Chapter 81

Empress Qin frowned slightly, her tone hinting at a touch of displeasure.

"Why are you going to the south? No one could persuade you. You were never this capricious before. Could it be because I punished Consort Li, which upset you, and you are using this method to protest against me?"

Luo Qinghan lowered his eyes. "Whatever Mother Empress does, there is always a reason. Moreover, Consort Li was indeed at fault, and it was right for you to punish her. I have no objections."

Seeing that she could not get anything out of him, Empress Qin decided not to waste her words and said coolly, "You may return. I hope you come back safely. I do not wish to waste my energy on cultivating another prince."

"Please take care of yourself, Mother Empress. I will take my leave."

Luo Qinghan left the Pepper Room Palace.

Empress Qin pinched the bridge of her nose.

Seeing this, Pearl took the initiative to step forward and gently massaged her temples.

"Your Majesty, please do not worry and harm your health."

Empress Qin closed her eyes, trying to relax her body, but her brows still furrowed involuntarily.

"It's not that I must worry, but the Crown Prince is too troublesome. Instead of staying in the palace, he insists on going out to perform a rain-summoning ritual. Does he think he doesn't have enough trouble already?!"

Pearl comforted her softly, "His Highness is still young and has grown up in the palace. Naturally, he would be curious about the outside world. Once we find him a Crown Princess, she can manage him well and bear him a few healthy sons. Then he won't think about going out anymore."

Empress Qin opened her eyes. "You're right. It's time to choose a Crown Princess for him."

Originally, she had hoped that Consort Li would help keep an eye on the Eastern Palace, but now that she could no longer rely on her, she needed to arrange for someone else. When it was time to choose a Crown Princess, she would also select a few obedient and sensible girls to be placed in the Eastern Palace.

...

In the Qingge Hall.

Xiao Xixi was about to go to the small kitchen to check on the duck when Consort Bai suddenly came to visit.

Xiao Xixi had no choice but to put aside her beloved roast duck and go out to receive her guest.

She performed a deep bow to Consort Bai.

"I heard that you have not been feeling well recently. Why aren't you resting in your room? What do you need from me?"

With Liu Xu's help, Consort Bai knelt and sat on a soft cushion, speaking softly.

"I dare not give orders, but there is something I would like to ask for your help with."

Xiao Xixi sat down opposite her and asked curiously, "What is it?"

Consort Bai was as beautiful as a flower, with a delicate and frail demeanor that easily aroused a man's protective instincts.

She covered her mouth with a silk handkerchief, lowered her head, and gently coughed a few times before speaking softly.

"Have you heard that the Crown Prince is preparing to go south?"

Xiao Xixi looked puzzled. "Ah?"

She had been in the palace all day, only going as far as the vegetable garden in the back courtyard. She had no idea what was happening outside.

Consort Bai thought she was pretending to be ignorant and said pointedly, "The Crown Prince has been staying in Qingge Hall every night recently. You have been with him every day. How could he not have mentioned such an important matter to you? Or do you actually know and just don't want to tell me?"

Xiao Xixi detected the hidden meaning in her words and frowned. "I really don't know. Please just say what you want to say, Sister."

Seeing that she was genuinely unaware, Consort Bai felt a bit relieved.

It turned out that the Crown Prince didn't tell Xiao Liangdi everything.

It seemed that in the Crown Prince's heart, Xiao Liangdi wasn't anything special.