Xiao Lan was feeling very perplexed as she was reminded of her daughter's odd behavior last night. She told Qingyan, "You serve the food. I will go and wake up Feilu."
She went into Lin Feilu's room and woke her up.
Lin Feilu was still asleep, and had only been woken up by Xiao Lan. As soon as she rubbed her eyes, she heard Xiao Lan ask, "Lu'er, did you see His Majesty last night?"
Lin Feilu was blank for a moment, then she laughed, "Did Father give me something?"
Xiao Lan said, "The Great Reunion Banquet."
She got up from her bed, Xiao Lan dressed her, and while she was washing up, she roughly repeated what had happened last night. She did not tell Xiao Lan that this encounter was a deliberate plan of hers, only that she actually accidentally ran into the emperor while waiting for Lin Jingyuan.
Xiao Lan did not harbour any suspicions. She just sighed and patted on her daughter's head as she said, "You're born so smart, Mother doesn't know whether it is good or bad. From now on, you must be careful about everything involved with His Majesty."
Lin Feilu nodded seriously.
Today's lunch at Mingyue Palace was a feast. She got her wish fulfilled and tasted every dish. These few dishes were the ones that Emperor Lin thinks were good out of the ninety-nine dishes usually served, and they were still hot and fresh, thus the taste was naturally excellent.
Lin Feilu was very satisfied with this feast. However, at the same time, the Imperial Harem exploded because of this incident.
Who said that Xiao Lan had zero chances of being favored again? Why did His Majesty go to Mingyue Palace to send gifts on the first day of the New Year?!
What was even more puzzling was that the reward was not some precious jade or exquisite brocade, but a dozen plates of food?
What kind of game was the emperor playing? No one could figure him out!
It was not until mid-afternoon that news came out that the dozen or so dishes were not rewarded to Honorable Lady Lan, but to the fifth imperial princess.
When everyone heard it, they became even more curious.
The fifth princess had always been a nobody to the emperor. How did she suddenly come into His Majesty's view without any notice and also received a reward?
Although it had nothing to do with Honorable Lady Lan, once the fifth princess was favored, and since a mother's honor depends on her children's standing, would Xiao Lan's good days return? The concubines who had oppressed her before were feeling a little worried now.
Consort Xian was very happy to hear about this as she chatted with her palace maids, but even so Lin Jingyuan happened to hear it.
Lin Jingyuan had been trying to figure out what was the cause of Little Lu's peculiar behaviour last night. Hearing about this news at this time, he remembered how she had stopped talking last night. Suddenly he could not sit still and ran over to Mingyue Palace in a hurry.
Lin Feilu was sitting on the threshold of the palace gates with Chang Er as she fed him food.
Seeing him coming, she yelled out "Brother Jingyuan", and he could not wait but asked, "Did you see Father last night?"
Lin Feilu was smiling and grinning, but when she heard what he said, she looked startled, and suddenly bowed her head somewhat nervously, with an expression of bewilderment at what she had done wrong. She buried her small head, and a choked voice came out, "Brother Jingyuan…I'm sorry…"
She looked up at him, her eyes were a little red, and the bridge of her nose was tinged in pink. She spoke in a milky voice, "I…I just…wanted to see the emperor…I had never seen him…"
Lin Jingyuan was so distressed, he quickly coaxed her, "Don't cry, don't cry."
She sobbed, "I originally wanted to tell you last night… but I was afraid you would be angry…"
Lin Jingyuan retorted loudly, "How can I be angry with you! Why would I get angry over this?!" He said in a heated voice, "You have never seen our Royal Father since you were born, and you don't even look like him. I know, you always listen to us talk about him everyday, of course it's excusable that you want to see him!"
After he finished speaking, he scratched his head again and could not help but to keep asking, "How exactly did you meet Father? What did you say?"
Lin Feilu's eyelashes were wet, tears were dripping as she said seriously, "I was hiding in a tree in the plum garden. I just wanted to take a peek at Father, but I didn't expect to be discovered by him."
Lin Jingyuan: "How can you climb a tree! How dangerous!"
Lin Feilu omitted some parts of her plan and told him the story.
