CHAPTER 687: CHAPTER 260: THE EMPRESS’S WORRIES! GIVING HER MAJESTY THE CONSORT A BACK RUB?!_2

"Then you still have to get Chen Mo’s consent!"

The Empress bit her lip; she didn’t expect that as soon as Chu Yanli returned, she set her sights on Chen Mo.

However, she couldn’t forcibly stop it either, as if their relationship was exposed, it might lead to even bigger troubles.

"Although a forced melon isn’t sweet, you have to pick it first and take a bite to find out what it truly tastes like." Chu Yanli said with a smile.

Empress: "..."

"But speaking of which, how has your skin improved so much after not seeing you for such a long time? It’s practically so tender you could squeeze water out of it." Chu Yanli studied the Empress for a moment, pinched her chin, and pondered, "Hmm, seems like your figure has become more voluptuous too?"

The Empress silently wrapped her bathrobe a little tighter.

This is all thanks to Chen Mo...

Besides that Youthful Elixir, he also diligently took care of her day in and day out and organized team-building activities all the time. Over time, some changes naturally occurred...

Thinking of this, she sighed silently, her heart full of worries.

Consort Yu and the Daoist Venerable have yet to be dealt with, and now there’s a tricky Princess...

Why do people always try to make moves on my little thief?

...

...

Dingnan Street, Lv Mansion.

Lu Shuangge stood in front of the mansion, gazing at the tightly closed dark doors, lingering for a long time before she slowly walked up the steps and raised her hand to knock on the door knocker.

Knock, knock, knock—

Moments later, a cold voice came from inside:

"Lv Mansion is closed to guests today, please return."

"It’s me."

Lu Shuangge said lightly.

Upon hearing this voice, there was a brief silence inside; then with a "clang," the latch was dropped, and the door swiftly opened.

"Mis—Miss?!"

The guard was momentarily stunned, then quickly reacted, shouting loudly: "It’s the Miss! The Miss has returned!"

Step, step, step—

Soon, dense footsteps echoed from the courtyard.

The steward in black attire led a group of servants out quickly.

Seeing Lu Shuangge, he couldn’t hide his excitement and approached with hurried steps.

"Miss, it’s truly you!"

"When did you come back from the Southern Border, why didn’t you inform us in advance?"

The servants behind swiftly bowed in greeting: "Greetings, Miss!"

"Just returned."

Lu Shuangge replied and inquired, "Where is my mother?"

"She’s at Jianshan Building reading a book." The steward said with a smile, "If she knows you’ve returned, she’ll definitely be delighted!"

"Let’s go."

The two walked through the corridor heading towards the inner residence.

Jianshan Building, a small pavilion within the Lv Mansion, separate from the main structures.

Though Lady Lv is a First-rank Noble Lady, she doesn’t indulge in banquets, gatherings, garden outings, or floral appreciation like other ladies; her sole hobby is reading.

For this, Lv Huaiyu specially built a study filled with various books and literature.

Anything available on the market can be found in Jianshan Building; if it’s not in Jianshan Building, it’s likely unobtainable elsewhere.

Arriving at the side courtyard.

Here there’s a large bamboo grove, offering a tranquil and serene atmosphere; glimpses of eaves and corners can be seen through the gaps in the foliage.

The steward stepped forward and opened the door, gesturing invitingly.

"Miss, please."

Lu Shuangge stepped inside.

The pavilion stood three stories tall, with shelves installed on every wall, packed with books ranging from poems and classics to topics on Buddhism, Daoism, medicine, agriculture, mathematics... even cultivation methods from various sects.

Long scrolls hung down from the ceiling, ink marks on plain silk winding like dragons.

A woman in a cloak sat by the window, engrossed in a book, oblivious even as Lu Shuangge approached.

"Ahem."

Lu Shuangge cleared her throat.

Qi Yingrong looked up upon hearing the sound, and was momentarily stunned.

"Shuangge?"

"Mother."

Lu Shuangge smiled, "Did you miss me?"

Qi Yingrong, sure now it wasn’t just her imagination, showed some emotion on her perpetually aloof face, her lips trembling slightly, and her eyes seemed to have a misty sheen.

"You really let this girl come back without sending word; it gives no one any mental preparation." Qi Yingrong said, suppressing her swirling emotions, with slight annoyance.

"Just wanted to surprise you." Lu Shuangge replied with a mischievous grin.

"You just didn’t want your father to know, right?" Qi Yingrong glared at her.

Lu Shuangge’s expression froze, silent.

Qi Yingrong sighed, saying, "I know you have unresolved feelings, otherwise you wouldn’t have followed the Princess to the Southern Border all those years ago... but you must understand, in your father’s position, many times there is no choice..."

"There are choices."

Lu Shuangge said in a low voice, "They just don’t align with his interests."

Qi Yingrong shook her head; the years-long estrangement between father and daughter wouldn’t be resolved in a few words, so she decided to let the topic drop.

"How are things in the Southern Border?"

"Fairly stable."

"Has the Princess also returned to the capital?"

"Yes, just went to the palace."

Lu Shuangge lifted the teapot, her palm infused with Primordial Qi, warming the cooled tea, pouring it into a cup, "Mother, have some tea."

"Mm."

Qi Yingrong set her book down, picked up the teacup, and took a small sip.

"What book are you reading? Why doesn’t it have a title?" Lu Shuangge asked upon seeing the blank cover.

"Just a miscellaneous book, yet to be printed, currently only exists as a manuscript." Qi Yingrong explained, "It’s quite interesting, though a bit common, it offers deep insights into societal norms and human emotions."

Lu Shuangge understood that, given Qi Yingrong’s discerning taste, such a compliment implied the book’s quality.

"What’s more intriguing is the author is a military officer of the Sky Scale Guard, now quite famous in the city." Qi Yingrong added.