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In these past few months, the place he frequented the most had become the Kunning Palace.

As the emperor and empress entered the inner chamber, Aunt Gui, with great perceptiveness, led the group of palace maids out in a single file.

Emperor Jia You looked at Empress Qi, who was writing the list of imperial gifts, and suddenly said, "I plan to abdicate the throne to the crown prince next summer."

The ink dropped onto the paper with a splat.

Empress Qi, holding a wolf-hair brush soaked in ink, lifted her gaze in a daze, staring at Emperor Jia You without a word.

Emperor Jia You smiled slightly and said, "When that time comes, think about where we can go for a leisurely trip. Originally, I wanted to visit Taiyuan Prefecture, but Yi'er is such a thoughtful child; we would likely worry every night if we went there."

They had resided in this palace together with Empress Qi for over two decades.

Last year, Eunuch Sun had said that if he were to concern himself less with state affairs, he might live for another two or three years. However, according to what the crown prince had mentioned that day, his time was probably due next winter.

Indeed, Emperor Jia You felt that his health was deteriorating rapidly, and he found himself increasingly unable to wake up. In the past, he spent seven out of ten days resting in the Qianqing Palace or the Yuxiu Hall. Empress Qi could only glean information about his condition from Eunuch Sun and Wang Dehai.

In these past few months, Emperor Jiayou had spent almost every night in the Kunning Palace, with Empress Qi serving him tea and medicine during his fits of coughing blood.

She knew about his deteriorating health and that he had been coughing blood for years, but she never imagined it had worsened to such an extent.

As long-time partners, Empress Qi understood the implications of Emperor Jiayou's words. He believed his time was near and wished to rest peacefully in his remaining days.

Throwing down her writing brush, Empress Qi felt a rare surge of anger. "Your Majesty, don't say such things!"

Having managed the Kunning Palace for many years, she had honed her self-control and seldom lost her temper. The woman before her, with a frosty expression yet gradually reddening eyes, began to resemble the vivid face from her memories.

Emperor Jiayou smiled gently.

Back then, everyone praised Lady Qi as gentle, virtuous, and thrifty, but only those close to her knew of her fiery temperament. In Taiyuan, she had once tugged on his ear, calling him "Xiao Yan" with irritation.

Remaining as composed as ever, Emperor Jiayou replied, "Crown Prince resolved the situation in Liaodong ingeniously. His capabilities surpass my expectations. I can entrust Great Yin to him with confidence. The Crown Prince will surely govern better than I."

On that day, the Crown Prince said he would rule for ten years, then pass the throne to Huai'an.

Emperor Jia You, however, did not wish for such an outcome. The Empress was right; any offspring he sired with that child would also be of the Xiao family.

"You always spoke of wanting to visit the northern borders where your ancestors once guarded. Let us go there," Emperor Jia You sighed. "I understand your nature. After accompanying me back from the northern borders, you won't need to visit the Imperial Mausoleum or Great Compassion Monastery, not even for a single day. You'll remain in the palace. I've already instructed the repairs of Cining Palace. Stay in the palace and take good care of our child."

The tears that Queen Qi had been holding back finally fell.

He had even arranged matters concerning his passing!

Emperor Jia You reached out to wipe away her tears. "Empress, consent to my request."

She adored snow; next winter, the vast, snowy landscapes in the northern wilderness would likely be breathtaking.

In the Eastern Palace, within the Purple Imperial Palace.

The eaves moon shone high, while crimson candles flickered in silence.

As Gu Changjin emerged from the hot springs, he overheard Rong Shu still diligently instructing Yingyue and Ying Que on what sort of early meal to prepare for Xiao Huaian. He couldn't help but create a slight disturbance.

That day, after leaving the imperial garden, Xiao Huaian had followed them and asked if he could go to the Eastern Palace to play with Chang Ji and the others.

The young lad had an endearing appearance. When he blinked his eyes at someone, it was rare for an ordinary person not to melt with compassion and find it hard to turn him down. Gu Changjin was that person with an unyielding, stony heart, while Rong Shu was the one who found it unbearable to refuse.

The one who couldn't bear to refuse spoke up before the other, stony-hearted as he was, and thus Xiao Huaian ended up accompanying them to the Eastern Palace. He would even follow them back to Minglu Yard the next day.

When Gu Changjin emerged from the purification chamber, Rong Shu was holding a copper warming pouch, while Yingyue and Ying Que were braiding her hair.

Hearing the commotion, she quickly lifted her gaze and said, "It will be done shortly. Youngsters are in the midst of growth, and progress must be made each day. One must not neglect their morning meal."

This lady clearly sensed his jealousy, yet she paid no heed to it.

Gu Changjin gazed at the corners of her lips, where a gentle smile resided.

Recalling the previous year when he accompanied her on her return visit to her family, her two youngest brothers, who were still young, adored her, constantly calling out "Big Sister" and "Sis." It seemed she had always longed for a younger brother or sister who was close to her since she was young.

Well, let her have her way. As long as she was happy.

Once Rong Shu finished giving her instructions, her hair had just dried completely. She extinguished the lamp and climbed onto the bed.

The man, who had already lain down, suddenly rolled over and pinned her beneath him. "Yesterday, you said I've lost weight."

He pecked at the corner of her lips, savoring her soft petals, then added, "Shouldn't I also be nourished?"

Rong Shu's breathing quickened under his tender attentions.

She weakly pushed him away and pouted, "How do you plan to nourish yourself?"

No sooner had she spoken than her mouth was covered. Gu Changjin sucked on her tongue, demonstrating in action how a man's notion of "nourishment" should be achieved.

Chapter 122

The following day was a beautiful one, with gentle winds, clear skies, and not a single cloud in sight.

Rong Shu set out early for Minglu Yard, accompanied by several carriages filled with gifts for her return visit.

Half of the gifts were prepared by Zhu Jun, while the other half came from the palace. The carriages were loaded with boxes of congratulatory fruits, blessed pastries, various mountain delicacies, seafood, bolts of silk and cloth, and another carriage filled with paintings and calligraphy, as well as two boxes of jewels. The Empress had even personally bestowed two jade scepters.

These gifts were a sincere show of respect, reflecting the high regard that the palace held for Rong Shu.

Inside the carriage, Rong Shu counted on her fingers. This was her third return visit with Gu Changjin. She raised her slender finger, forming a "three" in the air for the gentleman beside her.

In this world, perhaps only Gu Changjin understood the deeper meaning behind the word "three."