After Lin Jingyuan heard this, he was in disbelief, "So when you met with Father, you told him that you wanted to taste the Great Reunion Banquet?"
Lin Feilu: "Yes."
Lin Jingyuan looked at her in heated puzzlement, "Silly! If you have the opportunity to see Father, why did you ask for food? You should ask to be given the right to go to school!"
He looked at his silly sister with sorrow, "You just wasted your chance!"
️ ️ ️ ️ ️ ️
When Emperor Lin made any movements, his actions would be watched by everyone in the Imperial Harem. Since Mingyue Palace had received the Great Reunion Banquet as a reward, the circumstances around Xiao Lan had changed.
Although no one offered their friendship, at least now no one was antagonistic towards her. Before, the fifth princess was only given respect in the presence of the imperial princes, but now everyone would properly treat her as an imperial princess.
Feeling the change of circumstances in the Imperial Palace, Lin Feilu still remained as calm as usual. Not everything can be rushed. She was not worried about never meeting Emperor Lin again. In fact, she deliberately did what she had done when they first met. Everything will fall into place eventually.
She also had something else to do, which was to teach Lin Zhanyuan how to write and read.
He was always a thorn in the heart of Emperor Lin. Both father and son would definitely meet each other in the future. She will not expect Emperor Lin to like his foolish son, but at least she hopes that he would not despise her brother as much as before. After all, Lin Zhanyuan will grow up, and it would be impossible for him to live under the protection of Xiao Lan and herself for a lifetime. She hoped that he could be a little more independent and self-reliant.
Lin Zhanyuan was illiterate, and Xiao Lan had never taught him. At first, when Lin Feilu taught him, he was reluctant to learn.
Mentally, he was only three or four years old. He only wanted to play, of course he was reluctant to read and write. Lin Feilu taught him for two days, and felt she could now empathise with a kindergarten teacher's feelings of helplessness.
First, I'll pretend to be angry, then I'll ignore my brother if he doesn't study!
This is intimidation.
Later, I'll say that as long as Brother can write his name, I'll teach him how to ride a snow sled.
This is a temptation.
Under her guidance, Lin Zhanyuan finally made some progress. Early in the morning, he brought a rice paper with his name on it and ran to his sister's room and dragged her out of her warm bed, "Name! Snow sled!"
So Lin Feilu brought Lin Zhanyuan along, carrying a basin, and came to a place she had chosen long ago.
It was on the high slope next to the pavilion where Lin Feilu first met the eldest princess Lin Nianzhi. The palace servants never bothered to sweep the snow around this area as it was too difficult for them to climb up the slope. Thus, this area was full of snow, and the slope was just steep enough to her liking. She tried it the other day, and it was just right for sledding.
The snow had stopped since the first day of the New Year, and now the snow in this area was showing signs of melting. The gentle slope was less than two meters up from the ground, so even if they turned over, it would not be a big problem.
Lin Feilu pulled Lin Zhanyuan up enthusiastically. She first sat inside the basin as a demonstration, and then she slid down the slope.
Lin Zhanyuan looked stunned, and clapped his hands excitedly. However, he was a little scared, and waited for Lin Feilu to climb up the hill again before he sat inside the basin with the help of his sister.
Lin Feilu dragged him behind and asked loudly, "Are you ready!"
Lin Zhanyuan, "Alright!"
Then she smiled and let go of her hand and pushed him down.
Lin Zhanyuan yelled in excitement, and as soon as he reached the end he held the basin and climbed up again.
The two had a great time, and the sound of laughter floated far and wide.
As Song Jinglan and Tiandong were just about to return from retrieving items from the Imperial Household Department, they heard the laughter floating in the wind.
Tiandong was clever, and he could hear it right away, "It seems to be the voice of the fifth princess."
Song Jinglan looked over through the eaves of the pavilion. Hearing their laughter, he was feeling a little curious, "Let's go and see."
The two of them walked around the pavilion. As soon as they approached, they saw the fifth princess sitting in a basin on the high slope, clutching the edge of the basin with her two small hands, and slid all the way down the slope.
