Unlimited estates for rural beauty-Chapter 382 Xiu Yang’s Experience (1)
"Mistress, your servant humbly requests permission to visit my sister in the palace." Ever since the Emperor became aware that I had aligned with Prince Dugu Han, there has been no word from him, and even fewer updates about my sister from the palace. I have attempted multiple times to visit the Imperial Palace under the cover of night, but the guards are on higher alert than usual, making it very difficult to approach. Left with no other option, I’ve come to seek help from Prince Dugu Han’s princess," the guard said.
Feng Xuxu turned her head to glance at Dugu Chen, lowered her head to think for a moment, then nodded, "That can be arranged. Is there any message you wish to pass on?"
"Uh, just tell her that father and brother are very worried about her, that she should take good care of herself. That will suffice, mistress," he said, bowing his head to cover his lips, an awkward smile on his face.
"Alright, I understand. Please have a seat," she said.
"Thank you, mistress." Xiu Bingxi felt as if half the weight on his heart had lifted with this concern addressed, knowing that if he could also obtain news about his sister, the remaining half would also find peace. In all honesty, he felt he owed his sister an apology.
In the afternoon, Dugu Chen made it a point to take Feng Xuxu on a stroll through the busiest streets of Capital City. Anything that caught Feng Xuxu’s attention Dugu Chen purchased without hesitation. After they were nearly done with their jaunt, they stopped for a bite at a restaurant before making their way back to the Prince Residence.
After washing up, they went to check on the two babies. The night nurse was gently rocking the cradle. Upon seeing the Prince and Princess enter, she started to stand up to bow, but the Princess gestured with her hand to stay quiet, understanding that the Princess didn’t want to disturb the Princely Heir and the Commandery Princess.
Dugu Chen and Feng Xuxu tiptoed over to the cradle and saw the two babies sleeping soundly. Dugu Chen’s stern face softened into a smile. Feng Xuxu reached out to gently touch the babies’ cheeks but this caused them to frown and pout, looking as though they were about to cry. Frightened, Feng Xuxu quickly withdrew her hand and watched them for a moment. When she saw that they weren’t going to cry, she relaxed. After watching for a while, they left the nursery together.
Once outside, they walked slowly through the gardens of the Prince Residence, treading on the pebbled path of Cobblestone Pucheng. Although walking on it was slightly painful, there was a benefit—it acted as a sort of reflexology for the soles of the feet.
"Chen, now that Xiu Bingxi has become your servant, why not consider allowing his sister to leave the palace?" she asked, holding his hand and looking up at him.
Dugu Chen frowned slightly and then smiled, "My dear, are you worried that Dugu Han will take out his anger on Xiu Yang?"
"Yes, I’m a little worried, especially since Xiu Yang is now pregnant."
"He shouldn’t. After all, Xiu Yang is carrying his child. At the very least, for the sake of the child, he wouldn’t mistreat her too harshly," Dugu Chen shook his head. After all, that was his first offspring, especially since there were not many concubines left in the palace.
"Yes, I will still visit the palace tomorrow. After all, I have a connection, however tenuous. I cannot let the Xiu Family feel neglected," she said.
"Alright, I will go with you to the palace tomorrow. You visit the Imperial Consort, and I will head to the Imperial Study. When I leave the palace, I’ll come directly to Moon Fairy Palace to pick you up."
"Yes, that sounds good," she agreed.
The next morning, after having a light breakfast and considering the time appropriate, they rode the Prince Residence’s carriage towards the Imperial Palace. The guards at the palace gate dared not intercept them, allowing the carriage unimpeded entry. Feng Xuxu alighted from the carriage not far from Moon Fairy Palace and walked towards it with Mei Lenglei and Zhu Lengqing.
As they arrived in front of Moon Fairy Palace, they found its door tightly shut. Feng Xuxu’s brows furrowed slightly. Why were the palace doors closed in broad daylight? Could it be due to pregnancy confinement and consequently refusing visitors?
Behind her, Mei Lenglei stepped forward to knock on the palace doors. No one answered. Mei Lenglei continued knocking until finally, after a rather long wait, someone responded.
