Chu Li first helped Mu Yunjin sit down, then took a seat beside her.

After they were seated, Eunuch Lu, who had been standing guard at the door, walked in. He picked up the teapot, poured a cup of water for both Mu Yunjin and Chu Li, then retreated to stand behind Emperor Ximing.

Seeing them seated, Emperor Ximing took a sip of water before slowly saying, “My days are numbered…”

Upon hearing this, Chu Li and Mu Yunjin stiffened slightly, though their faces revealed little emotion as they looked at Emperor Ximing, waiting for him to continue.

“During this time, that rebellious son Chu Qing has plotted rebellion, and half the court officials have been persuaded to submit to him. Add to that the unrest among the people, which is difficult to reconcile. I suddenly realized I’ve grown old and truly lack the energy to govern the empire of Xi Yuan anymore.” As Emperor Ximing finished speaking, his eyes were filled with defeat and exhaustion.

After a pause, Emperor Ximing continued, “Recently, my health has been declining day by day, and I don’t know how much longer I’ll live…”

“Li’er, I’ve come today to ask a favor of you.” Emperor Ximing looked at Chu Li.

Chu Li’s eyes flickered, his expression calm as he shot Emperor Ximing a questioning glance.

Meeting Chu Li’s gaze, Emperor Ximing spoke again, his words carrying a hint of entreaty, “I’ve decided to pass the throne to Ye’er on the first day of next month. I know you have a good relationship with Ye’er, and I hope you can return to assist him in governing the empire.”

…

…

“Not for too long, just for some time.” Fearing Chu Li might refuse, Emperor Ximing added.

Mu Yunjin sat to the side, listening carefully to Emperor Ximing’s words, unsure of what to say.

Given the current situation, everyone in the world knew Chu Li was Yun Guangyao’s son. Now returning to assist Chu Ye with the empire—what was this all about…

“Prince Ning, Princess Ning, recently His Majesty has been unwell, unable to eat or sleep properly, constantly thinking of Prince Ning. Although that incident was unpleasant for everyone, it’s all in the past now…” Eunuch Lu was persuaded from the side.

Chu Li, who had remained silent, opened his mouth after Eunuch Lu finished speaking, looking at Emperor Ximing, “I agree to this matter.”

Emperor Ximing’s face immediately brightened with joy. He was about to speak when he heard Chu Li continue—

“For one year, consider it repayment for the many years you raised me.”

The implication was clear: after one year, nothing more would be owed between them.

Mu Yunjin pressed her lips together, quietly taking a sip of water without speaking.

Seeing that Chu Li had agreed, Emperor Ximing’s brow relaxed somewhat, not at all minding Chu Li’s condition of owing nothing after one year.

The original Prince Ning’s residence has been burned down. I’ve arranged a new residence for you. All the servants from Prince Ning’s household have already been released from the Ministry of Justice. You only need to move in before the first day of next month.” Emperor Ximing said.

Chu Li nodded faintly.

“Cough, cough. Very well, I’m tired and must return.” Emperor Ximing said as Eunuch Lu helped him up.

Before leaving, he specifically glanced at the silent Mu Yunjin, then walked out the door.

After Emperor Ximing departed, Mu Yunjin looked at Chu Li, curling the corners of her mouth slightly, “One year from now, who knows what the landscape will be?”

Chu Li smiled lightly, reaching out to touch her belly, “The landscape of holding our daughter.”

Hearing this, Mu Yunjin laughed, “Don’t get your hopes up too high, what if it’s a boy!”

“As long as it’s our child, this prince will love it.” Chu Li pulled her into his embrace.

Mu Yunjin raised her lips in a gentle smile.

……

More than half a month passed quickly.

With two days left until the end of the month, Mu Yunjin and Chu Li were staying at Fengyu Pavilion when Qiqi suddenly came over to inform them that a group of people were waiting by the stream.

When Mu Yunjin went to the entrance to look, she saw it was Lin Ning of the Imperial Guards from the other day.

After packing their belongings simply, Mu Yunjin left Fengyu Pavilion together with Chu Li.

An hour and a half later, the carriage stopped at the entrance of a residence.

Mu Yunjin alighted from the carriage and, after seeing the three characters “Prince Ning’s Residence” at the entrance, felt somewhat disoriented and instinctively looked inside.

Then, her pupils contracted slightly as she realized the interior arrangement was the same as the Prince Ning’s Residence before it was burned down.

“Your Highness, Princess, please enter first.” Lin Ning bowed, leading the two inside.

Mu Yunjin and Chu Li stepped onto the stairs and walked through the main gate.

After entering, Mu Yunjin drew in a sharp breath, carefully examining her surroundings to find that the furnishings here, from large to small, were identical to before.

Even the placement of the flower pots at the entrance, as well as the colors of the flowers in the pots, were the same.

“Oh my, the young miss is back!”

A figure rushed out from the front hall, her tone carrying a hint of tears, hurrying to Mu Yunjin’s side.

“Zixiang, it’s been a long time.” Mu Yunjin approached and embraced Zixiang, only to discover that Zixiang’s entire body was trembling.

Zixiang finally broke into loud sobs, “Young miss, I thought I’d never see you again.”

“Why cry? We’re all fine, aren’t we?” Mu Yunjin released Zixiang, taking out a handkerchief she carried with her to wipe Zixiang’s tears.

Zixiang wiped her tears and only then noticed Chu Li standing nearby. She immediately sniffled and bowed respectfully to Chu Li.