Tiandong had never seen this kind of game before as his eyes widened in surprise.
It was a pity that she did not balance herself well this time. As she was about to reach the end, she overturned and flew out of the basin. She fell on the snow and slid out a long way, and then fell onto the ground, right at Song Jinglan's feet.
Song Jinglan: "…"
Lin Feilu: "…"
He suppressed a smile, as he leaned over and asked, "Fifth Princess, what are you doing?"
Lin Feilu: "…"
She laid down on the ground and looked at him pitifully, "Little Lu has fallen down, and I need a kiss from Your Highness to get up."
Song Jinglan: "…"
Tiandong: "…"
Aaaaaaah! She's teasing His Highness!
Song Jinglan shook his head amusedly, squatted down and pulled her up from the snow, and then patted the snow off her clothes. When he squatted down, his height was exactly parallel to her. When they looked at each other, she could just see his gentle eyes.
He asked, "Is this fun?"
Lin Feilu said, "It's fun! Your Highness, would you like to try it?"
Song Jinglan laughed, "I won't try, this pot won't fit me."
Lin Feilu let out a loud cry when saw what Tiandong was holding. "Have you gone to the Imperial Household Department?"
He nodded, "Yes, I went to get some things."
The little girl in front of her immediately made a fierce expression. With her little hand on her hips, she asked, "Did they harass you?!"
Song Jinglan laughed, "No."
Lin Feilu looked at him anxiously, "In the future, whatever Your Highness is missing, just tell me, and I'll send it to you. The people in the Imperial Household Department only know how to treat people by their standing, Your Highness would inevitably be mistreated by them."
She looked at him now as she looked at her little cubs from her previous life.
She just couldn't rush up to him now and tell him how handsome he was and how much Mama loved him.
(T/N: Lin Feilu was a sugar mommy in her past life.)
Song Jinglan lowered his eyes slightly, and said warmly: "The princess has sent enough. I am not lacking in anything."
What a sensible and contented child.
Song Jinglan: "?"
Did he just see a flash of maternal love-like pity in this little girl's eyes?
Fortunately, Lin Zhanyuan, who slipped and yelled all the way behind him, interrupted the odd atmosphere. He ran over hugging his basin, clapping his hands and happily said, "My sister is so stupid! My sister fell!"
Lin Feilu stuck out her tongue, "Neh neh neh."
Seeing Song Jinglan looking at Lin Zhanyuan, she introduced with a smile, "His Royal Highness, this is my brother. His name is Lin Zhanyuan."
She then turned towards Lin Zhanyuan and said, "Big Brother, this is His Highness the Seventh."
Lin Zhanyuan blinked, looked at Song Jinglan, and suddenly shouted happily, "Little Brother!"
Song Jinglan raised his eyebrows with a smile. Lin Feilu corrected him, "Not Little Brother, it's His Royal Highness the Seventh."
Lin Zhanyuan pointed to himself, "Six." Then pointed to Song Jinglan, "Seven."
He clapped his hands merrily and exclaimed, "Seventh Brother!"
Song Jinglan laughed and said to Lin Feilu, "Your Big brother is very cute."
Lin Feilu tilted her head mischievously. She smiled and asked, "Then does your Royal Highness think, my brother is cuter, or I am cuter?"
Unexpectedly, Song Jinglan replied calmly: "The fifth princess is the cutest."
She intended to embarrass Song Jinglan, but she felt like it backfired on her.
Lin Zhanyuan tugged at the corners of her clothes excitedly, "Skiing! Skiing!"
Song Jinglan stood up with a smile and said warmly, "Go and play. Be careful and don't fall again, Fifth princess."
Lin Feilu waved her hand contentedly after admiring the angelic face up close.
The two played until noon and only ended their skiing adventure when Qingyan came to summon them to eat. Early in the next morning, while Lin Feilu was still asleep, she was awakened by Lin Zhanyuan again, who was holding rice paper with his name on it.
She covered her head in agony, "Big Brother! This agreement has expired! It's useless to write your name, you have to learn new words!"
Lin Zhanyuan: "I don't care! Skiing! Skiing!"
