Chapter 48

Chapter 48

After leaving the Orchid Fragrance Courtyard, Prince Jing gazed at the setting sun nearly touching the mountaintop, a wave of exhaustion washing over him.

Eunuch Shi'an attended him cautiously. "Your Highness, shall we go to the front courtyard tonight, or to which lady's courtyard?"

Prince Jing's mind suddenly conjured up Xie Run's face.

So gentle and serene, with a hint of delicate charm, like a gentle breeze and warm sunlight brushing past his weary heart.

"To the Forest Pavilion."

Eunuch Shi'an promptly reminded him, "Your Highness, Lady Xie has already moved to the Spring Mountain Courtyard."

Prince Jing's heart stirred slightly. "So soon?"

Eunuch Shi'an smiled. "Your Highness personally gave the orders, so the servants naturally dared not delay."

Prince Jing asked as he walked, "How is the renovation of the Spring Mountain Courtyard?"

"It was completed long ago. It was Lady Xie who was cautious, so she hadn't moved in yet," Eunuch Shi'an explained carefully. "Once it's cleaned, she can move in."

"As for other things, they can be added gradually later."

Prince Jing nodded and said no more.

Upon arriving at the Spring Mountain Courtyard, they happened to encounter Xiaoshu instructing the maids and servants on moving the trunks.

The group saw Prince Jing and quickly bowed. "We pay our respects, Your Highness."

Prince Jing glanced casually and asked, "Where is your mistress?"

Xiaoshu bowed and replied, "My mistress has finished her evening meal and is taking a stroll in the courtyard."

Prince Jing gave a slight nod. "Keep the noise down, so you don't disturb your mistress."

"Yes!"

Only after Prince Jing entered the Spring Mountain Courtyard did Xiaoshu and the others rise.

Beside her was Yueliang'er, Yueya'er's younger sister.

Her curious eyes widened as she whispered, "His Highness truly cares for our mistress, down to giving instructions about such small matters?"

Xiaoshu was pleased.

"Before, His Highness cherished our mistress, but he was never this meticulous."

"It must be because of the poisoning incident that His Highness cherishes her even more." Xiaoshu sighed, with a mix of emotion and relief. "I only hope our mistress's hardships are over, and she suffers no more grievances."

Yueliang'er nodded in agreement. "Indeed!"

Ever since Xie Run was promoted to Shu Fei, she had begun selecting people for the rear courtyard.

The Forest Pavilion was not large. Aside from Hong Xi and Lu Zhi, who had filled the vacancies first, the other chosen ones had long been sent to the Spring Mountain Courtyard.

Now that Xie Run had moved in, the entire Spring Mountain Courtyard was much livelier.

That evening, when Xie Run merely mentioned taking a walk, a crowd of servants followed to serve her.

Two second-class maids led the way with paper lanterns, while Lu Zhi carried an exquisite octagonal glass lamp on the left, and Dan Tao steadily supported her on the right.

Behind them followed Yueya'er and a newly arrived young eunuch.

Xie Run found it tiresome to have so many people following and waved her hand dismissively. "Yueya'er and Chunjuan stay; I'm just taking a few steps in the courtyard. Why do I need so many people following me?"

She was only three and a half months pregnant, and her movements were perfectly normal, after all!

Chunjuan was the only young eunuch in the Spring Mountain Courtyard.

Both he and Yueya'er felt a bit uneasy.

Just then, someone suddenly called out, "His Highness has arrived."

The group hurriedly bowed. "We pay our respects, Your Highness."

Before Xie Run could even crouch down, a large hand grasped hers.

A voice, deep and cool yet tinged with tenderness, reached her ears. "Are you still feeling unwell?"

"I'm fine. Leaving the Forest Pavilion has lifted my spirits considerably."

Xie Run rose, her face lit up with a smile like a magnolia in the moonlight, her voice exceptionally gentle.

Prince Jing's heart softened. "I told you to move to the courtyard long ago, but you refused."

Xie Run quietly tugged at Prince Jing's hand, a playful tone in her voice. "People who mean harm don't stop just because you change courtyards."

"If I had moved to the Spring Mountain Courtyard earlier, I would now have to be moved around to a nearby small courtyard like Sister Fang."

Fang Yuaner had moved twice already during this pregnancy, and each time something bad happened.

Xie Run found it unsettling just to watch.

Prince Jing chuckled. "You're so clever."

Xie Run said with pride, "It's not just because I'm clever, but also because I'm cautious."

Prince Jing loved her proud demeanor, her chin lifted high. He nodded repeatedly and praised her with a smile, "You're clever, you're cautious!"

As they laughed and talked, Prince Jing asked, "It's getting colder now. Do you still take evening walks?"

He knew Xie Run had a habit of walking for exercise.

Xie Run nodded. "The imperial physician said that regular walking strengthens the body."

"If the mother is strong, how can the child not be strong?"

Prince Jing enjoyed hearing such words.

"I also hope you give birth to a healthy child."