CHAPTER 185: CHAPTER 185: STAYING AT THE TRAVELING PALACE

The Second Prince’s expectant expression made Lin Wanyi smile involuntarily.

She slightly bowed before speaking.

"As for staying, it’ll be a few months at the least. We probably won’t return to the main palace until around the new year. Regarding your father, he has important matters to deal with these days, so he doesn’t have time to come. Would you like me and the Second Princess to keep you company?"

"That would be great."

The Second Prince mischievously smiled, showing a less mature side than in the past.

"With Lady Lin, Nanny Du, Xiao Luzi, Chunqi, and my second sister around, along with so many others, I am quite pleased."

Seeing the excitement on his face, Lin Wanyi felt her decision was indeed correct.

While staying at the traveling palace might seem like a hardship, like being forgotten.

However, how one spends each day is entirely up to oneself.

If you can face it calmly, even thorns can taste sweet.

If you always compare yourself to others, even gold and jade piled high will fail to bring peace.

In this regard, the Second Prince shared her optimistic outlook.

The Second Princess, who would be one month old by tomorrow, was currently sleeping soundly.

Unaware of what her future holds.

With Qiu Ming taking the lead and others assisting, Ruiyang Pavilion was quickly put in order.

Taking advantage of the Second Princess’s nap, Lin Wanyi took the Second Prince around Ruiyang Pavilion for a stroll.

It was a three-entry courtyard.

The front courtyard was Lin Wanyi’s, while the middle courtyard was divided into two, with one half for the Second Prince and the other for the Second Princess.

The rear courtyard consisted of a row of low houses, all for the palace attendants to reside in.

With seven or eight rooms lined up, it was sufficient to accommodate the twenty-some people.

Not only that, but a few dozen steps from the Waterside Pavilion on the left of Ruiyang Pavilion, there was a small hot spring pool.

In the hot summer, naturally, no one would use it.

But if used in the autumn or winter, it would be quite comfortable.

"Let me consult Doctor Dou to see if your body can handle soaking in the hot spring. If so, you could visit it every few days. Warm up your body, and your illness will heal faster."

Lin Wanyi looked at the hot spring pool with satisfaction.

Though she herself didn’t favor hot springs much and preferred bathing indoors.

Finding it more comfortable.

The Second Prince, having the opportunity to soak in the hot spring for the first time since birth, was visibly excited.

As he continued his enthusiastic chatter, the other scenery became irrelevant to him.

Keeping his eyes fixed on the hot spring pool, he babbled endlessly.

Coincidentally, when they returned to the main courtyard, Doctor Dou was already waiting in the side courtyard.

Previously, Huifang Courtyard was small, so medical consultations were held in the main hall.

Now, things were different, with four rooms on each side newly arranged.

Thus setting one room aside for Doctor Dou’s consultations was no issue.

Otherwise, the frequent comings and goings could harm Lin Wanyi’s reputation.

Inside the left room, Doctor Dou quietly and carefully took the Second Prince’s pulse, then did a full body examination.

Once finished, he smiled and said.

"The young master and Nanny Du have taken excellent care of the Second Prince. By next spring, he should be able to practice riding and archery."

In his words, there was no mention of poisoning.

But his nod of confidence toward Lin Wanyi reassured her greatly.

If it can be healed, that is enough.

He is only about six years old now; if the illness is cured, everything can start anew.

Though he might not match the Third Prince yet, with time, becoming a better Second Prince is eagerly anticipated.

For this, both Lin Wanyi and Nanny Du were delighted.

"Doctor Dou, is it possible for me to soak in the hot spring? There’s one beside Ruiyang Pavilion, and I’d like to try it if possible."

"Hot spring?"

Doctor Dou pondered for a moment before cautiously speaking.

"You may soak, but be careful of the timing, no more than once every half month, and each soak should not exceed half an hour. Although the Second Prince’s health is improving, his constitution is still weak. If he catches a cold, more medicine will be needed."

The soaking is possible, but Doctor Dou believed the Second Prince was still young.

Prolonged immersion in hot water could be too much for him.

Hence, the specific timing was elaborately set.

The Second Prince, hearing this, looked at Doctor Dou with gratitude.

He was excited even if it meant soaking only once in total.

Immediately, he looked at Lin Wanyi with a hint of pleading and said.

"Lady Lin, Doctor Dou said it’s okay."

Lin Wanyi, with a smile in her eyes, looked at him and said.

"Alright, we’ll have Eunuch Qiu Ming arrange it for you."

"No backing out!"

Lin Wanyi nodded, knowing she wouldn’t deceive the Second Prince on such a small matter.

Since there were still matters to discuss with Doctor Dou, Lin Wanyi said to the Second Prince.

"Go check with Mr. Qiu on how to arrange it."

"Alright, I’ll take my leave now."

"Okay."

Finishing his words, the Second Prince nodded amicably to Doctor Dou and then left the side courtyard.

Heading straight towards Qiu Ming.

Inside the room, Lin Wanyi’s expression, which had been pleasant, turned slightly more serious.

"Doctor Dou, while the Second Prince’s health is improving, the Second Princess seems to have some issues. She’s been fussy and crying more in the evenings these past few days, and even refuses milk from her wet nurse. Is her condition worsening?"

Hearing her, Doctor Dou also frowned slightly.

Logically, it shouldn’t be like this, as the most dangerous first month had already passed.

From here on, it should be much easier to treat.

How could there be such a sudden problem?

"Where is the Princess? Let me take a look before making any conclusions."

"Okay."

The Second Princess had already woken up, being entertained by her wet nurse and Nanny Ji in the main hall.

Qin An brought over a small sitting bed.

Engraved with auspicious symbols of long life, filled with thick cushions inside.

The Second Princess would stay in the main hall for her naps or when she cried inconsolably.

Enabling Lin Wanyi to help with her care.

Only at night would she return to her own courtyard to rest.

Lin Wanyi had Xia An bring Nanny Ji and the Second Princess over.

As soon as Doctor Dou appeared, the Second Princess began crying more intensely.

"See, that’s how it is; no matter how we soothe her, she won’t calm down. It’s as if she fears the evening hours."

Lin Wanyi suspected this, thinking perhaps the young princess was simply afraid of the dark.

Otherwise, why would she cry so sorrowfully?

Doctor Dou examined her carefully, finding no irregularities.

He then said, frowning.

"This is peculiar. The Second Princess has been recovering well lately and has grown significantly stronger, so these symptoms shouldn’t appear."

Lin Wanyi took the Second Princess from Nanny Ji to comfort her personally.