Consort Xian realized that something was amiss and halted her steps, not continuing forward, "Why don't you continue, and I'll leave first?"
"Consort Xian," the Crown Prince called out to stop Consort Xian, who was turning to leave, "If Gu recalls correctly, consorts are responsible for palace affairs, right?"
Consort Xian furrowed her brows even tighter, "What happened here?" She noticed the presence of the Fifth Prince and took a few steps back, "It has nothing to do with me. I have no authority over the affairs of the Wuyang Hall."
The Crown Prince glanced at her without saying a word, then turned to Hua Liuli, "Liuli, you go back to the hall first. Gu will return to the Eastern Palace and change clothes."
Upon seeing the unusual expression on his face, Hua Liuli suddenly reached out and touched the Crown Prince's chest.
Consort Xian and the Fifth Prince quickly averted their gaze, not daring to look. Can't the two of you, who have a good relationship, show some restraint in public?
"You're wearing..." Before Hua Liuli could finish her sentence, she heard Yuan Yi's anxious voice, "Crown Prince, Junzhu, you need to leave immediately. There are other people's traces in this room."
"It's fine," the Crown Prince gently embraced Hua Liuli's shoulders, "That's the leader of the Eastern Palace's Golden Armored Guards."
Why would the leader of the Eastern Palace's Golden Armored Guards be here?
Hua Liuli glanced at the Crown Prince and suddenly turned pale. She whimpered and threw herself into the Crown Prince's arms, "Fortunately, Your Royal Highness is fine. I knew that you were not that kind of person. The person who framed Your Royal Highness is truly wicked."
"It's alright, it's alright. Don't be afraid," The Crown Prince gently held Hua Liuli and smiled, "If you can trust Gu like this, even if someone stabs Gu with a knife, Gu will be happy."
Hua Liuli nestled her head on the Crown Prince's shoulder, her gaze scanning the surroundings. Finally, she discovered two perfectly hidden figures on the beam above the bronze mirror and at the corner of the room.
She quickly averted her gaze and lightly hugged the Crown Prince's back, confirming the presence of the Eight Treasures Soft Armor.
In the Great Jin imperial family, there was a treasured item called the Eight Treasures Soft Armor. It was said that this armor was impervious to fire and poison, light and thin, and impenetrable by blades and spears.
Why did the Crown Prince wear this item for this occasion today?
"Alright, don't be afraid, don't be afraid," The Crown Prince released Hua Liuli, took her hand, and approached Consort Xian, "Consort Xian, Gu will return to the Eastern Palace first. Fushou Junzhu was frightened just now, so please take care of her for a while."
Consort Xian looked at the broken porcelain pieces on the ground, then at the gentle expression on the Crown Prince's face. She nodded and said, "Alright," After agreeing, she glanced at the broken porcelain pieces on the ground again and added a few more words, "Your Royal Highness is still young. Speak calmly without resorting to harsh words when Your Royal Highness is angry. The girl has a soft personality and a soft heart. Don't hurt her feelings."
Fushou Junzhu was timid and physically weak. Consort Xian truly feared that one day she would be bullied to death by the Crown Prince's bad temper.
The Fifth Prince who was standing beside them: "..."
He felt that something was amiss, but for the moment, he couldn't pinpoint any major flaws.
Fushou Junzhu fought against fear and timidity to protect Third Brother, engaged in a battle of wits with the palace maid plotting against his third brother, and extracted the truth from the palace maid. It was truly admirable.
Could this be the beautiful love they spoke of in legends?
After returning to the Eastern Palace and changing into clean clothes, the Crown Prince walked out of the inner chamber and spoke to the leader of the Golden Armored Guards who was waiting outside, "Did anyone suspicious attempt to approach the side hall?"
"Your Royal Highness, no suspicious individuals have appeared," replied the leader of the Golden Armored Guards, "I suspect that the premature appearance of the palace maid disrupted their plans."
"That's a pity. Gu is quite curious about the power of the Xie family's Fuma," the Crown Prince put his hands behind his back, his tone oddly gentle, "Investigate who arranged for that palace maid. If it turns out to be one of the Emperor's consorts, let the Emperor handle it."
