Seeing Yao Jiamin enter with her family, Hua Liuli blinked at her.
After Yao Jiamin paid her respects to everyone present, she sat down next to Hua Liuli and whispered, "What's going on?"
"I invited you to come and watch the show," Hua Liuli replied softly, "Isn't Royal Princess Leyang your family's enemy?"
"Ah, I see," Yao Jiamin suddenly understood. Could it be that the Crown Prince had suddenly sent someone to invite their family to enter the palace earlier for this? Because their family had offended the Crown Prince a few years ago, and now, seeing the Crown Prince actively sending someone to invite them, their family didn't hesitate and immediately boarded the carriage to enter the palace.
They didn't expect to witness such a good show.
When she saw Royal Princess Shunan and her family enter, Consort Xian's eyes nearly popped out.
Princess Shunan had always disliked the Crown Prince and had even expressed multiple times that she would help her son, Minghao, compete against Yuansu for the Crown Prince position. So why was she being so polite to the Crown Prince today?
"Fortunately, the Crown Prince reminded us. Otherwise, our whole family would have been late today," Royal Princess Shunan smiled as she handed a wooden box to an attendant from the Eastern Palace, "The joyous day for the Crown Prince is approaching, and it's a time when money is needed. As your Aunt, I don't have anything to offer you. I could only bring some jewelry. Consider it an early gift from your aunt to your future wife."
"Thank you, Aunt. How can Gu let you bear the expense?" Although he felt embarrassed, the Crown Prince had the attendant take the gift.
Seeing that the Crown Prince was willing to accept the gift, Royal Princess Shunan's heart was relieved. Over the years, her attitude toward the Crown Prince had been unfavorable, but he didn't pay much attention to her. She had been worried that the Crown Prince wouldn't give her any face today, but unexpectedly, he was surprisingly easy to talk to.
She was pleasantly surprised.
"I tend to speak without thinking and have a bad temper. Fortunately, with the understanding of the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the Crown Prince, I was able to live a comfortable life," Royal Princess Shunan blushed, "I have offended many people in these years, so I ask the Crown Prince to forgive this aunt."
"Aunt, you're being too harsh. Family members arguing with each other is not a big deal," the Crown Prince turned his head and looked at Hua Liuli, who was whispering to Yao Jiamin, with a faint smile, "Moreover, Jiamin is a close friend of the future Crown Princess. We need not bring up past matters."
Royal Princess Shunan understood in her heart that she didn't have much affection for the Crown Prince. His words almost told her explicitly that he didn't want to investigate the past grievances because of the future Crown Princess's relationship with her daughter.
The Crown Prince openly stated this in front of Consort Xian and Consort Rong. If she agreed, it would be like announcing to the entire capital that the Royal Princess Shunan Estate and the Hua Family Easte were allied.
"Thanks to Fushou Junzhu, our child has become obedient and sensible," Yao Fuma continued the conversation, "We are very fond of Fushou Junzhu as well."
"Yes," Royal Princess Shunan seemed to have made up her mind. She smiled as she looked at her daughter and Fushou Junzhu, "I just wish she were my own daughter."
Consort Rong lowered her head and silently drank her tea. She glanced sideways at Consort Xian, who looked stunned, and followed suit by praising Fushou Junzhu a few words.
Consort Xian forced a smile, feeling that she couldn't really come up with anything.
How could her ally just change sides like that, especially right in front of her? Doesn't she care about her dignity?
Royal Princess Shunan's declaration of friendship with the future Crown Princess represented not only herself but also the Yao family behind Yao Fuma.
Wait, she heard that the son of the Yao family had achieved third rank in the Palace Examination and had a close relationship with Hua Changkong, who had achieved the top rank.
How can there be so many coincidences in the world?
She looked at Yao Jiamin and Hua Liuli in confusion. Jiamin had always looked down on Hua Liuli before, so how did they become close friends in the blink of an eye?
Aren't women supposed to become more displeased with each other the more they look at each other?
This doesn't comply with the rules of palace intrigue.
She came here to watch the play and enjoy it. However, it's not as enjoyable when the play is unfolding around her. Consort Xian stood up and said, "Your Royal Highness, I still have matters to attend to in my palace. I'll take my leave."
If she doesn't leave soon, her understanding of palace intrigue might undergo a dramatic change.