“Now that Prince Ning and Princess Ning have returned home, please rest well. This humble official will take his leave first.” Lin Ning bowed as he spoke.

Chu Li responded with a sound of acknowledgment.

After Lin Ning left, Ding Xian, Huang Yan, and Song Chun, who had been concealed in the surroundings, all emerged, examining the residence with astonishment.

“Your Highness, I just went to the back courtyard to check, and the Liquid Spring Pavilion has also been restored,” Ding Xian said.

“It seems the old emperor is truly sincere this time, thinking of everything so thoroughly.” Huang Yan pursed his lips, scanning the surroundings.

At this moment, another trembling figure walked out from one side—

“Heaven has eyes! This servant has finally waited for Your Highness and the Princess to return…”

Everyone looked up to see Mama Shen.

Seeing Mama Shen, Zixiang immediately went over to support her, “Mama, your health is poor, how can you be walking about freely?”

“It’s fine, His Highness and the Princess have returned, and this servant is too happy.” Mama Shen approached slowly.

Mu Yunjin looked at Mama Shen, recalling what Master Feng Xuan had said recently: Mama Shen had been tortured at the Ministry of Justice, and her body might not be able to endure.

Now seeing Mama Shen standing here well, her heart was filled with emotion.

Everyone in Prince Ning’s residence held a special place in her heart; this was the first place where she had felt warmth.

“Mama’s health is poor, please rest in bed first. This prince will be in the residence during this period.” Chu Li looked at Mama Shen, his tone not as cold as usual.

Mama Shen smiled and nodded, “Good, good, good. This old servant will go back to rest now. Today is truly a good day; everything has finally returned to how it was!”

As Mama Shen spoke, Zixiang slowly helped her back to her room.

……

Returning to the Liquid Spring Pavilion, Mu Yunjin looked at the two rooms diagonally opposite each other, the corners of her lips unconsciously rising.

The moment she walked into the room, Mu Yunjin realized that the furnishings inside were somewhat different from before, though this wasn’t surprising—few people could enter Chu Li’s bedroom.

“Are you tired?” Chu Li embraced Mu Yunjin from behind, tilting his head to kiss her earlobe.

Mu Yunjin turned around to look at Chu Li, shaking her head.

Hearing this, Chu Li lowered his head, gently covering Mu Yunjin’s lips with his own. He kissed her for quite a while before reluctantly releasing her.

“I wonder if this prince will suffocate after ten months.” Chu Li’s tone was filled with helplessness, and even a hint of… grievance.

Mu Yunjin raised her hand to gently stroke Chu Li’s face, her eyes revealing mischief, “Look how wronged Prince Ning feels. Would you like me to help you with my hand?”

“…”

At this moment, there was a gentle knock on the door, followed by Ding Xian’s voice from outside, “Your Highness, Crown Prince Ye has arrived.”

Hearing that Chu Ye had come, Chu Li slightly furrowed his brow.

“You go first; I’ll wait for you here,” Mu Yunjin said, then stretched lazily.

Chu Li acknowledged with a sound, moved closer to her, and kissed her lips once more before slowly walking out the door.

Mu Yunjin touched her lips, lowering her gaze with a smile.

After Chu Li left, Zixiang entered carrying a tray containing several desserts and fresh fruits. Seeing Mu Yunjin, she brightened with a smile, “Young miss, I heard from Master Huang Yan that you’re pregnant?”

“Yes, already three months along.” Speaking of this, Mu Yunjin couldn’t hide her joy.

“That’s wonderful! This is truly great news!” Zixiang poured a cup of water for Mu Yunjin and handed it to her.

Mu Yunjin took the teacup, drank some water, and looked at Zixiang with a sigh, “You all suffered in the Ministry of Justice…”

Hearing this, Zixiang shook her head, “Actually, Master Chen of the Ministry of Justice always took good care of us and didn’t trouble us much. It was only during the first few days of our confinement that Prince Chen and Qin Muyue would often pressure Master Chen. Under duress, he had no choice but to torture Mama Shen…”

“But fortunately, within a few days, news of Prince Chen’s rebellion spread. After he and Qin Muyue left Butterfly City, we didn’t suffer much in the Ministry of Justice.”

Listening to Zixiang’s words, Mu Yunjin pressed her lips tightly together, her fists gradually clenching.

Many times, she had been too soft-hearted, repeatedly letting these villains escape, causing herself endless trouble…

If there were to be a next time, she would show no mercy!

“By the way, when this servant came in just now, I saw that the Crown Prince from the Kingdom of South Garden, who visited our residence last time, has also arrived,” Zixiang said.

Mu Yunjin raised an eyebrow, “Yun Lianqing?”

“Yes, I think it’s that extremely enchanting crown prince. They’re talking in the study now!”

“Why is this Yun Lianqing running all over Xi Yuan recently? Isn’t the Kingdom of South Garden busy?” Mu Yunjin pouted.

Hearing Mu Yunjin’s words, Zixiang seemed half-understanding, “I don’t know about that, but their expressions didn’t look good.”

“Never mind, it’s all business between men.” Mu Yunjin rubbed her head, feeling somewhat tired.

“Mmm, young miss should rest if you’re tired.” Zixiang moved behind Mu Yunjin to massage her shoulders.

Mu Yunjin nodded, opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, a fierce wind suddenly swept in, violently blowing open the doors and windows of the room…

Accompanied by the sound of slamming doors and windows, a shrill female voice interjected—

“Mu Yunjin, you ugly freak, you weren’t in Ghost Valley Cave at all! How dare you deceive me?!”