Chapter 533 - 4: Suddenly Leaving the Palace and Exiting the City
"Get up, child. You need to lose some weight." The Beili Emperor said, noticing her labored movements. He hadn’t seen her in just over a month, but she seemed to have gotten fatter.
Noble Princess Consort Zhan covered her mouth with her hand and chuckled. "She’s still just a child."
"She’s not that young. If she doesn’t lose the weight now, it will be much harder when she grows up." The Beili Emperor stared at Ye Qianning. ’When she’s older, her looks will surely be among the finest in the Capital City, but she’s just too chubby. If she doesn’t shed some of that weight, she could grow to be over two hundred pounds.’
"Let’s wait a bit longer," Noble Princess Consort Zhan said, then beckoned to Ye Qianning. "Pangtuan, come sit next to me."
Ye Qianning trotted over, obediently clambered onto a chair, and sat quietly, her large, bright eyes fixed on Noble Princess Consort Zhan.
The Beili Emperor glanced at her a few more times. ’When she’s quiet, she’s actually quite a charmer.’
"Little one, why are you staring at me so intently?" Noble Princess Consort Zhan asked, her slender fingers touching her own cheek.
Ye Qianning tilted her little head, pretending to think. "I was wondering if, when I finally slim down, I’ll be as beautiful as a fairy, just like Your Highness."
A smile bloomed on Noble Princess Consort Zhan’s face. "You have such a sweet tongue, little one."
"Oh? How did Your Highness know I ate candy on the way here?" Ye Qianning asked, feigning a look of serious realization.
Noble Princess Consort Zhan froze for a second, then let out a soft laugh.
The Beili Emperor couldn’t hold back his own smile. He seemed to be in high spirits. "It’s been a while, and the little girl has grown even more charming."
"Isn’t that the truth? The last time the little one visited the palace, I didn’t even get a chance to speak with her. I must thank Your Majesty for your grace in allowing me to see her today."
"There is no need for thanks. The affairs of the Zhan family are my own."
Noble Princess Consort Zhan looked up, her eyes welling with tears and her face filled with gratitude.
"Did Your Highness and the Emperor invite me here to eat pastries, too?" Ye Qianning cut in.
At her words, Noble Princess Consort Zhan dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief before turning to her with a smile. "Yes, of course. We have any kind of pastry you might like."
"I’d like some jujube kernel cakes."
"Very well." Noble Princess Consort Zhan ordered a palace maid, "Go to the Imperial Kitchen and bring some cakes."
Ye Qianning propped her little face in her hands, her elbows on the table. Her gaze shifted back and forth between the Beili Emperor and Noble Princess Consort Zhan. The Beili Emperor seemed to be in high spirits and full of vigor today.
’A joyous event really does wonders for one’s spirits!’
’Noble Princess Consort Zhan is just over two months pregnant, and her figure is already a little fuller. She looks tired, though. Getting pregnant and giving birth in your thirties is still somewhat risky.’
Before long, the palace maid returned with the cakes. Noble Princess Consort Zhan picked one up and held it out to Ye Qianning.
"Have a taste."
Ye Qianning took the jujube kernel cake and had a bite. She lowered her gaze, chewing slowly and deliberately.
"Is it good?" Noble Princess Consort Zhan asked, her eyes fixed on her.
Ye Qianning chewed a few more times before swallowing, then nodded. "It’s delicious."
Noble Princess Consort Zhan was delighted and reached for a cake herself.
Ye Qianning grabbed another piece as well, her big eyes fixed on the cake in the Noble Princess Consort’s hand. "Umm... Your Highness, I have a really big appetite. Could I have this whole plate to myself?"
Noble Princess Consort Zhan, who had been about to take a bite, looked up at the girl’s eager expression. She placed the cake back on the plate. "Alright. They’re all yours."
Ye Qianning’s face immediately broke into a wide grin. "Thank you, Your Highness! You’re the best!"
With that said, she stuffed the cake in her hand into her mouth.
"Slow down. There’s more after you finish these," Noble Princess Consort Zhan said, gently wiping the crumbs from the corners of Ye Qianning’s mouth with a handkerchief.
Ye Qianning stuffed her cheeks full, devouring the entire plate of cakes in just a few large bites.
The Beili Emperor frowned. ’She looks like she’s been starved for three days, and her manners are atrocious. If word got out that the future Crown Princess Consort eats like this, wouldn’t we become a laughingstock?’