Starting in Exile: Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Lucky Little Wife

Chapter 244 The Crown Prince's First Visit to the Empress Dowager

The royal palace of the Nanzhao Kingdom, bathed in the warm sunshine, resembled a golden dream castle. In the imperial garden, flowers bloomed in profusion, their vibrant colors bursting forth. A gentle breeze stirred, and petals drifted down like a dreamlike rain of blossoms. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of flowers, mingled with the unique freshness of spring; everything seemed so peaceful and beautiful. However, beneath this idyllic facade, a faint gloom hung over the Empress Dowager's chambers.

Gu Liuli wore a moon-white brocade robe embroidered with delicate orchid patterns, a pale pink ribbon tied around her waist, perfectly outlining her slender figure. Her hair was neatly styled, adorned with a warm jade hairpin, further emphasizing her gentle and dignified demeanor. At this moment, she was carefully cradling her newborn child, escorted by palace maids and eunuchs, walking towards the Empress Dowager's palace. Her steps were light and steady, but her eyes revealed a hint of nervousness and anticipation.

"Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager's palace is not far ahead." The palace maid Xiao Tao whispered and reminded her carefully, her bright eyes revealing a hint of concern.

Upon hearing this, Gu Liuli nodded slightly to indicate that she understood. Then, she took a deep breath, as if to calm her nervousness, and slowly said, "Well, let's go in then." As she spoke, she gently stretched out her hands and carefully adjusted the position of the child in her arms. Her movements were extremely gentle and careful, as if she were afraid of waking her sleeping baby, wishing that he could pay his respects to the Empress Dowager in the most comfortable and pleasant manner.

As the two stepped inside, the vermilion gate to the Empress Dowager's palace was slowly pushed open. A faint, pleasant medicinal fragrance immediately filled the air. Looking up, they saw the Empress Dowager reclining on an exquisitely carved couch. Although her face still appeared slightly pale, she was much better than before. At this moment, her eyes, though bright and clear despite their weathered appearance, were filled with love and relief. When she saw Gu Liuli enter, a warm, spring-like smile immediately bloomed on her slightly weary face.

"Liuli, come here quickly, so that I can see this adorable little darling!" The Empress Dowager's voice, which was already somewhat weak, sounded even more feeble at this moment, but the joy contained within it could not be concealed at all.

Upon hearing the sound, Gu Liuli hurried to the bedside, then quietly sat down on a chair nearby. She then carefully placed the child in her arms before the Empress Dowager as if holding a priceless treasure, and softly said, "Mother, this is your little grandson (or granddaughter)." Her voice was as gentle as a spring breeze, warmly caressing one's heart; her beautiful eyes were filled with boundless love for the child.

The Empress Dowager, her hands trembling, gently raised her withered, bony hands and began to tenderly stroke the child's rosy, chubby cheeks. Before she knew it, her eyes were moist, glistening with tears. "Oh my, what a sweet and adorable little one! Look at him, he's just like Yi'er and Yao'er when they were little!" she exclaimed. As she spoke, her slightly dry fingers lightly touched the child's delicate skin, as if she were trying to feel the wonder and beauty of this life.

The child seemed to feel the Empress Dowager's touch, and an innocent smile appeared on his little face. He also made "ee-ee-ya-ya" sounds, as if he was greeting the Empress Dowager.

"Mother, look, the child is smiling at you," Gu Liuli said with a smile, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

The Empress Dowager laughed happily: "This child is so sensible. It seems he knows that his great-grandmother is sick and has come to cheer her up." Her laughter echoed in the palace, filling the entire palace with a warm atmosphere.

At this moment, Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao also ran in. When they saw the Empress Dowager, they immediately ran to the bedside and took her hand: "Great-Grandma, look how cute your little brother and sister are!" Xiao Nanyi's eyes sparkled with excitement, and his face was filled with a happy smile.

