Chapter 77: The Mysterious Person in the Crown Prince’s Mansion
Zheng Tianxin summoned the Prince Consort and, after establishing her own residence, she began visiting the Imperial Palace much less than before, only making the trip at the Empress’s summons. The Eldest Princess very seldom thought of going to the Imperial Palace on her own.
So, the Empress was somewhat surprised by the sudden request to see her from the Eldest Princess.
As spring turned to summer, the Empress’s chronic cough recurred, but it was not serious. With a few doses from Master Ling Yi, she had already recovered a great deal, only occasionally coughing a couple of times in the early morning or during her prayers to Buddha, feeling tired afterward.
"Let her come." Nanny Qi went personally to receive the Eldest Princess, even happier than the Empress herself.
"Your Highness the Princess, the Empress has been waiting for you," Nanny Qi said, as she looked at the Eldest Princess whom she had taken care of since childhood, hastily fanning her, wishing she could walk for her Highness to avoid any exhaustion.
"Nanny Qi, where is mother?" Zheng Tianxin glanced at the Inner Hall, noting its solemn and oppressive atmosphere with not a hint of warmth. Before she could finish, she saw Xiao Huayue holding Gui Er’s hand and coming out.
"Your daughter offers her greetings to mother," Her Highness the Princess said casually, offering a perfunctory courtesy, "Mother, the scent in your room is too strong. Tong Jin, open the window."
"What do you know? This is high incense given by the Mage, it can help concentrate the mind and calm the spirit," Xiao Huayue immediately objected.
"What brings you here today?" Xiao Huayue lay on her couch as a Palace Maid tenderly massaged her legs, easing the soreness from kneeling during prayers.
"Naturally, your daughter missed you, mother. I have brought you some nice things," said the Eldest Princess, as her female servants already advanced with several boxes.
The Empress, with closed eyes, did not show much interest, already knowing that nothing good came whenever this daughter of hers brought something.