Lin Feilu: I suddenly realize the bitterness of raising a child.
At the beginning of the new year, everything was summarized and started afresh. The personnel of the six ministries were replaced and the projects from last year were reported in. Emperor Lin became busy again after only a few days of rest. After all, he was an emperor who wanted to leave a legacy and he was very conscientious in political affairs. Even if he was an emperor, he was very strict with himself.
Ever since he met the Fifth Princess in Meiyuan that night on New Year's Eve, he never had a chance to see her again.
After all, he still had reservations about Xiao Lan and Lin Zhanyuan in his heart, he always changed his mind about visiting Mingyue Palace at the thought that he would see them there. He was also very busy and it was not a good idea to summon the Little Dumpling over. She would be uncomfortable after she found out about his identity and would probably cry in fright if she was summoned out of the blue.
On this day, the Crown Prince had come to greet him at Yangxin Palace. Emperor Lin casually asked him a few questions about his schoolwork before he suddenly noticed the delicate sachet on his waist.
The Emperor Lin remembered that the Crown Prince had told him that it was given by the Fifth Sister.
He asked nonchalantly, "Why are you always wearing this sachet?"
Lin Qing could not fathom how the topic had suddenly changed from his homework to the sachet, but he replied in a respectful tone. "I love the embroidery and the fragrance of this sachet very much, so I wear it every day."
Emperor Lin gave a dry cough, "I heard you once said that it was given to you by the Fifth Princess?"
Lin Qing said, "Yes." He took the initiative to explain, "Fifth Sister and I met for the first time in the hunting grounds and I gifted her a fragrant jade, and in return Fifth Sister gifted me the sachet."
Emperor Lin asked, "She made it by herself?" He whispered, "Let me have a look at it."
Lin Qing had no choice but to remove the sachet and hand it over, carefully reading his father's expressions.
As he kept watching, he saw Emperor Lin tied the sachet to his waist casually.
"?"
He could not help but to plead in a low voice. "Father…"
Emperor Lin picked up a memorial and began to review it as he said in a deep voice, "I have been upset recently. The scent of this sachet calms me down."
"…"
After a while, he heard his father ask with a strange tone, "Is there any other matter?"
"…No."
"Oh, then you may leave."
"…"
Lin Qing gave the sachet another look, then left with a grudgeful look on his face.
As soon as the Crown Prince left, Emperor Lin put down the memorial in his hand immediately, took off the sachet and looked at it gleefully.
My Fifth Princess is really talented. She built a snowman and could even make sachets!
Never for a second he gave a thought of how inappropriate it was to take something away from his son without his consent.
Lin Qing exited Yangxin Palace, looked up at the bright sun in the chilly weather, and could not help but start to doubt life.
As he was walking heavily on the way towards the East Palace, he ran into Lin Jingyuan.
Lin Jingyuan was sweating profusely even in the middle of the winter, probably having some crazy fun somewhere. He bowed when he saw Lin Qing and shifted his sharp gaze to his waist.
Lin Qing felt a pain on his waist.
He heard Fourth Brother asking "Brother, where is your sachet? Why are you not wearing it? Do you dislike it? If you don't like it, give it to me!"
Lin Qing "!"
What is going on with these people?!
As the Crown Prince, Lin Qing had always been mature since his young age, highly self-disciplined, but at this moment, he could no longer hide the young, reckless, naughtyboy inside of him. He urged Lin Jingyuan, "It was taken by father. You can ask him for it."
As expected, Lin Jingyuan stopped talking, and continued forward without looking sideways, mumbling to himself. "Fortunately, I still have [The Analects], begonia flowers and the hand cream. I am so blessed."
Lin Qing "…"
He felt like he had received ten thousand critical hits.
He stopped thinking about Lin Jingyuan, rustled his sleeves and angrily returned to the East Palace.
The palace servants who were waiting respectfully for His Royal Highness saw him return with a look of displeasure. Assuming that he was scolded by Emperor Lin, they did not dare to question him and served him with heightened caution.
