Pengman brought the plate of cakes over after that, and Lin Feilu held a piece of cake in both hands, gnawing quietly at the side. She had bright sparkling eyes and a small face, and her head bobbed while she was eating, like a cute little hamster.
Emperor Lin watched her from the side, adoring her more by the second. Although he was very fond of the Eldest Imperial Princess, he would sometimes be overwhelmed by Lin Nianzhi's hyperactive personality.
The Second Princess passed away in her early age; and the thought of the Third Princess just disgusted him (one who pushed Lin Feilu to the lake).
On the other hand, the Fourth Princess was too dull and honest, and it was difficult to enjoy the joy as a parent when she could never conceal her fear for him.
Imperial Concubine Su's Sixth Princess was only three years old now. Although she was also naive, she lacked Little Fifth Princess' charm and was far too young. She acted too much on instinct and cried any time she wanted. Emperor Lin was a little traumatised after witnessing her tantrums during his visits.
On usual days, he would spend his spare time and pay more attention to the princes, checking on their homework and training them in riding and shooting.
Because of that, the princes had always feared him; they were always well behaved and did not dare to be presumptuous in front of him, but in exchange, the closeness between father and son was lost.
He seldom spent time with his daughters, and at this moment, he suddenly felt that his daughter was much cuter than his sons.
Daughters would act like a baby, call me "Father" softly, and had adorable buns on their heads!
Can any princes do that?!
No!
Emperor Lin's undisguised delight was undoubtedly noticed by Lin Feilu. Her head still buried in the cake that she was holding in her hands, she turned her petite body slightly to the side, leaving only half of her back in Emperor Lin's vision.
Emperor Lin burst into laughter, amused by her shy demeanor, feeling like he had not been so happy for a long time.
Lin Feilu finished her snack and wiped her hands with the kerchief handed by Pengman. With a satisfied expression, her small body swayed slightly following the swaying rhythm of the carriage. Her glistening eyes widened suddenly as her gaze fell on something.
Emperor Lin followed her gaze. It turned out that it was a sachet worn on his waist.
Her head tilted in doubt, wondering if she was mistaken, but when she took a closer look, it indeed was the sachet that she gave to the Crown Prince.
Why is it here?
Confused, she tugged her little buns and looked at Emperor Lin with her little face in befuddlement.
Feeling a surge of shame, Emperor Lin coughed dryly and said, "This is given to me by your Third Brother."
The little dumpling relaxed her brows and blinked in realisation.
The father and daughter got along very well. After a while, the carriage stopped for a while, and the servants outside reported, "Your Majesty, Consort Mei is here."
Emperor Lin smiled and said, "Come in."
The carriage curtain was pulled aside and Consort Mei entered the carriage, carrying an alluring scented breeze. She bowed first, and then greeted softly, "I've come to accompany your Majesty to finish the unfinished game of chess yesterday."
Emperor Lin carried Lin Feilu to his side, and chuckled, "Okay. Pengman, set up the chessboard." He addressed Consort Mei, "I want to take a closer look today if your chess skills have improved."
Concubine Mei groaned, "Your Majesty is making fun of me again."
The two laughed and chatted for a while, and Consort Mei looked at Lin Feilu who was nibbling snacks on the side with a look of concern, "How is the Fifth Princess' voice today?"
Lin Feilu nodded obediently, with a lovely, exceptionally harmless smile.
Pengman quickly set up the unfinished chess game from yesterday. Consort Mei and Emperor Lin sat opposite each other, each holding a chessman, and began to play. Lin Feilu sat beside Emperor Lin, clutching a corner of his robes with a small hand, watching obediently.
As the chess game progressed, Emperor Lin felt the little dumpling next to him scooching closer and closer. He turned his head to look, and found that the little dumpling was staring at the chessboard intently. Cake crumbs were still sticking on the corners of her mouth, but her dainty face was completely absorbed in the game; Emperor Lin suppressed a laugh.
Seeing that he still had not made his move, she turned her head to look at him anxiously, her eyes full of urging.
Emperor Lin finally burst out in laughter, rubbing her little head, "You look so serious, do you like this?"
