Having received the imperial decree, Zhang Shuo wasted no time and immediately headed to Royal Princess Leyang Estate with his men.
The gatekeeper of Royal Princess Leyang's residence, looking at the relentless intrusion of the officials from the Ministry of Justice, raised his chin and said, "Who are you? This is Royal Princess Leyang Estate. You can't trespass here."
"Apologies," Zhang Shuo took out the imperial decree, "I am acting on the orders of His Majesty to bring Miss Xie from your esteemed estate to the Ministry of Justice for questioning."
The gatekeeper became flustered, unsure whether to let these people in or stop them.
The crimson gate slowly opened from the inside, producing a heavy creaking sound. Zhang Shuo glanced inside and saw Royal Princess Leyang wearing a dark-colored brocade robe, her face grave, without any trace of a smile, "Zhang Daren from the Ministry of Justice?"
"Zhang Shuo pays respects to Royal Princess Leyang."
"Why are you here today?" Royal Princess Leyang looked puzzled, seemingly not understanding why the Ministry of Justice officials had aggressively approached her doorstep.
"Miss Xie from your esteemed estate is suspected of plotting against the Crown Prince. I am ordered to apprehend Miss Xie and bring her to the Ministry of Justice for questioning," Zhang Shuo's words had just landed when Royal Princess Leyang staggered, seemingly unable to accept it, "Is there some misunderstanding? My daughter has been timid since childhood and has had a close relationship with the Crown Prince. How could she... how could she..."
"Royal Princess, please understand the difficulties I face," Zhang Shuo's expression remained unchanged.
Royal Princess Leyang turned pale, hesitated for a long time, and finally ordered her servants to lead the officials from the Ministry of Justice inside.
"Zhang Daren, my daughter is delicate. Please... refrain from using harsh measures," Royal Princess Leyang invited Zhang Shuo to sit and have a chat with her inside her residence, but seeing Zhang Shuo delaying and refusing, she could only lower her head and plead, "My daughter would never do such a thing. I implore you, Zhang Daren, to investigate thoroughly."
"Please rest assured, Royal Princess. I am merely following standard procedure. Once it is determined that Miss Xie has no involvement, I will send her back," After uttering these words, Zhang Shuo remained silent, not giving Royal Princess Leyang any face.
He knew very well that with such a major incident, regardless of whether Royal Princess Leyang Estate could clear the suspicion, the Emperor would no longer treat Royal Princess Leyang and her family kindly in the future. Since it concerned the Crown Prince, he wasn't afraid of offending anyone.
Xie Yao was dressing up in her courtyard when the officials from the Ministry of Justice kicked open the door. She looked at them expressionlessly, "Who allowed you to rudely barge in?"
The officials from the Ministry of Justice ignored her words, approached her, tied her up along with her personal maid, and left without leaving her any dignity.
"What are you doing?!" Xie Yao exclaimed, "Offending an imperial family relative is a grave offense."
However, no matter how she shouted, the officials from the Ministry of Justice remained silent and dragged her onto a rudimentary carriage. If it weren't for her special status, perhaps it wouldn't be a carriage she was entering, but a prisoner's wagon.
"Zhang Daren..." Royal Princess Leyang chased after them to the door, looking at her daughter, who had already been confined inside the carriage, taking a deep breath. She stared at Zhang Shuo with a cold gaze, "I implore you, Zhang Shuo, to thoroughly investigate the case and clear the innocent."
"Please rest assured, I will not let a single guilty person go free," Zhang Shuo bowed, "I take my leave."
Royal Princess Leyang watched the officials from the Grand Court hurriedly leave and stood at the entrance of her estate for a long time, unable to snap out of her daze.
"If Miss Xie truly did this, she has brought calamity upon her entire family," Zhang Shuo's attendant whispered softly, "Royal Princess Leyang's expression just now... she looked so pitiful."
"You, someone who earns only two taels of silver per month, actually have the leisure to sympathize with a princess of the nation," Zhang Shuo set down his teacup, "It seems you have too little to occupy yourself with on regular days."
"Master, I apologize for my mistake," The attendant quickly pleaded for forgiveness.
Zhang Shuo leaned against the carriage without saying a word, but his years of experience in handling cases told him that Royal Princess Leyang was somewhat strange.
Perhaps... as a high-ranking princess, she was too accommodating.
