Pampered Consort's Acting Awards - Chapter 97

After recognizing each other, Xiao Lianyu instantly became more cordial. Seeing that she hadn’t planned to leave anytime soon, Qin Ling insisted she stay for lunch.

Lunch was arranged at the warm pavilion at Donglan Courtyard, overlooking the water, which had removed its partitions in early summer. The entire room exuded a refreshing coolness when a gentle breeze passed through.

A rectangular table inlaid with jade and purple sandalwood, accompanied by three children, created a rare, lively scene.

Due to the restlessness of these three, Qin Ling and Xiao Lianyu’s chopsticks were constantly in motion, picking up and putting down repeatedly countless times.

Seeing Xiao Lianyu’s familiar care for the two children, Qin Ling imagined their years at Mount Li and couldn’t help murmuring, “Fortunately, it’s all fine…”

The old nannies and palace maids were present, so some things couldn’t be said aloud. However, Changning understood the meaning of those two words, “all fine.”

During her three years at Mount Li, she had dreamed countless times of scenarios where these two children were discovered.

The empress dowager becoming furious and the court officials blaming her for disgracing the imperial family; that no matter how she argued, insisting these two children belonged to Fu Xun, no one believed her. Everyone wanted to execute these two children to appease the public’s anger.

Each time, she would wake up in a start.

If Su Huai’an hadn’t reversed the case, if that person hadn’t returned to the capital, what would’ve happened after that big fire? She didn’t dare to even think about it.

She was truly fortunate.

Although Su Lingyi was somewhat timid, her guard wasn’t strong. Within the time it took for a meal, she had become familiar with Xiao Yun, addressing him alternatively as “brother” or “Your Highness.”

Qin Ling had always raised a son, so upon finding Su Lingyi particularly endearing, she couldn’t help but pick up the little snowball-like figure and gently weigh her in her arms.

Su Lingyi blinked her big eyes, wrapped her arms around Qin Ling’s neck, pressing her face against it, and in a childish voice called out, “Your Ladyship.”

Qin Ling cherished the moment for a while before reluctantly putting the child down.

As they were leaving, Su Lingyi bid a formal farewell to Xiao Yun, then, without any fuss, produced two wrinkled sweets she had pinched and placed them in Xiao Yun’s hands. Su Youlin pondered for a moment, then took out his own hidden sweets and presented them to Xiao Yun. More generous than Su Lingyi, he gave four.

Xiao Lianyu admired the two of them, truly worthy as her offspring. To be bribing the future crown prince at such a young age… They were truly beyond comparison.

The grand princess led the two children away while Xiao Yun stared blankly at the doorway.

“What are you looking at?” Qin Ling took his hand and led him back.

“Nothing, Mum,” Xiao Yun silently directed his gaze toward Qin Ling’s belly.

***

After noon, Xiao Lianyu left the Jingren Palace and headed toward the Chengtian Gate.

The grand princess’ carriage had long been parked outside the side gate. The afternoon sunlight was harsh, and fearing the exposure, as soon as she stepped out of the palace gate, an oiled paper umbrella appeared over her head, instantly casting a shadow beneath her feet.

“Your Highness, watch your step,” Fu Xun lowered his head, watching Su Lingyi’s unsteady gait. “Little Highness, be careful too.”

Xiao Lianyu glanced at the sweat on Fu Xun’s forehead, sighed, and said, “You shouldn’t have stayed outside in this heat.”

Fu Xun replied respectfully, “Thank you for your concern, Your Highness, but this is my duty.”

Just then, a rustling sound came from behind her.

The summoned officials gradually emerged from the side gate, exchanging pleasantries and sequentially returning to their respective offices.

Zheng Baishou, the Minister of Dali Temple, looked at Su Huai’an and stroked his chin. “My lord, do you have any plans to return to Dali Temple?”

Though Su Huaian had regained his title, he held no official position. Today, he wore plain white attire at court, adorned only with the Duke of Zhen’s waist seal and accessories—a graceful and upright gentleman.

He chuckled, “If my mentor is still willing to have me, I’ll return immediately.”