According to the usual practice, Lin Qing would take a nap and get up to study. The palace servants walked lightly and did not dare to make any sounds to avoid disturbing the Crown Prince's studies. The little eunuch sitting by the door rested his chin on his palm, snoozing. Suddenly, a small figure walked into the hall and pushed him.
The eunuch awoke, and realised who was in front of him. Hurriedly he saluted her, "This servant greets the Fifth Princess, wishing the Fifth Princess auspiciousness."
Lin Feilu smiled, tilted her head and asked, "Is His Royal Highness here?"
The eunuch said, "Yes, His Highness is studying. The Fifth Princess may follow this servant."
Lin Feilu nodded and the little eunuch led her in.
It was Lin Feilu's first time entering the East Palace. It was not as luxurious and exquisite as those concubines' harems. On the contrary, it was a bit too academic, with a solemn atmosphere. Lin Qing was only a teenager, and to live alone in such a place, it was no wonder that he had developed such a calm temperament.
She went up the steps and reached outside the hall. The little eunuch whispered, "Please wait here for a moment, Fifth Princess. This servant will go in and pass on the message."
Lin Feilu nodded obediently and the little eunuch ran inside the hall.
Lin Qing calmed down a lot after a nap. He felt that losing his temperament for a small sachet would inevitably embarrass himself, so he stopped thinking about it. Sitting at the desk reading a book, he saw the little eunuch running in and asked in a hushed tone, "What's the matter?"
The little eunuch said respectfully, "His Royal Highness, the Fifth Princess is here. Waiting outside."
Lin Qing was surprised. He did not ask the little eunuch to let her in, but instead he got up and walked out.
When he reached the front hall, he could see the little girl outside the hall resting her two little hands onto the door to peek inside.
Spying in the .
Lin Qing could not help laughing, "Fifth Sister, come in."
Lin Feilu pursed her lips, then smiled at him at the door before stepping in over the threshold with her short legs.
Lin Qing instructed the eunuch to serve Little Fifth Princess with tea, desserts and fruits before leading her inside to the resting area where he would usually rest and socialise. As he sat down, he saw Lin Feilu struggling to climb up onto the seat that was too high for her.
He got up with a smile, carried Little Fifth Princess and settled her onto the seat.
It was the first time that Lin Feilu was hugged by her brothers. She felt a little bit shy. The little eunuch soon brought up some snacks and fruits, along with steaming hot tea. Lin Qing poured her a cup of tea and said with a smile, "Fifth Sister should eat more and grow taller."
Lin Feilu remembered what Xingjiang said in the hunting ground last time and asked with a pout, "Does your Royal Highness also think that Little Fifth Princess is short?"
Lin Qing nodded unconsciously, "A little." But after seeing Lin Feilu's faintly resentful eyes, he immediately added: "But this doesn't affect Fifth Sister's cuteness."
Lin Feilu held a piece of snack in both hands and said as she chewed, "I'm still young. I will grow taller as I get older."
Lin Qing did not have much appetite for lunch because of what happened to the sachet. However, some of his appetite returned as he watched her eating snacks so happily, so the two of them ate snacks and drank tea together.
After having their fill of snacks and tea, Lin Qing asked, "The weather is still cold, why did Fifth Sister come here alone?"
Lin Feilu wiped the crumbs off the corner of her mouth, blinked at him and said, "Brother Jingyuan told me this morning that Your Royal Highness' sachet was robbed by the Emperor and Your Royal Highness was very sad."
Lin Qing felt a little uncomfortable. "Fourth Brother does love to blabber. He really needs a good lesson." Then he smiled respectfully and said with a serious face, "Since father likes it, as a son, I will have to offer it with both hands. You can't call that robbery."
Lin Feilu thought, That's not what your eyes are saying.
He looked at Little Fifth Princess and couldn't help asking, "Could it be that the Fifth Sister made another sachet and is delivering it specially to me?"
Lin Feilu shook her head with a crisp voice, "What if someone else takes away the sachet again?" She smiled sweetly in Lin Qing's lost eyes "This time Little Fifth Sister has prepared a gift for your Highness that can't be taken away!"
She took Lin Qing to the "ski resort".