According to the temperament of the imperial family members, when they see someone trying to take away their child, regardless of whether they were justified or not, they usually create a scene first, preventing them from taking the person away, and then run to the palace, crying and pleading with the Emperor. That was the normal procedure.
Royal Princess Leyang being so understanding and cooperative made him somewhat uncomfortable.
Hua Liuli, who was weak and injured, enjoyed the top treatment of a princess in Shoukang Palace. When she opened her eyes, someone wiped her hands and rinsed her mouth. She was fed during meals, and when she was feeling bored, someone would recite her stories. The Empress Dowager and the Crown Prince were worried about her boredom and even arranged for several female performers to entertain her in her courtyard.
After being cared for for nearly half a month, she could finally move slightly. At least she could move her arms a little without worrying about the wound tearing open.
The wound had healed well, but the new flesh was itchy, making it difficult to bear. The Crown Prince was worried that she would scratch the wound with her hands, causing infection. So every day, he found ways to keep her entertained. If it weren't for his duties in the Chenyang Palace, where he had to handle political affairs with the Emperor Changlong, he would probably stick around in Shoukang Palace every day.
Finally, it was because Hua Liuli said, "I believe Your Royal Highness can do your best" that he obediently returned to the Chenyang Palace.
"Indeed, one person can influence another," The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "This child has been spoiled by his father since childhood and loves to be lazy. With you around, it has saved his father a lot of worry."
Hua Liuli thought to herself, when it comes to pampering children, the Empress Dowager is not one to be outdone.
"Imperial Grandmother, I wouldn't call it one person can influence another. It's more like willingly offering oneself," The Crown Prince walked in briskly. He was dressed in a new set of brocade robes, which made him look handsome and upright. Even those who knew about his bad temper would probably find it hard to resist being moved when they saw him like this.
The Empress Dowager was amused by the Crown Prince's shameless remarks, shaking her head repeatedly as she got up and said, "This Grieving One will go to the garden to enjoy the flowers. You, youngsters, can entertain yourselves."
Although she was already an old Empress Dowager, she understood not to disturb the sweet moments of the younger generation.
"Is the wound still itchy today?" Without needing Hua Liuli's maidservant to prompt him, the Crown Prince voluntarily sat on the round stool beside the bed.
"Itchy," Hua Liuli groaned, "It's easy to get injured, but it's hard to heal..."
"This ointment was obtained from the Imperial Medical Bureau. Applying it will relieve the itching sensation a bit," The Crown Prince handed the medicine to Yuan Yi, "Let your maidservant apply it for you."
Hua Liuli stared at him.
He looked back at Hua Liuli.
"Your Royal Highness, when young ladies apply their medicine, men shouldn't sneak a peek."
The Crown Prince blushed and sighed helplessly, "You're deliberately teasing Gu again," He stood up and said to Hua Liuli, "Gu will sit outside for a while. Once you've changed the medicine, Gu will accompany you for a walk in the Imperial Flower Garden. You've been cooped up in the room for quite some time, and your complexion has become pale, which makes Gu feel concerned."
After lying in bed for so many days, Hua Liuli herself also felt uncomfortable. Upon hearing the Crown Prince's words, she immediately agreed.
Seeing that Hua Liuli readily agreed to his suggestion, the Crown Prince, feeling that he held a significant position in her heart, happily left the room.
"You're out so soon?" The Empress Dowager, who had claimed to go and enjoy the flowers, saw the Crown Prince come out with a smile on his face and kindly said, "Back when Liuli was living here with this Grieving One, you used to come here often. This Grieving One knew that you had other intentions."
"Imperial Grandmother, at that time, I just wanted to visit you," The Crown Prince accepted the tea served by a palace maid and placed it in front of the Empress Dowager, "Please don't misunderstand my filial piety."
"This Grieving One knows you're filial, but the way you look at Liuli, this Grieving One can see it clearly," The Empress Dowager's favorite grandson was the Crown Prince. Seeing him happy made her happy too, "On the night of the Lantern Festival, this Grieving One heard that Liuli accompanied you to play outside the palace, which reminded this Grieving One of the past..."
"Imperial Grandmother..." The Crown Prince looked at the Empress Dowager with concern. The Empress Dowager and the late emperor had a relationship that the people in the palace preferred not to mention.
"It's been so long since those events happened, this Grieving One has long since let go," The Empress Dowager patted the Crown Prince's arm, "Just don't follow in your grandfather's footsteps, deceiving girls with promises for half a lifetime and then making promises of a lifetime to others."