Already feeling upset, she became even more displeased when she looked at Royal Princess Leyang at the gates. Consort Xian fanned herself and let out a disdainful hum towards the couple who were still kneeling before her, then turned and walked away.
Playing the role of a victim is a worn-out method used by women in the harem.
But this move can only be used on someone who still cares about you, someone who sympathizes with you.
Did the Crown Prince meet either of those criteria?
Xie Fuma probably believes that the Crown Prince values reputation. But he doesn't consider that if the Crown Prince truly cared about his reputation, he wouldn't act so capriciously.
Moreover, even if the Crown Prince had a bad reputation, wasn't he still the Emperor's most favored son?
Thinking of this, Consort Xian became even more displeased.
To say that the Emperor didn't care about appearance, his favorite son was the most good-looking of all his children. To say that he valued appearance, he treated all the concubines in the harem fairly, not overly favoring one for their beauty.
The heart of an emperor was like a needle at the bottom of the sea.
It's truly incomprehensible and elusive.
Emperor Changlong returned from the morning court. The palace maids and eunuchs served him as he changed out of his dragon robe and ceremonial crown. He sat down at the imperial desk and saw that the room was empty, with the Crown Prince absent. He asked, "The Crown Prince didn't come to court today and isn't in the study. Where did he go?"
"Your Majesty, early this morning, Royal Princess Leyang and her husband knelt at the Eastern Palace gates to beg forgiveness from the Crown Prince," Zhao Sancai placed a cup of nourishing tea by Emperor Changlong's side and whispered, "Consort Xian and Consort Rong also happened to be visiting the Crown Prince, while the Fifth Prince went to pay respects to the Crown Prince. With all these comings and goings, it caused a delay."
"Visiting and paying respects? They're just here to watch the commotion," Emperor Changlong ruthlessly exposed the truth, "Yesterday, Zhen didn't pay attention to these two individuals. How did they end up kneeling at the Eastern Palace?"
"Last night, on his way to the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince ran into Xie Fuma and learned that he was kneeling outside your palace. He said a few words to Xie Fuma," Zhao Sancai repeated the Crown Prince's words, "The Crown Prince is filial to you, Your Majesty."
The Emperor was known for his benevolence. The Crown Prince was afraid that Xie Fuma kneeling outside the Chengyang Palace for a long time would affect the Emperor's reputation.
"Nonsense! If outsiders were to think that he was forcing his elders to kneel, wouldn't that be a bad impression on him?" Emperor Changlong furrowed his brow, "Go and handle this personally. Don't let this news spread outside the palace."
"Yes," Zhao Sancai readily agreed.
Behind every daring child, there is a father protecting them. The Crown Prince dares to do this because he is clearly not concerned about rumors spreading.
"As for Leyang and Xie Fuma, let them kneel if they want. They don't need to attend tonight's banquet," Emperor Changlong's tone wasn't heavy, but the words he spoke almost caused Royal Princess Leyang's status to plummet, "Leyang has shown incompetence in educating her daughter, which led to her daughter plotting against the Crown Prince. She is no longer worthy of being called a Royal Princess. Her title will be reduced to just 'Princess', her fiefdom will be halved, and her household staff will be subject to the same restrictions as a Princess. Until this case is fully investigated, the entire Leyang family is not allowed to leave the capital."
"Your Majesty, is this an edict or an imperial decree to be sent to various departments?" An edict would mean discreet handling, but if it were an official imperial decree, the contents would be registered and recorded in the imperial archives. Even after thousands of years, many future generations could still read it.
"For matters concerning the promotion or demotion of the noble ranks of imperial women, an edict would seem too informal," Emperor Changlong's tone remained calm, "Zhen will personally draft the decree, let the Ministry of Rites issue it."
Personally drafting the imperial decree...
It seems that regardless of whether this case has anything to do with the Xie family, the Emperor has already developed a deep hatred for Princess Leyang and Xie Fuma.
At this moment, the Eastern Palace was bustling. Ning Wang also received news from someone and rushed over. He brought along many ingredients, claiming they were fresh delicacies he had just obtained, and wanted the Crown Prince to taste them.
Before long, even Consort Shu, who usually didn't like to go out, also followed. She's the birth mother of the Fifth Prince. She conducted herself in a manner as gentle as her title, exuding a subtle elegance from her very core.
