Qin Yun was full of confusion.
The prince and the Fifth Princess had only met for the first time today.
The Fifth Princess hadn’t even said a single word.
So why was the Third Prince treating her so well?
But he didn’t dare to ask further and quickly went to carry out the order.
Shangguan Huai lowered his eyes, his long eyelashes hiding the emotions within.
He should have known long ago.
He could never make his mother satisfied.
If that was the case, then there was no need for him to force himself anymore.
He might as well treat the one who truly understood him better.
Bihua Palace
Consort Chen looked at the bolts of exquisite Shu brocade laid out on the table, her brows slightly furrowed.
“Why would the Third Prince send so much valuable Shu brocade?”
Shu brocade was rare—so precious it was said that “every inch is worth gold.” Although the palace was full of treasures, it was still uncommon to see so much of it at once.
Qing Ping shook her head. “This servant does not know either.”
Then, as if remembering something, she quickly added,
“When I brought the princess back today, we encountered the Third Prince in the Imperial Garden. He gave the Fifth Princess some cloud-layer cake and even thanked her.”
After hearing this, Consort Chen was even more confused.
The Third Prince gave Sui Sui cloud-layer cake—and even thanked her?
What was going on?
She truly couldn’t make sense of it.
First the Eldest Prince, then Changqing, and now even the Third Prince.
Why were all of them bringing gifts for Sui Sui?
What exactly had Sui Sui been doing outside?
But Sui Sui couldn’t even speak right now—what could she possibly do?
Consort Chen turned to look at Shangguan Sui.
She was drinking milk tea, eyes half-closed, looking completely satisfied.
Like she was drunk on milk.
Consort Chen: “……”
No matter how she looked at it, this didn’t seem like someone capable of causing big events.
Consort Chen shook her head.
Perhaps she was overthinking. Maybe the princes simply found Sui Sui cute.
She picked out four bolts of Shu brocade and handed them to Qing Ping.
“Tell the Weaving Bureau to make four new outfits for Sui Sui from these.”
Qing Ping nodded and left with the fabric.
Just then, a sharp voice sounded outside the hall.
“His Majesty has arrived—”
Shangguan Lin strode into the hall.
Consort Chen bowed gracefully. “This concubine greets Your Majesty.”
Shangguan Lin waved his hand. “Rise.”
His gaze then landed on Shangguan Sui, who looked completely blissful.
He frowned slightly.
“Has Sui Sui been drinking alcohol?”
Consort Chen shook her head. “No, she just drank too much milk.”
Shangguan Lin: “……”
As expected of his good daughter.
She always did things in unexpected ways.
“I came to tell you personally,” he said, “that tomorrow, the daughter of Imperial Tutor Feng, Feng Aici, will enter the palace. I’ve heard she is skilled in medicine and want her to examine Sui Sui’s throat.”
Even Shangguan Lin himself found it somewhat unbelievable.
After all, Feng Aici was just a sheltered young lady—how could she be so skilled in medicine?
But after everything that had happened, he already believed Sui Sui’s words completely.
No matter what she said, he would believe her.
Let alone something like this.
Consort Chen also found it strange.
But as long as it was for Sui Sui’s good, she naturally had no objections.
Moreover, could this Feng Aici be the mysterious genius doctor Sui Sui had mentioned before—the girl whose name she couldn’t quite remember?
Shangguan Sui, having drunk too much milk tea, was now completely full and had fallen asleep on the imperial couch.
Hearing the steady breathing in the hall, both Shangguan Lin and Consort Chen turned to look.
Seeing her sleeping so peacefully, they couldn’t help but smile helplessly.
After dinner in Consort Chen’s palace, Shangguan Lin returned to the Imperial Study to continue handling state affairs.
..
The next day
Shangguan Sui woke up naturally.
【Wow, I didn’t expect my dad to be so humane—he actually knew I had a doctor appointment today and didn’t drag me to the Imperial Study.】
【But I kind of miss the pastries there~】
Consort Chen, hearing the familiar voice again, knew her Sui Sui had woken up.
Soon, Shangguan Sui was cleaned up and fed, then nestled in Consort Chen’s arms, waiting for Feng Aici.
She yawned lazily, playing with the tassels on Consort Chen’s clothes.
【When is Feng Aici coming? I’m getting sleepy waiting…】
Consort Chen: “……”
You just woke up.
At that moment, Qing Ping’s voice came from outside.
“Your Highness, the Feng young lady has arrived.”
As soon as she finished speaking, a cool and graceful young woman stepped into the hall.
She wore a simple yet elegant pale yellow robe, her hair arranged in a simple cloud bun. White jade earrings swayed gently as she walked.
Her brows were like willow leaves, her gaze clear and pure like water, yet carrying a faint coldness.
Shangguan Sui immediately sat up and stared at her without blinking.
【I rise from my deathbed in shock, tear off the oxygen mask—what miracle medicine could compare to this sister’s beauty and healing aura?】
【Sister is so beautiful! I love her!】
Consort Chen couldn’t help but laugh softly.
Sui Sui’s mouth really was sharp.
Feng Aici bowed. “This young lady greets Consort Chen and the Fifth Princess.”
Consort Chen raised her hand. “No need for formalities. Sit beside this palace.”
Feng Aici did not refuse and sat down.
Shangguan Sui saw her sitting so close and became excited.
“Ah-ba ah-ba—”
【Sister is so pretty, I like her so much!】
Feng Aici was drawn to the sound and looked at the little girl’s exquisitely cute face.
Her usually cool expression softened slightly.
“The little princess is truly adorable.”
Shangguan Sui smiled, her little dimples showing.
【Hehe, pretty sister praised me~】
Feng Aici then looked at Consort Chen and asked,
“May I ask why Your Highness summoned me into the palace?”
Consort Chen replied slowly, “I heard you are skilled in medicine. I would like you to examine the princess.”
Feng Aici’s brows moved slightly, a trace of surprise flashing across her face.
Logically, no one should know she was skilled in medicine.
She had only treated a few close friends—how had this reached the palace?
Although puzzled, she did not deny it.
Since Consort Chen had summoned her, she must already be certain.
Moreover, as a physician at heart, she could not bear to ignore a sick child.
Feng Aici bowed. “This young lady obeys.”
She then extended her hand and began taking Shangguan Sui’s pulse.
Consort Chen watched her calm expression, feeling slightly anxious.
Her voice carried urgency:
“How is the princess? Why can she not speak now?”