The Empress Dowager had both hatred and love for the late emperor, who had coldly abandoned her when he turned his back. He was equally ruthless towards their son. The Empress Dowager often thought that perhaps it was because of the unfortunate experiences of the past that her own son, the current emperor, treated the Crown Prince so well. He neither indulged in the pleasures of women nor showed excessive favoritism to any concubine.
Her son had a shadow hanging over him throughout his life because of the late emperor. That's why she didn't want her grandson to become a man like his grandfather.
"Imperial Grandmother, I wouldn't dare to harm Liuli, nor do I want to. You can rest assured," The Crown Prince knew what the Empress Dowager was worried about. While making a promise, he tried to amuse the Empress Dowager with his words.
"What do you mean you wouldn't dare?" The Empress Dowager was quickly amused by the Crown Prince, and a smile appeared on her face, "Liuli is gentle and kind, not a fierce lion from the east. You're just talking nonsense."
"What I mean is, with you here, Imperial Grandmother, how could I dare to harm her?" The Crown Prince smiled, "In Imperial Grandmother's heart, your grandson was picked up on the streets, while Liuli is the pearl in your palm."
"Only realizing that now, Your Royal Highness?" Hua Liuli walked out with the support of her maidservants. She lightly covered her lips and smiled, "Your Royal Highness should treat your subject well. Otherwise, I'll have to let the Empress Dowager decide."
"That's right," the Empress Dowager said, seeing Hua Liuli. She joyfully pushed the Crown Prince aside, "The other day, this Grieving One already said that whoever offends you in the palace, this Grieving One will take care of it. So, don't worry, this Grieving One will support you."
"My dear Imperial Grandmother, please treat your grandson well," The Crown Prince pleaded repeatedly, making the Empress Dowager laugh and smile. Then he walked with Hua Liuli out of the Shoukang Palace.
In the eyes of a lover, everything is beautiful. Hua Liuli felt that the Crown Prince not only looks handsome but also shows filial piety to his elders. To amuse the Empress Dowager, he didn't hold back at all.
"Be careful," The Crown Prince saw some steps ahead and was afraid that Hua Liuli might fall and tear her wound. He quickly reached out and lightly supported her waist, then quickly withdrew his hand.
He looked around, seeing no one nearby, and pitifully said, "We don't even have an official status, so Gu is afraid that even if Gu helps to support you, rumors might spread and damage your reputation."
"Your Royal Highness, everyone knows that I'm frail and weak. Even if Your Royal Highness helps me, others won't think much of it," Hua Liuli said, her face pale with a sickly pallor under the sunlight. She appeared extremely weak, making the Crown Prince wish he could pick her up and carry her.
"Gu actually wishes they would think more," the Crown Prince muttered softly, "Gu intended to have Father Emperor send someone to propose the marriage to your Hua Family Estate, but Gu was afraid you might think Gu is being presumptuous. What do you think Gu should do?"
Looking at the pitiful Crown Prince, Hua Liuli coughed lightly, covering her mouth with a handkerchief. She was wearing a loose palace gown today, with her hair simply tied up. Paired with her pale face, she appeared even more fragile. She blinked and looked at the Crown Prince without saying anything.
Consort Xian was in the garden, admiring the flowers. When she saw the Crown Prince with Hua Liuli, she wanted to avoid them. She couldn't stand the Crown Prince's mouth and didn't want to argue with him. It was better to avoid him early on.
A few days ago, her son found her and sorrowfully said that the Crown Prince intended to marry Hua Liuli. She was completely stunned. What was His Majesty thinking? Was he so eager to have the daughter of the Hua family marry the Crown Prince and force him to ascend the throne?
Fortunately, there hadn't been any news of His Majesty sending someone to the Hua family for a marriage proposal these past few days. Perhaps it was just a rumor, and His Majesty hadn't made up his mind yet?
She was planning to leave when she turned her head and saw Royal Princess Leyang hastily walking out from the opposite corner. It was obvious that she was heading toward the Crown Prince. Seeing this, Consort Xian lost any desire to leave, instead heading towards the Crown Prince.
She couldn't resist the impulse to cause trouble for Leyang.
Royal Princess Leyang sought an audience with Emperor Changlong, but he denied her. The other consorts in the palace also closed their doors, shutting her out. So when she saw the Crown Prince, she didn't hesitate and went up to him.
"Crown Prince..."
