After my father was sent to marry into the princess's household, I became the darling of the en

As soon as Lü'e finished speaking, Shen Jingque jumped up from her chair.

"I knew it! With Father on the case, one is worth two!"

She quickly finished her breakfast and rushed out without saying a word, muttering that she was going to tell Xiao Changqi the good news.

Before he even left the hospital, he ran right into Xiao Changqi himself.

He got up unusually early today, holding that golden fan in his hand, with a subtle expression on his face that was between anticipation and trepidation.

"Did it work?"

"It's done!" Shen Jingque gave him a thumbs up. "Father said he'd like to invite Sister Fan to come and take our measurements."

Xiao Changqi staggered two steps, braced himself against a pillar with one hand, and exhaled a long breath.

"My consort... is the most useful person in the world..."

"That's my dad."

How could the princess's beloved husband not be useful?

"Yes, yes, yes, our father," Xiao Changqi added eagerly.

The two were happily discussing their next steps as they walked out.

Then I saw Uncle Xu running all the way from the front yard, carrying a stack of papers in his hands, hurrying towards the study.

Shen Jingque and Xiao Changqi exchanged a glance and followed in unison.

In the study, Xiao Mingyue and Shen Yan were playing chess.

On the chessboard, black and white pieces clashed, locked in a fierce and evenly matched battle. Xiao Mingyue held a chess piece in her hand, her eyes scanning the entire board before she prepared to place hers.

Uncle Xu respectfully reported at the door: "Your Highness, Your Highness, the Imperial Son-in-Law, Cui, the nanny by the Empress's side, has conveyed the Empress's message and brought some gifts with her. She is currently in the flower hall."

Xiao Mingyue put the chess pieces back in the chess basket, and Shen Yan immediately got up as well. The group went to the flower hall together.

In the flower hall, a sprightly old woman sat regally in the guest seat.

He had a kind face, a straight back, and a red lacquered and gold-painted box beside him.

Several bottles and jars could be seen stacked inside through the loosened lid.

Upon seeing everyone enter, Granny Cui rose and performed a proper bow.

"This servant is conveying a message from Her Majesty the Empress to Her Highness the Princess: Her Highness is known for her unruly nature. If she has done anything inappropriate to disturb your household this time, we hope Your Highness will forgive her."

Xiao Mingyue nodded, her expression gentle: "Your Majesty is too kind. Shu'er is family, there's no need for such formalities."

Granny Cui thanked her and took out a stack of papers from her sleeve, presenting them with both hands: "In addition, this is specially sent by Her Majesty. It is the Princess's daily schedule. Please take care of it."

Shen Yan took it, glanced at it, and then handed it to Uncle Xu, giving him a few instructions.

After drinking a cup of tea, Granny Cui talked about the princess's preferences and bedtime habits before getting up to take her leave.

Shen Jingque quietly snatched the stack of papers from Uncle Xu's hand.

The paper was densely written, covering three whole pages. The list of foods to avoid included seventeen items, and the schedule was accurate to the minute.

The section for commonly used medicines includes specific notes on dosage and contraindications, even listing minor things like fear of thunder.

Shen Jingque gripped the stack of papers, feeling a surge of emotion.

This is what a child who is loved by their mother is like.

She meticulously recorded every little habit of her daughter, afraid that she might suffer even the slightest grievance.

Xiao Changqi leaned over for a glance and sighed softly, "Tsk tsk, this is too exquisite. Anyone who didn't know better would think it was a princess on an imperial tour."

"You mustn't say that outside."

Xiao Mingyue glanced at him, then took back the stack of papers and handed them to Qingyuan.

"Prepare the medicine according to the list, and inform the kitchen about the foods that should be avoided, so as not to make any mistakes."

Qingyuan readily accepted the order.

……

The day before the spring outing, the entire Princess's residence was bustling with activity, just like during the Lunar New Year.

Uncle Xu stood in the front yard directing his men to load the truck, his voice booming.

"Place the food container securely, don't let it tilt!"

"Has the tent been set up? Who's responsible for the insect repellent sachets? Don't forget to pack them!"

Supplies were loaded onto three horse-drawn carts in an assembly-line fashion, from blankets and liniment to changes of clothes and tea-making utensils, leaving nothing out.

Shen Jingque couldn't sit still at all; she was so excited that she spun around the mansion like a top.

She first went to the stable to see the PE student, brushed and combed its mane, and even picked a small daisy from somewhere and wove it into the horse's mane. She stepped back two paces to admire her work and clapped her hands in satisfaction.

"Yes, tomorrow it will be the most beautiful horse on the whole hill."

The PE student lowered his head to chew on hay, flicked his mane adorned with small flowers, and seemed completely unconcerned about how he had been dressed up.

"Miss, the Second Young Master wants you to go to the front yard," Green Calyx said, peeking out from outside the stable.

Shen Jingque ran to the front yard in a flash and saw Xiao Changqi jump down from the carriage, carrying two large bags in each hand, with a servant behind him holding several oil paper packages.

