In previous years, the palace would hold a family banquet on the day of the Spring Equinox, but this year, with the Emperor seriously ill and the court in turmoil, Empress Feng had no energy to arrange anything. She simply set up a few tables in the Chunxi Hall.

Just after the hour of Shen*, several princes arrived one after another. Empress Feng was flustered and really had no energy. She was unwilling to let Concubine Xue help, so she had to endure and ask Princess Dunsu to come to the palace early to manage things.

*T/N: The hour if Shen is at 3-5pm

Unlike the haggard-looking Empress Feng, Princess Dunsu looked very good, simply glowing. Not only did she take care of everything inside and out, but she was also able to chat familiarly with the Dowager Concubines and Princesses in between.

Whether they were in favor or in decline, Princess Dunsu spoke to them with the same affection and propriety, without any distinction. Her every move was subtle, yet she took care of everyone. Empress Feng, looking weary, sat in the first seat and stared blankly at Princess Dunsu's smiling face, lost in thought.

Twenty years ago, this situation had also occurred.

At that time, the newly married Empress Feng had just entered the Prince Jing's manor. Everyone said she was lucky, and she herself was quite pleased. Her family was newly noble, and only because her father and brothers were capable, the Emperor had a particularly high regard for the Feng family. The Empress at that time also liked her and chose her from thousands of young ladies to be her daughter-in-law.

Her husband was not the Empress's biological son, which she had known for a long time, but what did it matter? Her husband had been raised by the Empress since childhood, loved by the Emperor and Empress above, and protected by the Princess and the Crown Prince below. In the future, everything would surely go smoothly for him.

That time was also in the spring, the first time their prince's manor entertained guests. Many imperial relatives came. Empress Feng had prepared for many days, but there were still many mishaps on the day.

Come to think of it, it made sense. She was a sheltered young lady who had hardly read a few books in her life, so how could she understand the many rules of the imperial family? The teaching matrons bestowed by the palace had only taught her the rules, but had they ever told her how to navigate among these princesses and concubines?

When she got nervous, she couldn't even sort out the seniority of each family, and kept calling people by the wrong titles, causing everyone to laugh frequently. Empress Feng was immediately embarrassed and wished she could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

In the end, it was the virtuous Empress, the Crown Princess at the time, who came to the rescue.

The Crown Princess was just like Princess Dunsu, with proper conduct and noble bearing. She led her to pay respects to the elders and introduced her to the sisters-in-law. The Crown Princess had a bit less sharpness than Princess Dunsu and a bit more gentleness and affection. She was truly as everyone said... like a breath of fresh air, a joy to behold.

Empress Feng was naturally grateful at the time, but more than that, she was dissatisfied. She even thought then that if she were the Crown Princess, people would surely praise her as they praised the Crown Princess, finding her strengths and praising them greatly. As daughters-in-law of the imperial family, all she lacked compared to the Crown Princess was a title. Just because of this difference, others only cared about flattering the Crown Princess while finding fault with her and ridiculing her.

And today... Empress Feng laughed bitterly in her heart. She was the Empress now, but it was still the same. She still had to rely on others to handle everything.

Empress Feng leaned wearily on the soft pillow, sighing in her heart, what a fate.

"How come even the Old Dowager Concubine is here?!" Princess Dunsu came out to greet her, personally helping Old Dowager Concubine Chun to sit down, frowning with a smile, "You shouldn't have troubled yourself. It's fine to let the brothers and sisters-in-law come, but it's not a big deal. How dare we trouble you."

Half a year ago, when Princess Dunsu used a self-harming tactic and punished Qi Xiao, she was fortunate that Old Prince Chun spoke up for him in front of the Emperor. Princess Dunsu had not previously entrusted Old Prince Chun, and she never thought he would be able to speak out righteously that day. Afterwards, she and Qi Xiao were very grateful in their hearts, but it was not good to say anything on the surface.

Old Dowager Concubine Chun, supported by her daughter-in-law, slowly sat down, shaking her head with a smile, "It's nothing. While these old bones can still move, I'll take more looks at these relatives."

Princess Dunsu immediately said softly with a pout, "This is really nonsense. I see that your health seems even more robust than before. It's just... how is Third Uncle? I heard before that he was not doing well, but unfortunately I never had the time to go see him."

Old Dowager Concubine Chun waved her hand, smiling faintly, "It's nothing. The Prince is old. He fell ill before because of the third son in the family and the eldest son of the third branch. Now he's a bit better. When he has good energy, he can still come down and walk around."

At the end of last year, Old Prince Chun's third son and the eldest son of the third branch died one after another due to illness. Having lost a son and a grandson, Old Dowager Concubine Chun barely held on, but Old Prince Chun fell ill and never recovered, and was almost gone.

Thinking that half a year ago, Old Prince Chun could still enter the palace with a cane to speak up for Qi Xiao, but now he couldn't even get out of bed, Princess Dunsu felt a pang of distress in her heart. She pressed the corner of her eye with a handkerchief and smiled, "No matter, the weather is getting warmer. Slowly, it will all get better."

