Summer storms come quickly and leave just as fast. In less than half an hour, the sky outside cleared up again.

After bidding farewell to Yun Lianqing, Mu Yunjin and Chu Li left the teahouse and returned to Butterfly City.

…

Upon returning to the residence, Mamma Shen came forward to greet them as usual. “Your Highness, Princess Consort, the ruler of South Court Country departed for South Court Country this afternoon.”

“Did he leave any message?” Mu Yunjin looked at Mamma Shen.

“He didn’t say much, just that he had imposed on you these past few days, and that if Your Highness and Princess Consort have time in the future, you should visit South Court Country.” Mamma Shen thought for a moment, answering Mu Yunjin’s question.

Mu Yunjin nodded and glanced at Chu Li beside her. Chu Li’s thin lips pressed together slightly, saying nothing as he took Mu Yunjin’s hand and walked toward the back garden.

Upon entering Liquan Pavilion, Meng Rui was in Mu Yunjin’s room looking after little Mu’er. Hearing the door open, she stood up and bowed to Chu Li and Mu Yunjin. “Your Highness, Princess Consort.”

“How long has little Mu’er been sleeping?” Mu Yunjin approached the bed and saw little Mu’er sleeping soundly.

…

…

“The young master just fell asleep not long ago, less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.” Meng Rui answered.

Mu Yunjin made a sound of acknowledgment. “Then you may go rest now.”

“Yes, Princess Consort.”

After Meng Rui withdrew, Mu Yunjin sat down on the rocking chair nearby to rest. After being out for nearly a whole day, she was somewhat tired.

Chu Li looked around the room, his serene gaze falling on Mu Yunjin. “How long do you plan to stay in this room?”

Hearing this, Mu Yunjin was momentarily stunned, then remembered the reason she had moved to this room. She raised her eyebrows, “It depends on my mood.”

“And what determines that?” Chu Li’s lips revealed a faint smile.

“I’m not sure yet, but I won’t be moving back in the next couple of days.” Mu Yunjin smiled at Chu Li.

Chu Li walked closer to her and reached out to caress Mu Yunjin’s cheek. “Alright, you stay here for a couple of days. This Prince will think about how to improve your mood.”

“You’d better think carefully then.” Mu Yunjin’s eyes glinted with a trace of amusement.

“Mm.” Chu Li responded and finally bent down to place a kiss on the corner of Mu Yunjin’s lips.

This kiss was as light as a dragonfly touching water, merely brushing the corner of Mu Yunjin’s lips before Chu Li released her.

“This Prince has some matters to attend to. You should rest early.” Chu Li said to Mu Yunjin.

Mu Yunjin nodded.

After Chu Li left, Mu Yunjin first went to the hot spring pool diagonally across from her room to bathe, then returned to her room to rest.

…

The next day, as soon as dawn broke, Mu Yunjin rose early.

Last night, halfway through her sleep, little Mu’er had woken up, making incoherent sounds that kept Mu Yunjin awake. After finally coaxing him back to sleep, he woke up again just as daylight was breaking.

When she carried little Mu’er out to the courtyard, Mamma Shen was already waiting at the door. Seeing Mu Yunjin holding little Mu’er, she couldn’t help but smile. “Princess Consort, this servant has been in the palace for several decades, but has never seen any imperial consort or official’s wife so personally involved in raising a child.”

“Oh? Is that so?” Mu Yunjin raised her eyebrows, looking toward Mamma Shen.

Mamma Shen nodded. “Those imperial consorts and officials’ wives even leave the feeding to wet nurses. When they occasionally think of their children, they merely have servants bring them for a look, and then send them back.”

“So, Princess Consort, someone like you is truly rare in this servant’s experience.” Mamma Shen said.

Mu Yunjin sighed, lowering her gaze to look at the exquisitely beautiful baby in her arms. “He changes every day. I couldn’t bear to miss any of it.”