It stopped snowing recently, and the snow had gradually melted, leaving only some residual snow on this high slope that was estimated to only last for the next two days. Lin Feilu wanted to make the most fun out of what remained of the last of winter.
Lin Qing was confused when he was dragged out of his palace by Lin Feilu but he got even more confused when they finally arrived at the location. He watched Little Fifth Princess climb the high slope with all four limbs.
It was hard to find balance in the snow, making the climb up the slope even more difficult, and doing so would inevitably affect one's composure. Lin Qing remained at the foot of the slope, reluctant to join her. He asked from a distance, "Fifth Sister, what are you planning to do?"
Lin Feilu stood on the top of the slope and waved to him, "His Royal Highness, come up quickly."
Lin Qing was reluctant. "This…"
Lin Feilu cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted at him, "The gift Little Fifth Sister wants to give to His Highness is here and Your Highness will know about it when he comes up."
Lin Qing glanced around. This place was windy in the winter and the terrain was uneven. The Jiulianhuan Pavilion was completely covered in snow and almost had no visitors. He looked at the little girl bouncing on the slope, gritted his teeth, and finally made up his mind to join her.
Because he did not want to be seen, he moved much faster and was out of breath when he reached the top of the slope. There were two large basins on the slope, which were placed there humorously.
He couldn't help asking "Is this the gift you wanted to give me?"
Lin Feilu smiled and shook her head, placed the largest basin on the opening of the slope, and said with a soft voice, "His Royal Highness, sit in it."
Lin Qing was shocked.
Climbing up the slope was the biggest damage to his etiquette, he simply would not display any other uncouth behaviour.
Seeing his reluctance, Lin Feilu pursed her lips, and said softly, "His Royal Highness, no one will see you here."
Lin Qing remained defiant and his face was full of displeasure "What on earth is the Fifth Sister going to give me?"
Lin Feilu fluttered her sparkly eyes, gently pulled the corner of his sleeve, and said in her soft and sweet voice, "Little Fifth Princess won't fool you."
Lin Qing was conflicted. He looked back and forth at the basin and Lin Feilu, thinking that since he was here now, he did not want to embarrass Little Fifth Princess. Although she was young, she was extremely smart and he truly wanted to befriend her. Since there was no one around, he decided to give it a try.
He gritted his teeth, closed his eyes, and sat down in the basin.
Lin Feilu stood behind him. After he was seated, she commanded him to hold the sides of the basin with both hands and said happily, "His Royal Highness, Little Fifth Princess will push you down now!"
Lin Qing, who was sitting in the basin, saw the slope and finally understood what she wanted to do. He immediately shouted in shock, "Wait…!"
Without waiting for him to finish, the little girl gave a surprisingly strong push, making Lin Qing speeding all the way down the slope.
Cold wind ran through his hair, blowing up the corners of his clothes, and snowflakes flew by around him as he slid down the slope. His heart seemed to have dropped from the sky, and after a moment of tension, he felt a rush of joy and the ease of release.
This entire process was extremely short, but the feeling was unprecedented. An inexplicable thrill and excitement ran all over his body.
Lin Qing, still holding onto the edge tightly when the basin reached to the bottom of the slope and stopped, was stunned.
Until he heard the sound of Little Fifth Princess' laughter coming from the slope behind him.
"His Royal Highness, this is Little Fifth Princess' gift, it's happiness!"
The gift that others could not take away – is the happiness that belonged to him alone.
Since he was the crown prince, he was always vigilant, prudent in his words and deeds, and did not dare to make the tiniest mistakes, out of fear of displeasing his royal father.
The mother queen always warned him that countless people were waiting to snatch away his position, and this even the commoners of the world who looked up to him. Not only can he not make mistakes, but he must be equipped with both morals and talents, be cautious in his words and deeds, and become a role model to all the other princes – only then he would be worthy to bear and shoulder the title of a crown prince.
It was the principle, the framework that was built entirely around him, and he would always live in that framework to never commit any single mistakes.
This framework had ward off many malicious attacks against him, but it also took away his freedom and happiness.