"Royal Princess Leyang, please walk slower," Yuan Yi stepped forward and blocked Royal Princess Leyang, "The physician said that Junzhu is very sensitive to wind. If you walk too quickly and create a breeze, how will it affect Junzhu?"
Royal Princess Leyang: "???"
She had heard the phrase "delicate and unable to withstand the wind", but she never expected someone to be unable to tolerate the wind caused by others walking?
Even if it was an act, it should have some limits, right?
However, Fushou Junzhu didn't seem to think so. She pitifully looked at Royal Princess Leyang and weakly leaned against the Crown Prince, her voice feeble as she said, "Royal Princess, please forgive my maidservant's impudence. She was just overly protective..."
"Liuli, you're so weak. Don't speak anymore," The Crown Prince intently gazed at Hua Liuli, his expression full of concern. Then he turned to Royal Princess Leyang and said, "Aunt, considering Hua Liuli's delicate health, please show some understanding."
Royal Princess Leyang was suddenly at a loss for words. She hadn't even said anything yet, but how did it suddenly become about whether she could show her understanding or not?
She glanced at the pretentious Hua Liuli, then looked at the Crown Prince, who was defending her at every turn, blindly loyal to her antics. She took a deep breath and forced a smile, "Crown Prince, I came here today to ask you for a favor..."
"Oh, isn't this Royal Princess Leyang..." Consort Xian waved her handkerchief and walked over, laughing raucously, "I heard that your daughter has committed a crime and been locked up in the Ministry of Justice's dungeon prison. As her mother, how can you find time to come to the palace and play? Let me tell you, you're also heartless. Even if your daughter made a mistake, she is still the one you carried in your womb for ten months. Shouldn't you go to the prison and bring her blankets and food?"
Krish728
Author's Note:
Noble Princess Leyang: I think I need an immediate heart-saving pill.
Translator's Note:
Hey, everyone! I have been translating and posting chapters without proofreading much. Today, while I was traveling on the metro, I just wanted to look at the latest chapter I posted and found two or three glaring errors - I made the changes now, but I would appreciate it if you guys could point out any errors you may see in the chapters I post in the comment section. I'm trying to post as many chapters as I can per day, so I am not proofreading them.
Having received the imperial decree, Zhang Shuo wasted no time and immediately headed to Royal Princess Leyang Estate with his men.
The gatekeeper of Royal Princess Leyang's residence, looking at the relentless intrusion of the officials from the Ministry of Justice, raised his chin and said, "Who are you? This is Royal Princess Leyang Estate. You can't trespass here."
"Apologies," Zhang Shuo took out the imperial decree, "I am acting on the orders of His Majesty to bring Miss Xie from your esteemed estate to the Ministry of Justice for questioning."
The gatekeeper became flustered, unsure whether to let these people in or stop them.
The crimson gate slowly opened from the inside, producing a heavy creaking sound. Zhang Shuo glanced inside and saw Royal Princess Leyang wearing a dark-colored brocade robe, her face grave, without any trace of a smile, "Zhang Daren from the Ministry of Justice?"
"Zhang Shuo pays respects to Royal Princess Leyang."
"Why are you here today?" Royal Princess Leyang looked puzzled, seemingly not understanding why the Ministry of Justice officials had aggressively approached her doorstep.
"Miss Xie from your esteemed estate is suspected of plotting against the Crown Prince. I am ordered to apprehend Miss Xie and bring her to the Ministry of Justice for questioning," Zhang Shuo's words had just landed when Royal Princess Leyang staggered, seemingly unable to accept it, "Is there some misunderstanding? My daughter has been timid since childhood and has had a close relationship with the Crown Prince. How could she... how could she..."
"Royal Princess, please understand the difficulties I face," Zhang Shuo's expression remained unchanged.
Royal Princess Leyang turned pale, hesitated for a long time, and finally ordered her servants to lead the officials from the Ministry of Justice inside.
"Zhang Daren, my daughter is delicate. Please... refrain from using harsh measures," Royal Princess Leyang invited Zhang Shuo to sit and have a chat with her inside her residence, but seeing Zhang Shuo delaying and refusing, she could only lower her head and plead, "My daughter would never do such a thing. I implore you, Zhang Daren, to investigate thoroughly."
"Please rest assured, Royal Princess. I am merely following standard procedure. Once it is determined that Miss Xie has no involvement, I will send her back," After uttering these words, Zhang Shuo remained silent, not giving Royal Princess Leyang any face.