This was probably the liveliest day in the Eastern Palace throughout the year.
The Crown Prince was in a good mood and simply had the palace chefs take care of the ingredients brought by Ning Wang. They prepared a table for lunch, allowing the spectators to satisfy their hunger and continue watching.
Royal Princess Shunan's emotions were quite complex. This was her first time staying in the Eastern Palace for a meal.
If it weren't for Fushou Junzhu, she probably would never have had this opportunity. She always said that most crown princes who were raised personally by emperors in history didn't end well. However, she vaguely understood that her Imperial Brother was different from those emperors; Ji Yuansu was also different from those tragic crown princes in history.
One's own prejudice can blind one's judgment. In the past, she found fault with the Crown Prince at every turn, but now, when she looked at the Crown Prince, she felt that even if he had a slightly bad temper, it wasn't a major flaw.
She just hoped that the Crown Prince could successfully ascend to the throne with Fushou Junzhu as his Empress. That way, even as she grew older, her daughter, Jiamin, would have stronger support.
As it approached noon, Hua Liuli whispered a few words in the Crown Prince's ear, then got up and walked outside. She saw Royal Princess Leyang kneeling in the sun, drenched in sweat and looking exhausted. Hua Liuli stepped forward and said, "Royal Princess Leyang, Xie Fuma, the Crown Prince has prepared a banquet in the house. Please rise and join us for a meal."
Royal Princess Leyang ignored her.
Hua Liuli wasn't annoyed either. She turned her head and persuaded Xie Fuma, "Xie Fuma, kneeling for so long is not good for your health. Can't we discuss matters after we've had our meal?"
"Has the Crown Prince forgiven this humble servant's family?" Xie Fuma knelt on the ground, one hand supporting Royal Princess Leyang's waist. His fair face was slightly flushed, but there was no sign of sweat on his forehead.
"Xie Fuma, the case of your daughter's assassination attempt on the Crown Prince is being investigated by the Ministry of Justice. Why talk about forgiveness or not?" Hua Liuli sighed, "The Crown Prince is concerned about your well-being, yet you take advantage of his leniency and force him like this?"
"Just as your son and daughter are your children, the Crown Prince is also His Majesty's child. If something were to happen to the Crown Prince, how much sorrow do you think the Emperor would feel? How much turmoil would it cause in the court?" She looked disappointedly at the two of them, "If there is turmoil in the court, it is the common people who will suffer. How can you bear it in your hearts?"
Sincerity or acting, sometimes one can tell at a glance. Truly remorseful individuals wouldn't even have the face to meet those involved and would have long sought ways to make amends. Were this couple deliberately kneeling at the Eastern Palace gate for the Crown Prince to see?
No, they wanted others to see, to make others think how pitiful and innocent they were, and how the Crown Prince was overbearing.
People like them, if they were in the military camp, would have been beaten until they cried for their parents.
Thinking that the Crown Prince was almost killed by this couple, she felt disgusted.
"Since the two of you are not hungry and don't want to eat, I won't force you," Hua Liuli shook her head slowly, appearing quite helpless, "I'll come and check on you later, hoping that you can change your minds."
Royal Princess Leyang glared weakly at Hua Liuli, wishing for her to leave quickly.
But before the time of two incense sticks had passed, Hua Liuli came out again, followed by a row of people holding various delicious foods and refreshing drinks.
Having been under the sun for two hours, Royal Princess Leyang, who had already become parched, looked at the honeydew and nuts in Hua Liuli's cup, and smoke seemed to be rising from her throat.
"Royal Princess, would you like to take a sip?" Hua Liuli squatted in front of Royal Princess Leyang and brought the honeydew to her lips.
Royal Princess Leyang's voice was hoarse, "Take it away."
"So, Royal Princess is not thirsty," Hua Liuli handed the honeydew to Yuan Yi and exchanged it for a plate of well-prepared dishes, "This chicken and bamboo shoots dish tastes excellent. Would Royal Princess like to try it?"
Royal Princess Leyang ignored her, her face growing even darker.
