Consort Shu, upon seeing Mu Xi Yao dressed like this, was quite shocked. When did Mu lass become so diligent, knowing how to doll herself up nicely? Wasn’t she the laziest, unwilling to put effort into this? Could it be for the sake of her son Cheng Qing so that he would bear dignity in front of outsiders? 

This was understandable. Cheng Qing’s once-in-a-lifetime Draw Lots Ceremony naturally needed to be more grandiose. As a mother, she must take the lead in setting a proper demeanor, so that her son can be looked upon more highly. It’s just that until now, she had never noticed that this girl was an out-and-out beauty in blossoming. Having dressed up like this, she appeared much more lovely than usual. 

At the third quarter of the hour of Chen¹, all the princes and ministers had already gathered in the front yard, but the legitimate master of the prince’s residence had yet to make an appearance. 

“Elder brother, where do you think the Sixth Brother is right now?” Recently, the Crown Prince would undoubtedly approach Zong Zheng Chun to engage in conversation when they met. He did this to enjoy the sight of his extremely unwilling expression. It allowed the Crown Prince, who had endured grievances for over a decade, to feel immense satisfaction whenever he got his way. 

“Why is there no joy on jiejie’s face despite narrowly escaping a great disaster?” 

Without outsiders around, the two sisters from the He Lian House gathered in a corner of the waterside pavilion. Onlookers have thought it was a rare reunion between sisters and they were engaging in affectionate private conversations, but little did they know that these two seldom saw eye to eye. Even if they did meet, they often parted ways on bad terms. 

“Chun Lan, has the Young Master’s new clothes, shoes, and socks been prepared? Zhao Momo is waiting to use them.” 

“Hui Lan-jiejie¹, it’s all prepared. We already sorted them out last night.” 

“Is this the outfit the Mistress wanted? Make sure not to take the wrong one.”

“This time, the Sixth’s consort has been wronged; don’t keep anger in your heart. The Sixth has carried out this task well. Zhen originally intended for the Imperial Noble Consort to keep some people for him, but that rascal declined. He said that He Lian’shi’s matter has just passed, and if he hastily brought in new people to the household, she would overthink and wouldn’t be able to maintain her dignity in front of outsiders.” 

“These subjects greet Your Highness,” the two Sirs Administrative Assistants of the Imperial Academy of Medicine arrived as planned. Upon entering, they were taken aback to find the Sixth Highness standing with hands behind his back, his back turned to them, admiring the blooming hibiscus in the vase. 

“No need for formalities. Sirs, please have a seat.” Zong Zheng Lin told them to rise, but he didn’t turn around. Instead, he bent down and picked up the scissors, trimming the overly irregular and soft branches and leaves into a much neater and defined form. Upon a second glance, this hibiscus had taken on a new, refreshed appearance. 

On the surface, Zong Zheng Lin and Mu Xi Yao appeared to have reached an agreement, but in reality, their standards of conduct differed. In the future, the Sixth Highness’s moral compass would gradually collapse, consumed by Mu Xi Yao’s ‘numerous misdeeds’.

“Your Highness.” With the matter settled Mu Xi Yao engaged in a serious conversation with Zong Zheng Lin about the gift for the little bun Cheng Qing’s first birthday, which had been ‘carried’ into the garden. 

“If Jiao Jiao doesn’t understand, let Bendian explain it to you. After this episode, Jiao Jiao needs to remember it well, or else you will be punished.” Zong Zheng Lin’s face was expressionless as he caressed her cheek with his fingers. After a moment, he planted a soft kiss on it and then moved to her neck, sucking on her fair earlobe.

There was a hint of embarrassment in Mu Xi Yao’s expression. This man just couldn’t speak properly and had to flirt around.

“Jiao Jiao’s body and heart, Bendian wants them all.”

“Mo Lan, take this jar of wine away and bring His Highness’s Green Bamboo Leaf Liquor.” Mu Xi Yao hurriedly took the jar and thrust it into Mo Lan’s hands. 

Zong Zheng Lin was about to stop her, but Mu Xi Yao tugged at his sleeve and offered him a piece of peeled shrimp meat.

“Mistress, the food in the kitchen is already prepared and ready. Shall we begin serving the meal now?” Gui Momo carried Cheng Qing into the room and relayed a message from a maid she had encountered on the way.

“Daddy!” Cheng Qing was overjoyed when he saw Zong Zheng Lin. He stretched out his little hands, wanting to be picked up. 

Mu Xi Yao didn’t hear the little one calling for her. Her beautiful eyes narrowed. She immediately walked over, and took Zong Zheng Lin’s arm, secretly preventing him from picking up Cheng Qing.