Old Dowager Concubine Chun nodded with a smile, "That's right, as the days gradually warm up, slowly everything will get better."

Old Dowager Concubine Chun turned to look at Concubine Xue, smiling, "I heard that the Third Prince has also not been well recently. Is he much better?"

Concubine Xue quickly responded with a smile, "Thank you for your concern, Dowager Concubine. The Third Prince has recovered."

Old Dowager Concubine Chun nodded with a smile, looking around, "Where is the Second Prince? I also haven't seen him for a long time."

Empress Feng was in a daze, and only came back to her senses after being secretly reminded by the palace maid behind her. She forced a smile and said, "His maternal grandfather has not been well these past few days. He left the palace early in the morning to visit. He should be back around this time. When he comes back, I'll have him come pay his respects to you, Dowager Concubine."

Old Dowager Concubine Chun responded with a smile. As they were talking, several princesses also entered the palace. Everyone first went outside the Chengqian Palace to pay their respects before coming over. Almost everyone had arrived, but only Qi Xiao had not.

The group of ritual masters prepared by Empress Feng had long been ready, but because Qi Xiao was late, they could not start the ceremony. Empress Feng was impatient in her heart, but she did not dare say anything. With her maternal family fallen and the Emperor still unconscious, Empress Feng's position was very insecure. She was apprehensive and anxious in her heart, so how dare she pick on others?

She just kept urging everyone to drink tea. Empress Feng did not say anything, and Concubine Xue naturally would not mention it either. She had truly given up now, not seeking anything. She only hoped that after a great chaos, her son, herself, and her maternal family could still be safe and sound. Several old princes knew that the situation in the court was not good, but they also pretended not to know, only turning prayer beads and chatting leisurely about ancient times.

The dowager concubines, princesses, and concubines understood tacitly and also pretended not to know, skillfully avoiding sensitive topics and talking in low voices about idle matters. The sky grew darker and darker, and everyone became increasingly uneasy, unable to resist looking towards Princess Dunsu. Empress Feng finally couldn't hold back any longer and turned her head to ask the palace maid in a low voice, "Did you send someone to the Crown Prince's residence to inform the steward yesterday?"

The palace maid nodded timidly. Empress Feng tried her best to suppress her anger, but still couldn't help muttering, "He's not even the Emperor yet, and he dares to put on such airs... Indeed, how imposing."

Princess Dunsu, with her sharp ears, heard this and turned her head to give Empress Feng a meaningful glance. Empress Feng immediately shut her mouth. In fact, Princess Dunsu was also feeling a bit uneasy in her heart. Qi Xiao was not someone who loved to put on airs. Although he was riding high now, it shouldn't be to this extent.

Old Princess Consort Chun also looked at Princess Dunsu probingly. Princess Dunsu gave a bitter laugh and said nothing. She really didn't know what was holding Qi Xiao up.

In the Crown Prince's manor, the person holding him up was tightly hugging him like a little beast, unwilling to let go no matter what. Qi Xiao lowered his head and kissed the top of his head dotingly, gently coaxing, "Are you tired from the journey? Didn't I tell you not to rush on the road?"

Bairen shook his head. "Not tired." His voice carried a hint of a sob.

Qi Xiao's heart ached greatly. He said softly, "Did you miss me so much that it became unbearable?"

Bairen nodded, constantly nuzzling into Qi Xiao's embrace. Qi Xiao's heart felt both comforted and distressed. He said in a low voice, "From now on, you are not allowed to run back and forth anymore. You can't exhaust yourself. Are your legs sore?"

Bairen let out an "en" and whimpered in a low voice, "Very sore, my waist is also sore, the saddle chafes..."

"Come sit on top." Qi Xiao sat on the couch with Bairen in his arms and gently massaged his inner thighs. He couldn't help but scold lightly, "Can't you just sit in the carriage like a good boy?! You're not used to riding horses, so why are you trying to show off like those martial men?!"

Bairen lowered his eyes. "From Lingnan to the Imperial City, it takes half a month by carriage, but less than ten days on horseback. I don't want to waste all my time on the road. I... wanted to see you sooner. This past month, I missed you so much that I couldn't even sleep well at night..."

Qi Xiao couldn't take it anymore. "I still have official business in a bit. Are you going to keep provoking me endlessly?!"

"What business?" Bairen was stunned at first, then said in embarrassment and indignation, "How did I provoke Your Highness? Mmph..."

Before Bairen could finish speaking, Qi Xiao kissed him, pushing him onto the couch and climbing on top of him...

By the time Bairen remembered to ask Qi Xiao about his official business, half an hour had already passed.

"Oh..." Qi Xiao's eyes were filled with satisfaction. He lazily lowered his head to kiss Bairen's fair, slender neck and said softly, "Today is the Spring Equinox, right? There's a family banquet in the palace. The Emperor can't get out of bed, so I have to go."

Bairen was greatly alarmed and hurriedly said, "Then why are you still fooling around with me! Hurry and go!"

