Chapter 365 – They’re Back

Chapter 365 - They're Back

He Jinning and his entourage returned on the seventh day of the ninth month.

Due to the rain they encountered, their journey was delayed by two or three days.

As there was no imperial decree summoning the Second Prince and company to greet them, only court officials were present for their arrival. When they arrived at the palace, it was around noon.

Though it was already September, the weather was not yet cold. However, the chill from the previous day's rain could still be felt slightly.

But as noon approached, the warmth returned.

The concubines had arrived early at the Empress Dowager's palace, awaiting the Emperor's visit to pay respects.

Upon their first meeting that day, naturally, no one brought up any distressing matters.

Amidst harmonious conversations, they enjoyed a casual meal at the Empress Dowager's residence.

The emperor showed no intention of visiting the empress, and she herself made no comment.

By the time he returned to the Zhengyang Palace, it was already late.

He arrived back at the palace in the middle of the ninth hour of the morning, and after dining with the Empress Dowager and chatting for a while, it was already past the twelfth hour of the afternoon.

Hao Jinli took a moment to rest. He had been rushing to meet the auspicious time the previous night and was exhausted.

The Ninth Prince returned to the Jade Canal Palace and, after paying his respects, joked, "Mother, did you miss me?"

"I did, but I also missed how you ended up falling into the water during your trip," Yun Li poked his forehead playfully.

The Ninth Prince laughed heartily. "I told you why that happened!"

Yun Li smiled. "Mother knows. Were you happy on your journey? You've grown taller and tanned a bit, but you look full of energy."

"I rode horses every day on the grasslands. I was indeed very happy, and I brought back many things for you, though I haven't sorted them out yet. I'll send them over soon. There are gifts from people in the south, some from the north, and others that I bought myself. I also bought something for Mother Mei."

She appreciated those who were friendly with her own mother.

"And what else?"

"The gifts are for the Qi family, for Seventh Uncle and Aunt, as well as for Grandfather and Grandmother. I also brought something for Great-Uncle and Eighth Uncle, just a small token of my appreciation," the Ninth Prince explained.

Yun Li nodded. "Well thought out."

The Ninth Prince grinned. "Are you testing me?"

Yun Li didn't confirm or deny it. She instructed someone to serve him his favorite drink.

"You must be tired. Take a nap here with Mother for a while. It's fine if you don't go back today," Yun Li offered.

The Ninth Prince shook his head. "I can take a nap, but I can't stay. Father will definitely come looking for me."

Yun Li chuckled, not arguing against the possibility.

Back in the Palace of Tranquil Ease, He Jingenli kept casting glances at her.

In the Bright Sun Palace, after taking a brief nap, He Jingenli finished handling urgent matters and proceeded to change clothes.

As he changed his clothes, he recalled Yun Li wearing a bright crimson dress during lunch, with her hair piled high, enhancing her charm and loveliness.

How could someone in her thirties become even more endearing to look at?

Enchantress.

Having finished dressing, He Jinli went to the Jade Channel Palace, the sky already turning dusky.

Seeing that he had no intention of visiting the Fengyi Palace, nobody dared to remind him.

In the Jade Channel Palace, Yun Li came out to greet him, "May the Emperor be at peace."

The Ninth Prince also hurried over, "May Father be at peace."

He Jinli waved for them to rise and held Yun Li's hand, "What were you mother and son talking about?"

"Replying to Father, nothing much. We just had a nap after our meal and have just woken up," the Ninth Prince replied.

He Jinli nodded, "It's almost dinner time. It's been a while since the three of us dined together. I've already instructed the servants to prepare some fine dishes tonight."

"Many thanks, Your Majesty. Actually, isn't every meal delightful? Nothing is ever unsatisfactory, is it?"

As they sat down, the dishes began to be served. Thus, they started their meal without much conversation.

Hek Jinli picked food for Yun Li, who in turn returned the favor.

The Ninth Prince suffered greatly throughout the meal. He was no longer a child; he couldn't simply ignore it, yet he couldn't bear to look either.

Finally, after the meal, he quickly excused himself, wishing his parents an early rest.

Hek Jinli chuckled and shook his head. "This child."

Yun Li's smile faded. "He deliberately wanted the Emperor to witness it, but in the end, the Emperor couldn't prevent it. Everyone is unscathed, except for Little Nine who had to endure it."

Hek Jinli knew that she would definitely grumble about it.

In such situations, other concubines wouldn't dare to complain; instead, they would express apologies, blaming their child for causing trouble.

But not her. She would always voice her grievances.

"It was my fault. Don't be upset, Yun Li." He Jinli really felt like an incompetent father who hadn't taken good care of his child while out.

Yun Li harrumphed. "The other day, I offended Empress Dowager."

She picked up a few phrases from that conversation.

He Jinli was at a loss for words.

"You really are..." He didn't believe that Yun Li, so astute, was unaware of the relationship between the Empress Dowager and him. Yet, she had deliberately used this matter to provoke the Empress Dowager.

But it had indeed struck a nerve with the Empress Dowager.

Yun Li harrumphed again. "She worries about those two rascals, but Xiao Jiu is my only child. Don't I worry? What if Xiao Jiu had been slow to react, or if the poisoner's actions had harmed his body?"

"Alright, alright, I'm here. Xiao Jiu is safe. From now on, I'll keep a close watch," He Jinli held her hand.

"Never mind, Your Majesty has just returned. I won't complain anymore," Yun Li said.

He Jinli smiled. "It's rare for Yun to be so understanding. It's late, shall we rest?"

"You rest now. Why do I feel so exhausted?" Yun Li raised her eyebrows with a smile.

He Jinli got up and took her hand. "Whether you're tired or not depends on how well Yun'er cooperates."

Entering the inner chamber, He Jinli was pushed down onto the bed by Yun Li.

There were still attendants around. Hearing the thud, even Meng Chang felt the pain on behalf of the emperor outside the door.

Could this be Empress Xian's way of retaliating against His Majesty?

But he couldn't eavesdrop any further; he quickly retreated to a distance.

Everyone in the room hurriedly left as well.

Yun Li climbed on top. "During your time away, with beauties by your side, I'm sure His Majesty was delighted. Yet, upon your return, you sought out this old and faded queen. Does that mean I still hold some favor in Your Majesty's eyes?"

He Jinli chuckled and reached out to circle her waist. "Are you jealous? You refused to come when I asked you. I've been incredibly busy lately; there hasn't been any time for enjoying the company of beauties."

It would be impossible to say that none of the concubines he brought along had been favored, but he truly hadn't given them much attention.

After all, she was no longer twenty years old.

Yun Li lowered herself and said, "Is Your Majesty being this well-behaved?"

He Jinli couldn't resist her provocations and, in one swift movement, hugged her, flipped them over, and pulled off her outer garment. "You'll know once you try it, Yun Li."

As he spoke, he bit her lip and pressed down on her.

As it turned out, actions truly spoke louder than words in such matters.

Yun Li believed that he hadn't favored any beauty for at least half a month.

Advanced in years though I am, there's still quite a bit of vigor left in me.

After all that commotion, it was inevitably morning by the time she could get up again. Yun Li didn't bother rising from bed at all.

Hao Jinli is to attend the early court session, so Yun Li directly asks for leave.

Ponder whatever you please, but at her age, such upheaval would be too much for her to bear.

Noticing her state, He Jinli smiled contentedly, "Yun-er, rest well. I'll come to see you again tonight."