"How about trying this Red Plum Pearl Fragrance?" Seeing that Royal Princess Leyang still ignored her, Hua Liuli's smile became even more gentle. She placed one dish after another in front of Royal Princess Leyang, then slowly had them moved away. She displayed great patience, seemingly as if coaxing a stubborn child.
"None of the dishes prepared by the Eastern Palace suit your taste?" Hua Liuli pondered for a moment, "Then, Royal Princess, please tell me what you like, and I'll have the chef make it."
"Get lost!" Royal Princess Leyang couldn't bear it any longer. Seeing Hua Liuli's half-smiling expression, she knew the other party was deliberately disgusting her, and she reached out to push her away.
"Ah!" Yuan Yi suddenly screamed, "Royal Princess, what are you doing?"
Upon hearing the screams, the people who were talking in the main hall of the Eastern Palace quickly got up and went to see. They saw Fushou Junzhu, who was weak and helpless, collapsed under the scorching sun. There was a plate of pastries scattered on the ground.
Royal Princess Leyang's expression twisted, and upon seeing these people coming out, she hastily hid her hand behind her back.
"Aunt!" The Crown Prince became furious and quickly walked to Hua Liuli's side and helped her up from the ground, "Fushou Junzhu kindly tried to persuade you to have a meal, but you resorted to violence. It seems that you really don't want to apologize to Gu sincerely."
"You don't need to kneel in front of the Eastern Palace pretending to be sincere. Gu can't afford it. Please leave!"
Yao Jiamin turned her head and saw the angry expressions on everyone present. She silently stepped back into the corner.
There she was, Hua Liuli, appearing weak, helpless, and pitiful once again.
At this moment, she was like snow under the sunlight, a water lily on the surface of the water, a dandelion in the wind.
At this moment, she was both fragile and invincible!
Facing the accusing gazes of many, Royal Princess Leyang, consumed by anger and frustration, with a thud, finally collapsed on the ground.
"Injuring someone and pretending to faint. How shameless."
Yao Jiamin glanced at the Fifth Prince, who said these words, then looked at Hua Liuli, who was being held by the Crown Prince, and silently nodded.
Krish728
Author's Note:
Hua Liuli silently opens another page in her grudge notebook.
Yao Jiamin: Ah, foolish mortals.
Seeing Yao Jiamin enter with her family, Hua Liuli blinked at her.
After Yao Jiamin paid her respects to everyone present, she sat down next to Hua Liuli and whispered, "What's going on?"
"I invited you to come and watch the show," Hua Liuli replied softly, "Isn't Royal Princess Leyang your family's enemy?"
"Ah, I see," Yao Jiamin suddenly understood. Could it be that the Crown Prince had suddenly sent someone to invite their family to enter the palace earlier for this? Because their family had offended the Crown Prince a few years ago, and now, seeing the Crown Prince actively sending someone to invite them, their family didn't hesitate and immediately boarded the carriage to enter the palace.
They didn't expect to witness such a good show.
When she saw Royal Princess Shunan and her family enter, Consort Xian's eyes nearly popped out.
Princess Shunan had always disliked the Crown Prince and had even expressed multiple times that she would help her son, Minghao, compete against Yuansu for the Crown Prince position. So why was she being so polite to the Crown Prince today?
"Fortunately, the Crown Prince reminded us. Otherwise, our whole family would have been late today," Royal Princess Shunan smiled as she handed a wooden box to an attendant from the Eastern Palace, "The joyous day for the Crown Prince is approaching, and it's a time when money is needed. As your Aunt, I don't have anything to offer you. I could only bring some jewelry. Consider it an early gift from your aunt to your future wife."
"Thank you, Aunt. How can Gu let you bear the expense?" Although he felt embarrassed, the Crown Prince had the attendant take the gift.
Seeing that the Crown Prince was willing to accept the gift, Royal Princess Shunan's heart was relieved. Over the years, her attitude toward the Crown Prince had been unfavorable, but he didn't pay much attention to her. She had been worried that the Crown Prince wouldn't give her any face today, but unexpectedly, he was surprisingly easy to talk to.
She was pleasantly surprised.
"I tend to speak without thinking and have a bad temper. Fortunately, with the understanding of the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the Crown Prince, I was able to live a comfortable life," Royal Princess Shunan blushed, "I have offended many people in these years, so I ask the Crown Prince to forgive this aunt."