The little dumpling lowered her eyes in embarrassment, pursing her lips and nodded lightly.
Emperor Lin pressed on, "Do you know how to play chess?"
She shook her head.
Emperor Lin smiled and said, "'llI teach you."
He jumbled up the chess pieces with a sweep of his hand, then instructed Pengman to separate the black and white pieces. He turned to the stunned Consort Mei, "We won't continue today, I will teach Little Fifth Princess. Return first."
"…"
She glanced at the innocent and cute little girl next to Emperor Lin without revealing any trace of emotion. Without any objections, she smiled softly, "Yes, I will go back first."
As soon as she left, Emperor Lin happily taught his daughter to play chess.
Lin Feilu really did not know how to play Go, but her intelligence made up for it. Emperor Lin had only needed to explain once, and within one morning she had grasped the basic rules and formulas. By the time they were on the road again after lunch, she was already roughly able to play against Emperor Lin.
Although she was thoroughly defeated after only putting down a few Go pieces, Emperor Lin was baffled at the intelligence demonstrated by the five-year-old child.
There was another surprise after the shock.
He had always cherished talents, and the Great Lin Empire had always valued intelligence more than martial arts. Any concubine in the harem who was full of poetry and talent would be favored by him. He had even stricter requirements on the princes, which caused a lot of stress on them.
Although he did not demand anything from the princesses, he favoured Lin Nianzhi because of her shrewdness. However, he was looking at Lin Feilu in a different light.
He recalled that when he first met the little dumpling in the plum garden. He knew that this child was extraordinary when she made a wish for world peace.
Who knew that Xiao Lan gave him a foolish son, but gave birth to such a gifted little princess.
This is probably God's mercy.
The Emperor Lin sighed emotionally, watching Lin Feilu who was still studying the chess game seriously, the resentment he had for her mother reduced unconsciously.
In the evening, the entourage finally came to a halt at the palace on the mountainside. The palace was also guarded all year round, and the halls have been cleaned up and furnished, waiting for their masters' arrival.
Lin Feilu was residing in Tingyu Pavilion. Seeing that her only companion was Song Yu, Emperor Lin assigned one of his personal eunuchs to serve her, named Kongfu. He also assigned another group of his personal imperial troops to station in Tingyu Pavilion, to prevent the previous assassin from attacking again.
The Forbidden Army was composed of elites, and all the palace servants had to take a detour around Tingyu Pavilion.
It was getting late and everyone was ready for a good night's rest after an exhausting two-day trip. There were already two maids waiting in the Tingyu Pavilion, and in addition to Song Yu and Kong Fu, there were four people in total waiting, more than enough to take care of Lin Feilu.
Everyone knew that the Fifth Princess traveled in the Emperor's carriage. Looking at the guards' stationed by her residence, everyone secretly discussed that the Fifth Princess was blessed out of misfortune, and now was favored by the Emperor.
After dinner, Lin Feilu strolled around and felt a lot more at peace when she saw the stationed guards.
Now that the assassin missed their chance, and with Emperor Lin investigating the matter and stationing guards, whoever was behind the attack would not dare to act rashly anymore. She did not worry much, but Song Yu was very nervous, and whispered, "Princess, this servant should sleep in a bed with you tonight."
Lin Feilu smiled, "They're not stupid. If he really comes back, he will definitely not be fooled again. Don't worry, he won't dare to come again with so many guards stationed here."
Song Yu pressed on anxiously, "This servant is still worried. Before leaving, Honorable Lady Xiao Lan had ordered this servant to take care of the princess, but who knew that this would happen…"
She teared up again.
Lin Feilu tugged her hand, "You have taken good care of me. Without you, I would have died last night."
Song Yu cried hurriedly, "The princess is not allowed to say that unlucky word! The princess is auspicious and will definitely grow up in peace!"
The two chattered as they walked, and as soon as they entered the yard, they heard a stern voice from the guards outside, "Who dares to climb the wall! Take him down!"
Not to mention Song Yu, even Lin Feilu was taken aback.
It was just nightfall, are they that desperate to take my life?