"Trying to have the future Crown Princess suspect Gu with just a mere palace maid?" The Crown Prince snorted coldly, "Liuli is not an ordinary person."
The leader of the Golden Armored Guards responded, "As you say, Your Royal Highness."
If you hadn't looked so displeased and tense when you saw Fushou Junzhu earlier, this statement might have been more believable.
In the Wuyang Hall, Zhao Sancai approached Emperor Changlong and poured him a cup of wine, "Your Majesty, something unexpected has occurred."
"Is the Crown Prince injured?" Emperor Changlong almost dropped the wine cup from his hand.
"The Crown Prince is safe and sound, Your Majesty," Zhao Sancai quickly whispered a few words into Emperor Changlong's ear. Emperor Changlong tightened his grip on the wine cup, his expression gradually calming, "It seems that Zhen's harem is not peaceful either."
His gaze swept over several consorts who had sons, and then he noticed Consort Xian, dressed extravagantly, entering the hall with the Fifth Prince and Hua Liuli.
Emperor Changlong carefully observed his future daughter-in-law's complexion and let out a sigh of relief.
Fortunately, Fushou Junzhu didn't misunderstand the Crown Prince because of this incident. Having a good daughter-in-law like this was truly a blessing for the future of Great Jin.
With the feast concluded and everyone satiated, the officials from the Ministry of Rites reservedly expressed their welcome to the envoys, inviting them to visit the training ground together the next day.
The envoys thought to themselves: Tonight, we have to think about tomorrow's flattery content again.
"Third Brother?" Princess Yan noticed that her brother was absent-minded and whispered softly, "Third Brother, the feast has ended."
"Apologies," He Yuanting snapped out of his daze, adjusted his attire, and stood up to express his gratitude to Emperor Changlong.
He glanced at the empty seat of the Crown Prince and at Emperor Changlong who had left with the Empress Dowager. Once they were gone, the court officials and envoys slowly exited Wuyang Hall. The envoys from the Daimao Kingdom and the Jinpo Kingdom walked at the back.
The envoy from the Jinpo Kingdom sneered, "If you had joined us in attacking Great Jin back then, you wouldn't be so subservient now, unable even to send off a princess in a marriage alliance."
"And then you would have us be subservient to you later, allowing you to snatch away all our princesses?" The envoy from the Daimao Kingdom retorted, "Our regret is not having joined forces with Great Jin back then."
If it were the Jinpo Kingdom who emerged victorious now, their fate would likely be even more miserable than it is currently.
The Jinpo envoy chuckled, "Ha."
The Daimao envoy snorted, "Hmph."
The two groups parted ways, exiting the palace gate and going their separate directions.
Princess Yan silently followed behind He Yuanting. As a young lady, she couldn't engage in conversation with the other envoys, as it would seem improper. So even though she was very curious about certain things regarding the Great Jin Kingdom, she dared not ask.
Crossing the spacious courtyard outside the hall, Princess Yan caught sight of the future Crown Princess of the Great Jin Kingdom leaning against a tree. She held a lantern in her hand, illuminating the darkness like a radiant light. She exuded a dazzling beauty.
Their gazes met in mid-air. Princess Yan made a bold move. She proactively removed her veil and smiled at the beauty beneath the tree.
The other party seemed taken aback by her action. After a momentary hesitation, she returned the smile and nodded in greeting.
"What are you looking at?" He Yuanting turned his head when he saw his sister removing her veil. He followed her gaze and saw the smiling Hua Liuli beneath the tree.
He Yuanting paused and quietly watched her.
"Third Brother, she is the future Crown Princess of the Great Jin Kingdom," Princess Yan nervously bit her lip, almost drawing blood.
"Benwang is well aware that she is the future Crown Princess of the Great Jin Kingdom," He Yuanting gently smiled, "Little sister, why do you say such a thing?"
"N-Nothing," Princess Yan quickly shook her head, putting her veil back on, covering her fearful emotions.