"Come, come, see what goodies your second brother has prepared for you!"

He instructed people to line up the bags on the table in the flower hall.

Candied fruits and dried fruits were arranged in a row, beef jerky was piled up like a small mountain, sesame crisps and walnut cakes filled two full boxes, and even more than a dozen packets of plum juice seasoning were prepared.

"There are no snacks like those from the Eight Treasures Pavilion in the wild."

Xiao Changqi picked up a piece of beef jerky and stuffed it into Shen Jingque's mouth, "These will help you eat on the way, you won't go hungry."

With beef jerky stuffed in his mouth, Shen Jingque mumbled a thumbs-up.

"Erguo, you really are like a small shop in a cave."

"What shop?"

"I'm praising you!"

As dusk approached and darkness fell, a simple blue-curtained carriage was parked outside the gate of the Princess's residence.

As soon as the carriage curtain was lifted, a round head peeked out.

She looked left and right, then jumped off the car like a sparrow released from its cage.

Xiao Jingshu changed into a light pink casual outfit today, and simply combed her hair into two buns. As soon as she entered the gate, her feet seemed to have springs in them, and she ran inside.

"Shen Jingque! Shen Jingque! I'm here!"

Shen Jingque was standing at the second gate waiting for her when she was suddenly embraced before she could even bow.

"Be gentle, be gentle!" Shen Jingque staggered back two steps after being bumped, and only regained her balance by holding onto the door frame. "Your Highness, with your stamina, you should join the army."

Xiao Jingshu held her tightly, refusing to let go.

"Can I ride a horse tomorrow? I've never ridden a real horse before! I'm not even allowed to touch the horses in the palace; my mother says she's afraid I'll get kicked."

"You can ride it, you can ride it all tomorrow."

Shen Jingque patted the back of her hand and led her inside, "Come on, let's eat first. We've prepared a lot of dishes today."

Dinner was served on a large round table in the flower hall, the candlelight warmly illuminating the delicious dishes.

Shen Yan personally took charge of cooking, preparing a table full of exquisite dishes according to the three-page list of dietary restrictions.

Xiao Jingshu picked up a piece of sweet and sour fish with her chopsticks and put it in her mouth, her eyes immediately lighting up.

"So delicious! Who made this?!"

Shen Jingque raised her chin proudly and said, "My father."

Xiao Jingshu suddenly turned her head to look at Shen Yan, filled with admiration.

"Uncle is amazing! It tastes even better than the imperial kitchen! The fish cooked in the imperial kitchen all tastes like ginger, I don't like it at all!"

Shen Yan was so flattered by the princess that his chopsticks trembled as he picked up food, repeatedly saying, "Your Highness is too kind. It's just some simple home cooking..."

Xiao Mingyue sat in the main seat watching this scene, squeezed Shen Yan's hand under the table, and whispered to herself.

"Look, we've gained another little fan."

Shen Yan's ears were so red they looked like they were about to bleed, and he buried his head in his rice, too embarrassed to look up.

After dinner, Shen Jingque dragged Xiao Jingshu to the stable to watch the PE students.

Two little girls leaned on the railing, watching the little black horse slowly chew its midnight snack, occasionally flicking its tail to swat flies.

Xiao Jingshu reached out her little hand to touch the PE student's nose, and Xiao Ma obediently came over and rubbed against her palm.

"It's so well-behaved, even better than the Persian cat in my palace. That cat scratches people every day."

Shen Jingque nodded: "She is quite well-behaved, but let's not make any promises yet."

After all, she had never ridden one before. What if it turned out to be like Yingying's horse, with a small body but a big temper?

"What grid?"

"It's nothing, it's nothing, you'll know tomorrow."

Under the bright moonlight, the two walked along the covered walkway toward the guest courtyard.

Xiao Jingshu, holding Shen Jingque's hand, suddenly looked up and asked her.

"Shen Jingque, will you always play with me from now on?"

Shen Jingque looked down at the small face that looked especially soft in the moonlight, and smiled with her eyes crinkling.

"Of course, didn't you say you wanted to be friends with me?"

"Pinky promise?"

Shen Jingque hooked her little finger around hers and shook it earnestly twice.

"Pinky promise."

Xiao Jingshu was assigned to Wangyue Pavilion on the east side of the main courtyard. Shen Jingque escorted her back to the courtyard, and the two lingered for a while before parting ways.

Back in Mingcui Pavilion, lying in bed, Shen Jingque tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.

I have a feeling of unease.

Although she and Xiao Jingshu hadn't spent much time together, the little princess's straightforward and cheerful personality was truly endearing.

Therefore, for whatever reason, Shen Jingque did not want anything to happen to this girl.

In the original book, Xiao Jingshu's accident will not happen until next year. This trip is kept secret, so there shouldn't be any problems.

She pulled the blanket over her head and let out a long sigh.

"Hey, go to sleep, go to sleep, don't scare yourself."

Everything will be alright.