Zheng Baishou, his temples already gray, had long intended to retire from office, but the emperor wouldn’t let him go. The emperor painted a bright picture of political purity, and though he yearned to leave, he held on, just barely, to that breath.

As they walked, Zheng Baishou remarked, “Jingming, I’ve reached the age for a peaceful retirement. I truly want to enjoy family bliss. Last year, I had a well-behaved grandchild, but I’ve been too busy to cuddle with them.”

Su Huai’an inquired earnestly, “Master, with your robust health, why retire so soon?”

Zheng Baishou teased with a straight face, “What’s this? After marrying the imperial princess, your heart’s set on heaven too? Insisting on squeezing every bit out of this old man?”

Su Huai’an chuckled quickly, “Jingming wouldn’t dare.”

“Then, you better return to the Dali Temple,” Zheng Baishou glanced at him, teasing again, “Better than being stuck in the Ministry of Justice, right?”

Though rumors circulated in the court about the unusual relationship between Xue Xiangyang and Su Huai’an, Zheng Baishou was well aware. Behind Xue Xiangyang’s radiant smile lurked a sinister undertone.

Su Huai’an nodded, “Alright, I’ll seek an audience with the emperor tomorrow.”

There was Jingming this and Jingming that everywhere.

Despite the distance, the conversation found its way to the ears of the grand princess, causing her to slow her pace without a change in expression.

Surrounded by attendants, it was hard for anyone not to notice when the imperial princess was out. Colleagues from the Dali Temple couldn’t help but exchange knowing glances at Su Huai’an.

Not content with just exchanging glances, a few officials began to cough.

Softly and persistently, each cough sounded like someone with consumption.

Su Huai’an couldn’t help but glance back—

Actually, he’d realized she was here early on.

Fu Xun lifted the carriage curtain for her, and Xiao Lianyu lifted her skirt to get in. The coachman turned back and asked, “Your Highness, shall we depart?”

Xiao Lianyu didn’t respond. Instead, she deliberately pulled back the curtain and said to Fu Xun, “You come up.”

Fu Xun was momentarily stunned, still processing the request.

What kind of drama was the grand princess playing out today?

From her sleeve, Xiao Lianyu took out a handkerchief and leaned forward to offer it to him, speaking softly, “You’re sweating, wipe it off.”

The tone made Fu Xun instinctively turn his head—

Their eyes met, and involuntarily, he thought, “As expected. As expected, the duke is present!”

Su Huai’an approached the carriage, his pace unhurried, as if implying that if she didn’t move, neither would he.

Well, Su Jingming would not wear any form of green headband.

[T/N: Green symbolizes cuckoldery]

He walked up to the carriage, bowed gently to her in a low voice, bent down, and got onto the carriage without waiting for her response. Casually picking up the bright-eyed Su Lingyi, he made room to sit beside her.

Xiao Lianyu immediately spoke, “Who allowed you to get on? Where is the Duke of Zhen’s carriage? Guards!”

The guards glanced at each other, their faces filled with awkwardness. How were they supposed to handle this situation? Were they to dismiss the duke—the prospective imperial son-in-law—or the two Little Highnesses? Or should they draw their swords in defiance?

Moreover, Grand Princess, did you not deliberately walk slower just moments ago?!

Su Huai’an took Xiao Lianyu’s hand, holding it gently, and whispered to the coachman, “Go to the grand princess’ residence.”

Xiao Lianyu snorted coldly, turned away, and gazed out the window.

Su Youlin and Su Lingyi both turned to look at their mother simultaneously.

Strange.

Mum was clearly upset, so why was her hand still in the hands of Lord Su?

The carriage rumbled along, passing through Yunli Street, and finally stopped in front of the grand princess’ mansion. Su Huai’an released her hand, stepped down from the carriage first, then turned to assist her, and finally, he carefully carried the two children down.

Su Youlin and Su Lingyi said softly, “Thank you, Lord Su.”

Their mother said they could call Su Huai’an either ‘Lord Su’ or ‘Duke’, but calling him ‘Father’ was still off-limits. They were of imperial lineage and couldn’t afford to break protocol.