"Fushou Junzhu," He Yuanting stepped forward and bowed to Hua Liuli, "If there is no one accompanying you, Benwang would be honored to escort you for a part of the way."
"Thank you, Third Prince, for your kind offer, but it's unnecessary," the Crown Prince interjected as he approached in the night breeze, "Junzhu and Gu have already agreed to travel together."
"Benwang understands. Benwang thought Junzhu was alone here," He Yuanting modestly smiled, "In that case, Benwang will bid farewell."
The Crown Prince nodded slightly and, facing He Yuanting, gently held Hua Liuli's hand, "Third Prince, take care. Gu requests your presence at the martial arts demonstration tomorrow."
"Benwang would not miss the opportunity to witness the magnificent military prowess of the Great Jin Kingdom. Benwang will be there," He Yuanting bowed and glanced at the hands of the Crown Prince and Hua Liuli that were intertwined. He then turned and slowly departed.
"Your Highness," one of the Daimao's envoys said to He Yuanting when he returned, speaking in a low voice, "Although it was a hardship for you to employ the beauty trap on Fushou Junzhu before, she is now the Crown Prince's betrothed. Your Highness no longer needs to burden yourself."
Princess Yan looked at her Third Brother in astonishment. He had tried to employ the beauty trap on Fushou Junzhu? To ensure the well-being of the Daimao Kingdom? How sacrificial of him!
But judging by the indifferent attitude of Fushou Junzhu toward Third Brother, it seemed the beauty trap was not very successful?
"You're thinking too much. Benwang just went to chat with her for a few moments," He Yuanting raised an eyebrow at the official who spoke, "The customs of the Great Jin Kingdom are different from ours. It is beneficial for Daimao to establish a good relationship with the future Crown Princess."
"While that may be true, I have observed that the Crown Prince is quite fond of her. He probably wouldn't appreciate other men getting too close to her. By doing so, you might offend the Crown Prince," Princess Yan whispered, "Third Brother, I think it would be best for you to keep your distance when you meet her in the future."
He Yuanting glanced at Princess Yan, "Thank you for your reminder."
"I think that the Third Prince of Daimao looks sneaky and untrustworthy. He doesn't seem like a good person," the Crown Prince said to Hua Liuli, "In the future, stay away from him. I'm afraid he might be too ugly for you."
"It's okay. If anyone looks ugly to me, I'll ask Your Royal Highness to wash my eyes," Hua Liuli yawned, covering her mouth, "Your Royal Highness, it's late. Where would you like me to accompany you?"
"I want to visit Grand Tutor Du at the Du Family Estate. Would you accompany me?" The Crown Prince held Hua Liuli's hand and walked towards the direction of the carriage.
"Your Royal Highness, is it appropriate for you to visit the Du Family Estate so late at night? It might not be proper for me to go along," Hua Liuli expressed her concerns.
"I think it's perfectly fine," the Crown Prince said as he helped Hua Liuli into the carriage, "Grand Tutor Du has served through two reigns. Although he is picky and stubborn with me, he is unwaveringly loyal to the Great Jin Kingdom. I don't usually mind these things. Now that he is seriously ill, he must be thinking about who the Crown Prince will marry and when."
"With his current condition, I cannot let him pass away with regrets. Although our wedding day has not yet arrived, the fact that you are the future Crown Princess cannot be changed," the Crown Prince enclosed Hua Liuli's hand in his palm, "To put the old man's heart at ease, please bear with me and accompany me as we visit his estate late at night."
Hua Liuli asked, "I heard that Grand Tutor Du used to be very critical of you?"
The Crown Prince sighed, "When I was young, I was mischievous, and Grand Tutor Du caught me in the act twice. He thought I was lazy and believed that scolding me more would make me more diligent."
"Children being mischievous is natural. Your Royal Highness is doing well now, aren't you?" Hua Liuli said, "Your Royal Highness has a broader mind than I do. I'm petty and hold grudges."
