mansion. "Dear, tonight’s dinner is all your favorites. Everyone hasn’t touched the chopsticks; they’ve been waiting for you to return."
"Waiting for my return?"
Jun Ning was somewhat touched.
Such treatment only existed with her father and mother; she didn’t expect to find it here.
"No one dared to touch the chopsticks with Mother not permitting it," Lady Qi proudly stated.
Who else could it be? Naturally, it was Qi Qin.
From Jun Ning’s observations over these days, Lady Qi indeed was a remarkable person; everyone within the mansion listened to her, even Uncle Qi. Moreover, Uncle Qi only had her as his wife, without any other wives or concubines.
Their life appeared plain, yet they were deeply affectionate.
Such an affair of not letting the household touch the chopsticks would at other wealthy noble families be grounds for dismissal, yet Uncle Qi was unconcerned, listening to her.
Lady Qi’s word was law. Follow current novels on 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⚑𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖⚑𝕟𝕖𝕥
Jun Ning smiled, praising, "Mother is really amazing." She hoped her future Prince Consort would also grow up influenced by this.
"Amazing nothing! It’s just that your Uncle Qi doesn’t fuss about it," Lady Qi said, laughing, and carried Jun Ning to the flower hall, instructing to serve the meal.
It was indeed, a table full of dishes Jun Ning loved.
Even the cilantro-flavored mung bean cake was there.
Lady Qi truly was thoughtful.
What Jun Ning didn’t know was that there was someone else behind this thoughtfulness.
After finishing dinner, Emperor Yongning took a stroll in the Imperial Garden, then returned to continue reviewing documents.
Listening to Xiao Lizi’s report on Jun Ning’s activities at the National Guardian General Mansion, Emperor Yongning’s expression was tense at times, and at times gratified with a smile; his mood seemed very complicated.
"It seems the little girl is doing quite well at the National Guardian General Mansion."
Xiao Lizi agreed, "The princess has a lively and charming personality, and being young, hasn’t developed the suspicions adults tend to have. Surely she’ll be liked by everyone."
Xiao Lizi himself also liked the princess.
Emperor Yongning smiled, "She truly is my beloved daughter."
Xiao Lizi smiled along.
After a while, Emperor Yongning asked, "Has the list of dishes the princess loves been sent to the National Guardian General Mansion? And has the top Imperial Chef been sent as well?"
Xiao Lizi nodded, "Rest assured, Your Majesty, everything has been sent."
"That’s good," Emperor Yongning said, "I hope she can live comfortably even when I’m not by her side."
The little girl hadn’t been gone long, yet he was already missing her.
Without the little girl by his side, life felt much duller.
It seemed as if he had returned to the time before he had a daughter, leading a life that was boring and tedious every day.
Emperor Yongning let out a deep sigh.
Xiao Lizi advised, "Your Majesty need not miss her too much; soon the princess will return."
Emperor Yongning said nothing but, after some thought, assigned several Hidden Guards to Jun Ning, instructing them to be by her side day and night, ensuring her safety.
Without the little girl under his surveillance, he could not be at ease.
As for Jun Ning, using her assassin’s instincts from her past life, she was immediately aware when the people Emperor Yongning sent had been deployed.
But upon closer observation, finding them able to stay hidden within the National Guardian General Mansion without being driven away and showing no ill intent, even seeming to help her monitor the surrounding activity, Jun Ning deduced they weren’t enemies but rather were arranged by someone familiar for her protection.
Besides her father, she couldn’t think of anyone else.
It seemed Father was concerned for her safety, thus arranging these people.
However, with them watching her closely, it would inconvenience her in future undertakings; she could no longer discreetly take Nanny Zhang out for private matters.
Having nearly been caught by that old man this time, she learned a harsh lesson.
To avoid this happening again and to no longer depend on others for protection, she initially planned to spend heavily to cultivate her own influence to safeguard herself and facilitate her tasks.
But with people watching, it couldn’t be done openly.
Jun Ning was distressed.
Nanny Zhang noticed her countenance and asked, "Princess, you don’t look good; what bothers you? Missing your emperor father and mother consort?"
Speaking of Jun Ning’s mother consort, Nanny Zhang suddenly remembered something, "Princess, I forgot to tell you good news—the status of Lady Hua has been elevated; she is now Princess Consort Hua!"