TSFLIP Chapter 1020

Xiao He set the box she was holding onto the table. Consort An opened it, revealing an exquisitely carved white jade pendant inside.

“I don’t have anything especially valuable,” Consort An said gently. “Only this heirloom pendant carved from cold jade. I hope Your Highness will accept it without disdain.”

Xianmo didn’t react.

Consort An continued, “I’ve heard cold jade can ward off evil and repel toxins. I was told Your Highness has been in poor health, so I wished to present this pendant to congratulate Your Highness on moving into Yihe Palace.”

Fengguang immediately poked Xianmo with her finger. “Wards off evil and toxins—good stuff. Take it.”

Recently, gifts had been pouring in from every palace anyway, most of them gold, silver, and jewels. If he refused, people would say he looked down on them. They wouldn’t leave satisfied until he accepted.

Taking one more gift from Consort An wouldn’t make a difference.

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Xianmo finally said, reaching out to take the box.

Consort An’s smile grew even more radiant. “Your Highness has only recently moved into Yihe Palace. Are you adjusting well to life here?”

Fengguang poked Xianmo again.

“Not bad,” Xianmo answered flatly.

“That’s good.” Consort An’s voice was warm and gentle. “Without a mother to care for you, the servants are bound to overlook things and fall short. Hearing Your Highness say this puts my mind at ease.”

Fengguang rested her chin on one hand on the table, tilting her head as she looked at Xianmo, then reached out with her other hand to poke his cheek.

“Thank you for Your Highness’s concern.”

A trace of confusion flashed through Consort An’s eyes. She didn’t understand why the usually distant and indifferent Xianmo suddenly seemed a little happier, but that wasn’t a bad thing. She continued casually,

“Your Highness was originally entrusted to Consort Yun’s care. However, Consort Yun already has a prince and a princess of her own. I’m afraid she had the will but not the strength, which led to Your Highness being neglected all these years. Your Highness, please don’t hold resentment toward Consort Yun.”

Fengguang said, “She’s testing your attitude.”

“I have no memory of Consort Yun,” Xianmo replied. “There’s no resentment to speak of.”

“That’s good.” Consort An smiled softly. “Consort Yun is His Majesty’s most favored consort. If there were discord between Your Highness and Consort Yun, His Majesty would be placed in a difficult position.”

Floating down beside Xianmo, Fengguang said with interest, “This consort is reminding you not to cause trouble for Consort Yun.”

Xianmo could naturally sense such obvious goodwill. He nodded. “I understand.”

Satisfied, Consort An smiled. After sitting for about the time it took to drink half a cup of tea, she departed Yihe Palace.

Fengguang drifted back and forth beside Xianmo. “A’Mo, what do you think of Consort An?”

“Nothing much.” Xianmo’s tone remained indifferent. He neither liked nor disliked her.

Fengguang floated in front of him and stared for a long moment. Then she cupped his face in both hands and called seriously, “A’Mo.”

Xianmo only felt something slightly cool against his cheeks. The tips of his ears reddened, but he still asked properly, “What is it?”

“You can’t keep talking to people with such a cold attitude. Wearing your likes and dislikes on your face isn’t good for you.”

He paused slightly. “What does Fengguang want me to do?”

“Smile.” Fengguang immediately pinched his cheeks and sighed. “You need to learn to smile. Did you notice Consort An today? When she smiles, don’t you feel like she’s not as annoying as the other consorts?”