"Aunt, you're being too harsh. Family members arguing with each other is not a big deal," the Crown Prince turned his head and looked at Hua Liuli, who was whispering to Yao Jiamin, with a faint smile, "Moreover, Jiamin is a close friend of the future Crown Princess. We need not bring up past matters."
Royal Princess Shunan understood in her heart that she didn't have much affection for the Crown Prince. His words almost told her explicitly that he didn't want to investigate the past grievances because of the future Crown Princess's relationship with her daughter.
The Crown Prince openly stated this in front of Consort Xian and Consort Rong. If she agreed, it would be like announcing to the entire capital that the Royal Princess Shunan Estate and the Hua Family Easte were allied.
"Thanks to Fushou Junzhu, our child has become obedient and sensible," Yao Fuma continued the conversation, "We are very fond of Fushou Junzhu as well."
"Yes," Royal Princess Shunan seemed to have made up her mind. She smiled as she looked at her daughter and Fushou Junzhu, "I just wish she were my own daughter."
Consort Rong lowered her head and silently drank her tea. She glanced sideways at Consort Xian, who looked stunned, and followed suit by praising Fushou Junzhu a few words.
Consort Xian forced a smile, feeling that she couldn't really come up with anything.
How could her ally just change sides like that, especially right in front of her? Doesn't she care about her dignity?
Royal Princess Shunan's declaration of friendship with the future Crown Princess represented not only herself but also the Yao family behind Yao Fuma.
Wait, she heard that the son of the Yao family had achieved third rank in the Palace Examination and had a close relationship with Hua Changkong, who had achieved the top rank.
How can there be so many coincidences in the world?
She looked at Yao Jiamin and Hua Liuli in confusion. Jiamin had always looked down on Hua Liuli before, so how did they become close friends in the blink of an eye?
Aren't women supposed to become more displeased with each other the more they look at each other?
This doesn't comply with the rules of palace intrigue.
She came here to watch the play and enjoy it. However, it's not as enjoyable when the play is unfolding around her. Consort Xian stood up and said, "Your Royal Highness, I still have matters to attend to in my palace. I'll take my leave."
If she doesn't leave soon, her understanding of palace intrigue might undergo a dramatic change.
Already feeling upset, she became even more displeased when she looked at Royal Princess Leyang at the gates. Consort Xian fanned herself and let out a disdainful hum towards the couple who were still kneeling before her, then turned and walked away.
Playing the role of a victim is a worn-out method used by women in the harem.
But this move can only be used on someone who still cares about you, someone who sympathizes with you.
Did the Crown Prince meet either of those criteria?
Xie Fuma probably believes that the Crown Prince values reputation. But he doesn't consider that if the Crown Prince truly cared about his reputation, he wouldn't act so capriciously.
Moreover, even if the Crown Prince had a bad reputation, wasn't he still the Emperor's most favored son?
Thinking of this, Consort Xian became even more displeased.
To say that the Emperor didn't care about appearance, his favorite son was the most good-looking of all his children. To say that he valued appearance, he treated all the concubines in the harem fairly, not overly favoring one for their beauty.
The heart of an emperor was like a needle at the bottom of the sea.
It's truly incomprehensible and elusive.
Emperor Changlong returned from the morning court. The palace maids and eunuchs served him as he changed out of his dragon robe and ceremonial crown. He sat down at the imperial desk and saw that the room was empty, with the Crown Prince absent. He asked, "The Crown Prince didn't come to court today and isn't in the study. Where did he go?"
"Your Majesty, early this morning, Royal Princess Leyang and her husband knelt at the Eastern Palace gates to beg forgiveness from the Crown Prince," Zhao Sancai placed a cup of nourishing tea by Emperor Changlong's side and whispered, "Consort Xian and Consort Rong also happened to be visiting the Crown Prince, while the Fifth Prince went to pay respects to the Crown Prince. With all these comings and goings, it caused a delay."
"Visiting and paying respects? They're just here to watch the commotion," Emperor Changlong ruthlessly exposed the truth, "Yesterday, Zhen didn't pay attention to these two individuals. How did they end up kneeling at the Eastern Palace?"
"Last night, on his way to the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince ran into Xie Fuma and learned that he was kneeling outside your palace. He said a few words to Xie Fuma," Zhao Sancai repeated the Crown Prince's words, "The Crown Prince is filial to you, Your Majesty."