Unexpectedly, after a short moment of panic, they heard Xi Xingjiang's slightly embarrassed voice exclaiming, "It's me! Eh, put down your knife, and take a look at me!"
There was a rush of footsteps outside, "Greetings to the Viscount, this is…"
Lin Feilu stepped out curiously.
Xi Xingjiang was standing in the corner holding a stack of bedding rolls, scratching his nose in embarrassment.
She was fuming but amused at the same time, and called out hoarsely, "Xi Xingjiang! What are you doing here?"
Seeing that it was a misunderstanding, the Forbidden Army returned to their posts in a disciplined manner. Xi Xingjiang walked over with the bedding rolls with his chin raised high, barely hiding his embarrassment. He stumbled and said, "I…I'm worried that the assassin from last night will come again, so I decided to patrol here!"
"Why did you bring your bed for patrolling? Are you going to smother him with your blanket if you meet an assassin?" Lin Feilu questioned.
"…"
He raised his hand and rubbed the little knots on her head frustratedly, "Who do you think I am worried about? And you're still teasing me!" He pushed her inside, "Head inside first."
He raised his hand to close the door as they entered the courtyard. The palace servants greeted and saluted him. Xi Xingjiang waved his hand dismissively and followed Lin Feilu into the room, and then threw the bedding he was holding on to the floor beside Lin Feilu's bed.
"?"
Song Yu hurriedly asked when he laid down on the bedding, "What is the Viscount going to do?!"
Xi Xingjiang replied without raising his head, "Can't you see it? I'm sleeping here."
Song Yu was anxious and frightened, "This servant knows that the Viscount is sleeping here, but why? Is the Viscount going to spend the night here?!"
"Yeah."
Song Yu fell onto her knees immediately, "The Viscount must never! Our princess… Although our princess is young, she is a female. It's inappropriate for men and women to be in the same room together alone. If the Viscount spends the night in the princess's room, the princess's reputation will be ruined!"
Xi Xingjiang raised his head and glared at her irritably, "What's the use of a good reputation if she doesn't even have her life? I will stay here every night before returning to the palace. If another assassin comes again, I will kill one, if two come, I will kill both!"
"…"
Song Yu was already worried about the matter of the assassin. After hearing what he said, she was stunned, and began to struggle between the princess' reputation and her safety.
Xi Xingjiang laid on the floor bedding happily, using his hands as a pillow, and crossed his legs, "Okay, wash and sleep."
Lin Feilu muttered, "Get out of here."
He half lifted his body, squinted at her from below, lecturing, "Girls can't be so vulgar!" He swayed his leg leisurely, "Eh, little bean, I'm surprised, you are always so cute and gentle in front of your brothers. How come it's always uncute when you're together with me?"
"I won't give you even a drop of it! Get up!"
The more frustrated she got, the more he relished in it. As the two continued to bicker, a series of footsteps was heard right outside the room, followed by the salute of the palace servants, "Greetings to the Fourth Prince."
Lin Jingyuan was shouting "Little Lu" all the way as he ran in.
His eyes laid on Xi Xingjiang as soon as he entered the room, his eyes widened in fury. He rushed towards Xi Xingjiang with threatening gestures, "You shameless man! What are you doing in my sister's room?!"
Lin Feilu watched as the two wrestled with each other.
The destructive power of the two kids was almost doubled.
In the end, Xi Xingjiang pulled out a short knife from the quilt and shouted "I'm here to protect Little Lu!" that put an end to this "skirmish".
Lin Jingyuan looked at his short knife, then at his Fifth Sister who was standing aside. His eyes rolled, and then plopped himself on the floor, "Then I'll sleep here too, I also want to protect my Fifth Sister!"
Xi Xingjiang sneered, "With your terrible skills?"
Lin Jingyuan was furious. "Don't look down on people!"
Lin Feilu was about to open her mouth before the two of them start another fight, suddenly another person whom Lin Feilu did not recognise entered the room hurriedly. He greeted Lin Feilu and Lin Jingyuan, then said anxiously, "Viscount, the Lady has a message."
Xi Xingjiang jolted, showing a trace of rebellion on his face, and then asked with a dry cough, "How did my aunt know that I am here?"
