She could only let him sleep more to compensate.
While eating, a young eunuch ran in and reported with a grin, âYour Highness, the Crown Prince has returned.â
âAh, Fifth Imperial Uncle is back!â
Xiaoqian was so happy that he jumped up without caring about the food in his mouth and was about to run outside.
Jiang Ning grabbed him in time.
âSit down and eat properly. Your Fifth Imperial Uncle has legs and will come to see you.â
âItâs indeed better now that she can walk. It sounds so confident when she says that.â Li Hongyuanâs cool voice came from outside.
âFifth Imperial Uncle!â
Xiaoqian exclaimed joyfully.
The next moment, Li Hongyuan lifted the curtain and walked in.
The room was as cool as autumn, invigorating oneâs spirit.
He looked up at the ceiling, âYou sure know how to enjoy life.â
In fact, this was not about enjoyment, but intelligence and resourcefulness.
Even as a Crown Prince, he had never seen such a convenient item. On hot days, besides an ice basin, there would be a maid holding a fan to cool them down.
He had no idea how she had thought of this.
A maid immediately offered a wet towel for him to wipe his face and wash his hands.
The south was prone to heavy rain in summers, causing floods and disasters. As the Crown Prince, he had been busy with disaster relief for several days.
He could see that he had gotten somewhat tanned.
But he was still handsome.
Although he was already the father of two children, he still looked youthful and full of vigor due to his young age.
He was utterly different from the laid-back Jiang Ning in terms of temperament.
Even a bit incompatible.
As soon as he entered, the leisurely atmosphere in the room changed.
âFifth Imperial Uncle, Iâve missed you.â Xiaoqian pulled him to the table and asked, âWhy have you been away for so long?â
Li Hongyuan tousled his hair and said with a smile, âThere was a lot to do outside. Xiaoqian, youâve grown fatter and taller.â
He glanced at Jiang Ning, âThankyou for taking good care of Xiaoqian.â
He had been taken care of by his older brother since childhood, and Xiaoqian was the only child left by his brother. He had spent his whole life with him, and his feelings for Xiaoqian were deeper than those for his own children.
Jiang Ning thought, Iâm not taking care of Xiaoqian for you.
But she wouldnât say such discouraging words out loud.
Li Hongyuan asked again, âWhere are the two kids?â
âThey got tired playing in the morning and are still asleep now.â
âMhm,â Li Hongyuan nodded his head.
Jiang Ning smiled and said, âYour Highness must be tired. Huang Ying, have the kitchen send more food.â
Huang Ying responded, and soon a table full of dishes was brought in.
Li Hongyuan scanned the table, comparing it to what Jiang Ning and Xiaoqian had been eating.
Their food looked more delicate and innovative.
Li Hongyuan knew it had come from Jiang Ningâs own hands.
What he was eating was merely prepared by the palace cooks and the Imperial Kitchenâs staff.
He picked up his chopsticks and took a bite of meat, chewing silently for a while.
Across from him, Jiang Ning and Xiaoqian also ate happily.
Li Hongyuan put down his chopsticks and immediately took a plate of food from Jiang Ningâs side.
Jiang Ning: ââ¦â
Li Hongyuan said, âIâve come all this way, and youâre only going to feed me this after not even attending my reception dinner with Emperor Father?â
âYou didnât say you were coming back, so I didnât prepare anything for you,â Jiang Ning said, âDo you think Iâll be like Li Yuanyuan, bending over backward to please you? This is my food.â
She snatched the plate back.
Li Hongyuan was shocked.
No woman had ever treated their husband like this.
She was really capable of it.
Jiang Ning looked up and smiled, âIâm sure Concubine Li has prepared good food and wine and is eagerly awaiting your arrival. Why donât you just go to her place?â