âConsider it yourself.â
Li Hongyuan turned and left.
He went to see the two little ones.
The children were fine, having been comforted earlier, their emotions had long recovered, and the little brother and sister were lying on the bed, their small heads facing each other as they played with toys.
When Li Hongyuan entered, he picked them up one hand each and let them sit on his lap, laughing, âDid you miss Daddy?â
âMiss!â
The sound was soft and milky.
Li Hongyuan couldnât help but smile at the corners of his lips.
In the past, he didnât think it was important to have children.
But when he really had them, looking at their round, adorable faces and their dependent gazes on him, all his bad moods would vanish.
Especially little Lingzi, Yuxue was so adorable to the extreme.
He could never get enough of looking at her.
Ding Sanjin laughed, âIâve seen many children, but Iâve never seen a little princess as beautiful as her. Everyone says that the Princess Consort was even cuter when she was young, but I donât know what she really looked like.â
Li Hongyuan rubbed the little girlâs soft cheeks, not speaking.
âLingzi, do you want to go with Daddy to see Li Concubine?â he asked softly.
âYes.â Lingzi hugged her fatherâs neck.
Li Hongyuan put down Wenzan and took Lingzi with him.
Wenzan didnât mind.
He knew he was the elder brother and should let his sister have her way.
Royal girls were precious and even more pampered because they only had a dozen or so happy years in the Imperial Palace before they had to marry out.
Everyone believed that boys would eventually have to shoulder great responsibilities and should not be overly spoiled.
Therefore, the Crown Princeâs undisguised preference for his younger daughter was seen as justified by all.
He held Lingzi with one arm and entered the side hall where Li Yuanyuan was temporarily resting.
The Imperial Physician had just finished examining her and hurriedly bowed when he saw Li Hongyuan.
âImperial Physician Wei, how is she?â he asked.
âReplying to Your Highness, Concubine Liâs back is slightly bruised, but luckily her bones have not been injured. Sheâs fine and will be better after a few daysâ rest.â
âI see, you can go,â Li Hongyuan waved his hand dismissively and glanced at Li Yuanyuan.
Li Yuanyuan tried to get up and pay her respects, but he stopped her with an upward motion of his hand.
âYour Highness, why have you returned?â she asked softly.
Li Hongyuan did not reply, saying, âYour behavior in protecting Wenzan today has greatly pleased the Princess Consort and I will reward you. What would you like?â
âI donât want any reward,â Li Yuanyuan shook her head weakly. âI love Your Highness, so I should protect your children. A little injury means nothing and is not worth Your Highness and the Princess Consortâs worry.â
Li Hongyuan nodded, âYou rest well.â
He then ordered, âSanjin, prepare some useful things to send to Concubine Liâs place when she recovers, and use a sedan chair to carry her back.â
âYes, Iâll prepare it right away.â
Li Hongyuan looked at Li Yuanyuan and didnât say anything more, leaving with Lingzi in his arms.
Just as he put Lingzi down, Sanjin reported, âYour Highness, the Emperor has sent someone to call for you and it seems heâs very angry. The messenger Eunuchâs expression was not good.â
âWhat about the Princess Consort?â
âThe Princess Consort has also received the message and is waiting at the door for Your Highness.â
âI understand.â
Li Hongyuan didnât even have time to change his clothes and just removed his cloak. He went with Jiang Ning to Crystal Frost Hall.
âBastard!â
The Emperor threw a cup of tea at their feet.
Li Hongyuan pulled Jiang Ning to kneel, âEmperor Father, please calm down.â
The Emperor pointed at Jiang Ning, âHow can I calm down? In full view of everyone, you slapped Concubine Xian and even wanted to cut off her nose? Is this something a junior should do? Where do you place the dignity and rules of the royal family?â