The Emperor was known for his benevolence. The Crown Prince was afraid that Xie Fuma kneeling outside the Chengyang Palace for a long time would affect the Emperor's reputation.
"Nonsense! If outsiders were to think that he was forcing his elders to kneel, wouldn't that be a bad impression on him?" Emperor Changlong furrowed his brow, "Go and handle this personally. Don't let this news spread outside the palace."
"Yes," Zhao Sancai readily agreed.
Behind every daring child, there is a father protecting them. The Crown Prince dares to do this because he is clearly not concerned about rumors spreading.
"As for Leyang and Xie Fuma, let them kneel if they want. They don't need to attend tonight's banquet," Emperor Changlong's tone wasn't heavy, but the words he spoke almost caused Royal Princess Leyang's status to plummet, "Leyang has shown incompetence in educating her daughter, which led to her daughter plotting against the Crown Prince. She is no longer worthy of being called a Royal Princess. Her title will be reduced to just 'Princess', her fiefdom will be halved, and her household staff will be subject to the same restrictions as a Princess. Until this case is fully investigated, the entire Leyang family is not allowed to leave the capital."
"Your Majesty, is this an edict or an imperial decree to be sent to various departments?" An edict would mean discreet handling, but if it were an official imperial decree, the contents would be registered and recorded in the imperial archives. Even after thousands of years, many future generations could still read it.
"For matters concerning the promotion or demotion of the noble ranks of imperial women, an edict would seem too informal," Emperor Changlong's tone remained calm, "Zhen will personally draft the decree, let the Ministry of Rites issue it."
Personally drafting the imperial decree...
It seems that regardless of whether this case has anything to do with the Xie family, the Emperor has already developed a deep hatred for Princess Leyang and Xie Fuma.
At this moment, the Eastern Palace was bustling. Ning Wang also received news from someone and rushed over. He brought along many ingredients, claiming they were fresh delicacies he had just obtained, and wanted the Crown Prince to taste them.
Before long, even Consort Shu, who usually didn't like to go out, also followed. She's the birth mother of the Fifth Prince. She conducted herself in a manner as gentle as her title, exuding a subtle elegance from her very core.
This was probably the liveliest day in the Eastern Palace throughout the year.
The Crown Prince was in a good mood and simply had the palace chefs take care of the ingredients brought by Ning Wang. They prepared a table for lunch, allowing the spectators to satisfy their hunger and continue watching.
Royal Princess Shunan's emotions were quite complex. This was her first time staying in the Eastern Palace for a meal.
If it weren't for Fushou Junzhu, she probably would never have had this opportunity. She always said that most crown princes who were raised personally by emperors in history didn't end well. However, she vaguely understood that her Imperial Brother was different from those emperors; Ji Yuansu was also different from those tragic crown princes in history.
One's own prejudice can blind one's judgment. In the past, she found fault with the Crown Prince at every turn, but now, when she looked at the Crown Prince, she felt that even if he had a slightly bad temper, it wasn't a major flaw.
She just hoped that the Crown Prince could successfully ascend to the throne with Fushou Junzhu as his Empress. That way, even as she grew older, her daughter, Jiamin, would have stronger support.
As it approached noon, Hua Liuli whispered a few words in the Crown Prince's ear, then got up and walked outside. She saw Royal Princess Leyang kneeling in the sun, drenched in sweat and looking exhausted. Hua Liuli stepped forward and said, "Royal Princess Leyang, Xie Fuma, the Crown Prince has prepared a banquet in the house. Please rise and join us for a meal."
Royal Princess Leyang ignored her.
Hua Liuli wasn't annoyed either. She turned her head and persuaded Xie Fuma, "Xie Fuma, kneeling for so long is not good for your health. Can't we discuss matters after we've had our meal?"
"Has the Crown Prince forgiven this humble servant's family?" Xie Fuma knelt on the ground, one hand supporting Royal Princess Leyang's waist. His fair face was slightly flushed, but there was no sign of sweat on his forehead.
"Xie Fuma, the case of your daughter's assassination attempt on the Crown Prince is being investigated by the Ministry of Justice. Why talk about forgiveness or not?" Hua Liuli sighed, "The Crown Prince is concerned about your well-being, yet you take advantage of his leniency and force him like this?"
