The Princess and Her Rough-Rider Khan
Chapter 279 Women make themselves beautiful to please those they like (second watch)

Chapter 279: 279 Women make themselves beautiful to please those they like (second watch)

Li Xianyun had barely stepped out of the inner chamber when a little bundle threw itself at her, wrapping its arms around her legs and looking up at her, "Godmother, you’re finally back, Xuanxuan missed you."

Li Xianyun bent down to touch Yelu Xuan’s little head and smiled, "Godmother missed you too. I’ve brought back a lot of fun things for you."

Yelu Xuan was delighted to hear this and said with a smile, "Godmother, isn’t it a coincidence, Xuanxuan also brought you a gift."

Hearing that Li Xianyun had brought gifts for Yelu Xuan, Yuchi Qian, who stood by, performed a curtsy and said with a smile, "Thank you, Princess Consort."

Looking toward Yuchi Qian, Li Xianyun noticed that ever since Yelu Yu returned to Shangjing, she seemed much brighter, no longer appearing so lifeless.

Indeed, the old saying was true: A man would die for a confidante, and a woman would pretty herself for her beloved.

Li Xianyun bent down to pick up Yelu Xuan, smiling as she asked, "What gift did Xuanxuan bring for godmother?"

Yelu Xuan, nestled happily in Li Xianyun’s arms, couldn’t stop grinning and called out to those outside, "Bring the gift in."

Before the gift even arrived, Li Xianyun heard the tiny cry of a kitten.

A smile spread across her face, for surely Yelu Xuan must have heard that she loved cats and therefore chose a kitten as the gift.

At such a young age, to be able to cater to someone’s preferences with such thoughtful preparation for a gift was indeed irresistible.

The maid quickly brought the kitten in; it was a month-old little white cat, a fluffy ball huddled in the maid’s arms, looking incredibly adorable.

Knowing that Yelu Xuan was watching her reaction, Li Xianyun opened her mouth wide in an exaggerated expression of surprise and said to Yelu Xuan with a smile, "Godmother loves kittens the most, how did you know?"

Her words, gentle and filled with delight, were pleasant to hear.

Yelu Xuan said joyfully, "I asked your personal maids, and they told me."

Li Xianyun smiled, "My Xuanxuan is so clever."

Yelu Xuan struggled to get down, "Godmother, go hug the kitten, it’s really cute."

Li Xianyun placed him securely on the ground and reached out to take the little white cat from the maid’s arms.

The little white cat was trembling all over, meowing in fear.

Li Xianyun, with her experience in raising cats, gently stroked its little head, saying "Don’t be scared, don’t be scared."

Just then, the maid brought over the gifts Li Xianyun had brought from Tianshui County for Yelu Xuan and Yuchi Qian.

The gift for Yuchi Qian was beautiful Shu brocade, interlaced with gold threads, which would be dazzling when made into clothing.

The gifts for Yelu Xuan were plentiful, including a spinning top, a slingshot, and a fishing rod...

All of which were Yelu Xuan’s favorites.

Watching Li Xianyun, Yelu Xuan smiled with eyes narrowed to slits, "Thank you, godmother."

"If you like them, that’s good enough for me."

Seeing that Li Xianyun had no intention of dining, Zhuo Ma curtsied to her and said, "Master, the Khan specifically instructed before he left to remind you to dine after you woke up."

Upon hearing this, Yuchi Qian quickly spoke up, "Princess Consort, please go have your meal. Your servant and Xuanxuan will go and sit with our venerable ancestor."

Li Xianyun’s smile lingered at her lips, "That sounds good."

If she knew Li Xianyun wasn’t eating properly, Yelu Yan would surely fuss endlessly.

Li Xianyun entrusted the little white cat to the maid’s care and went to the main hall to dine.

While dining, Li Xianyun sent Bater to find out about the recent happenings in the Capital City.

With political movements occurring in Shangjing, the distribution of powers was sure to change substantially, and she needed to know her friends and foes to make informed decisions about her actions.