He knew very well that with such a major incident, regardless of whether Royal Princess Leyang Estate could clear the suspicion, the Emperor would no longer treat Royal Princess Leyang and her family kindly in the future. Since it concerned the Crown Prince, he wasn't afraid of offending anyone.
Xie Yao was dressing up in her courtyard when the officials from the Ministry of Justice kicked open the door. She looked at them expressionlessly, "Who allowed you to rudely barge in?"
The officials from the Ministry of Justice ignored her words, approached her, tied her up along with her personal maid, and left without leaving her any dignity.
"What are you doing?!" Xie Yao exclaimed, "Offending an imperial family relative is a grave offense."
However, no matter how she shouted, the officials from the Ministry of Justice remained silent and dragged her onto a rudimentary carriage. If it weren't for her special status, perhaps it wouldn't be a carriage she was entering, but a prisoner's wagon.
"Zhang Daren..." Royal Princess Leyang chased after them to the door, looking at her daughter, who had already been confined inside the carriage, taking a deep breath. She stared at Zhang Shuo with a cold gaze, "I implore you, Zhang Shuo, to thoroughly investigate the case and clear the innocent."
"Please rest assured, I will not let a single guilty person go free," Zhang Shuo bowed, "I take my leave."
Royal Princess Leyang watched the officials from the Grand Court hurriedly leave and stood at the entrance of her estate for a long time, unable to snap out of her daze.
"If Miss Xie truly did this, she has brought calamity upon her entire family," Zhang Shuo's attendant whispered softly, "Royal Princess Leyang's expression just now... she looked so pitiful."
"You, someone who earns only two taels of silver per month, actually have the leisure to sympathize with a princess of the nation," Zhang Shuo set down his teacup, "It seems you have too little to occupy yourself with on regular days."
"Master, I apologize for my mistake," The attendant quickly pleaded for forgiveness.
Zhang Shuo leaned against the carriage without saying a word, but his years of experience in handling cases told him that Royal Princess Leyang was somewhat strange.
Perhaps... as a high-ranking princess, she was too accommodating.
According to the temperament of the imperial family members, when they see someone trying to take away their child, regardless of whether they were justified or not, they usually create a scene first, preventing them from taking the person away, and then run to the palace, crying and pleading with the Emperor. That was the normal procedure.
Royal Princess Leyang being so understanding and cooperative made him somewhat uncomfortable.
Hua Liuli, who was weak and injured, enjoyed the top treatment of a princess in Shoukang Palace. When she opened her eyes, someone wiped her hands and rinsed her mouth. She was fed during meals, and when she was feeling bored, someone would recite her stories. The Empress Dowager and the Crown Prince were worried about her boredom and even arranged for several female performers to entertain her in her courtyard.
After being cared for for nearly half a month, she could finally move slightly. At least she could move her arms a little without worrying about the wound tearing open.
The wound had healed well, but the new flesh was itchy, making it difficult to bear. The Crown Prince was worried that she would scratch the wound with her hands, causing infection. So every day, he found ways to keep her entertained. If it weren't for his duties in the Chenyang Palace, where he had to handle political affairs with the Emperor Changlong, he would probably stick around in Shoukang Palace every day.
Finally, it was because Hua Liuli said, "I believe Your Royal Highness can do your best" that he obediently returned to the Chenyang Palace.
"Indeed, one person can influence another," The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "This child has been spoiled by his father since childhood and loves to be lazy. With you around, it has saved his father a lot of worry."
Hua Liuli thought to herself, when it comes to pampering children, the Empress Dowager is not one to be outdone.
"Imperial Grandmother, I wouldn't call it one person can influence another. It's more like willingly offering oneself," The Crown Prince walked in briskly. He was dressed in a new set of brocade robes, which made him look handsome and upright. Even those who knew about his bad temper would probably find it hard to resist being moved when they saw him like this.
The Empress Dowager was amused by the Crown Prince's shameless remarks, shaking her head repeatedly as she got up and said, "This Grieving One will go to the garden to enjoy the flowers. You, youngsters, can entertain yourselves."
Although she was already an old Empress Dowager, she understood not to disturb the sweet moments of the younger generation.
"Is the wound still itchy today?" Without needing Hua Liuli's maidservant to prompt him, the Crown Prince voluntarily sat on the round stool beside the bed.
