Chapter 245

Chapter 245

At this moment, Noble Lady Qing couldn’t just give reactions without speaking anymore. It was time for her to voice her thoughts and show her worth, rather than continuing to be just a pretty face.

"Ru Ying is so lucky to have big sister looking after her in the palace, accompanying big sister daily, just like back home. I only hope big sister won’t find Ru Ying too talkative or bothersome," Noble Lady Qing said unhurriedly, wearing a bright smile. Compared to her earlier subdued gentleness, she now exuded a more radiant, playful energy.

She looked exactly like a younger sister occasionally showing that cute, coquettish side while interacting with her elder sister—appearing exceptionally close to her.

Just as she had said, simply being by her elder sister’s side without being considered a nuisance was more than enough.

She didn’t outright declare that she would rather stay with her elder sister than join the trip, but her words carried that implication—a smooth, courtly reply.

Only, compared to outright insincerity, her phrasing sounded far more graceful.

Imperial Noble Consort side-eyed her. "You—always saying such silly things."

Noble Lady Qing’s cheeks flushed slightly as she lowered her head, looking adorably flustered—her demeanor gentle yet still spirited.

Too much demureness at Noble Lady Qing’s age might seem stiff, even rigid, especially in front of Imperial Noble Consort.

But this timely liveliness hit just the right note, preventing their sisterly interactions from becoming overly formal and distant. She knew exactly how to maintain the balance.

Su Yi watched as Imperial Noble Consort and Noble Lady Qing exchanged smiles, and she merely smiled in return without speaking.

If she had to describe it, it felt like accidentally stumbling into a scene of fake sisterly bonding. Unsure of what to say, she opted to keep smiling.

Though Su Yi didn’t let her lack of interest show on her face, she was already zoning out.

She was now inspecting her nails, wondering if they needed trimming.

After all, whether before serious matters or during idle moments, even plain nails could suddenly seem weirdly interesting.

Even someone who normally paid no attention to their fingers could get obsessed with their nails—even without any polish.

They seemed almost magnetic, effortlessly capturing one’s focus.

Just as she was about to lose herself completely in nail inspection, Qinxin showed up like a lifesaver.

She brought news that little milk dragon had arrived.

Knowing Su Yi had guests, he waited outside this time instead of barging in to act spoiled as usual, so as not to disturb Honored Mother Consort.

Not disturbing Honored Mother Consort, but the little scamp had no shame.

Little scamp: Mrrow!

Though little milk dragon was willing to wait, the palace attendants couldn’t possibly let him linger for too long.

So, they promptly informed Qinxin, who then came to notify Su Yi—also quietly signaling that it was time for Imperial Noble Consort and her party to head out.

They had stayed long enough.

Qinxin wasn’t sent away but remained hovering nearby, still able to overhear some of the conversation.

"The Crown Prince must have finished his studies by now," Imperial Noble Consort remarked, finally checking the time. The Crown Prince had likely come straight here after his lessons.

Previously, he would go directly to the Palace of Heavenly Purity, but now that Rong Noble Consort has returned to Yonghe Palace, he would be coming here instead.

Knowing that the Crown Prince was already waiting outside, Imperial Noble Consort took her cue to leave. It wouldn't be appropriate to keep the Crown Prince waiting any longer by staying with Noble Lady Qing. Besides, they had already said everything they came to say today, so there was no reason to linger.

When Imperial Noble Consort decided to leave, Noble Lady Qing naturally had to follow. At this moment, she had no authority to decide whether to stay or leave.

All Noble Lady Qing needed to do now was follow Imperial Noble Consort's departure.

In all respects, at least outwardly.

Su Yi showed no intention of rising to see them off. While it was possible to perform the farewell courtesies, it wasn't necessary.

If it was possible but unnecessary, then she simply wouldn't do it.

Such was Su Yi's logic—flawlessly pragmatic.

Imperial Noble Consort wasn't surprised, as this wasn't the first time. Besides, Qinxin was there to perform the farewell courtesies.

This arrangement, however, made Noble Lady Qing privately marvel. Even such superficial courtesies were being skipped.

She knew a little about Imperial Noble Consort's temperament, and this could be considered borderline disrespectful. Yet, she betrayed no irritation.

Her elder sister had an unexpectedly high tolerance for Rong Noble Consort.

Lagging slightly behind Imperial Noble Consort, Noble Lady Qing couldn't help but steal a sidelong glance at Rong Noble Consort. Though it was just a fleeting look, she snapped her eyes away.