He lowered his head and said, "The lady said, she not only knows that you are here, but also knows what you are going to do. If you do not appear in front of her within the time of a pot of tea, she will come and break your legs in person."
"…"
Lin Feilu was silent.
Lin Jingyuan, on the other hand, burst out in laughter, "Hahahahahahahaha…"
Xi Xingjiang glared at the eunuch, looking extremely annoyed; but felt embarrassed when he heard Lin Jingyuan's unbridled ridicule. He pleaded, "Go back and tell aunt that I want to stay and protect the Fifth Princess."
The eunuch still hung his head, and dutifully repeated, "The lady said, there are guards stationed here, and your protection won't be needed. If you insist on staying, then… Then sleep in the corridor."
"…"
It was still winter, and the temperature on this mountainside was even lower. If he slept in the corridor, he would freeze to death by tomorrow morning.
He glared at Lin Jingyuan who was still mocking him arrogantly, then rolled up the bedding rolls in his arms and walked out aggressively. Lin Jingyuan laughed wildly, "Leave the beddings for me!"
Xi Xingjiang turned his head and said viciously, "Get it yourself!"
Lin Feilu wanted to laugh too, but seeing that he actually just wanted to protect her, she maintained a neutral face, and waved at him, "Be careful, Viscount."
"…"
His usual arrogant back revealed a few touches of embarrassment at this moment.
As soon as he left, Lin Jingyuan smacked the table in the room and cackled wildly for five minutes. Finally, Lin Feilu asked, "Brother Jingyuan, was the Lady that was mentioned earlier Noble Consort Xi?"
Lin Jingyuan laughed in reply, "Who else could put Xi Xingjiang in his place?"
Lin Feilu recalled the message relayed by the eunuch earlier, and felt that Noble Consort Xi, whom she had never met before, was strangely interesting.
Lin Jingyuan was still roaring about Xi Xingjiang's humiliation, then he heard Lin Feilu, "Fourth Brother, you should go back too, otherwise Consort Xian will send someone for you later."
"…"
He immediately stopped laughing.
Lin Jingyuan left after a cup of tea looking dejected but instructed Kang An to stay and wait outside with Kong Fu and the others.
The medicine Lin Feilu drank contained the ingredients to calm the nerves and aid in sleeping, so she was already drowsy a long time ago. As soon as the two children left, she prepared to sleep but another palace official came knocking on the door. Song Yu and Kong Fu went to receive the messenger together, and came back reporting, "The Eldest Prince and the Crown Prince sent someone over to watch the night with the rest of the servants."
Lin Feilu considered that if she was to travel back into her original timeline in the future, she might be able to write a novel titled "The Days When I was Doted by the Three Prince Brothers."
With the heavy guardianship of the imperial army and the palace servants, Lin Feilu had a deep, dreamless sleep. The next day when Song Yu was helping her to freshen up, Lin Nianzhi's personal maid servant Bao You came over with a bowl of hot porridge made with some beneficial ingredient to moisturize her throat, which carried a faint smell of medicine.
Bao You smiled and explained, "The Eldest Princess asked this servant to make this porridge before dawn broke. It has been cooked for four hours, Fifth Princess should eat it while it's hot."
She added embarrassingly, "The Eldest Princess asked the servants to pass on the message to the Fifth Princess. Consort Hui is very strict and it's not convenient for her to come and see you, so you should take care of yourself."
Lin Feilu nodded earnestly, and thanked the Eldest Sister Princess obediently. After breakfast, she headed to Zhonghe Hall to greet Emperor Lin. Her sense of presence with Emperor Lin had greatly increased, and she could no longer skip morning greetings like she did before.
She saw Lin Ting outside the hall, who had also come for his morning greeting. She hopped excitedly and waved at him from a distance.
Lin Ting smiled and stood there waiting for her. He asked softly when she approached, "Did you sleep well last night?"
Lin Feilu smiled and nodded, and said in a low voice, "Eldest Brother, Noble Consort Ruan didn't come to the trip together this time."
There was a sharp and sly look in her eyes, and Lin Ting could not help but smile, "So?"
