Wang Qingyao had Fang Yuan stay for dinner at the Ding'an Prince's manor and play for a while before Fang Yuan returned home.
Xiao Yun returned in the evening.
Wang Qingyao gazed at his familiar, handsome face and recalled her daytime thought of having a child with him. Her heart instantly warmed, and her gaze softened.
Back then, when she first transmigrated to ancient times, all she wanted was to survive and go with the flow. Later, she learned she was to marry a short-lived prince and was happy for a long time. She served him like a boss, only hoping to soon live a life of luxury with a wealthy, deceased husband.
When did she start wanting to live a good life with Xiao Yun?
When did she begin to wish Xiao Yun a long life, to grow old with her?
And when did she, no longer bothered by ancient medicine's backwardness, actually conceive the idea of having a child for him?
As Wang Qingyao pondered this, her gaze grew even gentler. She propped her chin on her hand, staring at Xiao Yun, her eyes following him wherever he went.
Xiao Yun soon noticed. He walked over, casually kissed her forehead, and chuckled, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Wang Qingyao smiled, "Because you're handsome!"
"I haven't just become handsome today; this prince has always been handsome!" Xiao Yun said narcissistically.
Wang Qingyao giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck and exhaling a fragrant breath, "Xiao Yun," she called his name, "I want to have a child with you."
Her words were undoubtedly an aphrodisiac. Xiao Yun's eyes immediately turned green, and his body felt hot.
"You little vixen..."
A night of passion, several rounds of springtime.
The next morning, Xiao Yun remembered he hadn't discussed important matters with Wang Qingyao.
"The Emperor told me yesterday to bring the little county princess to the palace to see him today."
Wang Qingyao, who had been lazily resting her head on his arm, recuperating, sprang up at these words.
"Why didn't you say so earlier? What time is it? I still need to tell Duoduo, and her clothes and jewelry aren't ready."
As she spoke, she got out of bed and started dressing. Manao, who was serving outside, heard the commotion and asked through the door.
Wang Qingyao responded, and the maids filed in to help their mistress rise.
Xiao Yun then smiled, "It's alright, no need to rush. The Emperor didn't specify a time. Clothes and jewelry are even less important. Does the Ding'an Princess Consort lack such things? Must we be like bumpkins, making new clothes and jewelry every time we visit the palace?"
Wang Qingyao retorted, "I'm talking about Duoduo. She always dresses plainly. She can't go to the palace like that."
"Grandmother prepared new clothes and jewelry for her early this morning."
"Really?" Wang Qingyao's movements slowed. "Why haven't I seen her wear them?"
"Probably found it troublesome."
It was already the hour of Chen (7-9 AM). Wang Qingyao, seeing Xiao Yun's infatuated demeanor, knew he would likely skip work again today.
She didn't have time to bother with him. After a hurried breakfast, she went to Nuanshang Pavilion to find Feng Jiangduo.
She arrived at a opportune moment, just as Xiao Mo was delivering flowers to Feng Jiangduo.
In the depths of winter, she wondered where he found so many fresh flowers every day.
"Sister-in-law," Xiao Mo greeted her.
She grabbed Feng Jiangduo's wrist and said, "Hurry and change your clothes. The Emperor wants to see you, and I'll accompany you to the palace."
As she spoke, she went to rummage through Feng Jiangduo's wardrobe. Indeed, the Old Imperial Concubine had made her eight sets of winter clothes, two cloaks, and six sets of hair ornaments.
Wang Qingyao picked out a pink silk brocade jacket with half-sleeves for the upper body, paired with a coral-embroidered plum blossom skirt for the lower body. She then draped a light crimson cloak with a long tassel and a Kui-patterned brocade over her.
Feiyu restyled Feng Jiangduo's hair into a flying celestial maiden bun, adorning it with a hairpin and flowers. She wore golden lotus earrings of the same series and changed into milky-white satin boots with beaded soles.
As for necklaces and bracelets...
Wang Qingyao scrutinized Feng Jiangduo for a moment, as if dressing her own daughter. She decided against a necklace and bracelet, as they would appear cumbersome. The little county princess of the Dingnan Prince's manor was already unique enough.
"Alright, that's it."
Feng Jiangduo visibly relaxed. She disliked dressing like this but knew there were rules for entering the palace, and being too unconventional wouldn't be tolerated by superiors.
"Don't bring your sword."
Feng Jiangduo nodded.
As the two emerged from the inner chamber, they were surprised to find Xiao Mo, who should have left, still there.
His eyes flashed with admiration upon seeing the transformed Feng Jiangduo.
"Does she look good?" Wang Qingyao asked deliberately.
"She looks good," Xiao Mo said, staring at Feng Jiangduo, but then quickly added, "But I still prefer you the way you are."
Heavens, who said Xiao Mo was a straight man?
He spoke such sweet nothings!
Feng Jiangduo's lips curved slightly.
Xiao Mo took out a heavy purse and handed it to her, "Take this silver. If you encounter anyone who needs to be bribed..."
Wang Qingyao shot him a disdainful look, "Xiao Mo, get it straight. One of us is the Ding'an Princess Consort, and the other is the little county princess of the Dingnan Prince's manor. Who would dare trouble us?"
"Better safe than sorry."
Feng Jiangduo accepted the purse, "Thank you."
"We don't need to thank each other."
Wang Qingyao: "..."
She suddenly realized she had misjudged Xiao Mo. He was a natural at coaxing girls.