After the meal, Li Xianyun had Zhuo Ma take two palace attendants and distribute the gifts she had brought from Tianshui County among the palace staff.

The maids and palace servants did not expect to receive gifts themselves and were overjoyed beyond measure.

Because traveling was inconvenient, many of them had never left the Capital City or its surrounding area. Just thinking about these gifts being brought back from the distant Tianshui County filled their hearts with joy and longing.

For the maids, Li Xianyun had purchased rouge and face powder, and for the Palace Servants, she bought dried beef jerky.

This beef jerky was strong and savory, becoming more flavorful with each chew. Each large bag was divided into several portions with small paper wraps, allowing them to grab a small pack when on duty to stave off hunger.

The Palace Attendants admired and were grateful to Li Xianyun, lavishing praise upon their beautiful, gentle, and virtuous princess consort whenever they met someone.

Li Xianyun asked Zhuo Ma to distribute the gifts to the Palace Attendants while she herself, accompanied by Youlan, went to the side hall to find Yaduo, bringing along the gifts for Yaduo as well.

There were many gifts for Yaduo, including clothes and useful items, as well as fresh novelties, which brought a smile to Yaduo’s face that she couldn’t hide. She fondly pinched Li Xianyun’s small hand, showing immense affection for her granddaughter-in-law.

While everyone was chatting and laughing, Yelu Yan squeezed out some time to come back from the Hall of Diligent Governance, immediately fixing his gaze upon his woman as he entered.

She was sitting beside Yaduo, her hand held by Yaduo’s, the two sitting very close, the grandparent and grandchild pair exuding intimacy.

Everyone stood up and bent their arms in salute, "Greetings, Khan."

Yelu Yan said indifferently, "Rise."

Having said that, he went to sit down next to Li Xianyun, making sure to be right beside her.

Yelu Yan looked at Li Xianyun and smiled, "What are you talking about that’s so entertaining?"

He only shifted his gaze to Yaduo’s face after finishing his question.

Yaduo chuckled, "Xianxuan is telling us about Tianshui County. It’s quite interesting."

She paused, then pointed to the desk and said, "Xianxuan also brought back many gifts for grandmother."

Although Yelu Xuan was very afraid of Yelu Yan, when it came to topics that interested him, he couldn’t help but chime in, "God... Godfather, Godmother also brought back quite a few gifts for Xuanxuan and mother."

"You got gifts as well?"

Yelu Xuan nodded sincerely, "Not just us, the Palace Attendants of Khan Palace have gifts too."

Yelu Yan’s dark eyes looked into Li Xianyun’s clear autumnal ones, a flicker of resentment flashing by.

Everyone had gifts, everyone except him, the person by her pillow. It was absolutely infuriating.

Li Xianyun looked at Yelu Yan and smiled, "Xuanxuan also gave your concubine a gift."

"What gift?" He concealed that hint of resentment very well, planning to settle the account with Li Xianyun when they were alone.

"A small white cat."

Yelu Yan’s brow twitched slightly. Great, another competitor for affection had arrived.

When he was with Li Xianyun, it was always Yelu Yan who took the initiative, sticking to her.

Li Xianyun wasn’t particularly clingy to him to begin with, and now she was even less so.

Yaduo looked at Yelu Yan, "Why have you come back?"

"Your grandson came back to check on things while the officials are resting," he replied.

"Check on what?" Yaduo asked teasingly, knowing full well.

Yelu Yan turned to look at Li Xianyun, not answering, his eyes filled with an adoration and a smile he couldn’t hide.

Clearing her throat, Yaduo said to Li Xianyun, "Child, grandmother is a bit tired. You go back to the main hall first."

Yuchi Qian, upon hearing Yaduo was tired, hurriedly stood up.

Yaduo stopped Yuchi Qian and said, "I’m moving back to Cirui Hall from Khan Palace. Will the Princess Consort of the Sixth Prince help me pack my things?"

Yuchi Qian respectfully replied, "Yes!"