"Itchy," Hua Liuli groaned, "It's easy to get injured, but it's hard to heal..."
"This ointment was obtained from the Imperial Medical Bureau. Applying it will relieve the itching sensation a bit," The Crown Prince handed the medicine to Yuan Yi, "Let your maidservant apply it for you."
Hua Liuli stared at him.
He looked back at Hua Liuli.
"Your Royal Highness, when young ladies apply their medicine, men shouldn't sneak a peek."
The Crown Prince blushed and sighed helplessly, "You're deliberately teasing Gu again," He stood up and said to Hua Liuli, "Gu will sit outside for a while. Once you've changed the medicine, Gu will accompany you for a walk in the Imperial Flower Garden. You've been cooped up in the room for quite some time, and your complexion has become pale, which makes Gu feel concerned."
After lying in bed for so many days, Hua Liuli herself also felt uncomfortable. Upon hearing the Crown Prince's words, she immediately agreed.
Seeing that Hua Liuli readily agreed to his suggestion, the Crown Prince, feeling that he held a significant position in her heart, happily left the room.
"You're out so soon?" The Empress Dowager, who had claimed to go and enjoy the flowers, saw the Crown Prince come out with a smile on his face and kindly said, "Back when Liuli was living here with this Grieving One, you used to come here often. This Grieving One knew that you had other intentions."
"Imperial Grandmother, at that time, I just wanted to visit you," The Crown Prince accepted the tea served by a palace maid and placed it in front of the Empress Dowager, "Please don't misunderstand my filial piety."
"This Grieving One knows you're filial, but the way you look at Liuli, this Grieving One can see it clearly," The Empress Dowager's favorite grandson was the Crown Prince. Seeing him happy made her happy too, "On the night of the Lantern Festival, this Grieving One heard that Liuli accompanied you to play outside the palace, which reminded this Grieving One of the past..."
"Imperial Grandmother..." The Crown Prince looked at the Empress Dowager with concern. The Empress Dowager and the late emperor had a relationship that the people in the palace preferred not to mention.
"It's been so long since those events happened, this Grieving One has long since let go," The Empress Dowager patted the Crown Prince's arm, "Just don't follow in your grandfather's footsteps, deceiving girls with promises for half a lifetime and then making promises of a lifetime to others."
The Empress Dowager had both hatred and love for the late emperor, who had coldly abandoned her when he turned his back. He was equally ruthless towards their son. The Empress Dowager often thought that perhaps it was because of the unfortunate experiences of the past that her own son, the current emperor, treated the Crown Prince so well. He neither indulged in the pleasures of women nor showed excessive favoritism to any concubine.
Her son had a shadow hanging over him throughout his life because of the late emperor. That's why she didn't want her grandson to become a man like his grandfather.
"Imperial Grandmother, I wouldn't dare to harm Liuli, nor do I want to. You can rest assured," The Crown Prince knew what the Empress Dowager was worried about. While making a promise, he tried to amuse the Empress Dowager with his words.
"What do you mean you wouldn't dare?" The Empress Dowager was quickly amused by the Crown Prince, and a smile appeared on her face, "Liuli is gentle and kind, not a fierce lion from the east. You're just talking nonsense."
"What I mean is, with you here, Imperial Grandmother, how could I dare to harm her?" The Crown Prince smiled, "In Imperial Grandmother's heart, your grandson was picked up on the streets, while Liuli is the pearl in your palm."
"Only realizing that now, Your Royal Highness?" Hua Liuli walked out with the support of her maidservants. She lightly covered her lips and smiled, "Your Royal Highness should treat your subject well. Otherwise, I'll have to let the Empress Dowager decide."
"That's right," the Empress Dowager said, seeing Hua Liuli. She joyfully pushed the Crown Prince aside, "The other day, this Grieving One already said that whoever offends you in the palace, this Grieving One will take care of it. So, don't worry, this Grieving One will support you."
"My dear Imperial Grandmother, please treat your grandson well," The Crown Prince pleaded repeatedly, making the Empress Dowager laugh and smile. Then he walked with Hua Liuli out of the Shoukang Palace.
In the eyes of a lover, everything is beautiful. Hua Liuli felt that the Crown Prince not only looks handsome but also shows filial piety to his elders. To amuse the Empress Dowager, he didn't hold back at all.
"Be careful," The Crown Prince saw some steps ahead and was afraid that Hua Liuli might fall and tear her wound. He quickly reached out and lightly supported her waist, then quickly withdrew his hand.
