Chapter 48

Chapter 48 As he left the Orchid Fragrance Pavilion, Prince Jing gazed at the sun already sinking toward the mountain's base, a wave of exhaustion washing over him. Eunuch Shian attended him carefully at his side. "Your Highness, will you be going to the front courtyard tonight, or to one of the mistresses' courtyards?" Prince Jing's mind suddenly conjured Xie Run's face. So gentle and serene, carrying traces of delicate charm—like a wisp of clear breeze and warm sunlight brushing past his weary heart. "To the Forest Pavilion." Eunuch Shian immediately reminded him, "Your Highness, Mistress Xie has already moved to Spring Mountain Court." Prince Jing felt a stir in his heart. "That quickly?" Eunuch Shian smiled. "Your Highness gave the order personally—of course the servants below wouldn't dare delay." Prince Jing asked as he walked, "How is the renovation of Spring Mountain Court coming along?" "It was finished long ago. It was Mistress Xie who was being cautious, which is why she hadn't moved yet." Eunuch Shian explained in detail, "Now that it's been cleaned, she can move right in." "As for other things, they can be added gradually later." Prince Jing nodded and said no more. Arriving at Spring Mountain Court, they happened to run into Xiaoshu directing maidservants and matrons as they carried trunks. Seeing Prince Jing, the group hurriedly bowed. "This servant greets Your Highness." Prince Jing cast a casual glance. "Where is your mistress?" Xiaoshu bowed in reply, "After finishing her evening meal, the mistress is taking a stroll in the courtyard." Prince Jing gave a slight nod. "Keep the noise down—don't startle your mistress." "Yes!" Only after Prince Jing entered Spring Mountain Court did Xiaoshu and the others rise. The young maidservant beside her was Yueya'er's younger sister, Yueliang'er. She blinked with curious eyes and whispered, "His Highness truly cares for the mistress—he even gives such small instructions?" Xiaoshu felt pleased to hear this. "In the past, His Highness cherished the mistress, but never with such attentiveness." "Perhaps it's because of the poisoning incident that His Highness dotes on the mistress even more." Xiaoshu sighed with both emotion and relief. "I only hope the mistress's hardships have come to an end, and she won't suffer even the slightest grievance again." Yueliang'er nodded in agreement. "Exactly!" Ever since Xie Run had been elevated to Concubine Consort, she had begun selecting staff for the rear courtyard. The Forest Pavilion was small—besides Hongxi and Lüzhi who had come first to fill the vacancies, the others she had chosen had long been sent to Spring Mountain Court. Now that Xie Run had moved in, the entire Spring Mountain Court had become much livelier. That evening, when Xie Run merely mentioned going for a walk, a crowd of attendants followed to serve her. Two second-rank maidservants led the way carrying paper lanterns; on the left, Lüzhi held an exquisite octagonal glass lantern; on the right, Dantao steadily supported her. Behind them followed Yueya'er and a newly arrived young eunuch. Xie Run was impatient with so many people trailing after her. She waved her hand. "Yueya'er and Chunjuan stay. I'm just taking a few steps around the courtyard—why do I need so many people following?" She was only three and a half months pregnant—she could move perfectly normally, thank you very much! Chunjuan was the only young eunuch in Spring Mountain Court. Both he and Yueya'er felt somewhat nervous. Just then, someone suddenly called out, "His Highness has arrived." The whole group hurriedly bowed. "This servant greets Your Highness." Before Xie Run could even crouch into a full bow, a large hand caught hers. The voice that fell upon her ears was deep and crisp, yet laced with tenderness. "Is your body still feeling unwell?" "I'm quite well. Away from the Forest Pavilion, my spirits have improved greatly." Xie Run rose, joy coloring her brows and eyes like a magnolia blooming in the moonlight, her voice especially gentle. Prince Jing's heart softened. "I told you long ago to move courtyards, but you insisted on staying." Xie Run secretly tugged at Prince Jing's hand with a coy pout. "Those who mean harm won't stop just because one changes courtyards." "If I had moved to Spring Mountain Court earlier, I'd be like Sister Fang now—having to relocate again to some small nearby courtyard." Fang Yuan'er had already moved twice during this pregnancy, and something had happened each time. Just watching had made Xie Run's heart race. Prince Jing chuckled. "Only you are this clever." Xie Run said with some pride, "Not only because I'm clever, but also because I'm cautious." Prince Jing loved the way she lifted her chin with that proud, coquettish air. He agreed readily, praising with a laugh, "Clever indeed, and cautious indeed!" Amid their banter, Prince Jing finally asked, "The weather is getting colder by the day. You still walk in the evenings?" He knew of Xie Run's habit of taking walks. Xie Run nodded. "The physician said that regular walking strengthens the body." "And if the mother is strong, how could the child not be strong as well?" Prince Jing enjoyed hearing such words. "I too hope you will give birth to a robust child."