CHAPTER 177: CHAPTER 177 FUTURE PLANS

After Doctor Cheng left, the Emperor remained alone in Qiqing Hall, contemplating plans for the future.

Even if Princess Consort Lan survives, the Second Princess will never return to Yong’an Palace.

However, if the decree for Lin Wanyi’s promotion remains unclear, wouldn’t that bring trouble upon her?

Thus, after much thought without any satisfactory plan, the Emperor decided to go to Huifang Courtyard.

But he found it empty.

Lin Wanyi had already gone with Second Madam Mrs. Yun to the neighboring courtyard to care for the Second Princess.

Therefore, when the Emperor arrived, only Xia An and Xiao Luzi were accompanying the Second Prince, practicing calligraphy.

Even when he approached, they didn’t notice.

Such is the focus.

Looking at the furnishings in the room, the Emperor suddenly felt a hint of sentimentality.

How had he not realized before that everything was tailored to the Second Prince’s height?

He found them somewhat short himself, but for the Second Prince, they would certainly feel comfortable.

His mouth curled into a slight smile, deeply realizing the correctness of entrusting the Second Prince’s upbringing to Lin Wanyi and Nanny Du.

"Ahem."

The Emperor coughed twice, startling the Second Prince who was practicing calligraphy.

The Second Prince had recently mastered the etiquette very well.

Seeing the Emperor, though surprised, he did not panic.

Stepping forward, he bowed and spoke.

"Your child greets Father Emperor, wishing Father Emperor thousands of peace."

"Hmm, what characters are you practicing? Let me take a look."

"Yes."

The Second Prince walked to the table, blew on the wet ink to dry it, and then presented some finished pages to the Emperor.

"Lady Lin said that practicing three pages of calligraphy each day with focus on wrist strength and pen pressure is sufficient, so I haven’t stored many sheets."

Though the practice was not much, each sheet showed evident earnest effort.

Especially the subtle annotations below each page, unmistakably written by Lin Wanyi.

The Second Prince, perceptive, noticed the Emperor’s interest in those annotations and quickly explained.

"Each day after practicing, I would show the sheets to Lady Lin. She pointed out areas for improvement and noted specific dates, saying that this would help me later understand the importance of past efforts!"

Her approach is thoughtful, akin to her guidance in the Second Prince’s calligraphy practice.

The process is neither rushed nor delayed; her attitude is dignified, leading to mostly favorable outcomes.

Though the Second Prince’s calligraphy may not turn out excellent, this nurtures his meticulousness and self-awareness.

The Emperor couldn’t help but admire her.

So young yet so insightful, surpassing Princess Consort Yi who treats the Third Prince like a precious gem.

If the Second Princess grows up with her, she will surely become a wise and understanding child.

This conviction strengthened within him.

"Yes, your Lady Lin teaches with great care, and you study diligently. Later, let Dong Yuzhong bring you some fine inkstones. In a few days, I shall test you again."

"Yes, I obey the decree."

Father and son rested for a while, then together visited the Second Princess.

It is said that children grow overnight.

From birth to a full month, they can grow significantly.

The Second Princess, though delicate, is well-nurtured, hence does not grow extensively, but has improved significantly since birth.

The Emperor and the Second Prince arrived just in time to see the Second Princess having finished nursing, now resting on Lin Wanyi’s body, burping.

Possibly recalling the previous lesson, Lin Wanyi had thoughtfully placed a soft silk scarf on her shoulder.

The Second Princess rested against her, being gently patted on the back.

A tiny smile appeared on her small face.

Though fleeting, it was a promising sign to Nanny Du and the wet nurse.

"The Second Princess now smiles at the young master, surely she will overcome this difficulty in the future!"

Those who care for the Second Princess daily saw her complexion improving and felt hopeful.

"The Princess smiled? Let me see."

The Emperor’s words seemed to surprise the Second Princess in Lin Wanyi’s arms.

Her small body trembled slightly, causing Lin Wanyi to forsake etiquette and quickly comfort her.

"The Princess need not fear, Lady Lin is here."

She glanced reproachfully at the Emperor, then said.

"Your Majesty, please lower your voice, the Second Princess is easily startled."

The Emperor understood and nodded without speaking further.

Approaching, he saw the Second Princess comforted and at ease.

Her small face indeed bore a slight smile.

Smiling with relief, the Emperor commented.

"The Second Princess seems fond of relying on you."

He gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, revealing her delicate ear.

"You’ve lost weight."

His words were not a question but a statement.

Despite Nanny Du and the wet nurse’s assistance and seldom staying up late, her dedication to the Second Princess naturally exhausted her.

Thus, in about half a month’s time, she had lost some weight.

"You’re better off as you were."

Lin Wanyi neither affirmed nor denied, just smiled without responding.

"In these coming days, Nanny Ji, who served Consort Liu, will come here. She meticulously cared for Consort Liu’s Third Princess, very thoroughly. I specifically requested her here, to specialize in caring for the Second Princess, allowing you and Nanny Du to ease your burden."

Upon hearing Nanny Ji’s name, Lin Wanyi seemed somewhat bewildered.

Her knowledge of the Empress Dowager was limited, and of Consort Liu even less.

However, when Nanny Du heard this, her face lit up.

"Nanny Ji is known for her meticulous and diligent nature, and her renowned gentle temperament. With her caring for the Second Princess, the Second Princess is bound to grow healthily."

Nanny Du, having spent most of her life in the palace, knew everyone well.

Given her confident words about Nanny Ji, Lin Wanyi felt assured.

"That’s very good, with the Second Princess now feeding and sleeping well, even her uncle’s wife says she’s much improved. As for the injury, it cannot be rushed and should be treated gradually."

"Yes."

As of now, ensuring the child grows well is of utmost importance.

Once healthier, she will be able to endure more treatment.

Perhaps by then, Divine Doctor Ling could be found.

There’s hope for the Second Princess’s recovery.

Perhaps feeling energetic today, or perhaps due to the crowd, the Second Princess, after nursing and burping, did not immediately sleep.

Instead, her large eyes stared from within the brocade blanket.

At this moment, the child’s eyes resembled round, plump black grapes, with no visible whites.

The Second Prince stepped forward, gazing at the Second Princess, and couldn’t help but exclaim.

"Second Sister is truly beautiful."

Lin Wanyi chuckled softly and then said to him.