Entering the Palace

"Yun Wan, I'll go with you to see your mother and younger brother first, then Qi Zaijun to the palace to pay respects to the Imperial Father and Empress."

Qi Lingheng knew that Lin Yunwan was anxious.

As the ship approached the Capital, she changed from when she was on the journey; she couldn't sleep or eat properly.

She must be missing her family too much.

Lin Yunwan shook her head. "That won't do. There's no rush. Let's go to the palace to meet the Emperor first!"

Before they even disembarked from the ship on their return to Beijing, countless people were already watching them from the dock.

Qi Lingheng knew she was always cautious, so he didn't force her.

Qi Zaijun suffered from seasickness and vomited for several days. He fell asleep as soon as he arrived at the Prince's Mansion.

People from the palace had already been sent over, first to help clean up the old prince's residence, and then to deliver a message in advance.

After resting for a night, the couple took the yawning Qi Zaijun to the palace to see Emperor Jingshun and Empress Zhao the next day.

"Your subject."

"Daughter-in-law."

"He brought his grandson Qi Zaijun to pay respects to his Imperial Father and Empress."

The couple, dressed in their finest attire, entered the palace and, with Qi Zaijun in tow, kowtowed inside the hall.

He remained silent for a long time after sitting down before God.

Lin Yunwan faintly heard a suppressed sob.

It sounded like the Empress's voice.

But Emperor Jingshun remained silent, which suggests that he was also in turmoil.

Emperor Jingshun said in a low voice, "Get up."

He instructed the Eunuch, "Give me a seat."

Empress Zhao couldn't wait any longer. As soon as the two got up, she hurriedly said, "Quickly bring the imperial grandson here so I can take a good look at him!"

The Chief Eunuch bowed and approached Qi Zaijun with a smile, saying, "Young Master, please come and greet your Imperial Grandmother."

Qi Zaijun looked curiously at the magnificent, golden hall.

Then I looked at the two elders sitting high in the distance, like two great Buddhas.

He asked curiously, "Mother Consort, are they immortals?"

Lin Yunwan lowered her head, glanced at him, and said, "... It's your Imperial Grandfather and Imperial Grandmother."

But their status was too noble and too lofty, like the golden statues seen in temples.

Qi Lingheng patted his son's head, squinted, and said, "Your Imperial Grandmother wants to be close to you, why don't you go quickly?"

Qi Zaijun hesitated.

He was a bully at home, but when he actually arrived at the Imperial Palace, being unfamiliar with the place and the people, he was a little scared.

Empress Zhao gripped her sleeve, suppressing her joy, and said with a smile, "Jun'er, come to your Imperial Grandmother."

Emperor Jingshun's expression grew even more stern. "Qi Zaijun, did you hear your Imperial Grandmother speaking to you? What manners did you learn at home?"

Lin Yunwan lowered her head.

If the imperial grandson doesn't learn proper etiquette, then it's his mother's fault.

But Empress Zhao came to her rescue, saying, "The child is still so young, and it's pitiful that she grew up suffering outside. We can learn about manners gradually."

Emperor Jingshun let out a very comfortable "humph".

He beckoned. "Qi Zaijun, come here to me."

I liked it very much.

This kid looks exactly like his son when he was a child, especially his eyes, which are so black they seem to sparkle like stars.

Qi Zaijun jogged over.

Remembering the rules his Mother Consort had taught him, he didn't rush to sit on Emperor Jingshun's lap. Instead, he knelt and performed a grand salute. "Imperial grandson Qi Zaijun greets Imperial Grandfather and Imperial Grandmother. May Imperial Grandfather and grandmother enjoy boundless blessings, peace, and longevity."

Emperor Jingshun laughed loudly, "You certainly have a silver tongue."

He bent down himself, scooped up his grandson, and held him on his lap.

Qi Zaijun felt as if he had suddenly grown taller.

He was a little scared and clung tightly to Emperor Jingshun's arm.

Once seated, Qi Zaijun explained to his Mother Consort, "Imperial Grandfather, Mother Consort taught me the rules; it's just that I didn't remember them earlier."

Emperor Jingshun teased him deliberately, "You remember now?"

Qi Zaijun nodded. "I remember now."

Therefore, no one can blame his Mother Consort for being bad.

Empress Zhao, seeing the child, felt a pang of envy and said, "Let me hold the child."

Emperor Jingshun was very reluctant to part with the child, but the Empress had also missed her children and grandchildren for a long time, so he took the child with him.

Empress Zhao carefully examined her grandson, growing more and more fond of him, and laughed in the main hall.

Qi Zaijun found it amusing, so he grabbed her arm and asked with a smile, "Imperial Grandmother, what are you laughing at?"

"You little rascal, you're only just returning to the Capital! Your Imperial Grandmother must be missing you terribly!"

Qi Zaijun just kept laughing in Empress Zhao's arms.

"Guards, prepare a banquet for the Kunning Palace."

Emperor Jingshun had been looking forward to this day for far too long, and he kept Qi Lingheng and Lin Yunwan for lunch at the Kunning Palace.

Because it was in the Empress's palace, there weren't so many formalities; the dishes served were both visually appealing and edible.

Adults can resist eating it, but children can't stand it.

Emperor Jingshun ordered the Imperial Kitchen to prepare eighteen dishes that children could eat.

The imperial meal was enjoyed in a harmonious and joyful atmosphere.

After finishing their meal, they moved to the Warm Pavilion to talk.

