Meili gave him a bow in response before he turned to leave, Eunuch Ying escorting him back to the hall where he had started out the day. She couldn't help but smile at the idea that Wen Ning wanted to see her again before then.
She did, however, stand in the garden watching him retreat until he was completely out of sight. Only then did she accept her maid's assistance in heading back to her palace.
Given that she didn't really have a schedule that she had to keep aside from festivals and holidays, which everyone else kept as well, the next visit was entirely whenever Wen Ning was able to make his way back there. The palace was going to allow him entry with the only restriction being Eunuch Ying would have to accompany him to ensure he did not go anywhere he was not supposed to. He was as good as family by this point.
On the day when he did return, Eunuch Ying would escort him to one of the palaces, which happened to be the Empress's residence, but he likely wouldn't be told in advance. But Eunuch Ying would enter first, two others holding the curtains open for them to pass through.
"Your highnesses, Sect Leader Wen has arrived."
The room was a large entry hall with chairs set up and several women doing different things. One woman was showing a girl younger than Meili how to do needlework while a few others worked on their own. Another was playing with a baby sitting on her lap. If Wen Ning recognized the nanny, he'd realize it was the Twelfth Prince (who was most definitely awake this time). The Empress and Meili were both watching this while another young boy doted on the baby.
But as Wen Ning was announced, Meili almost jumped up from her seat. "Ah, Greetings to Qionglin," she said, giving him a bow.
The women all looked up, including the other girl. The baby and the young boy didn't look up. Wen Ning might have been able to see that the Empress then glanced over at another woman and gave her a knowing look. Ah, young love.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2021-01-10 02:26 am (UTC)She did, however, stand in the garden watching him retreat until he was completely out of sight. Only then did she accept her maid's assistance in heading back to her palace.
Given that she didn't really have a schedule that she had to keep aside from festivals and holidays, which everyone else kept as well, the next visit was entirely whenever Wen Ning was able to make his way back there. The palace was going to allow him entry with the only restriction being Eunuch Ying would have to accompany him to ensure he did not go anywhere he was not supposed to. He was as good as family by this point.
On the day when he did return, Eunuch Ying would escort him to one of the palaces, which happened to be the Empress's residence, but he likely wouldn't be told in advance. But Eunuch Ying would enter first, two others holding the curtains open for them to pass through.
"Your highnesses, Sect Leader Wen has arrived."
The room was a large entry hall with chairs set up and several women doing different things. One woman was showing a girl younger than Meili how to do needlework while a few others worked on their own. Another was playing with a baby sitting on her lap. If Wen Ning recognized the nanny, he'd realize it was the Twelfth Prince (who was most definitely awake this time). The Empress and Meili were both watching this while another young boy doted on the baby.
But as Wen Ning was announced, Meili almost jumped up from her seat. "Ah, Greetings to Qionglin," she said, giving him a bow.
The women all looked up, including the other girl. The baby and the young boy didn't look up. Wen Ning might have been able to see that the Empress then glanced over at another woman and gave her a knowing look. Ah, young love.