无翼乌工口里番无色无摭挡

Crystal Clear Manor was brightly lit, with palace maids like Huang Ying awaiting their return.

Even in Li Yuanyuan’s Yellow Flower Pavilion, the lamp was lit, and messengers were sent occasionally to inquire if the Crown Prince and Princess Consort had returned.

Although Wenzan had already begun his enlightenment and studied with Li Tingqian in the Elegance Palace on weekdays, Lingzi often visited Li Yuanyuan’s place.

Li Yuanyuan couldn’t stop Lingzi from going but was worried about the Crown Prince finding out and getting angry.

Last time Lingzi caught a cold, the Crown Prince blamed Li Yuanyuan, scolded her severely and warned her not to approach the two children again.

Li Yuanyuan felt that it was really difficult.

When she found out that the Princess Consort had returned, she hurriedly took Lingzi’s hand and brought her back to Crystal Clear Manor.

Yawning with her little mouth open, Lingzi saw her mother and immediately spread her arms to hug her neck, resting her little head on her shoulder, feeling drowsy.

Jiang Ning touched Lingzi’s forehead and back heart, listened to her breathing, and after confirming that there was nothing unusual, carried her to the bedroom and placed her onto the bed.

Chunlai led the little palace maids to watch over Lingzi.

Li Yuanyuan did not expect the Crown Prince to be in Crystal Clear Manor and knelt down nervously to pay her respects.

“Why are you here again?” Li Hongyuan asked.

“Answering Your Highness, I brought the young Princess back.”

“Haven’t I told you not to approach them again?”

“It’s my fault; please punish me, Your Highness.” Li Yuanyuan knelt obediently on the ground, ready to accept any punishment or beating.

Jiang Ning stepped forward and said, “Concubine Li, thank you for taking care of Lingzi today. It’s late; go back and rest. If there’s anything else, we can discuss it tomorrow.”

“Yes.”

While Li Yuanyuan replied, she didn’t dare to stand up.

Jiang Ning looked at Li Hongyuan and said, “It’s so late; let’s not make a fuss.”

Only then did Li Hongyuan wave his hand, “Go.”

Li Yuanyuan stood up hurriedly and left quietly.

Watching her elegant figure depart, Jiang Ning sat in the chair and picked up a cup of tea, questioning, “I don’t understand why you always have a problem with Li Yuanyuan. Are you an eleven-year-old boy who expresses his liking for a girl by playing pranks on her?”

Li Hongyuan replied coldly, “You’re spouting nonsense. I punished her because she, as a concubine, broke the rules. Are you now complaining about the injustice on her behalf?”

“Since I am the Crown Prince’s Main Consort, the concubines in the East Palace…even though there’s only Li Yuanyuan right now, they should be under my management. Your Highness, it seems quite unbecoming for a Crown Prince like you to interfere with such matters.”

Li Hongyuan was amused with anger, “So, according to your words, am I a prince without the right to manage my own wives and concubines?”

“No, you’re not. Just take a look, your Queen Mother manages the Harem, and the Emperor Father rarely interferes. If he meddles in everything, would it leave any face for the Empress?”

Li Hongyuan stared at her for a while and snorted, “Sharp-tongued. Fine, I won’t get involved; you can handle it.”

“I’ve been doing a good job; Li Yuanyuan is very obedient and well-behaved. When I’m not in the palace, she helps me look after the children, keeps Lingzi company, reads poetry and prose to her, and teaches her to write.”

What a good tutor!

“The power struggles in the harem have always been unavoidable, but you don’t seem worried that Li Yuanyuan may have any ill intentions towards our children.”

“Ever since I married you, I’ve known your concubine for two or three years. Under your strict treatment, she has managed to stay strong and resilient. We are all women; there’s no need to make things difficult for each other unless it’s necessary.”