Prince Huan and his Prince Huan Consort were not allowed to stay overnight in the Imperial Palace without a valid reason, but Empress Zhao and Emperor Jingshun were reluctant to part with their grandson, and seeing that it was getting late, they were also unwilling to let them go.

Qi Lingheng, seeing his son dozing off, reminded Empress Zhao, "Empress, Jun'er is sleepy. Please give him to the wet nurse."

Empress Zhao was reluctant to let go.

Emperor Jingshun pretended not to hear.

Lin Yunwan had no choice but to say, "Imperial Father, Empress, Jun'er is picky about the bed. Do you have any soft blankets here? Please spread a few layers out for Jun'er to sleep on for a while."

"Yes, there is one right here on my bed."

Empress Zhao personally carried Qi Zaijun to bed.

Since they're already sleeping in her palace, why not stay until tomorrow morning? It would save the child the trouble of tiring her out.

That's what she was thinking, and she exchanged a glance with Emperor Jingshun.

Emperor Jingshun stared intently at his grandson, a smile on his face.

Lin Yunwan quietly tugged at Qi Lingheng's sleeve, signaling to him that it was time for them to go home.

She whispered, "Let's leave Jun'er wet nurse here too."

Qi Zaijun nodded and went to bid farewell to the Emperor and Empress.

Upon hearing that their grandson was staying there, Emperor Jingshun and Empress Zhao no longer cared about their son.

Emperor Jingshun smiled and said, "It's getting late. You must be tired from your long journey. Go back and rest for a few days."

"Your subject takes his leave."

"Daughter-in-law, take your leave."

Lin Yunwan and Qi Lingheng left the palace together and got into a carriage to go home.

Qi Lingheng, afraid she would worry, held her hand and said, "Imperial Father Empress just like Jun'er; they'll send him back in a few days."

Lin Yunwan wasn't worried about this at all.

She laughed and said, "This little devil of a devil, I can't wait for him to go and bother others."

Taking care of her son every day is also a headache for her.

Every morning when she wakes up, she hears "Mother Consort, Mother Consort," and when she's annoyed, she wants to shut Qi Zaijun up.

She was overjoyed to finally have a few days of peace and quiet.

Qi Lingheng chuckled softly, "The Little Devil isn't here..."

There's no longer a need for them to hide anything from each other.

The next day, Lin Yunwan and Qi Lingheng got up very late.

When Cuiqin came in to help Lin Yunwan dressing, she said, "Someone from the palace has arrived."

When did you arrive?

"It's been an hour."

Lin Yunwan nervously, "Why didn't you wake me up?"

Cuiqin smiled and said, "It was the eunuch who said there was no need to disturb you and the Prince. He just came on behalf of the Emperor to bestow some gifts and convey a message."

They've only just arrived in the Capital, and they're already bestowing gifts upon them?

Lin Yunwan changed her clothes and went out with Qi Lingheng to receive the imperial edict.

The Chief Eunuch smiled and said, "The Young Heir Apparent is very much liked by Her Majesty and Her Highness. Her Majesty wishes to have Heir Apparent stay for a few more days, and sent me to inform the Princess Consort Prince so they won't worry."

Lin Yunwan wasn't worried.

She asked, somewhat surprised, "The Heir Apparent?"

The sons of princes are not born as Heir Apparent; they are only officially recognized Heir Apparent after being formally appointed.

The Chief Eunuch offered his congratulations. "Congratulations, Princess Consort Highness! Congratulations, Your Prince! The Emperor has said he intends to appoint the young master as Heir Apparent, and he sent me to give you this advance notice."

Lin Yunwan felt flattered and overwhelmed.

She still saw off the Chief Eunuch with dignity.

Seeing that she was lost in thought, Qi Lingheng sat down to drink tea and asked with a soft laugh, "Aren't you worried now?"

This was Lin Yunwan's first time meeting her "aunt and uncle," and also her first time meeting the supreme ruler of the world.

They will inevitably be scrutinized from all sides.

The Emperor and Empress didn't say anything yesterday, but she knew in her heart that they had already formed their opinions.

Judging from the Emperor and Empress's current attitude, they seem satisfied with her.

Lin Yunwan smiled slightly, "Thanks to Your Prince."

Qi Lingheng said slowly, "Thanks to our son."

In the Kunning Palace, Empress Zhao and Qi Zaijun were having a great time.

She was too lazy to even see the concubines in the harem who came to pay their respects; she spent her days in the palace enjoying the company of her grandchildren.

Qi Zaijun readily agreed, "It's fun and delicious! Imperial Grandmother, may I save some for my Mother Consort?"

"Sure."

Empress Zhao smiled.

After finishing his court duties, Emperor Jingshun went straight to the Kunning Palace and didn't go anywhere else.

However, he arrived late, Qi Zaijun was already asleep.

The Emperor and Empress stood by the bedside, admiring their grandson's adorable appearance. They went outside hand in hand, and Empress Zhao remarked, "Jun'er looks just like his Mother Consort."

"I think he looks more like Heng'er."

The two of them even argued about this issue.

Finally, Emperor Jingshun suddenly said, "Why do I feel that Jun'er's Mother Consort... looks somewhat familiar?"

Empress Zhao agreed, "Now that Your Majesty has said that, I also find Jun'er's Mother Consort to have a very familiar face."

She praised, "Lin clan is dignified. Dignified people have dignified appearances. Most young ladies in the Capital are like this, so it's not unusual."

Emperor Jingshun nodded.