221: Pingyang has grown stronger!

The drumbeats faded into the distance, but the liveliness of the lantern market remained undiminished.

Female Emperor Mu Qingning gazed at the gradually dispersing fireworks in the distance, a hint of reluctance flashing in her eyes.

"Empress, it's getting late, it's time to return to the palace."

A palace maid, having appeared behind Empress Mu Qingning at some unknown point, spoke respectfully in a low voice.

Dressed in a plain skirt, not in palace attire, she appeared remarkably understated amidst the fading lamplight, yet she could not conceal a sharp aura, clearly one of the Empress's guards.

Though only a fourth-rank official, she was considered a top-tier imperial bodyguard.

Female Emperor Mu Qingning frowned slightly, subconsciously gripping Li Shengyuan's sleeve, and calmly replied, "I know..."

This subtle movement was keenly observed by Princess Pingyang, a hint of slyness flashing in her eyes.

"Imperial Sister, the people from the palace are here to pick you up," Princess Pingyang leaned in, whispering with a smile, drawing the attention of the other women around them.

"If you don't go back now, those old fogies will start nagging again at tomorrow's morning court!"

Female Emperor Mu Qingning glared at her, then turned to Li Shengyuan, her eyes carrying a hint of a plea.

Li Shengyuan understood, clearing his throat lightly, "Princess Pingyang, why don't you accompany... accompany Imperial Sister back to the palace?"

"No way!"

Princess Pingyang immediately jumped behind Shen Xinrong like a startled rabbit, "I finally got out, and I still want to see the acrobatics in the West Market! Besides..."

She drew out her words, winking mischievously, "Imperial Sister is currently on a 'private inspection tour.' If I go back with her, wouldn't that expose her?"

Female Emperor Mu Qingning's ears reddened slightly, and she feigned sternness, "I... I am merely observing the people's lives; what's wrong with that?"

"As a Princess, you lack even a bit of a Princess's dignity; what kind of conduct is that!"

"Yes, yes, yes, Imperial Sister is the most brilliant. I'm not the Emperor; I'm going to marry someone eventually, so why do I need dignity!" Princess Pingyang giggled, making an awkward bow.

"So, Imperial Sister, you can observe the way back to the palace yourself. Your humble sister bids farewell!"

With that, she pulled Shen Xinrong and Yue Xiyan and ran off, not forgetting to turn back and make a face at Li Shengyuan, transmitting her voice, "Shengyuan Gege, don't worry, I'll take good care of the Imperial Sisters and Tangtang!"

It was hard to tell who was taking care of whom.

Female Emperor Mu Qingning, on the other hand, stomped her foot in anger, yet was helpless, only able to grit her teeth and whisper, "This Princess Pingyang, after going out with you for a while, her wings have grown stiff; she doesn't even listen to me!"

The palace maid guard stood to the side, eyes downcast, pretending not to notice the Empress's rare display of girlishness.

"Senior Sister..." Li Shengyuan softly called, lightly scratching her palm with his fingertip, "I'll come find you tomorrow."

"...Mm."

Female Emperor Mu Qingning pursed her lips, finally letting go of his hand.

As she turned, she had already resumed her usual dignified demeanor, though the tightly clenched fist in her sleeve betrayed her inner reluctance.

As long as she was the Emperor for a day, she had to maintain the Emperor's dignity, just as Princess Pingyang had said, she was only a Princess, and sooner or later she would marry someone. As long as she didn't do anything out of line, the royal elders were happy to let her do as she pleased.

"Let's go," she said indifferently to the palace maid guard.

The palace maid guard bowed slightly, but the corner of her eye caught Li Shengyuan secretly slipping a sugar figurine into the Empress's sleeve.

The usually stoic palace maid guard's mouth twitched almost imperceptibly, wisely choosing to ignore it.

Gazing at Female Emperor Mu Qingning's retreating back, Li Shengyuan's lips curved into a smile.

Only when that graceful figure disappeared around the street corner did he turn and head in the direction Princess Pingyang and the others had taken.

Qingyao Garden was still brightly lit; it seemed like an all-night affair.

From afar, Princess Pingyang's bell-like laughter could be heard, and the group was seen sitting on the third floor of the teahouse, observing the distant lanterns.

"Big Brother is back!"

As soon as Li Shengyuan ascended to the teahouse and reached behind the group, he was spotted by the sharp-eyed Tangtang.

The little girl and Princess Pingyang bounced and skipped to meet him, each taking an arm.

Eventually, Little Fatty realized she was a bit short and could only hold her Big Brother's hand with one hand, while the other clutched a string of candied hawthorns.

Shen Xinrong and Yue Xiyan, master and disciple, also cast their gazes.

"Quick, tell us, how did you convince Imperial Sister to leave the palace?" Princess Pingyang tugged and shook his sleeve.

"Imperial Sister usually can't even be bothered to stroll through the Imperial Garden, yet she came to see the lantern festival. She listens to you too much, doesn't she...?"

At this point, Princess Pingyang's eyes brightened. Only Li Shengyuan could understand what she meant, thinking to herself, 'Has this moment finally arrived?'

It was precisely because she thought this way that she felt particularly confident when facing Imperial Sister!

Shen Xinrong covered her mouth and chuckled softly, "Indeed, the Empress is usually very dignified, but today she..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but the teasing in her eyes was self-evident.

Li Shengyuan, stared at by four pairs of sparkling eyes, shook his head and smiled helplessly.

He sat down, took a sip of tea, looked around at the women, and slowly said, "Want to know? You'll have to offer something in return!"