Though the Guoluoluo family was rooted in Shengjing, they also maintained a residence in the capital for communication between the two locations. Sanguanbao had informed his daughter in the palace about all the personnel left behind, but aside from relaying messages, Yunxiu rarely made use of them. Recalling her father’s arrangements in the capital, she pondered for a moment before softly instructing Ruizhu, "Contact Suo Etu, but avoid any connection with Consort Ping. Find a trustworthy person to leave the palace discreetly with my token, ensuring no one notices..."
Ruizhu listened carefully and nodded solemnly.
After giving her orders, Yunxiu relaxed slightly, leaning back.
If her elder brother were to take up the position of Left Vice Minister of Personnel, he would inevitably be constrained by Mingzhu, leaving little room to display his abilities. Worse, he might get entangled in factional struggles, drawing the emperor’s suspicion and earning the resentment of the Hesheli family.
Yet, on second thought, aside from bolstering the Guoluoluo family’s reputation, they would also gain tangible benefits. Such a lucrative post would be a shame to pass up.
There were pros and cons, but the disadvantages outweighed the advantages.
She didn’t want her brother to take the position, and neither did their father. But the notion of everything going as one wished was ultimately illusory—beyond human control.
Since Yunxiu had awoken from her grand dream and let go of her obsession with competing for favor, her mindset had become much more open. She had done all she could; now, all that remained was to wait quietly...
Do one’s best and leave the rest to fate. If things didn’t work out, there was no point in resentment.
After a moment, she narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. Mingzhu’s unconventional move was particularly insidious, starkly different from his usual style.
Who had given him this idea? Was there any connection to the imperial harem?
"Returning to the capital to report on duties"—the emphasis was on "returning," not "reporting." Before even arriving, he had already drafted his recommendations, hastily submitting them as if afraid someone might snatch the opportunity away.
This, of course, was against protocol.
Acting first and reporting later carried an air of coercion. Wasn’t he afraid of earning the Guoluoluo family’s enmity?
...Then again, as the esteemed Mingzhu, he probably wasn’t concerned.
She chuckled and asked, "Where is Yintang? It’s been so long, and the wet nurse hasn’t brought him over. Is he still fast asleep?"
Her question instantly dispelled the solemn atmosphere in the main hall.
Wenyuan smiled. "Your Majesty was discussing important matters earlier, so the wet nurse didn’t dare disturb. She’s been waiting outside. The Ninth Prince woke up long ago—there’s no way he’s still asleep! Even without looking, I can imagine him kicking his little legs in protest behind the curtain."
Her words drew laughter from everyone present.
Yunxiu’s eyes curved, her lips quirking upward. "You’re right. He must be impatient. As compensation, I’ll take him to Yongshou Palace today to visit his younger brother..."
The wet nurse stood rooted outside, refusing to let him eavesdrop on his mother’s conversation.
Frustrated and fuming, Yintang considered wailing at the top of his lungs and thrashing about. But remembering that the wet nurse, unlike his imperial father, lacked the strength to hold him securely, he hesitated.
What if she lost her grip and dropped him? He’d be the one suffering!
Then, he heard the sound of the curtain being lifted, followed by a chorus of greetings. Soon, he was nestled in his mother’s fragrant embrace.
Joy! Delight!
To Yunxiu, Yintang looked utterly adorable—his dark eyes sparkling, his plump cheeks rosy, and his chubby little hands resting near his mouth, uncharacteristically well-behaved.
She pinched his round cheek affectionately. "Why so well-behaved today? You’re not like the little troublemaker I know."
Yintang let out a little huff, his baby voice drifting sweetly to everyone’s ears, sounding like a coquettish whine.
The Ninth Prince was so young, yet he could already respond to his mother’s words?
Nanny Dong, surprised, smiled warmly. "Your Majesty, the Ninth Prince is not only endearing but also exceptionally bright. When the time comes for his studies, he’s sure to be the top of his class."
Yintang, who had been basking in contentment and about to gnaw on his fingers, froze.
Nanny Dong, are you trying to ruin me?
There’s a limit to flattering Mother. Compliment me all you want, but why bring up studies?
Yunxiu gently moved Yintang’s restless hand away and nodded in agreement with Nanny Dong, suppressing a smile as she said solemnly, "I think so too. If he doesn’t take first place, it’d be a waste of his extraordinary intelligence!"
Then, with a sigh and a look of exaggerated regret, she added, "Let’s just hope he doesn’t end up like the prodigy who faded into mediocrity."
Yintang was utterly speechless.
First place?
Hah! More like the capital’s number one playboy.
He was determined to be the palace’s little tyrant—chasing cats and teasing dogs—with the sole exception of the imperial study hall.
If he actually took first place, his past tutors would die in peace... Wait, they were already dead.
No, that wasn’t the point.
Talking about scholarly expectations to a two-month-old baby? And invoking the tale of a wasted genius? Mother, have you no shame?!
Nanny Dong was momentarily bewildered. She had only offered a routine compliment—how had it spiraled into this?
Quickly regaining her composure, she instinctively reassured, "That won’t happen, that won’t happen. Your Majesty needn’t worry."
Yintang: "......"
Well, I certainly can’t rest easy.
The Ninth Prince’s grievances threatened to pierce the heavens. Amid his silent grumbling, Yunxiu cheerfully entered Yongshou Palace, announcing, "Look who’s here! I’ve brought Yintang to keep Yin'e company!"
The imperial consort, wrapped in a snow-white fox fur cloak, smiled from her bed. "I knew it was you. Perfect timing. Yin'e just finished nursing—he’s wide awake now, ready to meet his elder brother and get acquainted."
...
Yintang first marveled at the youthful appearance of the imperial consort, then was stunned by the mention of "Yin'e." His heart swelled with overwhelming joy, nearly bringing him to tears.