"Just as your son and daughter are your children, the Crown Prince is also His Majesty's child. If something were to happen to the Crown Prince, how much sorrow do you think the Emperor would feel? How much turmoil would it cause in the court?" She looked disappointedly at the two of them, "If there is turmoil in the court, it is the common people who will suffer. How can you bear it in your hearts?"
Sincerity or acting, sometimes one can tell at a glance. Truly remorseful individuals wouldn't even have the face to meet those involved and would have long sought ways to make amends. Were this couple deliberately kneeling at the Eastern Palace gate for the Crown Prince to see?
No, they wanted others to see, to make others think how pitiful and innocent they were, and how the Crown Prince was overbearing.
People like them, if they were in the military camp, would have been beaten until they cried for their parents.
Thinking that the Crown Prince was almost killed by this couple, she felt disgusted.
"Since the two of you are not hungry and don't want to eat, I won't force you," Hua Liuli shook her head slowly, appearing quite helpless, "I'll come and check on you later, hoping that you can change your minds."
Royal Princess Leyang glared weakly at Hua Liuli, wishing for her to leave quickly.
But before the time of two incense sticks had passed, Hua Liuli came out again, followed by a row of people holding various delicious foods and refreshing drinks.
Having been under the sun for two hours, Royal Princess Leyang, who had already become parched, looked at the honeydew and nuts in Hua Liuli's cup, and smoke seemed to be rising from her throat.
"Royal Princess, would you like to take a sip?" Hua Liuli squatted in front of Royal Princess Leyang and brought the honeydew to her lips.
Royal Princess Leyang's voice was hoarse, "Take it away."
"So, Royal Princess is not thirsty," Hua Liuli handed the honeydew to Yuan Yi and exchanged it for a plate of well-prepared dishes, "This chicken and bamboo shoots dish tastes excellent. Would Royal Princess like to try it?"
Royal Princess Leyang ignored her, her face growing even darker.
"How about trying this Red Plum Pearl Fragrance?" Seeing that Royal Princess Leyang still ignored her, Hua Liuli's smile became even more gentle. She placed one dish after another in front of Royal Princess Leyang, then slowly had them moved away. She displayed great patience, seemingly as if coaxing a stubborn child.
"None of the dishes prepared by the Eastern Palace suit your taste?" Hua Liuli pondered for a moment, "Then, Royal Princess, please tell me what you like, and I'll have the chef make it."
"Get lost!" Royal Princess Leyang couldn't bear it any longer. Seeing Hua Liuli's half-smiling expression, she knew the other party was deliberately disgusting her, and she reached out to push her away.
"Ah!" Yuan Yi suddenly screamed, "Royal Princess, what are you doing?"
Upon hearing the screams, the people who were talking in the main hall of the Eastern Palace quickly got up and went to see. They saw Fushou Junzhu, who was weak and helpless, collapsed under the scorching sun. There was a plate of pastries scattered on the ground.
Royal Princess Leyang's expression twisted, and upon seeing these people coming out, she hastily hid her hand behind her back.
"Aunt!" The Crown Prince became furious and quickly walked to Hua Liuli's side and helped her up from the ground, "Fushou Junzhu kindly tried to persuade you to have a meal, but you resorted to violence. It seems that you really don't want to apologize to Gu sincerely."
"You don't need to kneel in front of the Eastern Palace pretending to be sincere. Gu can't afford it. Please leave!"
Yao Jiamin turned her head and saw the angry expressions on everyone present. She silently stepped back into the corner.
There she was, Hua Liuli, appearing weak, helpless, and pitiful once again.
At this moment, she was like snow under the sunlight, a water lily on the surface of the water, a dandelion in the wind.
At this moment, she was both fragile and invincible!
Facing the accusing gazes of many, Royal Princess Leyang, consumed by anger and frustration, with a thud, finally collapsed on the ground.
"Injuring someone and pretending to faint. How shameless."
Yao Jiamin glanced at the Fifth Prince, who said these words, then looked at Hua Liuli, who was being held by the Crown Prince, and silently nodded.
Krish728
Author's Note:
Hua Liuli silently opens another page in her grudge notebook.
Yao Jiamin: Ah, foolish mortals.
