Princess Consort Ying suppressed her anger and asked the female official beside her, "Did the Emperor return to Jiaotai Palace?"

"Yes." The female official kept her head down, trembling, as she heard Princess Consort Ying ask again, "What movement is there in Le’an Palace today?"

The female official replied softly, "Consort Le and Consort Wen were admiring osmanthus flowers together in the Imperial Garden today." She looked at Princess Consort Ying pleasingly, trying to pacify her, "Your Highness, the osmanthus blossoms are particularly late this year but more fragrant than in previous years. Consort Le and Consort Wen stayed an entire morning and even asked some of the maids to pick a lot to take back, saying they wanted to personally make Osmanthus Sugar."

Princess Consort Ying listened, her expression unchanging, before suddenly reaching out and slapping the female official, "At such a time, they still have the mood to enjoy flowers." Even after striking, her anger was not quelled; she pulled the golden hairpin from her head and stabbed the female official’s arm, cursing as she did, "Every one of you is heartless and ungrateful..."

"Spare me, Your Highness." The female official endured the pain, not daring to dodge, kneeling on the ground with a pale face, "This servant has no disloyalty to Your Highness, Your Highness..." Only after stabbing her dozens of times did Princess Consort Ying feel slightly relieved, dropping the hairpin on her face, "Get out!"

The female official felt as if she had been granted amnesty, stumbled to her feet, and exited through the hall door.

Thinking about the attitude of the Emperor just now, Princess Consort Ying sat powerlessly in the chair. The Emperor had always been good-tempered, treating her with favor over the years; even when new beauties entered the palace, he never neglected her. Why did his attitude suddenly turn so cold today?

Could it be because she asked the Emperor for a marriage decree?

It was a trivial matter, and her brother had just been commended for his merits in suppressing bandits. She had been careful with timing and discretion when asking for this matter; the Emperor shouldn’t be angry with her over this.

Then what could it be?

The more she thought about it, the angrier Princess Consort Ying became, just as an eunuch came in, speaking softly, "Your Highness, the master of Fengwu Palace requests your presence."

Fengwu Palace? Princess Consort Ying snorted coldly, "Go and tell them I have no time today and am not in the mood to see her!" The eunuch hesitated, but Princess Consort Ying had already ordered angrily, "Go!"

The eunuch complied, wondering how to appropriately relay this message, contemplating as he continued, "Your Highness, Grand Commander Xiao has entered the palace and gone to Jiaotai Palace."

Princess Consort Ying narrowed her eyes, appearing thoughtful, and asked, "What are the Princes doing?"

The eunuch replied, "The Eldest Prince and Third Prince are playing cuju at the riding ground, while the Second Prince is resting in West Five Houses."

Princess Consort Ying’s expression slightly eased, and she said no more, while the eunuch silently withdrew.

At the riding ground, Min was wearing a deep bamboo-colored short jacket, trousers in indigo blue with matching leg bands tied to his calves. After growing taller, he had lost much weight, yet his spirits seemed good. His jet-black eyes shone with a bright smile as he pointed at the Third Prince, saying, "You guard the corner gate. Later, I’ll pass the ball to you; let Little Suzi hold the rear, and you just focus on shooting the goal."

The Third Prince, slender and delicate, smiled, nodding vigorously, "Got it, brother." After speaking, he brushed off the eunuch trying to wipe his sweat, sprinting towards the opponent’s goal.

Min dribbled the ball past the others, sweat sliding down his brows onto his cheek. He had no time to wipe it off, shouting loudly, "Third Brother." The ball flew like an arrow, landing precisely at the Third Prince’s feet.

The Third Prince, following Min’s example, dribbled while panting. Little Suzi guarded behind him, intercepting others, while Min rushed over to protect him, and at the right moment shouted, "Shoot!" The Third Prince lifted his left foot obediently, the ball flying into the goal as expected.

"Goal!" The Third Prince flushed with excitement, his appearance exceedingly beautiful, making his smile almost indistinguishable in terms of male or female allure. Everyone around stared in a daze as he laughed and embraced Min, saying gleefully, "Brother, you’re amazing," full of dependence and admiration.

"Take a break." Min smiled as he wiped his sweat, the Third Prince nodding, pulling Min to rest on a prepared chair.

At this moment, Chief Su came over, smiled, and greeted both of them. He then whispered in Min’s ear, "Your Highness, Grand Commander Xiao has entered the palace."

Min’s expression remained unchanged, maintaining his smile, yet he quietly replied, "Understood." After speaking, he nonchalantly continued his conversation with the Third Prince.

Chief Su quietly retreated.

The eunuch beside the Third Prince came up to report, "Your Highness, Her Highness asks you to go over; she has something to discuss with you." The Third Prince frowned slightly and looked at Min, who nodded, "Her Highness calling you means there’s something important. We can play another day." Saying this, he paused and stood up, "I’ll walk you over."

"No need." The Third Prince waved his hand, "Didn’t you schedule a meeting with Lord Tong? You should hurry; I’ll go alone." Pausing, he added, "Shall we have dinner together tonight?"

Min was slightly worried, but seeing the Third Prince’s insistence, he nodded slightly, making some careful instructions to those around him, then said, "Be careful on the way."

The Third Prince acknowledged, leaving with two eunuchs.

Min waved aside those around him and summoned Chief Su, his tone no longer as lighthearted but calm and powerful, "Do you know why the Emperor summoned the Grand Commander?"

"I don’t know," Chief Su replied, recounting the Emperor’s departure from Caisi Palace in detail, "Do you think the Emperor will grant Princess Consort Ying’s request for marriage?"

A slight, indifferent smile appeared at the corner of Min’s lips, his tone detached yet extremely certain, "No." He paused when he saw Chief Su’s puzzled look, explaining, "There was the marriage decree for Princess Consort Ying’s younger sister; such things can happen once but not twice. Princess Consort Ying will not get her wish this time."

Chief Su pondered, recalling the Emperor’s displeasure upon leaving, and commented, "... His Highness’s thoughts are indeed comprehensive."

Min glanced at him leisurely, this look causing Chief Su’s body to shiver involuntarily, stifling a dry laugh and hanging his head.

Min tossed aside the towel he was holding and stood up, gazing into the distance contemplatively, "There will only be more matters to handle in the future; it will be hard on you." Chief Su hesitated, then lowered his head, "It is an honor to serve His Highness, not a hardship," and followed him step by step.

"Deliver the gift I prepared and the letter to the Great Governor later, ensuring no one sees it." Min spoke softly, his footsteps unceasing.

Chief Su nodded in response, "I understand, Your Highness."

Min strolled casually, his expression relaxed yet holding an unshakable gloom within his heart. His mother had given birth to a younger sibling last month, and no one knew how much he longed to return and take a look, but the current situation was growing increasingly tense; he couldn’t risk doing anything harmful to himself or Mrs. Xiao. He could only wait for the right opportunity.

Mother, wait for me, wait until I can take control of my own destiny, wait until I can openly return home, wait until I can attend you without any reservations.

Believe me, that day is not far away!

Meanwhile, as Fourth Master Xiao entered Jiaotai Palace, he saw the Emperor casually sitting on the sculpted dragon and phoenix-patterned eight-step bed, sipping tea with an easy and leisurely demeanor. He quickly glanced around, then cupped his hands in salute, "Your Majesty, your humble servant greets you."