Mamma Shen smiled gently. “I never imagined that Princess Consort, who used to be so carefree, would become so tender-hearted as a mother. It’s truly a blessing for His Highness and the young master.”

“Mamma, stop praising me. You’re making me blush.” Mu Yunjin lowered her gaze and smiled.

“Praise is due where it’s deserved. If you’re happy with the praise, this servant benefits as well…” Having understood Mu Yunjin’s temperament, Mamma Shen boldly made a joke.

Mu Yunjin curved her lips upward. “With words like that, Mamma, shouldn’t I increase your monthly allowance?”

The two chatted and laughed to the front hall. Mu Yunjin first went to the dining hall for breakfast. Halfway through her meal, someone from the palace unexpectedly arrived.

The visitor was Mamma Yang from Empress Dowager Zheng’s side.

“Princess Consort of Prince Ning, some time ago, the Western Ming Emperor and Empress Dowager Rui unfortunately met with harm, causing the Grand Empress Dowager to fall gravely ill. These past few days, her spirits have improved somewhat, and she frequently mentions Princess Consort and the young master. So today, she specially sent this old servant to invite Princess Consort and the young master to visit the palace.” Mamma Yang said respectfully.

Hearing this, Mu Yunjin lowered her gaze and pondered carefully. If she were going alone, she would have no concerns, but to bring little Mu’er as well…

“Please rest assured, Princess Consort. The palace is now heavily guarded. The young master will not encounter any problems.” Mamma Yang, knowing what Mu Yunjin was worried about, quickly added.

“Princess Consort, Song Chun is in the residence today. If you go, have him and those guards follow along. This servant will also accompany you.” Mamma Shen spoke softly. After all, it wouldn’t be good to disregard the Grand Empress Dowager’s face.

Speaking of which, having stayed in the palace for so long, she had seen through the facades of people’s hearts.

A year ago, Empress Dowager Zheng, whenever she saw people from Prince Ning’s residence, would look down her nose at them, openly and covertly making life difficult for the Princess Consort numerous times.

And this Mamma Yang in front of them, relying on her mistress being Empress Dowager Zheng, had never shown a pleasant face when seeing the Princess Consort in the past.

Look at how respectful she is now. It’s as if she’s a completely different person.

“Alright then. After I finish breakfast, I’ll go to the palace with you.” Mu Yunjin agreed to Mamma Yang’s words.

Mamma Yang’s face immediately lit up with joy, nodding repeatedly.

…

Half an hour later, at the palace gates.

Mu Yunjin alighted from the carriage, carrying little Mu’er as she walked in. Along the way, both Mamma Shen and Mamma Yang offered to help carry the child, but were refused by Mu Yunjin.

Walking on the path to Empress Dowager Zheng’s sleeping palace, many images from the past floated through Mu Yunjin’s mind, including several people who were no longer around.

She remembered, before going to Great Saint Continent, she had been falsely accused of plotting against the Western Ming Emperor and Empress Dowager Rui, facing the contempt of many commoners at that time.

Now, as she entered the palace again, the people she passed by were all polite to her, showing no dissatisfaction.

These palace people were truly fickle.

When they arrived at the palace where Empress Dowager Zheng resided, Mamma Yang first ran in to announce their arrival. Soon, a guard came out to lead Mu Yunjin inside.

Inside the great hall, Mamma Yang was supporting Empress Dowager Zheng as she walked out from her sleeping chamber. Empress Dowager Zheng moved slowly, taking a long time to cover a short distance before sitting on her chair.

Mu Yunjin had just entered the hall. Upon seeing Empress Dowager Zheng, she bowed, “Greetings, Grand Empress Dowager.”

“Yunjin has come. No need for formalities. Quickly, sit down.” Empress Dowager Zheng’s eyes were somewhat blurry, and she could only see a vague figure.

Mu Yunjin expressed her thanks and sat down on a nearby chair. The palace maids quickly served tea and desserts.

