Chapter 160: Entering the Palace

Chapter 160

Entering the Palace

The next morning, Nie Shuang was slightly surprised when her husband insisted that she dress more elegantly than usual. After breakfast, Eunuch Gao arrived at Yong An Hou Manor to deliver a royal decree. All members of the household gathered and knelt in unison. Nie Shuang was taken aback when she heard her name mentioned. Song Qilin gently supported her as she knelt on a cushion he had prepared. When she heard that she was being granted the title of First Rank Lady, Nie Shuang exchanged a grateful glance with her husband, silently mouthing her thanks. Her smile grew even wider, her eyes sparkling, when she heard that the Emperor had granted the Xiangyun Tea House a three-year concession. Song Qilin was mesmerized by her radiant smile, especially when she was pleased with a profitable outcome. He could never tire of looking at her. After Eunuch Gao finished reading the decree, Nie Shuang expressed her gratitude. Eunuch Gao congratulated her before taking his leave. Both the Hou and Xu Shi expressed their heartfelt congratulations to their daughter-in-law.

Song Qilin hadn’t told Nie Shuang that the Emperor had also commanded him to bring their three little dumplings to the palace. Who would have thought the Emperor was serious enough to send Princess An Le to personally escort them? Truthfully, it was An Le herself who had eagerly volunteered. Ever since that day when she hurried back to the palace, her thoughts had been preoccupied with Song Ren’s smile and gaze. She couldn’t understand how someone so unassuming could stir such feelings within her.

When Nie Shuang heard that her mischievous triplets were to enter the palace, she felt a deep sense of worry. Even though An Le assured her that she would take great care of them, Nie Shuang remained uneasy. Song Qilin, therefore, decided to accompany them along with their wet nurses. An Le finished her task, and as she waited for the General to change his clothes, she restlessly looked around. Nie Shuang, noticing her behavior, chuckled.

"Is Your Highness looking for someone?"

An Le blushed and playfully retorted,

"Sister Nie! Who would I be looking for? Look, every time I come to see him, he never seems eager to meet me."

"Song Ren hasn’t returned yet. If he knew you were coming today, I’m sure he would have waited for you."

Upon hearing that her betrothed wasn’t home, the princess looked disappointed. She had come with the intent of seeing him, but he wasn’t there. However, when she saw Da Ge toddling out, leading his younger siblings, her smile returned. The three chubby children wore brightly contrasting outfits, each more vibrant than the last. As soon as Xiao Hua Hua saw the princess, she joyfully greeted her.

"Cess...Cess..."

Xiao Hua Hua bowed to the princess before her older brothers. She wore a red dress with two little buns tied on either side of her head. An Le smiled at her fondly.

"Xiao Hua Hua, you clever girl, you remember me?"

Xiao Hua Hua beamed, her eyes squinting with delight, showing off her tiny, adorable white teeth. Nie Shuang gently coached her daughter from beside her.

"When answering the princess, you must Your Highness, my dear."

"Ness...Ness..."

"Very good,"

Nie Shuang praised. Wanting to be praised as well, Da Ge immediately echoed his sister,

"Ness..."

“...”

Both the princess and Nie Shuang burst into laughter, their eyes watering from amusement. Da Ge looked up, confused by the laughter, but seeing that they couldn’t stop, he figured he had done well and began laughing along with them. An Le patted Bao Bao’s head and praised him encouragingly.

"Bao Bao, you’re doing so well. You started talking at last. Soon, you’ll be speaking even more fluently."

Bao Bao beamed with a sweet smile. His eyes were sharp, just like his father’s. When he grew up, he’d surely be so handsome that he’d make many young girls’ hearts flutter. While the two women discussed the upcoming opening of the Xiangyun Tea House in the capital, Da Ge busied himself playing with his siblings. Soon after, General Song emerged, having changed into fresh clothes. He helped load the children into the manor’s carriage. Princess An Le bid farewell to Nie Shuang before heading to her own carriage. Once seated comfortably inside, she scrunched up her nose and began muttering complaints to herself.

“Hmph! I went all the way to see him, and he’s not even home. What a waste of time.”

The carriage slowly pulled away from the manor. However, before it could go far, it came to an abrupt halt. The princess was surprised as her procession rarely stopped in the middle of the road. Just as she was about to send her maid to investigate, a familiar voice called out from outside the carriage.

"Your Highness, Song Ren was unaware of your arrival and was not present to greet you. I beg your forgiveness."

That deep, distinctive voice was one An Le knew all too well. Who else could it be but the soon-to-be imperial son-in-law, the very person she had come to see today? Instantly, a soft smile curved her lips without her knowing.

“Hmph! Who said I came to see you?! I’m here to take the children to see my father.”

“As you wish, Your Highness. Song Ren bids you farewell.”

Song Ren’s lack of resistance took An Le by surprise, but since he had come back in time, how could she let this opportunity slip? Clearing her throat, she sent her maids away and called out to Song Ren again.

“I just remembered that I have something to discuss with you. However, it’s inconvenient for me to step out of the carriage. Won’t you come in and speak with me for a moment, Second Young Master?”

Song Ren complied. His long, slender fingers pulled aside the carriage curtain, revealing his handsome face. He was still dressed in his official red robe, which made him look more serious than usual. He appeared like a diligent young official, and An Le was struck by his appearance. It wasn’t until he knelt before her that she regained her composure.

“Oh, Second Young Master, it seems you finished work a bit late today.”

“Yes, Your Highness. With the Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration approaching, the Ministry of Rites has been particularly busy,”

He replied formally. An Le lounged comfortably, raising her hand to rest her chin on the low tea table and tilting her head, gazing at him like a carefree young miss, while Song Ren was sitting with his back straight and feet tucked under him in an impeccable posture.

“You look rather good in your official robes, Second Young Master.”

Her compliment caught Song Ren slightly off guard. He had been expecting her to bring up some fabricated business, but instead, she praised him outright, leaving him momentarily speechless. An Le noticed his slight discomfort and felt delighted. It seemed she had regained the upper hand after having fled the palace in a fluster the last time. She laughed brightly, her large brown eyes gleaming with mischief.

“There’s nothing important, really. I just wanted to see your face. By now, your brother and the children must be waiting for me. I’ll find another chance to visit you.”

She spoke as if Song Ren were a secret she was keeping hidden away, making him smile softly.

"Thank you, Your Highness, for thinking of me. Song Ren bid you farewell."

He moved to leave the carriage. But just as he was about to lift the curtain, the princess called out once more.

“A’Ren...”

He turned around, surprised by the sudden intimacy in her tone, only to be even more shocked when her small nose bumped against his cheek. Before he could say anything, she pushed him out of the carriage. He stumbled slightly, and before he could turn back, the princess had already ordered the carriage to move. From inside, he could still hear her voice.

“Hahahaha. Song Ren, this time I win.”Song Ren could only smile to himself as he stood there, raising a hand to touch his cheek, watching the carriage disappear into the distance.