Su Huai’an gently patted their heads.

With a cold expression, Xiao Lianyu led the two children back to the residence. The man behind them followed suit. She stood at the door and turned, “The duke doesn’t need to escort us.”

Su Huai’an looked at her, his brows slightly furrowed.

Xiao Lianyu said each word distinctly, “My lord must be familiar with the former prospective imperial son-in-law, Huai Jing. He intruded into the princess’ residence, exchanged a few words before getting into a scuffle with my guards, tarnishing my reputation, and displeasing me. Surely, my lord understands—”

Before she could finish, Su Huai’an interjected, “I didn’t intend to intrude.”

Xiao Lianyu stuttered, “That’s for the best.”

Su Huai’an stepped forward, took out a hairpin from his sleeve, and inserted it diagonally into her hair. He lowered his head to meet her gaze, smiling gently. “Don’t be angry. I’ll leave now.”

The sunlight fell on his serene profile, as majestic as a peacock’s display.

Xiao Lianyu held her breath, turned around, and returned to the residence. The path from the gate to the main hall was wide and smooth, yet she nearly stumbled on her own feet.

***

In early autumn, there were new developments in the court. The emperor openly declared his intention to establish a crown prince. Originally, a child born from the remnants of the Su family shouldn’t have been entitled to become the crown prince, even if they held the title of the eldest legitimate son. However, no one could voice opposition with the Su family’s exoneration, Su Huaian’s elevation in the court, and the increasingly influential Count of Cheng’en Qin Suizhi. Yet, the court was never lacking in hushed whispers. Some insinuated that the Su family used Lord Qin as a ladder, while others speculated on Zhaoyi Qin’s intentions once she had her own children.

Despite the gossip, Qin Suizhi and Su Huai’an often shared drinks, seemingly of one mind, which deflated the rumors’ potency.

After dealing with state affairs, Xiao Yu returned to the Jingren Palace for dinner. This had become his routine lately—even if he didn’t spend the night at the palace, he always showed up for dinner. Even the cooks from the Palace Kitchen had grown accustomed to preparing extra dishes for him.

However, the food from the Palace Kitchen was always hard to swallow, especially during seasonal changes. For instance, right at the beginning of autumn, they’d serve lotus seeds, lotus roots, and ginger.

Xiao Yu was never a picky eater. Growing up in the palace, he always ate the Palace Kitchen’s meals. Later, when he went to the border regions, the fare was whatever was available. But Qin Ling and Xiao Yun were different—they both had discerning palates. Their brows furrowed in unison as they chewed on the tasteless and unappetizing lotus roots.

Qin Ling addressed her son, “If you don’t want to eat it, then don’t. I’ll get you some lotus seed soup in a while.”

Ever since Xiao Yu reprimanded Xiao Yun, the latter had stopped talking during meals. He blinked and nodded.

Xiao Yu massaged his forehead and set down his golden chopsticks. He was a ruler. But there was no reason for the mother and son to endure such discomfort. He spoke softly, “Let’s set up a small kitchen in the Jingren Palace tomorrow.”

Qin Ling looked at him, her eyebrows raised in surprise.

Without waiting for her response, Xiao Yu turned to summon Eunuch Sheng, saying, “Inform the Ministry of Rites to establish a small kitchen in the Jingren Palace, and also, find a few cooks from outside the palace.”

It was arranged so easily!

Eunuch Sheng smiled and replied, “Your Majesty, rest assured, I’ll attend to it immediately.”

After dinner, Xiao Yun didn’t hover around Qin Ling as usual. He seemed to have something on his mind but hesitated to voice it.

This behavior resembled someone else’s. Qin Ling couldn’t help but ask, “What’s wrong?”

Xiao Yu also glanced at him.

Xiao Yun stared at Qin Ling’s belly, clenched his fist, and after a long pause, he said, “Mum.”

Qin Ling acknowledged with a “hmm”.

Slowly, Xiao Yun continued, “I also want a little sister…”