There was still a trace of hoarseness in her yet to be fully recovered voice, but there was definite excitement in it, "We can go to the mountain to look for small animals to play with! I heard that there are small foxes on this mountain."
Lin Ting was instantly filled with warmth, and adjusted Lin Feilu's adorable bangs, and replied "Okay."
When the two entered, they found that Lin Qing and Lin Jingyuan were already there. But the strange thing was that Lin Qing was sitting on the side, while Lin Jingyuan was kneeling below, his head hanging down like a frosted eggplant, completely wilted.
Emperor Lin sat on the couch above, holding a book in his hand, accompanied by Consort Mei who was quietly peeling a piece of fruit with her eyes down.
Emperor Lin expressed, "I just quizzed your Third Brother. Now I am going to quiz you. I heard that you did very well in Imperial College last year. Let me see if the Imperial teacher was right."
Lin Jingyuan shuffled his body uncomfortably, and muttered in a low voice, "I only came here for greeting, now I'm getting spot-checked. It's too difficult for me."
It was good timing that Lin Ting led Lin Feilu in, because the expression on Emperor Lin's face softened drastically when he saw the little dumpling coming in with her short legs wrapped in a red cloak.
Lin Feilu saluted crookedly, "Little Fifth Princess greets Father."
Emperor Lin chuckled, "The sound of your voice is much better than yesterday."
Lin Ting saluted as well, and Emperor Lin continued, "Ting'er, too, I will quiz you after I'm done quizzing the fourth son."
Lin Ting complied obediently, and knelt down in the hall upright.
Emperor Lin was about to prepare a seat for the Fifth Princess, but he saw the little dumpling looking at the Eldest Brother on the left and then Fourth Brother on the right. She tapped her two fingers together then knelt down next to her brothers.
He burst out laughing, and did not bother asking her to get up.
Lin Jingyuan glanced at Lin Ting quietly next to him, and whispered for help, "Eldest Brother, help me!"
Lin Ting pursed his lips and smiled, and lowered his eyes without response.
Lin Jingyuan whined in plea twice, and heard Emperor Lin quiring, "Fourth son, let me ask you, Taikang has lost his state, and the five brothers of Kundi had to live in Luohe. They made the Song of the Five Sons based on the lessons of Dayu. What are the five lines of the song?"
His question for Lin Jingyuan was relatively simple. After all, he knew the intellectual capacity of this son; he might not even understand the question if Emperor Lin asked something more complicated.
Lin Jingyuan was unexpectedly scratching his head at such a simple question.
Emperor Lin wondered if Lin Jingyuan would be brighter if he hit him on the head with the inkstone next to him.
Lin Jingyuan had actually memorized this paragraph. He knew it was in the Xia Shu Chapter of "The Book of History", but as the saying goes, the first step was always the most difficult. He was too nervous to remember what the first sentence was.
He whispered to Lin Ting in panic for help, "Brother! Eldest Brother! Imperial Eldest Brother! What was the first sentence?!"
Lin Ting had always abided by the rules, and of course would never help him cheat in front of his father. He glanced at Lin Jingyuan embarrassedly and lowered his head.
Lin Jingyuan fought a rising panic, then he heard a small voice from his side, quietly reminding him, "The imperial ancestors had once said, it's good to create a bond with the people and never belittle them."
He instantly felt enlightened. He piped loudly before Emperor Lin could go berserk, "The imperial ancestors had once said, it's good to create a bond with the people, and never belittle them, because the people are the foundation of the country. If the foundation is firm, the country will be at peace. Be humble, for even a fool could win over me. If a person makes a mistake multiple times, one should examine his mistakes before severe consequences occur. Govern the people with fear as if one was riding six horses with a broken rope; how could a leader not be vigilant and fearful?"
Emperor Lin raised his eyebrows in surprise, his facial muscles gradually softened, his eyes disclosing approval as Lin Jingyuan finished reciting the rest of the content.
When he finished, Emperor Lin nodded approvingly, "Yes, it seems that what the imperial teacher said was true. You have made progress. You may take a seat."
