"Your Majesty, he has always been unruly at home; it would be best if the two princes are spared any fright from him," Xiqiu said, then instructed Zhi, "Express your gratitude to the Empress."

Zhi, curious about the Eldest and Second Prince, listened to Xiqiu’s words. He kowtowed to the Empress in thanks, then stood up with a grin and ran toward Xiqiu. Seeing him handle the dagger with such recklessness, Xiqiu was anxious but dared not say more, simply advising, "Do not run around... it will disturb the Empress’s peace."

"Fourth Madam, no need to worry," the Empress smiled broadly. "Both princes are older than him." She paused, then turned to instruct Nanny Mao, "It would be best to invite the two princes over; they should get acquainted given their similar ages."

Nanny Mao acknowledged, saluted, and withdrew. Xiqiu frowned subtly but kept silent. Zhi was seated, swinging his legs while engrossed with his knife when footsteps echoed from outside. Xiqiu looked up to see two children entering. The one in front was the same height as Zhi, with thick brows and bright eyes, walking with confidence. The one behind was slightly shorter, with delicate features, resembling a girl in beauty.

"Mother!" The two princes greeted the Empress, who then addressed the one in front, "Xuan’er, this is Madam Xiao, quickly pay your respects."

Xuan’er, this seemed to be the Eldest Prince.

The Eldest Prince walked over, and Xiqiu rose from her seat. As he salute, Xiqiu sidestepped to avoid it, saying, "Fourth Madam Xiao!" Xiqiu returned the courtesy, "Your Highness!"

The Eldest Prince’s gaze briefly surveyed Xiqiu’s face, eventually settling on Zhi, who sat openly playing with a dagger. His brow furrowed, and he pointed at Zhi, asking, "Who are you?"

Zhi, unfazed, looked up and replied cheerfully, "I’m Xiao Huaizhi, and who are you?" Sliding off his chair, he kept his distance, sizing up the Eldest Prince in return.

The Eldest Prince, realizing that Zhi did not know him, showed displeasure and turned away, going to sit beside the Empress. She chided gently, "How impolite, given your similar ages, you should be playing together."

The Eldest Prince remained silent, averting his gaze.

The Empress sighed and addressed the unusually pretty Second Prince, "Lan’er, have you paid your respects to Fourth Madam?"

The Second Prince approached Xiqiu, saluted as his sibling had done, glanced at Zhi with visible curiosity for a long time.

"What are you looking at, return here!" The Eldest Prince commanded, causing the Second Prince to visibly tremble. He quickly turned back, yet couldn’t resist sneaking another look at Zhi, to which Zhi responded with a carefree smile, prompting a smile from the Second Prince as well.

The children, being too young, did not play together as the Empress had hoped. Just as she was about to speak, a female official announced from outside, "Your Majesty, Chief Chang is here. The Emperor wishes to see Second Young Master Xiao and asked Chief Chang to bring him. And Grand Commander Xiao is currently in Taihe Palace," seemingly explaining to Xiqiu.

Xiqiu froze momentarily. It seemed that Fourth Master Xiao’s idea to take Zhi out would not come to fruition for now.

With this in mind, she looked toward the unfamiliar palace maid at the door before turning to the Empress, who gave a nod without hesitation, "Take the young master." She then turned to Xiqiu, "It seems the Emperor shares the same curiosity about Grand Commander Xiao’s son as I do."

Xiqiu forced a smile, noticing a female official entering, and replied to the Empress, "Both Your Majesty and the Emperor are united in thought." Then she asked the approaching official with a smile, "He’s quite mischievous; is it possible for his nurse to accompany him?"

The female official hesitated, thought for a moment before looking at the Empress, then nodded, "Let the nurse accompany him."

Xiqiu walked to the door to instruct Mrs. Zhou softly, handing her a pocket from her sleeve. Mrs. Zhou solemnly accepted it discreetly, while the female official approached Zhi. Zhi turned away, ignoring her, leaving the official awkwardly standing there...

"Zhi," Xiqiu said, speaking to him, "go with this sister, but do be obedient, remember what mother told you last night?"

"I remember!" Zhi nodded. With the Empress present, Xiqiu could not say much more, so she let the female official take Zhi’s hand out the hall door, accompanied by Mrs. Zhou out of Fengwu Palace.

Watching Zhi’s departing figure, Xiqiu felt a pang of concern in her heart!

The Empress noticed Xiqiu’s worried expression and smiled as she spoke, "Fourth Madam, have some tea." Xiqiu sipped the tea, and the Empress suddenly asked, "I have heard you have an unmarried sister at your maternal home, is that so?"

Xiqiu’s heart momentarily skipped, and she quickly thought before replying, "Indeed, there are two sisters at my maternal home awaiting marriage."

The Empress raised her eyebrow slightly, "Two?" Xiqiu replied with a smile, "Yes, one is my eighth sister, the other is the twelfth sister, who is four years old this year!"

The Empress laughed lightly, "So it is true!" and did not pursue the topic further.

Xiqiu, however, felt puzzled. Why did the Empress suddenly inquire about her unmarried sisters?

As she pondered, the Eldest Prince grew restless, clamoring to go sightseeing on the lake in the Imperial Garden. The Empress tried to persuade him, but eventually relented and commented to Xiqiu, "Children that refuse to grow up!" Xiqiu seized the moment, "Such fine weather is perfect for boating on the lake, with the gentle breeze and beautiful scenery. The Eldest Prince must be thinking of relieving Your Majesty from court duties by sharing this moment."

Hearing this, the Eldest Prince gave Xiqiu a thoughtful look, though Xiqiu’s head was bowed, unaware of his expression. The Empress appeared pleased, "Fourth Madam articulates so well... if indeed as you say, I must fulfill his dutiful intent."

Xiqiu nodded and smiled, "Your Majesty’s bond with the Eldest Prince is profound; I only speak from the heart."

The Empress chuckled softly, assuring Xiqiu, "Chief Chang has taken him, rest assured he’ll be safely returned shortly."

Xiqiu nodded, "Then I shall not disturb Your Majesty. I will wait outside the palace." The Empress did not ask her to stay, nodding before instructing Nanny Mao, "See Fourth Madam out!"

Xiqiu retreated.

"Aunt, please hold your step!" Xiqiu paused with a smile, "Just have someone guide me, no need to trouble you further. You are indispensable to Her Majesty, please return quickly."