It was discreet and swift, minimizing any risk of detection.

Though their eyes didn't meet, and Rong Noble Consort didn't seem to be looking in her direction—her gaze was elsewhere—Noble Lady Qing still couldn't shake the suspicion that the other woman had sensed her glancing back.

Upon exiting, they naturally encountered the waiting Crown Prince.

Imperial Noble Consort and Noble Lady Qing bowed first, and the little milk dragon acknowledged with a nod.

As for Noble Lady Qing, who was slightly behind, the little milk dragon gave her only cursory attention before turning his focus back to Imperial Noble Consort. "Imperial Noble Consort."

Though young, he already conducted himself with the demeanor of a Crown Prince, his manners impeccably taught.

Were it not for the oversized chubby cat wearing a little red hat in his arms, he would indeed cut a flawless figure.

After exchanging a few polite words, the brief encounter came to an end.

After all, even though they were both consorts and technically the Crown Prince's mother-consorts, their positions were fundamentally different.

Imperial Noble Consort escorted Noble Lady Qing out, her face inscrutable.

As she left, Noble Lady Qing could have sworn she heard the Crown Prince's voice calling out, "Honored Mother Consort."

Unlike his earlier reserved and mature demeanor, there was now a spark of childish exuberance in his tone.

The rumors were true—the Crown Prince really was uncommonly attached to Rong Noble Consort.

Today's visit with Imperial Noble Consort had also been a chance to observe this Rong Noble Consort firsthand.

Only by accompanying Imperial Noble Consort could she avoid arousing undue attention or conjecture about her intentions.

And it also prevented the indignity of being turned away at Yonghe Palace's gates.

The way Noble Consort Rong entertains guests is somewhat unique, and Noble Lady Qing has heard a little about it, so she'd rather not experience it firsthand.

Little Milk Dragon almost ran off to the Qianqing Palace again but realized halfway there that Honored Mother Consort was no longer there. Without hesitation, he immediately changed course.

He happened to run into someone arriving, so Little Milk Dragon had to play with the kid with the bowl-cut first, as going straight over would disturb Honored Mother Consort.

But he didn't have to wait long before seeing Honored Mother Consort. Holding the kid with the bowl-cut, Little Milk Dragon didn't even feel the weight, smiling adorably as he came over to be cuddly.

He mentioned how he'd gone the wrong way halfway and almost wasted time.

Su Yi stroked the little one's head, smiling, "It didn't waste much time. You came just at the right moment—just when I was thinking of Baocheng."

And it really was perfect.

Over here, they were just thinking about passing the time by playing with nails, and then Little Milk Dragon arrived. It was just too perfect.

Of course, she really had missed the little one.

The little one is truly healing.

Seeing Honored Mother Consort looking at him with a bright smile and in good spirits, Little Milk Dragon smiled too.

As long as Honored Mother Consort wasn't upset, that was good. On the way here, he'd overheard palace maids talking about Honored Mother Consort moving back to Yonghe Palace and was a little worried she might be in a bad mood.

Now seeing Honored Mother Consort as usual, Little Milk Dragon felt slightly relieved. Moving back was just moving back—it didn't change anything since he'd still come to see her. What difference did it make?

This time, Little Milk Dragon smoothly managed to stay for dinner, eating so heartily he nearly overate.

Imperial Father really didn't show up.

During the meal, Little Milk Dragon was on his best behavior, not picky at all, with a great appetite. Even after finishing, he was still a little in disbelief.

It was rare to actually dine with Honored Mother Consort like this.

This time, they really had a proper meal together, and Imperial Father didn't appear. It all felt a bit unreal to Little Milk Dragon.

But Honored Mother Consort didn't seem surprised, nor could he tell if she was unhappy.

Honored Mother Consort always seemed to have a smile, even when she was lazy and expressionless. It was rare to see her visibly upset.

Or rather, Little Milk Dragon could hardly remember seeing her unhappy.

Only then did he cautiously bring up how Imperial Father hadn't come for dinner.

He was a little unsure, worried that Honored Mother Consort might be hiding her feelings to avoid affecting him.

Like, forcing a smile.

If Honored Mother Consort was doing that, it wouldn't be good for her health. Little Milk Dragon was genuinely concerned.

"Oh, because I had a fight with your Imperial Father today," Su Yi replied almost expressionlessly, very calmly.