Lin Jingyuan felt like he had just escaped from the gates of hell. He wiped off the sweat on his forehead and was about to get up after a kowtow when he heard Consort Mei asking curiously with a hand obscuring her mouth, "What did the Fifth Princess say to the Fourth Prince that lit your lightbulb?"
Emperor Lin, who was so focused on Lin Jingyuan and did not pay attention to the little dumpling beside him, raised his eyebrows and looked over to her.
Lin Jingyuan cursed inside. I'm going to kill Consort Mei.
Lin Feilu's heart lurched. She did not expect that her act of helping Brother Prince was caught red-handed. She quickly glanced at Emperor Lin, her already petite body seemed to have shrunken into a ball as she immediately buried her head further into the cloak, trying to conceal herself as much as she could; her body language screaming "You can't see me, you can't see me".
Emperor Lin was drunk by her cuteness.
His voice boomed deliberately in authority, "Little Fifth Princess, what did you just say to the Fourth Prince?"
The little dumpling trembled. Raising her head reluctantly, she confessed with a scrunched up face, "I…I said…" She sniffed, and started hiccuping."It…" Hiccup "the first…" Hiccup…
Emperor Lin could no longer hold back, and burst out laughing.
The joy in Consort Mei's eyes faded a lot.
The little dumpling almost teared up; her hiccups and sniffles were so pitiful that Lin Jingyuan felt so enraged and distressed. He suddenly went into a loud outburst, "Father! Don't blame Fifth Sister! I'm a fool, Fifth Sister was just trying to help me! Father, please punish me, I'm willing to receive the punishment instead!"
Unexpectedly, Emperor Lin just gave him a disgusting look and replied, "Go to the side."
Lin Jingyuan watched as his beloved father treaded down and picked up Fifth Sister who had been wiping her tears under her cloak, and returned back to the couch.
The little dumpling was sitting on his lap, latching onto his robes with her small hands, and observing him secretly for a long time. She asked in a small voice, "Is Father angry?"
Emperor Lin smiled tenderly and fed her a piece of the fruit that Consort Mei had so much trouble peeling, "I'm not angry, is it sweet?"
The little dumpling smacked her lips, then only curved her lips into a smile, "Sweet~"
Consort Mei was watching silently. "…"
Emperor Lin probed her, "Does Little Fifth Princess know the "The Book of History"?"
The little dumpling pinched her index finger and thumb together softly, and replied, "I know a little bit."
Emperor Lin knew that she was smart, but he did not know that she could read. "The Book of History" was very simple for Lin Jingyuan who has studied in the Imperial College for several years, but it was very difficult for a five-year-old girl who has never been to the Imperial College.
Emperor Lin suddenly remembered that Xiao Lan was literate.
He distinctly remembered that when she first entered the palace, he heard from the palace staff that a Pure Lady Xiao Lan brought a few large boxes into the palace. The boxes were nothing but scrolls and brushes. It was because of that he flipped her plate first among the newcomers.
Amazingly beautiful and talented, she was made perfectly for him.
The only shortcoming she had was her personality – she was too dull, and never took the initiative to talk to him. Only responding whenever he asked a question, it was as if she was not willing to speak to him. He would have been long-wearied by someone else who had this kind of personality.
However, Xiao Lan captured his favour and interest for three long years with her beauty and talent. It was not until Lin Zhanyuan was revealed to be an idiot that pushed Emperor Lin to the edge, resulting in her falling out of favor.
It seemed that Xiao Lan had taught her daughter very well.
He felt a little emotional for a while, and suddenly thought of something. He turned his head and asked Consort Mei, "I remember that you and Little Fifth Princess' mother entered the palace in the same year, right?"
Consort Mei was taken aback, but quickly recovered as usual, and replied with a soft smile, "Yes, time flies, I have been by your Majesty's side for seven years."
Emperor Lin smiled and nodded.
He finished quizzing Lin Ting with Lin Feilu in his arms; Lin Ting, who naturally answered each question perfectly, sat next to Lin Qing in the satisfied gaze of Emperor Lin.
Lin Qing tilted his head and snickered at him in a low voice, "If it weren't for the Little Fifth Princess, I think Fourth would have had to suffer a beating today."
