Chapter 16: Chapter 16

An Ning once heard a saying in her past life.

Humans instinctively gravitate toward light, unconsciously drawn to sources of warmth.

Undoubtedly, Mingyu was precisely such a presence now.

Nourished with abundant love both spiritually and materially, he radiated cheerful generosity. Having received ample affection from his parents, he never hesitated to express his preferences.

The boy shone like a little sun, yet his warmth never burned others due to his innate thoughtfulness and intelligence.

An Ning still remembered Mingyu as a child - chasing puppies under the sun wearing his little melon-skin hat, carefully picking beautiful flowers to present to his mother with tiny hands, sitting quietly beside his father during painting sessions before flashing brilliant smiles and generous praise whenever his father glanced his way.

Even An Ning's early amateurish paintings were treasured in the little treasure chest in his bedroom by this thoughtful child.

He was practically her dream child.

Honestly, achieving such results with her first parenting attempt filled An Ning with quiet pride. Thinking this, she conveniently ignored how during Yuanbao's little tyrant phases, it had always been his father patiently providing guidance.

Seeing An Ning approach, Mingyu immediately came running with a cheerful grin. Though already a strikingly handsome youth, his voice naturally carried a hint of childish coquetry: "Mother, I want Aunt Cuizhu's Ruyi rolls today! And since Fourth Brother finally visited, could we have that snow lotus wine you brewed last year..."

His slightly upturned phoenix eyes gazed pleadingly at his mother.

"Fine, go dig it up yourself if you want it. There's barely two jars left anyway,"

An Ning replied with mock exasperation.

Noblewomen's lives inevitably contained some monotony. Over the years, aside from occasionally gossiping about palace affairs with her system, An Ning had devoted most time to painting and calligraphy. To legitimize her Spirit Spring Water's origin, she'd even mastered winemaking skills.

After Yuanbao turned one, for caution's sake, An Ning stopped giving him undiluted Spirit Spring Water. Even her wines used massively diluted versions that required consistent consumption for years to show subtle effects.

Yet their flavor still surpassed ordinary wines - though the prince's estate naturally used premium ingredients.

That her son would precious wine indicated genuine friendship with this Fourth Prince, An Ning mused privately.

"Mother always spoils me most!" Mingyu grinned triumphantly - Father had wanted to open it earlier but Mother refused!

An Ning shot a glare at the gloating youth before stepping forward gracefully:

"Greetings to Fourth Beile. This humble one has already arranged the banquet. Please pardon the brief wait..."

Protocol dictated the princess consort should handle such matters, but with her currently indisposed, household authority had temporarily transferred to An Ning.

Truly, this legendary future Yongzheng Emperor was rather cold, wasn't he? Or perhaps "serious" described it better.

This lifetime's Consort De lacked her historical bias - was this then his innate temperament, immutable regardless of circumstance?

While internally musing, An Ning maintained impeccable decorum.

Actually, An Ning wasn't the only one surprised. Seeing her, Fourth Beile also felt startled - this was Mingyu's mother?

Though improper to judge elders, this side consort's beauty was extraordinarily striking, her youthfulness equally remarkable.

Having grown up in the palace surrounded by beauties, he'd rarely encountered someone whose mere presence evoked such refreshing serenity.

Yet considering Mingyu's exceptional looks, it made perfect sense.

Only such parents could produce someone gathering heaven and earth's finest essence.

Recalling the earlier affectionate scene he'd glimpsed, Fourth Prince's fingers curled slightly. This was how a mother genuinely loving her child behaved - even when scolding, her eyes brimmed with unconcealed warmth.

Unlike his own mother, whose care, while materially impeccable, contained perhaps not even thirty percent sincerity.

Sometimes he wondered - if Sixth Brother had survived, or if he wasn't her only option, would she begrudge even that meager affection?

Despite turbulent thoughts, Fourth Prince's expression remained sternly composed, revealing nothing.

After brief pleasantries, An Ning withdrew as proper for noblewomen. Surprisingly, the famously workaholic prince lingered - admiring lotus ponds, discussing paintings and calligraphy until afternoon before finally departing.

An Ning marveled at her son's social brilliance.

Soon she'd realize how severely she'd underestimated his charm.

From that day, some strange switch seemed flipped - the long-quiet Prince Zhuang's residence abruptly buzzed with activity.

Besides regular visitors from neighboring Prince Jian's household, Third Prince came to admire paintings one day, Ninth and Tenth Princes went horseback riding another, Thirteenth Prince often accompanied Fourth Prince, while even the historically reserved Fifth Prince visited under scholarly pretenses.

Later An Ning learned - ah, recently these princes had left the palace to establish their own households. Even younger ones seized opportunities to visit.

Ninth Prince even complained about the crowded neighborhood lacking available mansions near Prince Zhuang's residence.

To spare his mother household burdens, Mingyu specially prepared a plum estate in suburbs for entertaining friends.

Designed by the youth himself, it contained painting studios, chess rooms, riding grounds, even nearby hunting ranges and hot springs when fatigued.

Upon completion, even the Crown Prince sent gifts.

An Ning herself once visited with close friends.

Truly, those atop the power pyramid never lacked entertainment.

Frankly, though shortcuts seemed dishonorable, An Ning would repeat her choice ten thousand times. While Mingyu's looks, temperament and talents were undoubtedly exceptional, without his princely heir status, would those imperial scions regard him equally rather than demanding obsequious servitude?

Without status, even dignity became unaffordable luxury.

As for herself - An Ning couldn't imagine marrying some petty official in this era, constantly socializing with forced smiles, serving mother-in-law above while managing concubines and children below.

Even as a palace maid, after leaving at twenty-five - regardless of faded beauty - becoming someone's stepmother would be inevitable, toiling endlessly without reward.

Sipping chrysanthemum wine, An Ning reclined comfortably as maids carefully applied freshly pressed rose essence to her well-maintained jade hands...