Cao Zhuang felt his heart leaping from his throat, yet his face maintained a calm and respectful smile. "For Consort Rong to be able to serve His Majesty in the palace is a fortune for the Zheng family."
The Emperor returned to his desk, his tone revealing no discernible emotion. "A Yuan and Consort Rong were childhood sweethearts. I even considered bestowing a marriage upon them back then, but alas..."
Cao Zhuang, with a fawning smile, refilled his tea. "It is all fate. The Prince just said that the young lady he brought into the manor is the only one he truly cares for. I wonder what special abilities she possesses to have captivated the Prince so deeply."
The last sentence was clearly an attempt to change the subject.
Serving a ruler was like walking with a tiger; he had been attending the Emperor for so many years and naturally knew what to say and when.
As expected, the Emperor's attention was immediately diverted. "A Yuan guards that woman fiercely, to the point that even I cannot find out about her."
Adhering to the principle of speaking less to err less, Cao Zhuang remained silent.
The Emperor picked up his teacup, then, as if remembering something, turned to him. "Has the decree for Consort Rong been issued?"
"It has already been sent to the Cold Palace," Cao Zhuang replied respectfully. "The palace is prepared, and Consort Rong can move in as soon as she is out of the Cold Palace."
The Emperor was silent for a moment, then put down his cup and rose from his desk. "Consort Rong has suffered much in the Cold Palace all these years. I shall personally escort her out."
Cao Zhuang's heart skipped a beat. Without daring to delay, he hurried to make arrangements.
The imperial harem was about to undergo a change.
...
Leaving the imperial palace, Qin Moyuan glanced back at the majestic and luxurious palace. A myriad of thoughts flickered in his eyes, but they eventually settled into a calm.
He said nothing and turned to enter the carriage.
Shen Yimin had been waiting for him. Seeing him enter, he respectfully called out, "Father."
To return to the manor, he was naturally using Shen Yimin's identity.
Qin Moyuan nodded and instructed them to drive the carriage back to the manor.
On the way, Qin Moyuan opened his eyes and looked at Shen Yimin, who was sitting obediently beside him. He suddenly asked, "Do you know why I asked you to return to the manor with me?"
Shen Yimin had now had his identity restored, and according to reason, he should be residing in the palace. Yet, Qin Moyuan had still asked him to return to the manor with him.
Shen Yimin truly did not know and honestly shook his head.
Qin Moyuan slightly lowered his gaze. "Since you are leaving, you must bid farewell to everyone, especially those who saved you and doted on you as if you were their own child."
If he did not return after his identity was restored, Ah Shu would surely be saddened.
With the matter explained to this extent, even if Shen Yimin were slower-witted, he would understand his meaning.
He nodded. "I understand."
Silence fell between them, and the carriage soon returned to the manor.
As Qin Moyuan entered, Chai Yang approached with two people. "Your Highness, Shi Dong and Ying Xin have returned."
Behind him followed two women with concealed auras and stern expressions.
These two were also hidden guards under Qin Moyuan's command, but they had been on missions outside for some time and had only recently returned.
Qin Moyuan looked at the two women. "Do you know why I recalled you?"
Shi Dong and Ying Xin respectfully bowed. "Your subordinate understands."
Upon hearing this, Qin Moyuan said no more and directly strode towards Rumo Residence.
When the group reached Rumo Residence, Li Yue Shu was playing Monopoly with the children, remnants of New Year's gifts, with Lian Xinghe pulled in to make up the numbers.
Seeing this harmonious scene unfold in the Regent's manor, Shi Dong and Ying Xin's expressions showed surprise, but they quickly suppressed their emotions and stood there expressionless, like statues.
Seeing them enter, Li Yue Shu put down Shen Zhiyu, whom she was holding, and walked over.
"How did it go?"
What she was asking about was the matter the two had gone out to handle.
Qin Moyuan nodded. "Ah Min will return to the palace tomorrow. It will not be so easy to leave the palace after that."
Although Li Yue Shu had anticipated this, she still felt a pang of sadness upon hearing it.
She looked at Shen Yimin beside her, then smiled faintly and changed the subject. "Everyone is playing Monopoly, would you like to join?"
Shen Yimin glanced at the group who were looking in their direction and nodded at Li Yue Shu before walking over.
The group sat together, their faces filled with relaxed and joyful smiles.
Although there were fewer people than in Tongmu County, the feeling of togetherness had not changed at all.
From the moment he entered Rumo Residence, Qin Moyuan's eyes had not left Li Yue Shu.
Watching the reluctant smile on her lips, Qin Moyuan spoke to divert her attention. "A Shu, I've brought two people for you."
Li Yue Shu followed his gaze and looked at the two unfamiliar women behind him.
"This is Shi Dong, she is steady and reserved. This is Ying Xin, she is straightforward and speaks her mind," Qin Moyuan introduced them separately. "They are both hidden guards under my command. They are vigilant in their duties. While their martial arts may not be comparable to Xinghe's, they are no less skilled than ordinary hidden guards."
Li Yue Shu did not understand the meaning behind him introducing these two to her, but she still nodded politely.
Seeing this, Qin Moyuan added, "From today onwards, these two will be by your side as personal maids and will also protect your safety."
Li Yue Shu clearly had not expected this to be the purpose of introducing the two. Her eyes widened in surprise. "As my personal maids? I don't need any of that!"
She could take care of herself perfectly well. Moreover, ever since Mother Mo had started following her, she had arranged almost every aspect of her life. Where would she need personal maids!
Seeing that her first reaction was not suspicion that she was being monitored, Qin Moyuan's lips curved in a pleased smile.
"Chongzhou is not like Tongmu County; there are dangers everywhere, and moreover, so many people are watching from outside. Having them with you will provide an extra layer of security."
Qin Moyuan patiently explained, "They have followed me for many years and are very knowledgeable about Chongzhou. If you need to go out for errands, they can make arrangements."
Upon hearing this, Li Yue Shu's expression became expectant. "Really?"
Although she was a homebody, there was a difference between being passively confined and actively choosing to stay in.
Qin Moyuan nodded and added, "The eyes and ears in Chongzhou are too numerous and complex. If you go out alone, you must return before dark."
The children were all staying at the manor, so he wasn't afraid she wouldn't return!
Li Yue Shu was completely unaware of his sly intentions. She was simply excited at the prospect of being able to go out.
Watching her demeanor, Qin Moyuan's face also wore a smile.
He raised his hand, signaling the few to withdraw.
"A Shu, I received news from my imperial brother during my visit to the palace today." Qin Moyuan's expression turned serious. "The Crown Prince and the Zhenbei General's manor are betrothed..."
He then roughly recounted the late emperor's decree and how the Gu family had proactively proposed.
Li Yue Shu was not surprised that the male and female leads would end up together, but she was still somewhat astonished.
Judging by the timing, the plot point of the male and female leads getting engaged seemed to have arrived earlier.
This was good news for her!
Even if only the timing had changed, if even the male and female leads' affairs had changed, it proved that the power of plot correction wasn't so terrifying!
Thinking this, Li Yue Shu's mood visibly brightened.
Qin Moyuan was somewhat puzzled, unable to fathom why she would be so happy about the Crown Prince's betrothal to Li Xiangru.
Just as he was about to ask, Li Yue Shu turned to him. "By the way, so much time has passed, have the Li father and mother shown any movement?"