CHAPTER 78: CHAPTER 78: THE EFFECT IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

"Bao’er."

Emperor Yongning had never found it so difficult to handle a child before.

His previous seventeen sons were all well-behaved and sensible, never giving him much trouble. He had never experienced such a dark moment of heart-wrenching crying from a child as today.

He was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, fearing that Jun Ning would cry herself hoarse; he wanted to immediately soothe her.

But despite his efforts to comfort her for a long time, it had little effect.

Liu Pin asked with concern, "Your Majesty, do you know why the princess is crying?"

In Liu Pin’s view, there’s always a reason why children cry, and trying to soothe without understanding the reason is useless. The root of the problem must be identified to be resolved perfectly.

When Emperor Yongning met Liu Pin’s gentle gaze, the anger he had just felt with the Empress subsided a little, and he said, "Bao’er is crying like this because she recalled her mother."

As the words fell, Emperor Yongning suddenly realized something and asked, "Bao’er, are you crying like this because you resent not being able to help the Empress, and therefore she cannot help your mother leave the Cold Palace?"

Yes, and no.

Jun Ning did not resent herself; she just wanted her mother out of the Cold Palace.

"Then do you want Father Emperor to bring your mother out of the Cold Palace?" Emperor Yongning asked.

Of course, she wanted to!

But she couldn’t say it directly.

Otherwise, she’d end up like the Empress.

Jun Ning stopped crying, wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, and choked, "Father Emperor, I know it’s very difficult for you, so I won’t force you... I..."

She would just cry.

Cry until he felt so pained he would willingly release her mother.

Jun Ning let out a wail and cried again.

As if her crying wasn’t enough, she leaned her head on Emperor Yongning’s chest, rubbing against him like a little kitten, acting coquettishly toward him.

Emperor Yongning, who had been on battlefields and killed people, was adept at handling all kinds of tough situations. Yet, he had never experienced the softness of an adorable daughter leaning in his arms, spoiling him like this.

He greatly enjoyed this feeling, but also felt heartache for his beloved daughter.

"Bao’er, whatever you want, Father Emperor can give you; Father Emperor doesn’t find it hard at all."

Jun Ning remained silent, still crying, still waiting, waiting for Emperor Yongning to say himself what she wanted and willingly give it to her.

After all, things asked for oneself and those willingly given by others have completely different effects. What’s given willingly is more reassuring to have, and to an extent can prevent the giver from suddenly regretting one day.

"Do you want me to release your mother from the Cold Palace?" Emperor Yongning asked tentatively.

Jun Ning continued to sob, still not speaking.

Watching Jun Ning, Emperor Yongning grew increasingly anxious.

After a moment of silence, he stopped asking anything altogether, and summoned Xiao Lizi outside, "Xiao Lizi, come in."

Xiao Lizi entered from outside, having heard the princess’s cries. He felt uncomfortable, and seeing her tears now made him feel even worse.

What could be done to stop the princess from crying?

As long as the princess stopped crying, he would do anything.

"Draft a decree—Consort Hua, who gave birth to Princess Anle, shall be released from the Cold Palace and relocated to Weiyang Palace effective immediately, in recognition of her contributions."

Emperor Yongning decisively issued the decree, bringing Qiong Hua out of the Cold Palace and awarding her another desirable residence.

The splendor of Weiyang Palace is second only to Jiaofang Palace, and it is the closest to Emperor Yongning’s own residence at Panlong Palace. It’s a coveted place where all the concubines long to live but can never achieve.

Now, Emperor Yongning gave it to his beloved daughter’s mother.

He wondered if his beloved daughter would like such an arrangement.

If she liked it, she would presumably stop crying.

But why was she still crying?