There was another swoosh of wind behind him, and Lin Feilu slid down next to him, chuckling. She was lighter so she did not slide as far as he did. She crawled out of the basin and pulled the corner of his clothes, "His Royal Highness, let's go. Let's climb up and slide again!"
Lin Qing turned to look at her.
The little girl was wearing a pink dress, with two adorable knots on her head. Crumbled snow now scattered all over her as she smiled happily and genuinely, with little sparkles in her eyes.
Lin Qing paused for a moment, and finally broke through his daze with a bright smile, picked himself up and the basin as well and replied, "Let's go!"
The two played until evening. Finally, Lin Feilu was too tired. She laid down on the snow with her limbs spread out, and spoke weakly and softly, "His Royal Highness, Little Fifth Princess is too tired, there's not an ounce of energy left."
Lin Qing laughed out loudly, pulled her up from the snow, and tenderly patted the snow off her clothes, "Then let's go back to the palace."
The two left the "ski resort". Because the East Palace and Mingyue Palace were in two different directions, Lin Feilu stacked the basins and placed them by her feet, cupping her fists in salute "Little Fifth Princess will leave now."
Lin Qing nodded, and when she was about to leave, he stopped her again, "Little Fifth Princess."
Lin Feilu turned around, with the two little knots that were a little loose from their afternoon merrymaking laid limp on her head.
Lin Qing asked, "How do you address Fourth Brother?"
Lin Feilu was taken aback for a moment, and whispered, "… Brother Jingyuan."
Lin Qing asked again, "Then how do you address me?"
"His Royal Highness."
Lin Qing stared at her silently.
Lin Feilu observed his expression, hesitating, "Brother… Crown Prince?"
Lin Qing smiled, "En."
She also pursed her lips and smiled, and waved to him obediently, "Goodbye, Brother Crown Prince."
Lin Qing briskly walked away.
Lin Feilu huffed and puffed as she dragged the two basins back to Mingyue Palace. Fortunately, she had ordered Song Yu to escort her around that time. She passed over the ski basins to her when she arrived.
When Lin Feilu returned to Mingyue Palace, Lin Zhanyuan sat on the threshold with Chang Er in his arms. He looked at her glumly and said, "Sister did not take me skiing!"
Lin Feilu asked, "How was Brother's writing today?"
Lin Zhanyuan drooped his head in embarrassment.
Lin Feilu suppressed her smile and patted his head. She then took hold of his hand and dragged him inside. Lin Zhanyuan asked, "Did Sister and Seventh Brother go skiing?"
Lin Feilu was baffled by who this Seventh Brother was. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry when she finally got it, "I have said it many times. It's not the Seventh Brother. It's His Royal Highness the Seventh."
Lin Zhanyuan retorted loudly, "That's Seventh Brother! Five, six, seven!"
Xiao Lan smiled as she walked to them "What five, six, seven?" Seeing Lin Feilu's wet clothes from the snow, she scolded gently, "Went playing again? What should I do if you catch a cold? Song Yu, get the princess a change of clothes."
Lin Feilu nuzzled her arm cutely.
After that day, there was no more snow. The weather cleared and the sun finally came out of hibernation. The snow that had accumulated throughout the winter began to rapidly melt. Lin Feilu visited the "ski resort" – the slopes were wet with puddles of water. It was time to say goodbye to ski games this year.
The sun was out, but the weather was colder than before. Lin Feilu finally understood the meaning of the phrase "The melting of snow is always colder than when it started to snow; it hurts more at the end than at the beginning".
It was still a pleasure to enjoy the scenic view of the snow in the cold, but it was unbearable to endure an even colder weather with no scenic view at all. The entire palace was more deserted than before because everyone was reluctant to go outside due to the cold. The Ministry of Internal Affairs had even increased the supply of coal.
Emperor Lin had been engrossed in work lately and he finally got the recent political affairs settled. After hearing the eunuch's report about the concubines complaining about being cold, he decided to take a vacation in the hot spring at the Lushan Palace.
This was a tradition for the royal family every winter but not everyone would be invited. For example, only either Noble Consort Ruan or Noble Consort Xi would be permitted to go one at a time because either one of them would need to stay to manage the harem. The Empress did not like to travel, and so had chosen to stay in the previous years.
