AWB Chapter 156 Harmony with Prince Ning
Chapter 156 Harmony with Prince Ning
Xu Keke picked up a piece of cake and handed it to Princess Rui.
"Don't think about those troubles. Sister, try this new cake. It tastes really good."
Princess Rui took the pastry, took a bite, and praised it.
"It's really delicious. I heard that the chefs in your house are all selected from the imperial kitchen in the palace. You are so lucky."
Xu Ke said with a smile.
"If you like it, I'll have the cook send some to your house."
Princess Rui waved her hands quickly.
"That's unacceptable. I appreciate your kindness, sister."
The two chatted about some interesting things in the capital, and before they knew it, the sun was setting.
Princess Rui stood up and said.
"It's getting late, and I should go back home. I'll come visit my sister another day."
Xu Keke also stood up.
"Take care, sister. Come often when you have time."
After seeing off Princess Rui, Xu Ke returned to the main hall of the palace and asked someone to call Sheng Er.
"Guard Sheng, I have no plans to leave until the prince returns.
Therefore, I would like you to stop protecting me for the time being and instead take people to welcome the prince.
Get to know the prince’s itinerary in advance and report to me in time.
I can also book a suitable private room so that I can witness the prince's triumphant return with my own eyes."
Sheng Er was stunned when he heard this, and it took him a while to react. He quickly clasped his fists and responded:
"Don't worry, Princess. I'll do it right away and will definitely fulfill my mission."
After Sheng Er left.
Xu Ke paced back and forth in the hall, feeling extremely excited.
What should I do if I feel that the prince is getting closer and closer to me?
No wonder they say a short separation is better than a new marriage. The ancients were right.
............
The next day.
The snow finally stopped and the bright sun hung in the sky.
When Li Yueran appeared in front of Xu Keke, the smile on her face was as bright as the weather today.
"But sister, when I heard that you were pregnant, I wanted to come see you a long time ago, but it happened to be the New Year holiday recently, and there were some things going on at home, so I put it off until today."
Xu Ke smiled and took Li Yueran's hand.
"Sister, you are so thoughtful. Come and sit down."
Li Yueran sat down as he was told and looked carefully at Xu Keke's expression.
"But sister looks healthy, so I guess this pregnancy is going well."
Xu Ke gently stroked her belly.
"Well, it's going well, but my appetite is a little worse than usual."
"Then sister, you have to pay more attention to your diet and take good care of yourself."
The two chatted for a while about precautions during pregnancy.
Li Yueran suddenly seemed to remember something and took out an exquisite sachet from her arms.
"Sister, this is the peace sachet I specially asked for for you. It is said to protect pregnant women and fetuses."
Xu Keke took the sachet, feeling delighted.
"Thank you, sister. I accept your kindness."
At this time, the maid brought snacks and tea.
Xu Keke took a sip, looked around to see that there was no one behind Li Yueran, and then asked.
"Sister Ran, where is your maid?"
Li Yueran pointed to a place not far away and said with a smile.
"Isn't that right? He went to find my sister's two maids and said he wanted to pick some plum blossoms to take back and put in a vase for people to admire."
Just pick them. There are many plum trees in the palace.
Xu Keke looked at the maids chasing each other with laughter, and stood up to invite Li Yueran.
"The scenery after the snow is so beautiful. How about we go out and enjoy it together?"
Li Yueran responded with a smile.
"Okay, but my sister's house is so beautiful, it would be a shame if I didn't go and take a walk."
The two of them walked hand in hand in the courtyard. The snow on the ground had not completely melted yet, and the red carpet on the ground would not be slippery even if it got wet.
Arrived at Merlin's side.
Li Yueran said excitedly, pointing to a blooming plum blossom.
"But look, sister, the plum blossoms are even more beautiful after the snow."
Xu Ke nodded.
"Yes, as the saying goes, 'The fragrance of plum blossoms comes from the bitter cold.' Only after enduring wind and snow can their tenacity and beauty be revealed."
“It is said that the only places in the capital where plum blossoms grow in full bloom are the Prince Regent’s Mansion and the Imperial Palace.
These two places are not accessible to ordinary people.
There's a plum forest at the foot of Huxiao Mountain outside the South City Gate. These days, there are so many people going there to admire the plum blossoms that the flowers are almost all picked!"
Li Yueran came over and took Xu Ke's arm while walking and talking.
"So this is true. Did my sister also go out of town to pick plum blossoms?"
Xu Keke patted her hands and asked with a smile.
Li Yueran lowered her head, her face slightly red.
"I haven't been there, but sister, I came here today, not only to visit you, but also to tell you something."
Xu Keke looked at her shy look and guessed something in his heart.
Presumably, the Empress Dowager kept her promise and arranged a marriage between Li Yueran and Prince Ning.
I guessed it, but Xu Ke didn't say it and asked back.
"Oh? What do you want to tell me, sister?"
Li Yueran bit her red lips and spoke with courage.
"But sister, the Empress Dowager has appointed me to Prince Ning. When Prince Ning returns to the capital, both our families will prepare for the marriage."
Xu Ke pretended to be surprised.
"This is a great thing. My sister and Prince Ning are truly a match made in heaven."
Li Yueran smiled shyly.
"My sister would tease me, and I would feel both happy and nervous."
Xu Keke held her hand and spoke gently.
"Don't be nervous. My sister is so gentle and charming. She will definitely be able to get along well with Prince Ning."
hehehehe...
Xu Keke would never tell Li Yueran.
The Empress Dowager originally wanted to marry Miss Wei to Prince Ning.
It was she who interfered and secretly helped Li Yueran.
It was because the Empress Dowager was close to Xu Ke that she followed the advice of her young daughter-in-law.
Why do you do good deeds without leaving your name?
The reason she asked was that Xu Ke was worried that they wouldn't have a happy life after marriage, so she came to her to try to match them up.
When it's over, brush off your clothes and go away, hiding your merit and fame!
Xu Keke also kindly asked Prime Minister Li and his wife what their attitudes were towards this matter.
What other attitude could it be?
My daughter originally wanted to marry Prince Ning, and this would fulfill her wish.
Besides, how could one resist the Empress Dowager's decree?
Then I heard Li Yueran answer in a low voice.
"My parents are also very optimistic about this marriage. My mother is already helping me prepare my dowry."
"That's good, that's good. Sister Ran must live a happy life! It's worth all my...full blessings!"
“Thank you, Sister Ke. By the way, I also brought a bellyband embroidered for the baby.
According to the timing, my sister should give birth in the summer, so it will be just right for her to wear then."
As she said this, she called her maid, who brought her a silk handkerchief.
Li Yueran opened the handkerchief, revealing a bright red baby bellyband.
Xu Keke took the bellyband from her hand, carefully looked at the exquisite embroidery on it, and couldn't let it go.
"Sister Ran's craftsmanship is really getting better and better. This bellyband is embroidered so delicately that I can't bear to give it to my child."
Li Yueran covered her mouth and chuckled.
"Sister, what are you talking about? This is for my nephew. I hurriedly embroidered it after I learned that you were pregnant."
"Sister Ran is so thoughtful. Come on, let's go to the side room and sit for a while!"