He looked around, seeing no one nearby, and pitifully said, "We don't even have an official status, so Gu is afraid that even if Gu helps to support you, rumors might spread and damage your reputation."
"Your Royal Highness, everyone knows that I'm frail and weak. Even if Your Royal Highness helps me, others won't think much of it," Hua Liuli said, her face pale with a sickly pallor under the sunlight. She appeared extremely weak, making the Crown Prince wish he could pick her up and carry her.
"Gu actually wishes they would think more," the Crown Prince muttered softly, "Gu intended to have Father Emperor send someone to propose the marriage to your Hua Family Estate, but Gu was afraid you might think Gu is being presumptuous. What do you think Gu should do?"
Looking at the pitiful Crown Prince, Hua Liuli coughed lightly, covering her mouth with a handkerchief. She was wearing a loose palace gown today, with her hair simply tied up. Paired with her pale face, she appeared even more fragile. She blinked and looked at the Crown Prince without saying anything.
Consort Xian was in the garden, admiring the flowers. When she saw the Crown Prince with Hua Liuli, she wanted to avoid them. She couldn't stand the Crown Prince's mouth and didn't want to argue with him. It was better to avoid him early on.
A few days ago, her son found her and sorrowfully said that the Crown Prince intended to marry Hua Liuli. She was completely stunned. What was His Majesty thinking? Was he so eager to have the daughter of the Hua family marry the Crown Prince and force him to ascend the throne?
Fortunately, there hadn't been any news of His Majesty sending someone to the Hua family for a marriage proposal these past few days. Perhaps it was just a rumor, and His Majesty hadn't made up his mind yet?
She was planning to leave when she turned her head and saw Royal Princess Leyang hastily walking out from the opposite corner. It was obvious that she was heading toward the Crown Prince. Seeing this, Consort Xian lost any desire to leave, instead heading towards the Crown Prince.
She couldn't resist the impulse to cause trouble for Leyang.
Royal Princess Leyang sought an audience with Emperor Changlong, but he denied her. The other consorts in the palace also closed their doors, shutting her out. So when she saw the Crown Prince, she didn't hesitate and went up to him.
"Crown Prince..."
"Royal Princess Leyang, please walk slower," Yuan Yi stepped forward and blocked Royal Princess Leyang, "The physician said that Junzhu is very sensitive to wind. If you walk too quickly and create a breeze, how will it affect Junzhu?"
Royal Princess Leyang: "???"
She had heard the phrase "delicate and unable to withstand the wind", but she never expected someone to be unable to tolerate the wind caused by others walking?
Even if it was an act, it should have some limits, right?
However, Fushou Junzhu didn't seem to think so. She pitifully looked at Royal Princess Leyang and weakly leaned against the Crown Prince, her voice feeble as she said, "Royal Princess, please forgive my maidservant's impudence. She was just overly protective..."
"Liuli, you're so weak. Don't speak anymore," The Crown Prince intently gazed at Hua Liuli, his expression full of concern. Then he turned to Royal Princess Leyang and said, "Aunt, considering Hua Liuli's delicate health, please show some understanding."
Royal Princess Leyang was suddenly at a loss for words. She hadn't even said anything yet, but how did it suddenly become about whether she could show her understanding or not?
She glanced at the pretentious Hua Liuli, then looked at the Crown Prince, who was defending her at every turn, blindly loyal to her antics. She took a deep breath and forced a smile, "Crown Prince, I came here today to ask you for a favor..."
"Oh, isn't this Royal Princess Leyang..." Consort Xian waved her handkerchief and walked over, laughing raucously, "I heard that your daughter has committed a crime and been locked up in the Ministry of Justice's dungeon prison. As her mother, how can you find time to come to the palace and play? Let me tell you, you're also heartless. Even if your daughter made a mistake, she is still the one you carried in your womb for ten months. Shouldn't you go to the prison and bring her blankets and food?"
Krish728
Author's Note:
Noble Princess Leyang: I think I need an immediate heart-saving pill.
Translator's Note:
Hey, everyone! I have been translating and posting chapters without proofreading much. Today, while I was traveling on the metro, I just wanted to look at the latest chapter I posted and found two or three glaring errors - I made the changes now, but I would appreciate it if you guys could point out any errors you may see in the chapters I post in the comment section. I'm trying to post as many chapters as I can per day, so I am not proofreading them.