Lin Ting could not help laughing, "The Fifth Sister is indeed smart. She should be able to go to school with us when spring starts."
After the greeting, the princes left. Lin Feilu had originally wanted to leave, but Emperor Lin smiled and asked, "Do you still want to learn the chess you didn't finish learning yesterday?"
She beamed at him, "Yes!"
Pengman set up the chessboard as ordered, and Emperor Lin continued to coach the little dumpling on chess.
As expected, Consort Mei was neglected again.
This time, Emperor Lin did not tell her to leave, but smiled happily at her, "Peel more of the fruit the little Fifth Princess had just now, she likes it."
"…"
Lin Feilu glanced at her innocently.
She was indeed a professional; still managing to keep a perfectly calm composure under such circumstances, she smiled sweetly and teased, "Yes, I should also review my chess knowledge with Your Majesty through the blessing of the Fifth Princess. Your Majesty did not even have this much patience when I learned chess with Your Majesty."
Emperor Lin chuckled, "You are talking nonsense again, I am not patient enough with you?"
Consort Mei grumbled, "Your majesty's patience wasn't on the chess game, it was obviously…"
She paused, blushing as if she suddenly remembered that Lin Feilu was still there, but she turned her eyes to gaze at Emperor Lin flirtatiously.
Lin Feilu thought darkly. Talking dirty and obviously trying to seduce him.
Emperor Lin too, seemed to recall what happened back then. His face shifted into embarrassment at the presence of his daughter as he glared at Consort Mei reproachfully, but he was obviously a little absent-minded after that. Lin Feilu played two rounds of chess with him before yawning with tears in her eyes.
Emperor Lin asked, "Are you sleepy?"
Before Lin Feilu could answer, he turned to Pengman, "Send the Fifth Princess back for a rest."
Then Lin Feilu was taken away.
She heard Consort's Mei amorous laughter as she stepped out of the hall.
A couple engaging in adultery in broad daylight.
To be able to redirect Emperor Lin's attention back to her with just a few words, this Consort Mei did have some tricks up her sleeves. It was no wonder she was continuously favored for so many years.
Forget it, time to make up for some sleep.
Lin Feilu slept until noon and woke up for lunch. Soon, a palace servant came to inform them that the hot springs were ready, and the hot springs would be ready to be used in the afternoon.
Lin Feilu used to love going to hot spring hotels in the winter, and was very excited as she headed out to the hot spring with her hair tied up in a knot on top of her head.
There were many hot springs in the palace, and each residence had its own spring eye. Although the imperial army was under the order of Emperor Lin to follow the Fifth Princess wherever she went, places such as hot springs involved privacy, so no one was allowed to enter except for the personal maid servants.
Lin Feilu thought to herself, It's impossible I would be assassinated in a hot spring, right?
But it's not impossible.
She struggled for a while.
At the same time, Pengman arrived, and said hurriedly when he saw her, "Fifth Princess, Your Majesty summoned you, please come with the servant."
Lin Feilu followed Peng Man. Emperor Lin fell in love as soon as he saw the knot on her head, and could not help fiddling with it, teasing her, "The two small knots are combined into one today."
… Is it really okay for you to behave so childish as an Emperor?
Still feigning innocence and cuteness, "Father, where are we going?"
Emperor Lin took her hand and said, "I don't feel safe that you will be in the hot springs alone. I will take you to a safer place."
Lin Feilu thought that Emperor Lin was going to get out his own hot springs for her, but it turned out that he took her to Noble Consort Xi.
Lin Feilu was flabbergasted when Noble Consort Xi came out doned in an unlined garment.
It was her first time meeting the legendary figure. She was not as enchanting and beautiful as the other concubines in the harem, on the contrary, her eyebrows and eyes were pale, and her eyes were cold; she did not have a slender figure, but carried a dauntless aura.
She bowed and saluted upon Emperor Lin's arrival. It was neither humble nor overbearing, and her cold eyes glanced lightly at the little girl next to Emperor Lin.
She's so cool!
Emperor Lin beamed at her, "Tan'er, I brought Little Fifth Princess over to share a hot spring with you. You knew what happened at the resting station, and I don't want her to be alone."