"What's the rush? It's already late anyway." Qi Xiao smiled, his lips curling up. He whispered in Bairen's ear, "Crown Princess, when you get anxious, it gets even tighter down there."

Ignoring Bairen's resistance, Qi Xiao launched another round of fierce attacks...

At the hour of Xu*, Qi Xiao appeared in Chunxi Hall, dressed in court attire and wearing a nine-coiled dragon gold crown, his face solemn.

*T/N: The hour is Xu is at 7-9pm.

Princess Dunsu looked at the water clock and felt relieved. Fortunately, the auspicious hour had not been missed. However, in front of these people, Princess Dunsu still appeared dissatisfied and scolded Jiang Deqing coldly, "What kind of attendant are you? The Crown Prince didn't remember the time, and you didn't remind him? Do you have to delay the Crown Prince's official business to be satisfied?!"

Empress Feng was indignant. It was clearly Qi Xiao's own arrogance, but with Princess Dunsu's words, it seemed like it was all the servants' fault! Qi Xiao naturally understood as well, but he said nothing.

Only Jiang Deqing stepped forward to apologize, saying, "Princess, please forgive me. When have I not reminded the Crown Prince? It's just that the Crown Prince heard that many people pray for blessings for their chronically ill family members during the Spring Equinox, and it's very effective. The Crown Prince is pure and filial. Upon hearing this, how could he not try it? So he got up early in the morning to bathe and burn incense, sincerely praying for the Emperor's blessings. It wasn't until just now that the incense finished burning, so that's why he was delayed a bit."

Only then did Princess Dunsu's expression improve. She waved her hand and said, "Since it was to pray for your father's blessings, then forget it. Sit down. The masters will be performing the rites in a moment."

Qi Xiao nodded but did not sit down as Princess Dunsu said. Instead, he approached and paid his respects to the elders one by one, starting with Old Princess Consort Chun. Although Old Princess Consort Chun had the highest seniority among those present, even she couldn't bear it and hurriedly stood up, saying, "Enough, enough, we see each other often. What are you doing?"

Princess Dunsu secretly admired him and laughed, saying, "Old Consort, there's no need to be polite. He's a junior who arrived later than us. It's only proper."

Empress Feng fiercely clutched her handkerchief. That's right! Just like his mother, no matter what he thinks in his heart, he never makes the slightest mistake in his outward propriety, leaving no room for criticism. It's all just superficial nonsense, but these people are all taken in by it!

Qi Xiao didn't know if everyone was taken in by it, but he only paid respects to the few people he truly regarded as elders. When it came to Empress Feng, Qi Xiao didn't say a single word.

Empress Feng's face turned pale. She looked at the people beside her. When Qi Xiao was late earlier, these people had also secretly complained, but who knew that when he arrived, they all showed flattering faces, as if they had only waited for "a short while."

Empress Feng sat dejectedly on the carved lacquered wooden chair, her heart bleak. Defeat is like a collapsing mountain... In the end, their power is too strong.

The hall was extremely quiet, waiting for the masters to finish the rites before starting the banquet. With the Emperor ill, it was not appropriate to have singing and dancing girls come to liven things up, and the dishes could not be arranged too lively either. It was much more subdued than usual.

If it were before, with the Emperor taking the lead in joking and laughing, it would still be fine, but now... Princess Dunsu looked at her silent nephew and sighed inwardly. Even Qi Hua's expression was better than his. Those who didn't know might think that he was the one who had been kept waiting for nearly an hour!

There were quite a few people present who wanted to say a few words to Qi Xiao to show their closeness, but Qi Xiao's bad temper was well-known. Before, they didn't dare to get too close to him out of consideration for the Emperor, but now that they wanted to be close, seeing that face full of frost, their hearts faltered first. How could they dare to joke around?

Princess Dunsu couldn't stand it and gave Jiang Deqing a look. Jiang Deqing smiled helplessly. Princess Dunsu knew very well what kind of temper his master had. Princess Dunsu gave a bitter smile. Forget it, forget it. At least they now know who they should flatter. That's enough.

Qi Xiao was just going through the motions today. The princes in the capital held no real power, so there was no need to excessively win them over. As long as they continued to sit on the fence like good boys, Qi Xiao couldn't be bothered with anything else. Right now, his mind was fully occupied with thoughts of the person sleeping on the warm, cozy bed in the inner chamber of his own residence.

Qi Xiao's eyes were half-closed as he gently stirred the amber and silver ear congee beside him, slowly savoring the earlier events. He felt a twinge of guilt in his heart. Bairen had rushed back to see him without stopping, and must have been very tired, yet he still...

Qi Xiao's heart ached. He thought that when he returned, he would hold his little prince and give him a nice, long soak in the bath. Anything too vigorous was probably out of the question, but he could still steal a few favors. Bairen was docile and would surely be obedient and affectionate with him.

Qi Xiao sighed softly in his heart. Absence indeed made the heart grow fonder. How wonderful...