Listening to their conversation, the Princess Consort looked at Luo Ge and then at Auntie Shuang.
"So you two have met before?"
Upon hearing the Princess Consort's words, Auntie Shuang nodded, "Yes, when I was purchasing goods in the provincial capital, I unfortunately encountered thieves and had my purse stolen. It was Young Madam Gu and her husband who caught the thief and helped me recover my belongings."
At that time, Auntie Shuang was following the Princess Consort's orders to procure goods.
Little did she expect to encounter a thief, but fortunately, Gu Jinchen and his wife happened to be there and helped her retrieve her items.
Hearing Auntie Shuang's words and learning that it was due to Gu Jinchen and his wife's good deed that they became acquainted, the Prince of Nanyang and the Princess Consort exchanged glances and smiled.
They indeed had not misjudged the Gu family; the couple's character was truly admirable.
"This meeting is indeed a coincidence," the Princess Consort said with a smile.
"Indeed."
Upon hearing this, everyone smiled. The Little Crown Prince obediently followed beside them, his eyes eagerly anticipating something outside.
Catching sight of it, his eyes suddenly lit up, and he ran outwards.
"Older Baby, Second Baby, Tie Dan!"
Seeing the Little Crown Prince rushing towards them, Older Baby and the others quickly ran over as well.
"Greetings to Your Highness the Prince, Princess Consort, and Doctor Ming."
"Uncle, Auntie. / Uncle Gu, Auntie Gu."
The adults inside noticed the commotion and turned to look. Older Baby, Second Baby, and the others were well-behaved and greeted them one by one.
The three little ones spoke in unison.
Upon hearing the little cubs' words, the adults inside nodded in acknowledgment.
Seeing that these little cubs were eager to play, they let them be.
Luo Ge accompanied the Princess Consort to the inner courtyard to discuss women's affairs, while Gu Jinchen remained in the guest hall to keep the Prince of Nanyang and the others company over tea.
"Considering the time, you should be around eight months pregnant now. You must take good care of yourself during this period."
Doctor Ming was the Princess Consort's personal physician, so she was naturally aware of Luo Ge's multiple pregnancy situation.
Knowing that Luo Ge was nearing her due date, she couldn't help but remind her.
"Yes, I understand. Elder Sister Xiyue, please rest assured."
Upon hearing Luo Ge's address, the Princess Consort showed a look of reproach, "Why such formality? I'm only one year older than you. Our ages are similar, and I've told you before to call me Xiyue."
For some reason, whenever she saw Luo Ge, she felt a sense of familiarity and couldn't help but want to be closer to her.
Luo Ge hesitated upon hearing this, pondering for a moment before speaking, "Wouldn't that be inappropriate?"
The Princess Consort was a member of the royal family, while she was just a common woman. How could she address her by her given name?
Calling her "Sister" earlier had already violated etiquette; how could she push her luck further?
"It's fine. Just address me this way when we're alone in private. It won't affect anything."
Seeing the Princess Consort's insistence, Luo Ge couldn't refuse anymore. After a moment's hesitation, she finally addressed her as instructed, "Elder Sister Xiyue."
"Ah!" Hearing Luo Ge's address, the Princess Consort was delighted.
Meanwhile, upon hearing the Princess Consort mention that Luo Ge was one year younger than her, Auntie Shuang had already been stunned.
Now, hearing Luo Ge call her "Elder Sister Xiyue," she felt even more perplexed.
One year younger, wouldn't that mean their ages matched exactly?
But...
"Auntie Shuang, what's wrong? Why are you looking at Luo Ge like that?" the Princess Consort noticed her unusual expression and asked with a smile.
Luo Ge also noticed Auntie Shuang's gaze and found it rather odd. Upon hearing the Princess Consort's question, she too looked towards Auntie Shuang.
Seeing this, Auntie Shuang smiled, "It's nothing. This servant just feels that Young Madam Luo Ge looks very familiar, as if her eyes resemble yours very much."
Hearing Auntie Shuang's words, the Princess Consort turned to look at Luo Ge and laughed.
"Is that so? I felt the same way before, but I think she resembles my Aunt more."
"To be honest, when I first saw Luo Ge, I felt like I was looking at my Aunt in her younger days, especially when she turns sideways; the resemblance is uncanny."
"In fact, I even wondered if Luo Ge might be my Aunt's long-lost daughter, which would explain the striking similarity."
The Princess Consort was naturally aware of her Aunt's situation, and the last remark was merely a joke.
Although she did have this bizarre thought.
However, she was completely unaware of the turmoil her words had caused in the hearts of the two listeners beside her.
For some reason, upon hearing the Princess Consort's words, Luo Ge couldn't help but recall that inexplicable sense of familiarity she felt towards her.
Following the Princess Consort's train of thought, she was momentarily dazed.
But she quickly regained her composure and smiled, "It must be a mere coincidence."
Shared resemblances were not uncommon, just like how modern celebrities often had doppelgangers among ordinary people.
Moreover, she herself was not from this era, so such a situation was simply impossible.
Thus, the fleeting emotion that had arisen quickly dissipated.
Auntie Shuang also smiled upon hearing this but remained silent, watching Luo Ge and the others.
The Princess Consort and Luo Ge conversed easily, swiftly changing topics.
They eventually mentioned the reason for their visit to Yiyang Town.
"There's a peach orchard outside Yiyang Town, and the flowers are currently in full bloom. I've heard people mention it before and have always wanted to visit, so I brought Chu'er along to take a look."
"Since it's quite close to your place, I figured I'd drop by and see you as well."
Upon hearing the Princess Consort's words, Luo Ge nodded in understanding.
In her heart, she knew that there were countless beautiful sights in the world, and that peach orchard, though scenic, was actually not particularly renowned.
The Princess Consort and her party would naturally not have made this trip solely for that purpose.
But she understood their true motive had nothing to do with her and was not something she should inquire about.
However, learning that the Princess Consort and her party would be staying in the area for an extended period and could visit frequently did delight her.
As it was getting late, the Princess Consort and her party did not linger much longer after their conversation.
"Mother, can I stay? I want to be with my brothers," the Little Crown Prince exclaimed, revealing his childlike eagerness to spend time with his playmates despite his usual reserved demeanor due to his status.
Seeing the Little Crown Prince's request and the expressions of the little cubs, Luo Ge felt amused.
"In that case, Elder Sister Xiyue, there's no need for such inconvenience. Since you've come all this way, allow us to extend our hospitality as hosts."
Hearing Luo Ge say this and seeing the Little Crown Prince's expression, the Princess Consort was indeed somewhat moved. She truly enjoyed spending time with Luo Ge.
If she could stay here, it seemed possible.
Upon hearing this, the Little Crown Prince's eyes also lit up. He looked at the Princess Consort, and then they both turned their heads toward the Prince of Nanyang.
"Yes, it's not early anymore, and making arrangements will take time. Why don't you stay at our humble abode for a few days?" Gu Jinchen also spoke up to invite them to stay.
Hearing this, the Prince of Nanyang looked at his wife and child, then at Gu Jinchen and the others, and finally smiled helplessly.
"Very well, then let me impose on you all for a few days. We must find a day to go to the mountains and have a little competition."
Earlier, when he and Gu Jinchen were talking, Gu Jinchen mentioned the wild game in the mountains, which piqued the Prince of Nanyang's interest.
The two men agreed to find time to go together and compare their skills.
Upon hearing this, Gu Jinchen also smiled: "Good."
