Xie PanâEr deliberately feigned a thoughtful expression before speaking after a moment.
"You can tell Her Majesty the Empress Dowager that with this Phoenix as a companion, she will surely be joyful in the future!"
Xiaosuisui didnât understand her meaning, but Xie PanâEr said nothing more.
Meanwhile, the Phoenixâs cry in the sky grew even more frenzied than before!
Moreover, its eyes were firmly fixed on Xie PanâEr!
Its stare immediately caught the National Masterâs attention.
Could the appearance of this Phoenix be... because of this woman, the one born with the Phoenix Destiny?
As the National Master pondered this, he heard the commoner Princess, ennobled by the Emperor, call out, "Grandma!"
Then, he saw the Empress Dowager look towards the Princess, her eyes crinkling with amusement.
"Ah! My precious, do you miss Grandma? Come here, let Grandma give you a hug!"
Instead of going over, Xiaosuisui began to bid farewell to the Empress Dowager.
"Grandma! Suisui is about to leave the Imperial Palace and return home. When Iâm gone, Grandma wonât have Xiaobai and Suisui to cheer her up, so Grandma will be very sad.
"But itâs alright now! A Phoenix has come to the Imperial Palace. In the future, Grandma will have the Phoenixâs company, so Grandma, you must be happy!"
"Ah..." The Empress Dowager was stunned for a moment. After a brief pause, she finally processed it. "Youâre leaving the Imperial Palace to go back?"
Oh, this wasnât her biological granddaughter. It was unbearable to think she couldnât keep her in the Imperial Palace for company!
"Yes! Suisui is going home!" Xiaosuisui announced, stifling a yawn.
Todayâs Palace Banquet was not a dinner affair. Because many daughters of Capital City officials were scheduled to perform before the Emperor, the Palace Banquet was held during the day.
It was now late in the afternoon, and the child was tired and needed to rest.
The Empress Dowager naturally saw Xiaosuisui yawn. She spontaneously suggested, "Child, why donât you rest in the Imperial Palace for a bit? Stay and play for a few more days before going back?"
However, at this moment, Xie PanâEr stepped forward and reported,
"Your Majesty, the Princess hasnât napped today. She has a little habit: she can only fall asleep in the small bed sheâs used since she was a baby!"
The Emperor furrowed his brow. His precious girl was particular about her bed?
How could he not know this?
On the journey from Xunâan County to the Capital City, he hadnât seen the little girl have any trouble sleeping, had he?
Hmph!
This woman is audacious! She actually dares to deceive the sovereign!
With Xie PanâErâs words, the Empress Dowager found it difficult to insist they stay. So, she said, "Since thatâs the case, you may return home first. In a few days, I will issue an edict for our dear Princess to come and stay in the Imperial Palace for a while!"
This implied that the Ji Family should prepare Xiaosuisuiâs usual belongings. When she was summoned to the Imperial Palace again, if she truly couldnât sleep in an unfamiliar bed... then Xiaosuisuiâs little bed would have to be moved into the Imperial Palace as well!
Xie PanâEr instinctively felt she had caused trouble. However, she couldnât dwell on it now; leaving the Imperial Palace immediately was paramount!
"Yes! Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager!"
The Ji Family quickly bowed and took their leave.
Before leaving, Xiaosuisui didnât forget to wave goodbye to the furious Phoenix in the sky.
"Iâm leaving now, Big Phoenix! You be good and keep my Grandma company in the Imperial Palace. When Grandma summons me to the Imperial Palace in a few days, Iâll come play with you again!"
As soon as Xiaosuisui finished speaking, Zhu Xiuxiu quickly scooped her up and hurried away.
The Empress Dowager mused, "Why does it seem to me that our precious girlâs Third Aunt is carrying her away in such a rush? Itâs almost as if sheâs fleeing."
The Empress Dowagerâs thought was accurate, but no one responded to her.
Because at that moment, the Phoenixâs cries from the sky were piercing and insistent. The screeching grew harsher, as if the Phoenix was wailing, accusing its heartless Master of abandoning it in the Imperial Palace at the behest of a mere mortal!
It wanted to weep, to roar, to wreak havoc and destroy everything, but...