"G-g-greetings, miss. I am... I am..."
"This is my son, Chu Nandong," Consort Ling said, feeling a bit speechless.
However, with Chu Qianli's beauty, it was no wonder her sheltered son was so captivated.
Most importantly, Chu Qianli's aura was truly special.
She appeared delicate and frail, her body somewhat thin, her complexion a little pale, as if lacking strength, giving the impression of a willow swaying in the breeze.
Yet, she was not weak at all.
The heroism in her brows, her dominance, and her noble bearing were qualities not found in ordinary young ladies.
It was understandable that her son would be like this.
"Greetings, Prince Nan," Chu Qianli said calmly.
Chu Nandong finally regained his senses, blushed, and quickly lowered his head, saying, "G-greetings, Miss Chu."
Chu Qianli ignored him and looked at Consort Ling.
Consort Ling said, "Please."
... That day, Chu Qianli took up residence in the Plum Garden.
Consort Ling escorted her and ordered people to send over a great many daily necessities, food, clothing, and other items, covering all needs.
Afterward, Consort Ling departed, not wishing to disturb Chu Qianli's rest.
"Miss, this Consort has truly refreshed my understanding of the word 'Consort'."
Fu Ning was tidying and organizing the gifts sent by Consort Ling.
They were not particularly valuable items, but they were practical and substantial.
Clothes, shoes, socks, some health-enhancing pearl powder, rouge for a young lady, and not many, but each piece was an exquisitely crafted piece of jewelry.
"This Consort is quite down-to-earth."
Chu Qianli nodded, remaining silent, her mind somewhat elsewhere.
"Miss, what are you thinking about? Do you feel Consort Ling is a bit strange?"
Fu Ning had also witnessed Consort Ling's reaction when she saw their young lady earlier that day.
That reaction was not one of amazement or jealousy upon seeing a beauty.
It was one of disbelief.
Who did their young lady resemble?
"Although I have never met Princess Xiyue, I've heard that you and Princess Xiyue do not look very alike."
Therefore, even if Consort Ling had met Long Xiyue, she wouldn't have been so shocked upon seeing Chu Qianli, would she?
What exactly was she shocked about?
Chu Qianli put down her teacup and looked up at Fu Ning, "I'm not sure about this matter myself right now, but if you have time, go out and buy some things."
"Alright." Fu Ning immediately patted her clothes, "Miss, I'll be going now."
"Mm."
As Fu Ning left, she encountered Aunt Lan, Consort Ling's attendant, and spoke a few words with her. She mentioned that her young lady wanted to try some local snacks from Beiming. Aunt Lan didn't suspect anything and left after exchanging greetings.
Fu Ning immediately went out.
About half an hour after leaving, Fu Ning returned with some purchased items. Unexpectedly, she encountered Feng Qihe and Jinghong at the entrance.
Jinghong wished that the Prince hadn't seen her, fearing any complications.
But Feng Qihe, with his sharp eyes, saw her.
He immediately went over, "Where is Li'er?"
"Miss is resting." Fu Ning harbored no hostility towards Feng Qihe; in fact, she had developed a favorable impression of him recently.
She was a simple person; she was friendly to anyone who was good to their young lady.
"Prince, what is this..." She glanced at the steward who had been speaking with Feng Qihe not far away.
"Prince He wishes to see our Prince, but our Prince is indisposed today and is still resting, unable to receive guests."
However, it seemed Feng Qihe had not given up.
Fu Ning said in a low voice, "Consort Ling is indeed unable to receive guests. Prince He, perhaps you could return tomorrow."