[1]The Consort is Both Charming and Scheming, Rising Through Palace Intrigue

Chapter 150: The Eldest Princess

Ning Shuyan glanced from afar. The baby's little face was red, her eyes squinting into thin lines—it was hard to make out any features. But her nose looked rather prominent. Ning remembered that babies in the modern world often had flat noses, as their features hadn't fully developed yet.

She softly remarked, "Her nose looks a lot like Your Majesty's."

Hearing this, Xiao Yu leaned in to study the baby's nose, then looked up at Ning Shuyan. Seeing her gentle smile, he suddenly recalled how she had once told him his nose was very handsome.

Consort Zhuang smirked. "Such a young child—how can you see any resemblance? Consort Ning certainly knows how to flatter."

But unexpectedly, Emperor Xiao Yu chuckled. "It does resemble mine a little."

He gazed again at the baby in her swaddle, finding her even more pleasing to the eye.

Consort Zhuang snorted inwardly and shot a sidelong glance at Ning Shuyan.

A shadow seemed to pass through the Empress's eyes. She lowered her gaze and handed the child back to the wet nurse, her lips curved in a polite smile. "Since Consort Xue has given birth to a princess, will Your Majesty be promoting her title?"

Xiao Yu nodded. "She shall be promoted to Talented Lady (Cairen)."

The empress smiled. "This child must have been in a hurry to come into the world. Perhaps she wishes to share a birthday with her elder brother."

Xiao Yu laughed heartily. "That's fate indeed."

Later, an investigation found nothing unusual about the sedan chair or the road surface, so the eunuch involved was punished and the matter closed.

The concubines then returned to their respective palaces.

Lady Xue, now Talented Lady Xue, had lost too much blood and slept until the next morning before she could wake.

According to palace regulations, any imperial offspring born to consorts below the rank of the nine highest concubines had to be sent to Le'an Hall after one month and raised by a higher-ranking consort.

After several hot days, two full days of rain finally washed away the summer heat. The breeze that followed was cool and refreshing.

After dinner, Ning Shuyan sat outside in the courtyard enjoying the breeze.

The moonlight was like water, and the air was fragrant with dew. The flickering candlelight complemented the starry night above. Dressed in a light apricot gown, she looked ethereal—like pure ice and snow.

Xiao Yu slowly entered the courtyard. Waving off the palace maids so they wouldn't disturb her, he approached her in light steps.

His shadow fell across the stone table, and Ning Shuyan looked up. Turning her head, she saw the emperor approaching, a faint smile on his lips and a gentle warmth in his eyes.

Delighted, her eyes sparkled like starlight. She jumped to her feet and threw herself into his arms, her voice sweet as honey: "Your Majesty, you're here."

He smiled warmly as he embraced her. She was rarely so openly affectionate. "Why is my Yan'er so happy to see me?"

Her palm-sized face snuggled against his chest as she spoke softly: "I missed you, Your Majesty."

His smile deepened, warm and indulgent. "Didn't we see each other three days ago?"

Ning Shuyan looked up at him with eyes full of affection, her gaze as intoxicating as fine wine. Xiao Yu found himself completely drawn in.

"You haven't come to Liuyin Hall in ten whole days," she whispered.

He blinked in surprise. He had been busy with state affairs and Prince You's birthday—he hadn't even realized it had been that long.

Seeing her delicate expression, Xiao Yu felt a touch of guilt. He gently brushed a lock of hair behind her ear and said softly, "It was my oversight. Tonight, I'll stay with you."

He then sat down and pulled her into his lap.

Ning Shuyan, seated on his knees, pointed to a spot in the garden. "I always feel like something's missing over there. The courtyard looks so empty."

Xiao Yu followed her gaze and thought for a moment. "Why don't we plant some grapevines there? And hang a swing in the middle of the arbor."

Her eyes lit up. "Yes! Why didn't I think of that? Then in the summer, we can sit under the grape arbor and cool off. I'll swing and eat grapes, and Your Majesty can push me. And if we get thirsty, we can sip wine and watch the moon together."

Xiao Yu listened to her describe the scene, her face glowing with joy. He imagined it vividly and felt his heart soften.

Then, in a low, tender voice, he recited:
"Drink wine with joy, grow old together. Let the zither and harp play in harmony, and peace shall reign forever."