In the main hall, Shu Dezhong stood hunched at Mu Yanming's side.
There were six large chests filled with gold, silver, and jewels in the hall.
"Your Highness, these are all the Emperor's rewards. His Majesty asked this old servant to convey his congratulations on the Regent Princess's pregnancy."
Mu Yanming cast a casual glance at the contents of the chests, then turned to Shu Dezhong.
His tone was unexpectedly amiable. "Thank you for making this trip, Father-in-law."
Hearing Mu Yanming's tone, Shu Dezhong thought he had misheard.
He stole a glance at Mu Yanming from the corner of his eye. Seeing the smile on his face, he even thought he was hallucinating.
He bowed to Mu Yanming and backed away hunched. "Since I've conveyed His Majesty's message, this old servant shall take his leave. Congratulations again, Your Highness."
After retreating outside the hall, he turned around and left. It wasn't until he left the Regent's Mansion that the heavy stone in his heart finally dropped.
Bao Lai, standing beside him, saw his master wipe the sweat off his forehead and couldn't help asking curiously.
"Master, what's wrong with you? I've been by your side for several months, and I've never seen you so nervous."
Shu Dezhong flicked his whisk. "Come on, aren't you nervous in front of the Regent?"
Bao Lai scratched the back of his ear. "Master, to be honest with you, I really don't feel nervous."
Shu Dezhong snorted. "That's because you don't know how powerful the Regent is. Well, you'll understand someday. It's useless to tell you now, as you won't be able to feel it."
Saying so, Shu Dezhong stretched out his hand and got into the carriage with Bao Lai's support.
At the mansion, just after seeing off the people from the palace, Yang Suxin came with a carriage full of tonics.
"Quick, carry them all in!"
Hearing the commotion at the gate, Bai Ke came out. He was really startled by the sight.
"Miss Yang, what are you doing?" He leaned his head into the carriage curiously and almost got hit on the head by a falling box.
Yang Suxin clapped her hands and walked up to Bai Ke. "Isn't the Princess pregnant? I've brought all the best tonics from our family's pharmacy."
Bai Ke twitched the corner of his mouth. "Does your father know about this?"
Yang Suxin didn't care. "You know, my mother passed away early. I'm in charge of the shops and accounts at home. My father never interferes. Besides, even if he knew, once he hears that I'm giving these to the Regent Princess, he probably wouldn't dare to say anything."
Bai Ke gave her a thumbs - up. "Miss Yang, I didn't expect that, although you usually seem so unreliable, you're actually in charge of the accounts. I wonder how much money you can manage?"
Only then did she realize that Bai Ke was mocking her. "Well, you actually look down on me!" Saying so, she reached out to punch Bai Ke, but Bai Ke dodged with a laugh.
"Clearing my throat—" Mu Yanming coughed lightly and stood on the open space in front of the main hall, looking at the two who were joking around.
As soon as they heard Mu Yanming's voice, they immediately stood still obediently, with their heads down, silent.
"What are you doing?" He asked in a deep voice.
Yang Suxin then raised her head and said with a smile, "This is just a little token of my respect, Your Highness. Congratulations to Your Highness and the Princess on welcoming a noble son."
Bai Ke choked. He nudged her with his elbow. "What are you talking about! It's still early for the birth!"
She scratched her head and gave an embarrassed smile.
"Since it's your kind thought, carry them all in." After Mu Yanming said that, he turned around and entered the room.
Bai Ke stared with wide eyes and looked up at Mu Yanming's back.
He didn't expect that their Highness would actually accept this carriage full of tonics from Yang Suxin.
He looked at the boxes and swallowed hard.
Yang Suxin covered her face and laughed. "What, are you greedy?"
Bai Ke glanced at her and said seriously, "What a joke! Greedy? I'm the commander. I've seen all kinds of grand scenes. Do you think I'd be greedy for these tonics for pregnant women?"
"Oh, just a commander."
He pointed his finger at Yang Suxin. "You!"
She stuck out her tongue at Bai Ke and trotted towards the Yangyang Palace.
"Sister Princess, I'm here to see you!" She shouted as she ran into the gate of the Yangyang Palace.
It really scared Dan'er. She quickly stepped forward and said to Yang Suxin, "Oh, my dear lady, please keep your voice down. If you wake up our lady, the Regent will be furious."
She nodded, and even unconsciously lightened her steps.
Inside the room, Mo Qinghuan heard her silver - bell - like voice before seeing her.
But why did the voice suddenly stop? She got up curiously and walked out. As soon as she opened the door, she saw Yang Suxin and Dan'er tiptoeing towards her.
"What are you two doing?"
Yang Suxin let out a long sigh. "I'm suffocating! Sister Princess, Dan'er said I should keep my voice down so as not to startle you."
She looked at Dan'er. "Dan'er, don't tell everyone that I can't stand noise and will be startled. Do you know that a sudden silent appearance is scarier than a loud shout?"
"Yes, this servant knows." Dan'er lowered her head and stood aside.
She pulled Yang Suxin's hand and walked into the room. As she stepped over the threshold, she looked back at Dan'er. "Go to the kitchen and get some snacks."
Dan'er nodded and walked towards the kitchen.
"It's almost dark. Why didn't you wait until tomorrow to come?"
She poured a cup of tea and pushed it in front of Yang Suxin. Yang Suxin smiled. "Of course I couldn't wait to congratulate you." After saying that, the smile on her face froze.
Mo Qinghuan knew that there must be something else. She asked, "There's something else, right?"
She nodded, and her eyes instantly turned red. "Sister Princess, I haven't seen His Highness yet. I'm so worried about him."
Mo Qinghuan patted her on the shoulder to comfort her. "Don't worry. I saw him this morning. He's fine. He hasn't suffered at all, and the place he's staying in doesn't look like a cell at all."
Yang Suxin sighed. "I know, I know all these things. But I still feel uneasy if I don't see him with my own eyes."
She reached out and stroked Yang Suxin's hair. "I'll find a way for you."
Yang Suxin's eyes suddenly lit up. She asked in surprise, "Really?"
Mo Qinghuan nodded. Before she could figure out how to help Yang Suxin see Mu Yefeng, Mu Yanming stepped in.
Yang Suxin hurriedly stood up and stood respectfully aside.
She also stood up, but just as she got halfway up, Mu Yanming pressed her back down.
"I heard everything you said." He looked at Bai Ke standing at the door. "Bai Ke, find Miss Yang a set of servant's clothes and take her to the dungeon."
Bai Ke looked at Yang Suxin and signaled with his eyes: Let's go.
Yang Suxin immediately followed. Before going out, she didn't forget to say thank you. "Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you, Sister Princess... Ouch." She suddenly stumbled on the threshold and almost fell.
Fortunately, she grabbed the door frame in time.
The sky quickly darkened. By the time they reached the dungeon gate, the sky was as black as ink.
The guards at the dungeon saw Bai Ke and stepped forward attentively. "Brother Bai, you're coming to the dungeon so late. You've really worked hard."
Bai Ke gave a faint smile. "Yes, His Highness suddenly remembered something and asked me to come and ask His Highness."