Person of importance. 5

Ruyi wore an evident frown on the walk back. She hadn't said anything, yet disappointment radiated from her, and Han Aeng sensed it burning into her back. Fortunately, Han Aeng had developed a thick skin for disappointing others and pretended nothing was wrong. "Who was that young miss?"

"Replying to Li Wangfei, the young lady we ran into is Mei Fubai, the empress's niece."

Empress's niece, it was a safe decision not to pick a fight. Is she being punished to live in a run-down area?

Han Aeng felt rather proud of herself for keep herself in check. Though she was rather curious about this Mei Fubai, she refrained from openly expressing interest to Ruyi. Thus, the two strolled in silence toward the 7th prince's quarters.

Hic. Hic.

"Yue'er! Come up! Your gege was wrong. Come up. I'll be good."

A soft sob diverted their attention. The two followed the sound and discovered a little boy crying by the riverbed and a little hand popping out of the water.

Without hesitation, Han Aeng jumped into the water.

Opposite to what she had expected, the water only reached her chest, and she could comfortably stand in the pond. She swiftly lifted the young child out of the water, hugging and patting her back soothingly as they made their way to the shore.

Once Ruyi saw that Han Aeng and the child were safe, she rushed to get help from the nearby servants.

"There, there. It's okay. I've got you. You're okay," Han Aeng's hushed words became a soothing balm amid the cries of the young ones.

The young child coughed vigorously, spitting out the water she had ingested, tears streaming down her face as she clung to Han Aeng for dear life.

Han Aeng patiently waited until her cries calmed down before pulling herself out of the pond.

"Little boy, what happened?"

"We-hic-we were hiding from the nanny, and Yue'er fell into the water! It's all my fault. All my fault," the little boy cried, his voice trembling with guilt as he buried his head in his hands.

Han Aeng wiped the water droplets from her face, her heart aching for the child's distress. She gently stroked his head, offering words of comfort. "Look, she's okay now. Don't worry."

"Wangfei, your servant has brought help!" The maids arrived, quickly attending to the little girl's needs, their urgency evident as they hurried away.

Han Aeng struggled to stand upright, her drenched clothes clung to her, making it difficult to move gracefully.

Ruyi rushed forward, extending a hand to help Han Aeng up, her eyes wide with concern. "Wangfei, are you alright?" 

"I'm fine, just a bit unsteady," Han Aeng replied, accepting Ruyi's assistance. "Let's go check on the little princess."

Han Aeng began to follow them when Ruyi stopped her with her concern, "Wangfei, you're soaking wet. Nubi suggests you dry yourself first. Otherwise, you catch a cold."

Han Aeng dismissed Ruyi's concern with a gentle shake of her head and extended her hand towards the little boy, softly calling out to him. "How about we go see your sister?"

Snapping out of his thoughts, the little boy eagerly nodded, taking Han Aeng's hand and pulling her towards the Western Palace. As they entered, the maids stopped what they were doing and rushed to greet the little boy. "Greetings to Young Prince Haotian."

"You're a prince?" Han Aeng questioned, her eyebrows raised with surprise, yet her warm tone remained.

"Yes. I am the first son of Crown Prince Long Jinhai." Haotian replied with princely pride. Wiping away the tears, he raised his chin to display his sense of superiority, unaware that he was impressing his little 7th Aunty.

Han Aeng grinned at him before greeting him exaggeratedly, "Greet Prince Haotian. I am 7th Prince Long Dahai's newlywed wi-fe, Han Aeng."

Hearing the mention of the "7th Prince's wife," the maids immediately dropped to their knees. "Esteemed Wangfei, forgive these servants for their lack of knowledge. We have failed to recognise Mount Tai."

"Imperial Aunty, I regret. Please excuse me."

"It's fine," responding with a gentle wave of her hand. She crouched down to be at eye level with the young prince, taking his hands in hers. "We'll keep this a secret between us."

"But next time you or anyone else is in danger, make sure you scream and make noise so others passing by will help." Her words were filled with compassion as she patiently schooling a valuable lesson to the young Prince."No one will know if you don't make noise of your complaints."

He nodded remorsefully as she patted his head. "Good boy."

After a few more words, she sent him off to rest; an event like this was scary for both the little children involved."How is the little princess?" Han Aeng inquired, turning to one of the maids.

"Replying to Esteemed Li Wangfei. Princess Haoyue is getting changed now." One of the maids answered before showing her the way.

Han Aeng nodded her head, but as she stood up, she felt the earth shift beneath her feet, and she stumbled down with a thud.

"Wangfei?!"