USWHC -Chapter 496 If You Love, Then Love Deeply (Part 6)

“Princess Lanqin has arrived!”

At the announcement, the lively chatter in the room came to an abrupt halt, and everyone turned to look toward the entrance.

Zhu Jie entered gracefully. When she reached the doorway, she didn’t step in immediately. Instead, she paused, swept her gaze across everyone in Kunning Palace, and only then walked in slowly.

“Jinghan greets Mother Empress. May Mother Empress be blessed with peace and prosperity!” Zhu Jie said softly, performing a gentle curtsy.

The Empress chuckled warmly. “Oh my good daughter! Come here quickly and let me have a look. It’s been days since I last saw you—you’ve grown even more beautiful!”

Hearing this, Zhu Jie didn’t refuse. She walked forward with a smile, feigning a coquettish tone. “Mother Empress!”

If one were to see this scene, they might very well feel nauseated. One was fifteen, the other over forty—calling them mother and daughter wasn’t entirely unreasonable in ancient times, yet the way they held hands and smiled felt overly artificial. It was almost more intimate than a real mother and daughter—so fake it was unsettling.

At that moment, someone nearby also rose gently and performed a slight bow. “Greetings, Princess Lanqin.”

Before she could fully bend down, the Empress hurriedly exclaimed, “Quick, get up, my dear! You’re with child now—you mustn’t move about carelessly!”

Only then did Zhu Jie seem to notice her presence. Turning slightly, she smiled faintly in acknowledgment. “Sister Ning.”

However, Princess Pingning looked at her with a trace of awkwardness. She forced a small smile, and the atmosphere instantly became strained.

Just then, another announcement came from outside: “Consort Duan has arrived! Princess Lanyi has arrived!”

The Empress sat upright, a proud smile appearing on her face. “Let them enter!”

As soon as she finished speaking, a grand procession approached from outside. Judging by the ostentatious display, it was clearly Consort Duan and her daughter.

Before they even stepped inside, Lanyi’s sweet laughter could be heard. She ran in quickly and threw herself into the Empress’s arms, exclaiming in a spoiled tone, “Mother Empress, I’ve missed you so much!”

The Empress replied with a hint of mock complaint, “Look at my Jingqi—didn’t we just meet the day before yesterday? And now you already miss me this much?”

Indeed, they saw each other three times a week by palace rules, not to mention the countless encounters in passing—yet she still spoke as if they’d been separated for ages.

But Princess Lanyi continued to act spoiled. “I just miss you, Mother Empress! I grew up by your side—if I don’t see you for a day, I feel uneasy!”

“You’re the most well-behaved of all!” The Empress beamed with delight, whether she truly believed it or was simply playing along.

Then she raised her head and feigned annoyance at Princess Pingning. “You were also raised by my side, yet some people haven’t seen me for so long and don’t even seem to miss me!”

“Aunt!” Pingning chimed in sweetly, “How could I not miss you? I wish I could return to those days, circling around your knees like before!”

As she spoke, her nose tingled, and her voice trembled slightly.

It was clear that although both were acting coquettish, Princess Pingning’s words carried genuine emotion. After speaking, she unconsciously lifted her handkerchief to dab at her eyes, then quickly lowered her head to avoid everyone’s gaze.

Suddenly, Lanyi added, “Those days really were wonderful! Back then, Sister Ning was so carefree, and Mother Empress doted on you the most!”

Before she could finish, Pingning hurriedly interrupted, “Listen to you—it’s as if Aunt doesn’t dote on you! From what I see, you’re the most favored!”

“Haha, what’s there to argue about? The palm and back of the hand are both flesh—I cherish you all!” the Empress said, smoothing things over.

At that moment, Consort Duan suddenly cried out in surprise, “Oh my! Ning’er’s belly has grown so big! It looks like you’re already six or seven months along, doesn’t it?”

Hearing this, Princess Pingning shyly held her stomach and muttered softly, “No… only about four months. I just eat well, so I’ve gained some weight.”

Consort Duan and Princess Lanyi exchanged a knowing glance.

Then Lanyi immediately put on an excited expression and stepped forward eagerly. “How careless of me—I forgot to congratulate you, Sister Ning! Sister, may I touch my little nephew?”

With her charming dimples showing, Princess Lanyi leaned in with a bright smile.