The princess regretted it.

Chapter 388 Greetings and Gifts

Mingyue helped Concubine Cen sit down steadily. Concubine Cen's expression was gentle, with a perfect smile on her lips. She looked at the Second Prince and said in a gentle voice, "No need to be so polite. Please sit down."

The Second Prince stood up as instructed and waved to the eunuch behind him. The eunuch hurriedly raised the box with both hands, bent his body, and walked forward in small steps.

Seeing this, Concubine Cen remained expressionless and asked softly, "What's wrong, my prince?"

"It's truly my fault for not coming to pay my respects to Mother in such a long time." The Second Prince bowed slightly, his manner humble and polite. He pointed to the box, a polite smile on his face, and explained in a neither humble nor arrogant manner, "A few days ago, I stumbled upon an extremely rare fur coat. It's made of high-quality material and exquisitely crafted. With the sudden snowfall and the cold weather, I thought this fur coat would surely keep you warm. I wonder if it would suit your taste."

Concubine Cen smiled faintly and said, "My prince is so thoughtful!"

Mingyue watched from the side and understood what he meant. She immediately stepped forward and took the box from her father-in-law's hand with both hands, then retreated to the side of Concubine Cen.

Concubine Cen gestured for Mingyue to put the gift box aside and looked at the Second Prince gently, "It's hard to disobey your wishes. But it's snowing heavily. Why bother making this special trip? If you catch a cold, it will only make me worried."

The Second Prince replied respectfully, "Don't worry, Mother. I'm strong and won't be afraid of this little bit of snow. But Mother, you've always been delicate. During this cold winter, you must take extra care of yourself. Don't overwork yourself or you'll tire yourself out."

Concubine Cen's eyes flickered slightly, as if touched by something, and the smile on her face instantly faded a bit. However, she quickly adjusted herself, her expression still gentle, and asked softly, "You came here specially today, but what's the matter?" Concubine Cen did not ask Xuan any more questions.

Mingyue, who was beside Concubine Cen, looked a little unhappy when she heard the second prince's words. She glanced at Concubine Cen and lowered her head.

"I have nothing important to do. I just came here to pay my respects to my mother." The second prince answered honestly.

Concubine Cen looked at him deeply, then lowered her eyes and chuckled softly. There seemed to be a deep meaning in her laughter: "It's freezing cold, and the snow is falling so heavily outside. Your mother understands your feelings. In the next few days, don't run around like this. Come, sit down and have a cup of hot tea to warm yourself up."

"No need, mother. Father has just given me some instructions, and I still haven't finished some of them. I really can't delay any longer, so I'll take my leave first." The second prince bowed, his posture upright, and a respectful smile still on his face.

"Since you have official business to attend to, then I will not keep you here." Upon hearing this, Concubine Cen showed no intention of trying to persuade her to stay. She turned to Mingyue beside her and ordered, "Mingyue, go and get the handcuffs I made."

Mingyue bowed slightly, took light steps, and quickly entered the inner room.

The second prince waved his hands quickly: "Don't bother me, mother. I..."

"Take it," Cen Fei interrupted him, her tone gentle but unyielding. "The roads are slippery in the snow, be careful not to catch a cold."

Soon, she emerged, clutching a hand muff meticulously wrapped in black brocade. The muff was embroidered with intricate patterns, each stitch and thread revealing meticulous care and attention. Even in this icy and snowy season, the mere sight of it brought a sense of warmth.

The Second Prince had no choice but to thank him and take it. Just as he was about to turn and leave, Concubine Cen suddenly said, "Yun Ji!"

The second prince paused and turned around quickly, "Mother, do you have any other instructions?" The sense of alienation in his words was very obvious.

Concubine Cen knew that he didn't like the way she addressed him, so she smiled silently and said, "Nothing, I just want you to be careful on the road. It's not easy to walk on the snowy road."

"Thank you for your concern, mother! I understand. If you have nothing else to say, I will take my leave." The second prince replied respectfully.

Concubine Cen didn't say anything else, just nodded slightly.

The second prince left with the eunuch.

Concubine Cen sat there, her eyes looking straight at the door, her brows unconsciously furrowed slightly, her expression full of thought.

"Your Majesty, what's the reason for the Second Prince coming here today?" Mingyue asked softly, "Does Your Majesty think there's something wrong with the Second Prince today?"

Concubine Cen shook her head. "I can't explain it... On normal days, he wouldn't even bother to set foot in my palace even when the weather was nice. And today, when it's freezing outside, he's so eager to come simply to pay his respects? It's really baffling."

Mingyue listened, nodding repeatedly, her mind filled with the same confusion. The Second Prince had been unwillingly registered under the Empress's name by the Emperor's decree. For so long, aside from the last time the Emperor visited the Empress's palace, he had barely been seen. Who could have imagined that today, for the first time ever, he would take the initiative to pay his respects, even bringing a gift!

Speaking of gifts, Mingyue's eyes fell on the exquisite gift box on the table, and she couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, this is the gift from the Second Prince. Would you like to take a look at it now?"

"Open it!" Upon hearing this, Concubine Cen turned her head and looked at the gift box quietly placed on the table.

Mingyue responded, stretched out her hands, and gently opened the box. Inside the box was a gray fox fur coat, the fur was fine and soft, and it was obvious at a glance that it was of great value.

"Your Majesty, this fur coat is quite good." Mingyue looked at Concubine Cen.

Concubine Cen reached out and gently touched the fox fur. "Hmm! It's really good! Regardless of his intentions, put it away!" Concubine Cen withdrew her hand and whispered. Then she stood up and walked towards the inner room.

Mingyue responded, closed the box, picked up the box on the table and followed in.

After a while, Mingyue came out from the inner room, took an oil umbrella and left the hall.

......

When the second prince returned from Concubine Cen's palace, someone was already waiting for him.

As soon as the second prince stepped into the house, he saw Jiaoyu sitting inside. He was stunned and asked in surprise, "Why are you here?" His voice was full of surprise.

"What? Brother, don't you want to see me?" Jiaoyu's face was not looking good and she spoke a little harshly.

The Second Prince took off his heavy cloak and handed it to the attendant waiting beside him. He looked at Jiaoyu with a puzzled look on his face and asked with concern, "What happened? Or did someone make you unhappy?"

"Why, Your Highness, do you know who dares not to mess with me now? Who am I now?" A sarcastic smile appeared on Jiaoyu's lips, and there was deep self-mockery in her smile.

The Second Prince walked over to Jiaoyu and sat down gently. He looked up at his haggard sister and said gently, "Alright! You haven't come to see me for so long, and now you're here to provoke me with words. What's going on? Tell me quickly, who bullied you? Although your brother doesn't have much power, he still has some brute force."

"You want to vent my anger?" Jiaoyu squinted her eyes at the second prince, a mocking arc appeared at the corner of her mouth, and she smiled coldly, "Then slap yourself!" Her voice was full of resentment.

"?" The second prince was stunned for a moment, "Me? When did I offend you?" The second prince was completely confused.