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Lady Tao entered shortly afterward, "Lady Shen, how have you been these past two days?"

Shen Chuwei, clad in a light pink dress, twirled twice before them and then said with a beaming smile, "Look at me, am I not doing well?"

Concubine Xu looked at Shen Chuwei’s round belly, which had grown significantly in just a few days.

"It’s good that you’re fine, I was really worried you might not be eating or sleeping well."

Shen Chuwei touched her nose in embarrassment; although she was under confinement, her food and drink were not lacking, and she slept quite well too~

Perhaps it was because she had a dependable uncle, the emperor, so she had nothing to worry about~

Lady Tao also scrutinized Shen Chuwei up and down, and only upon seeing her in person did she feel relieved.

"Your Highness, you returned just in time this trip, otherwise it might not have been so quick for you to get out."

"I heard that as soon as Your Highness returned to the palace, you went straight to Xiaoxiang Pavilion, just as the sun was rising.

The Imperial Guard tried to stop you, but Your Highness kicked the man blocking your way and it was so cool," Concubine Xu spoke more and more excitedly—just as if she had seen it with her own eyes.

Lady Tao, equally excited, said, "I also heard about it. When Lady Chang found out about Your Highness’s return, she went to find you straight away, only to be slapped by Your Highness. It felt extremely satisfying."

Shen Chuwei looked at them with a puzzled expression, "But when I saw His Highness, it was already past the time for morning meal."

Concubine Xu grabbed her hand at once, "That doesn’t matter, what’s important is that Lady Chang is finished."

Lady Tao voiced her concerns, "I’m afraid the emperor might take General Chang’s face into account and, just like last time, simply punish her by demoting her and confining her to her quarters."

Concubine Xu was indignantly furious, "But Lady Chang attempted to harm the heir to the throne; she shouldn’t be let off easily."

Shen Chuwei said, "His Highness also said he wouldn’t let her off easily."

Concubine Xu was filled with righteous anger, "That’s good, women like Lady Chang, who are so scheming, should be executed—it’s better to get rid of her before she can harm others."

Xiao Jinyan had just stepped into the Bedchamber, and he overheard the conversation among the three women. It was precisely because of Lady Chang’s powerful maternal family backing her that she was so bold.

But unfortunately, that powerful maternal family also belonged to His mother, which was what made the situation so difficult.

Now, all he could do was wait to see how the emperor and His mother would handle the punishment tomorrow.

As soon as Lady Tao noticed Xiao Jinyan, she hurriedly bowed, "Your Highness."

Concubine Xu also followed suit with a bow, "Your Highness."

As Shen Chuwei was about to bow, Xiao Jinyan had already approached and supported her, "You are with child now, dispense with the formality."

Xiao Jinyan didn’t insist on formalities, to Shen Chuwei’s relief.

To Xun Tao, who were watching this scene, it was nothing but indulgence, double indulgence, triple super indulgence~

As lovers of countless dramatic scripts, they adored male protagonists who dote on the female lead.

In their unified opinion, men who spoil their wives have the most charm.

Who could have thought that even the Crown Prince could display a domineering CEO attitude?

Keep pampering her without stopping!

Xun Tao were shipping their relationship on the spot.

Their inward thoughts were transmitted word for word into Xiao Jinyan’s ears; although some words were a bit obscure, he roughly understood the meaning.

He didn’t use to like Xun Tao, but now that they had grown close to Xiaojiu, they seemed to have changed a lot, probably influenced by Xiaojiu.

"During this time, you two have kept Lady Shen company, credit where it’s due. I’m granting you three days to leave the palace and visit your families."

Concubine Xu was so elated she nearly jumped for joy.

Lady Tao was even more excited than Concubine Xu; having never returned home since entering the palace, now she could stay for three days, which was the best reward she could receive.

Lady Tao tried to calm her excited heart, "Your Highness, for real?"

Xiao Jinyan had intended to reward them with some gold and jewels. Lady Tao, being a merchant’s daughter, was not in need of such things, and although Concubine Xu’s family wasn’t as wealthy as Lady Tao’s, she similarly lacked nothing in the way of jewelry.

Seeing their happy faces, he knew that going home to visit their families was the best reward.

"His Highness certainly has no time for jests with you."

Concubine Xu and Lady Tao excitedly held hands, and then together they bowed deeply, "We thank Your Highness for this generosity."

Xiao Jinyan spoke, "Go ahead."

Concubine Xu and Lady Tao replied in unison and then hand in hand, they cheerfully prepared to leave the palace to visit their families.

After the two had left, only Xiao Jinyan and Shen Chuwei remained in the room, in effect leaving them undisturbed.

Shen Chuwei was happy for them—as it meant visiting their parents and reuniting with their families. As for her, she couldn’t go back to the modern world.

However, being able to eat and drink without worries in ancient times was not bad either.

Xiao Jinyan noticed her gaze lingering on Xun Tao, "Do you miss home too?"

Shen Chuwei naturally assumed Xiao Jinyan was referring to the Shen residence. To her, visiting that home was less appealing than going to the Night Market, where there were delicious foods and interesting things to see~

"I do not wish to."

Xiao Jinyan led her to the couch and sat down, it was not comfortable for someone with a child to stand for too long.

"Who doesn’t miss home? If you want to go back, I will accompany you."

Shen Chuwei eyed Xiao Jinyan for a moment, thinking to herself—did he really forget about Lady Shen’s poisoning incident last year?

"Your Highness, I do not wish to return."

Xiao Jinyan was actually trying to draw words from Shen Chuwei, wanting to know where she came from, how she came to be in Shen Chuwei’s body?

"I heard you were raised in the countryside since childhood. If you want to go back to where you lived before, that’s also possible."

Shen Chuwei indicated she didn’t want to go anywhere.

Anyway, she couldn’t just tell Xiao Jinyan the truth, otherwise her imposture would be exposed.

She touched her stomach, "I am with child now, and it’s not suitable to travel long distances by carriage."

Xiao Jinyan looked down at her rounded belly with tender eyes, "Indeed, we’ll discuss it later then."

Shen Chuwei breathed a sigh of relief; maybe later he would have forgotten.

When it was time to rest at night, Shen Chuwei placed the Night Pearl by the bedside. As Xiao Jinyan let down the bed curtains, the Night Pearl emitted a soft and gentle light.

Xiao Jinyan embraced Xiaojiu, who was still gazing at the Night Pearl. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and they had been apart for five long months.

ps: One more update