Emperor Lin would usually bring along a few favored concubines, together with the princes and princesses.
As soon as the eunuch got the news, he began to draw up a list of entourages for Emperor Lin.
Everyone knew the names on the list as it was always the same people from the previous years with slight adjustments.
Last year, Emperor Lin was accompanied by Noble Consort Ruan, and this year it would be replaced by Noble Consort Xian. Concubine Xian had always adored her nephew, so Emperor Lin had added Xi Xingjiang onto the list. There were nineteen people in total for this trip.
Emperor Lin listened carefully as the eunuch read the namelist, nodded, and suddenly thought of something, "Add the Fifth Princess."
The eunuch was immediately taken aback.
Emperor Lin was always busy with political affairs and had never mentioned the Fifth Princess after the Great Reunion Banquet. The Fifth Princess also did not come to greet the Emperor like the other princes and princesses. Eunuch had already almost forgotten about her, thinking that the Fifth Princess was nothing but a flash in the pan. Hearing the Emperor's order, he quickly added her name.
The decree that detailed the accompanying party was quickly issued to the respective palaces, and thus Xiao Lan received the decree in surprise, though much less surprised than when she received an invitation for the Great Reunion Banquet. She began to worry, unceasingly reminding her daughter to pay attention to her behaviour and safety.
Lin Feilu promised to follow each and every instruction given by her mother but she firmly refused when Xiao Lan planned to let both Qingyan and Songyu accompany her.
For one, she was worried that Xiao Lan and Lin Zhanyuan would be alone if both Qingyan and Songyu followed her.
Secondly, there were so many NPCs on this trip, which was simply a perfect hunting ground for her. It would not be conducive if she had people following her.
Aware that Consort Xian and Lin Jingyuan would also be going for the trip, Xiao Lan made a special trip to Changming Palace, requesting for Consort Xian to take care of her daughter. Of course, Consort Xian agreed without any hesitation.
On the day of departure, Xiao Lan saw her daughter off to the carriage waiting outside the Palace. She gave Lin Feilu ample instructions before anxiously watching the carriage leave.
Lin Feilu was still uptight at first, but immediately got excited as soon as the carriage started moving.
She had never left the palace ever since she had arrived here. It was suffocating.
She knelt on the cushion of the swaying carriage and lifted the curtain to look out. There were chariots in front and back of the carriage, drawing a majestic scene.
The route of the royal trip was evacuated in advance. Lin Feilu did not see the lively bustling ancient street that she wanted when they crossed the Beijing Great Street. Except for the escorting guards, there was literally no one on the street and the doors of every house were closed for fear of offending the royal family.
She sat back in boredom after a while.
The carriage was really an uncomfortable means of transportation. Lin Feilu, who was accustomed to taking cars, high-speed trains and airplanes, felt like she was falling apart after less than an hour.
It was a long way from the palace. With their speed to Lushan, they would not be able to make it within the day. They would rest at the inn for the night, and continue traveling on the next day.
Lin Feilu was speechless.
It was definitely not easy for the ancient emperor to take any vacation.
Song Yu watched the Fifth Princess wriggling restlessly in the small carriage like she was pricked by thorns all over and could not help but to grin. "Princess, this lowly servant will give you a massage."
Lin Feilu peeked out the window at the guards who were patrolling on horseback and said enviously, "I really want to go horseback riding."
It's nice to be able to go out and have some fresh air.
Soon after she said this, Xi Xingjiang passed by the carriage on a black maned horse.
She had not seen Xi Xingjiang for a long time. He was not a prince after all, and had stopped coming to the palace often because of the suspension of schooling activities. The young man seemed to be in good shape and was also very handsome. He was looking towards the direction of the convoy, as if searching for something.
Lin Feilu thought to herself. Is it possible that he was looking for me?
She leaned half of her body out and shouted in her small voice: "Xi Xingjiang! Xi Xingjiang!"
Xi Xingjiang turned towards the direction of the voice. His eyes lit up when he saw her and smiled, "I finally found you!"