Xiao Nanyao chimed in, "Great-Grandma, our little brothers and sisters will be able to play with us from now on!" Her voice was clear and melodious, echoing like silver bells in the palace.

The Empress Dowager looked at the two adorable children, then at the infant in swaddling clothes, her heart filled with joy: "Good, once your great-grandmother recovers, I'll take you both to play in the Imperial Garden." Her eyes were full of anticipation for the future, as if she could already see the children playing happily in the Imperial Garden.

Watching this heartwarming scene, Gu Liuli was filled with emotion: "Mother, you must get better soon. The children are all waiting for you." Her voice was choked with emotion, and her eyes were full of concern for the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager nodded gently: "Liuli, don't worry, I will definitely get better. Seeing how adorable the children are, I have the will to live." Her eyes were firm and warm, giving people a sense of reassurance.

For the rest of the time, Gu Liuli and the children stayed with the Empress Dowager.

Gu Liuli told the Empress Dowager about the children's funny stories, while Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao entertained the Empress Dowager from the side.

The child also occasionally made "ee-ee-ya-ya" sounds, adding a touch of life and energy to this heartwarming scene.

Mu Qingling hurried along the palace corridor, her skirt swaying gently with each step. She had come to visit the Empress Dowager, having heard that her spirits had improved somewhat, but before she even entered the palace, she heard bursts of laughter and cheerful voices emanating from within. The laughter was crisp and lively, like birdsong in spring, breaking the oppressive atmosphere that usually permeated the palace due to the Empress Dowager's illness. Mu Qingling paused, a flicker of surprise in her eyes, before quickening her pace.

As she gently pushed open the door to the palace, an incredibly warm and inviting scene unfolded before her eyes. Warm sunlight streamed through the carved window lattices, casting golden beams of light that illuminated the entire palace, making it bright and inviting. Within these beams of light, dust motes danced like sprites, adding a touch of dreamlike beauty to the scene.

The Empress Dowager leaned against the couch, her face still somewhat pale, but she couldn't hide the smile in her eyes. Her gaze was fixed on the child in Gu Liuli's arms, full of love and joy. Little Nan Yi and Little Nan Yao nestled on either side of the Empress Dowager, their little faces beaming with innocent smiles. Little Nan Yi was excitedly telling the Empress Dowager about the fun he and Little Nan Yao had had in the Imperial Garden, his eyes widening with excitement, his earnest expression making everyone smile. Little Nan Yao would occasionally chime in, her clear childish voice echoing through the palace.

Gu Liuli sat gracefully on a chair to the side, gently rocking the child in her arms, a tender smile on her face, her eyes full of maternal love. The child seemed to be infected by the joyful atmosphere, a naive smile appearing on his little face, making "ee-ee-ya-ya" sounds, waving his little hands in the air, as if he also wanted to participate in this lively conversation.

Mu Qingling stood at the door, momentarily stunned. Her eyes were slightly red, her heart overflowing with this heartwarming scene. The worries and anxieties that had accumulated due to the Empress Dowager's illness vanished at this moment. She slowly walked into the palace and said softly, "Look at all this liveliness in this room. I could hear it from outside."

Everyone turned around at the sound and smiled when they saw Mu Qingling. Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao immediately jumped off the couch, ran to Mu Qingling's side, grabbed her hands, and excitedly said, "Your Majesty, come and see how adorable your little brother and sister are!"

Mu Qingling smiled and patted their heads, saying, "Yes, so cute. Seeing you all so happy makes Her Majesty the Empress Dowager happy too." Then, she walked to the Empress Dowager's bedside and asked with concern, "Mother, how are you feeling today?"

The Empress Dowager smiled and nodded: "I'm much better. Seeing the children has made me feel much better." Her voice was weak, but full of strength.

Mu Qingling then looked at Gu Liuli and the child, her eyes full of affection: "Liuli, this child is really handsome."

Gu Liuli bowed slightly.