After being seated, Mu Yunjin took a closer look at Empress Dowager Zheng and found that in the short month since they had last met, the Grand Empress Dowager had aged considerably. She appeared listless, with no vigor.

The fat cat she had always loved to hold in her arms was now crouching by her feet.

“I thought Mamma Yang wouldn’t be able to persuade you to come today, but to my surprise, you came.” Empress Dowager Zheng laughed lightly.

After a pause, she continued, “Speaking of which, from the first moment I saw you, I didn’t like you. Plus, you were always with Empress Qin back then, which made me dislike you even more.”

“At that time, Qin Muyue, Mu Lingzhu, and other gentle and lovely young ladies from good families surrounded me. With their contrast, I naturally looked down on you even more.”

“But who would have thought, heh heh… It truly proves the old saying, ‘Time reveals a person’s heart.’ Those girls who spoke sweetly as if their mouths were smeared with honey had hearts blacker than anyone else’s. Each of them was using me.”

“In the end, as I observed more and more, my opinion of you changed. I discovered that you, child, have clear likes and dislikes, and have your character.”

Mu Yunjin smiled slightly, not saying anything. These days, she seemed to have heard such words several times.

“Look at me, getting carried away with my words again when I’m happy. Is the young master of your Prince Ning’s residence awake?” Empress Dowager Zheng looked toward Mu Yunjin. Now, with her old eyes dim, even though Mu Yunjin was sitting right beside her, she still couldn’t see clearly, vaguely perceiving that Mu Yunjin was holding something in her arms.

Mu Yunjin stood up, carrying little Mu’er closer to Empress Dowager Zheng. “Little Mu’er is awake now.”

“Is that so? Let me have a look.” Empress Dowager Zheng’s face brightened. Only when Mu Yunjin stood before her with little Mu’er did she see the small baby in Mu Yunjin’s arms.

“He looks exactly like Chu Li, as if cast from the same mold.” Empress Dowager Zheng marveled, wanting to reach out and hold him, but fearing it would be inappropriate, she could only lean closer to look.

Mu Yunjin had no intention of letting Empress Dowager Zheng hold little Mu’er, as she had not completely let go of her reservations towards the Grand Empress Dowager.

After looking for a while, Mu Yunjin carried little Mu’er back to her seat.

Empress Dowager Zheng sighed slightly, speaking slowly, “What did you say this child is called?”

“Chu Mu,” Mu Yunjin answered.

“Chu Mu…” Empress Dowager Zheng repeated, then smiled understandingly. “With both of you in his name, it’s a good name.”

“Meow, meow…” At this moment, the fat cat at Empress Dowager Zheng’s feet meowed a couple of times.

Hearing the call, Empress Dowager Zheng looked down and sighed. “Sit quietly. I’m old now and can no longer carry you.”

“Meow…” The fat cat, upon hearing this, lowered its head dejectedly.

Seeing this scene, Mu Yunjin felt a surge of emotions.

…

Leaving the palace gates, Mu Yunjin saw the residence’s black xuanmu wood carriage waiting at the entrance.

Ding Xian sat outside the carriage. Upon seeing Mu Yunjin, he turned his head and said something toward the carriage compartment.

Then, the curtain of the compartment was lifted, revealing a figure in purple. He descended from the carriage and walked slowly toward Mu Yunjin.

As he approached Mu Yunjin, he first took little Mu’er from her arms. “Let’s go.”

Mu Yunjin looked up at Chu Li, frowning slightly. “Why are you here? Did you come especially to pick me up?”

“You could say that,” Chu Li said, first carrying little Mu’er onto the carriage.

Mu Yunjin looked surprised, followed onto the carriage, and upon entering the compartment, saw several bundles placed on the seat. Her brows furrowed even more. “What’s this?”

“Taking you to Immortal Mountain Villa for a change of scenery.”