Lin Feilu blinked innocently and was about to make a cuteness attack, then she heard Noble Consort Xi question quietly,"Did your Majesty take me as a guard now?"
Emperor Lin chuckled, as if he was used to her tone of voice; completely unaffected, he pushed Lin Feilu forward, "I don't feel at peace passing her to others, I trust you the most."
Noble Consort Xi Gui returned a noncommittal smile and glanced at Lin Feilu again.
Lin Feilu saluted immediately, and said with a milky voice. "Little Fifth Princess greets Noble Consort Xi."
Emperor Lin added, "My Little Fifth Princess is so cute, Tan'er will definitely like her."
Noble Consort Xi remained in her cold composure, and bowed towards Emperor Lin, "I will do my best."
Emperor Lin left happily.
Only Lin Feilu, Noble Consort Xi, and their respective maids were left in the hall when Emperor Lin left. Noble Consort Xi turned and walked away without looking back. As if knowing that Lin Feilu had not moved, she spoke in a soft voice, "Come on."
Lin Feilu immediately trailed after her with her short legs. Her heart was screaming with adoration. This woman is so cool!
As the saying went, the way a person carries oneself is more important than appearance! And Noble Consort Xi oozed the most amazing aura!
She secretly inquired a lot about Noble Consort Xi. It was said that she was born and raised in the frontier juncture, and learned martial arts. She had the potential to become a female general, but she entered the palace to become a concubine instead.
She was cold and proud, and disdained to compete for favor. She was elected as an Imperial Concubine as soon as she entered the palace and even though she had no children, she steadily climbed up to the position as a Noble Consort due to family connections, and was trusted and loved by Emperor Lin.
Isn't she just like the harem heroine in those historical period TV dramas?! She's completely different from Consort Mei!
They went up the steps, through the heavy curtain, to the steaming hot spring.
With two maid servants waiting on either side, Noble Consort Xi, who was wearing only an unlined garment, stood at the edge of the pool and undressed, exposing the beautiful outline of her scapulas and slender legs, then went down the steps into the hot spring carefully.
Lin Feilu followed her, and took off her coat with Songyu's help. A bath towel which she had prepared in advance was wrapped around her underneath the coat. She dipped her foot into the pool to test the temperature, and then slowly slid her body into the water.
Ah, comfortable.
Long time no see, hot spring.
She closed her eyes in relaxation when she heard Noble Consort Xi's soft voice, "Don't go to the center, it's deep."
Lin Feilu looked over. She had her back against the edge of the pool, her face ruddy from the heat of the steam, bringing some warmness into her cold demeanor. Above the water, her delicate clavicles that connected to her smooth, slender neck perfectly was extremely alluring. This was the figure of someone who had practiced martial arts since childhood!
Lin Feilu sighed deeply inside. How could my father ever deserve such a beautiful woman!
She replied obediently, and dragged her feet over slowly in the water towards Noble Consort Xi with her short legs and squatted next to her.
After a while, Noble Consort Xi opened her bright eyes in the vapour condensed air to look at the little dumpling unblinkingly.
She asked, "What are you looking at?"
Lin Feilu replied, "The Lady is so pretty!"
"Little liar, already know how to compliment people at such a young age."
Lin Feilu wanted to pour out her to confess her admiration, "Little Lu is not lying! The Lady is pretty!"
"Oh really? Then tell me, how am I pretty?" Noble Consort Xi seemed to be intrigued.
"The Lady's collarbone is very beautiful, s̲e̲x̲y̲ and prominent! And the neck too, it's slender and elegant, as beautiful as a swan! And the waist, the Lady can kill with your waist, there's no need for a blade!"
"?"
As a beauty freak (someone who loves looking at beautiful people), it was hard to keep her feelings to herself at the sight of such a beauty. She had only barely restrained herself, and returned to her innocent childlike demeanor when she saw Noble Consort Xi's confused eyes, "You're very pretty!"
Noble Consort Xi continued to stare at the little dumpling for a long time, then finally broke into a smile and reached out to tug at her bun. "Just like Xingjiang had described, you are indeed an interesting little girl."
Lin Feilu smiled bashfully.