He struggled to contain his excitement at the prospect of seeing his younger brother again.
Before he could fully process it, he found himself face-to-face with another baby.
Yin'e, barely half a month old, was noticeably smaller than Yintang, his face still bearing faint traces of newborn redness. Overall, though, he had shed his initial "little monkey" appearance, looking much more like a proper baby now.
One standing, one lying down. One with double eyelids, the other with single-lidded phoenix eyes.
The two stared at each other intently...
Yintang’s eyes widened bit by bit, and Yin'e’s did the same.
It was as if they were competing to see whose eyes could grow larger—sparks flying, neither willing to yield. In the end, Yin'e lost—partly due to exhaustion, partly because his naturally narrow eyes simply couldn’t compete.
Yintang let out a triumphant "ah!" and waved his hands, his expression brimming with glee and a hint of smugness.
Think you can outshine me in eye size with those sunflower-seed slits?
Dream on.
Yin'e: "......"
Yin'e turned his head away, fixing his gaze blankly on the bed canopy as a string of drool escaped his mouth.
Ninth Master let out another "yi-ya" sound, followed by a gurgling baby noise that sounded almost like mockery. Then, with Yunxiu's support, he struggled for quite some time, persistently stretching his chubby little hand forward.
Seeing that he couldn’t reach Yin'e, Yintang reluctantly gave up on using his hand and switched to kicking his legs instead.
He kicked and kicked, aiming straight for Yin'e’s drooling mouth—apparently intent on shoving his tiny foot into his younger brother’s mouth.
Yin'e: "…………"
The Noble Consort covered her mouth with a laugh, but Yunxiu sensed something amiss.
She coughed lightly, seized her son’s little foot, and effortlessly tucked it back into his swaddle. Ignoring Yintang’s protesting "yi-ya yi-ya" noises, she said with a straight face, "Little Nine is far too mischievous. I’ll have to discipline him properly later."
"It’s just child’s play. He’s only a few months old—what does he understand?" The Noble Consort found it amusing and lightly tapped Yunxiu’s shoulder, chiding her. "Discipline? You’re hardly a reliable mother yourself."
Yunxiu thought to herself, This is no mere child’s play!
Yintang, this little troublemaker, was outright bullying his brother!
If she let him continue unchecked, the Noble Consort would surely grow distressed—and after that distress, she’d come demanding answers.
Yunxiu huffed but didn’t argue. Instead, she fixed a stern gaze on Yintang.
Seeing him play innocent again—blowing bubbles and flashing a sweet, toothless grin at the Noble Consort—Yunxiu: "……"
"Look, the Ninth Prince is smiling at me!" the Noble Consort exclaimed in delight. "This child is truly adorable."
She studied Yintang closely, growing fonder by the second, and reached out to hold him. Just then, Yin'e burst into loud wails: "Waaah—waaah—waaah—!"
The cries pierced their ears, and now it was Yunxiu’s turn to feel distressed.
Before the Noble Consort could react, Yunxiu frowned and immediately said, "His throat is so delicate—what if he ruins his voice from crying?"
With that, she bent down.
Halfway through her movement, before her fingers could even brush Yin'e’s swaddle, alarm bells rang in Yintang’s mind, and four bold words flashed through his thoughts: Oh, so you can cry too?
Ninth Prince squeezed his eyes shut and unleashed his own ear-splitting wails: "Waaah—waaah—waaah—!"
Yunxiu: "……"
Noble Consort: "……"
After finally soothing their respective children, they were utterly exhausted.
"These brothers act like sworn enemies," the Noble Consort murmured. "Are they competing with each other?"
Yunxiu felt both guilty and suspicious—though guilt quickly won out.
She agreed with the Noble Consort’s words and swiftly changed the subject, bringing up Tuyue’s imminent appointment to the capital: "My father is so anxious he’s fallen ill. He only hopes His Majesty will show some mercy and free my brother from Mingzhu’s clutches…"
Having been confined to Yongshou Palace for her postpartum recovery, the Noble Consort was hearing of the Guoluoluo family’s troubles for the first time.
Her smile vanished, replaced by a cold displeasure. "This is utterly underhanded—not Mingzhu’s usual style, but more like the scheming of palace women. Who else could’ve devised such a plan but Consort Hui?!"
Yunxiu nodded and continued, "Not just Consort Hui. Have you forgotten? There’s also the one from Yonghe Palace."
A few days prior, Consort Hui had overseen the Fifth Princess’s full-month celebration—news that had reached the Noble Consort’s ears. She paused, then realization dawned. "You’re right. Consort Hui wouldn’t think of something so vile on her own. She must’ve had help."
With just a little thought, the pieces fell neatly into place.
"This is just—just…" The Noble Consort struggled to find the right words before finally scoffing. "They’re not content with causing trouble in the inner palace—now they’re meddling in court affairs too!"
Then, she fixed Yunxiu with a firm look. "I’d originally planned to deal with Nala Shi once my confinement ended, cutting off her influence in the palace and establishing my authority… But now, it seems the timing is perfect. We can’t wait any longer."
Yunxiu arched a brow. "Noble Consort Liang and the Eighth Prince?"
The Noble Consort’s eyes gleamed with amusement as she nodded slowly.
"You—so this was your hidden card all along." Yunxiu chuckled softly before murmuring, "And if we add Noble Consort Wu into the mix, wouldn’t that be even better?"
The Noble Consort considered it briefly, then brightened. "You mean…?"
"Strip Consort Hui of her status as the Eighth Prince’s foster mother and have her raise the Fifth Princess instead." Yunxiu smiled sweetly. "She loses something but gains something else—it’s hardly a loss, is it?"
