Ning Shu was drenched in cold sweat. As soon as she returned to Orchid Garden Palace, she jumped into a bath. Once she felt a bit more composed, she asked Miao Qing, "How's the packing going?"
Miao Qing quickly curtsied and replied, "Princess, everything is packed."
Gathering her courage, Miao Qing asked, "Where does the Princess plan to go?"
Ning Shu shot her a meaningful glance and said, "I'm moving to the Princess Residence."
Miao Qing's face shifted dramatically—first pale, then filled with anxiety. "Why would the Princess suddenly want to leave the palace? You're the most honorable princess in Great Yong; only the finest place in the world is suitable for you!"
Tch. Honor or not, it really came down to one word from Li Wen. Ning Shu noticed Miao Qing was so distressed that a bit of sweat glistened on her flushed cheeks, giving her a somewhat charming glow.
How could Miao Qing not worry? In the palace, she could see His Majesty. Would she ever see him again after leaving? Miao Qing felt anxious but didn't know how to persuade the princess, so she just stared at her, concern written all over her face.
Ignoring Miao Qing's gaze, Ning Shu went to check on the packing. She found chest after chest in the storeroom—more than a dozen, all filled with rare and precious toys.
This princess sure was wealthy.
Miao Qing followed closely behind. Unable to shake her dread about leaving the palace, she asked, "Princess, how long do you plan to stay away?"
Ning Shu looked at her and replied, "If nothing unexpected happens, my whole life."
Miao Qing swayed slightly, her expression one of despair. "Princess, isn't it so much more comfortable here in the Imperial Palace?"
Ning Shu didn't respond and continued rummaging through the chests. Several contained all kinds of books.
During dinner, the Empress arrived with a massive entourage of ceremonial attendants—an even larger procession than Li Wen had.
Upon seeing Ning Shu, the Empress took her hand, looking genuinely reluctant to let her go. "Jiahui, why would you choose to live away from the palace? Has Sister-in-law not taken good care of you? You're the Emperor's younger sister; how could you leave? I'll miss you dearly."
Ning Shu observed the Empress's expression, realizing she truly would miss having her around.
Half-heartedly, Ning Shu replied, "Imperial Sister-in-law, I just don't feel well, so I want a change of scenery. I'll come back to visit often."
When the Empress saw Jiahui's determination, her smile faded slightly, replaced by concern about how the palace might change without her presence.
"Dear child, once you're feeling better, you should come back. You're a girl; how can you live away from home?" The Empress offered a few more words of concern before taking her leave.
Once she was gone, all the consorts and concubines from the Inner Palace swarmed around Ning Shu, eager to know if she really intended to leave.
Most of the consorts were secretly pleased about the princess's departure, as it meant one less rival for the Emperor's attention.
They expressed their well-wishes and presented her with gifts. Ning Shu accepted them all without a hint of politeness, brushing aside their insincere concern and urging them to leave as she felt tired.
Miao Qing's and Yuan Dong's reactions couldn't have been more different. Miao Qing was anxious about leaving the palace but felt obliged to stay by the princess's side. She was so worried, her lips were almost bleeding from biting them.
Meanwhile, Yuan Dong seemed unfazed. Ning Shu took it all in without addressing it. Miao Qing didn't need to worry; she could stay in the Imperial Palace as long as she wanted.