"Nonsense. It's obvious that Liuli is a hundred times better than me," the Crown Prince adjusted his sitting position and faced Hua Liuli, "What I feared the most tonight wasn't the possibility of an assassin but you misunderstanding me, doubting my feelings for you."
A thousand words are not as moving as the word "trust".
Hua Liuli looked at the Crown Prince and smiled without saying a word.
The carriage left the palace through a side gate, merging into the flow of vehicles leaving the palace. It passed through the dark night and arrived in front of the Du Family Estate.
The Du family had just returned from the palace. They hadn't even had a chance to freshen up when they heard the gatekeeper's report that the Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu had come to visit. This news surprised them, and they quickly made their way to the entrance.
Before the family reached the entrance, a servant from the inner courtyard rushed over in a panic, "Master, Madam, the Old Master is not well!"
"What?!" Du Daren's mind went blank. Ignoring the Crown Prince outside, he turned and rushed towards the courtyard where Grand Tutor Du resided, stumbling along the way.
Madam Du watched the frantic figure, wiping away tears from the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief. She spoke to her two bewildered maidservants, "Open the main gate and welcome His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
As soon as the Crown Prince got out of the carriage, he heard the commotion inside the Du Family Estate. He could faintly hear words like "The Old Master is not well". He quickly stepped inside the Du family's main gate without waiting for them to pay their respects and asked, "How is your old master?"
"Your Royal Highness, the Old Master... he's not doing well," one of the Du family members couldn't hold back any longer and covered his face with his sleeve, crying.
"Your Royal Highness, let's go and see," seeing that the Crown Prince seemed stunned, Hua Liuli pushed his arm.
The Crown Prince snapped out of his daze. He held Liuli's hand and walked directly toward Grand Tutor Du's courtyard.
The room was filled with the bitter scent of medicine, with the Du family members kneeling around the bedside. Grand Tutor Du, looking at his wailing descendants, had an unusually clear mind, "You've all come back?"
"Father, all your children are here," Du Daren knelt at the foot of Grand Tutor Du's bed.
"It's good that you've come back," Grand Tutor Du then asked, "At the banquet, did those envoys behave themselves?"
"With His Majesty's majestic presence, the envoys from other countries wouldn't dare to be disrespectful. After the banquet, His Majesty asked about your health and said to take good care of yourself. Once you've recovered, he would invite you to the palace for a meal."
"It's good that they behaved," Grand Tutor Du smiled contentedly but also with some regret, "Unfortunately, I won't have the chance to witness such a lively scene anymore. From now on... I'm afraid I won't be able to see it."
"The Crown Prince has arrived!"
Krish728
Author's Note:
The Beauty Trap: Do I have no dignity left?
Consort Xian realized that something was amiss and halted her steps, not continuing forward, "Why don't you continue, and I'll leave first?"
"Consort Xian," the Crown Prince called out to stop Consort Xian, who was turning to leave, "If Gu recalls correctly, consorts are responsible for palace affairs, right?"
Consort Xian furrowed her brows even tighter, "What happened here?" She noticed the presence of the Fifth Prince and took a few steps back, "It has nothing to do with me. I have no authority over the affairs of the Wuyang Hall."
The Crown Prince glanced at her without saying a word, then turned to Hua Liuli, "Liuli, you go back to the hall first. Gu will return to the Eastern Palace and change clothes."
Upon seeing the unusual expression on his face, Hua Liuli suddenly reached out and touched the Crown Prince's chest.
Consort Xian and the Fifth Prince quickly averted their gaze, not daring to look. Can't the two of you, who have a good relationship, show some restraint in public?
"You're wearing..." Before Hua Liuli could finish her sentence, she heard Yuan Yi's anxious voice, "Crown Prince, Junzhu, you need to leave immediately. There are other people's traces in this room."
"It's fine," the Crown Prince gently embraced Hua Liuli's shoulders, "That's the leader of the Eastern Palace's Golden Armored Guards."
Why would the leader of the Eastern Palace's Golden Armored Guards be here?
Hua Liuli glanced at the Crown Prince and suddenly turned pale. She whimpered and threw herself into the Crown Prince's arms, "Fortunately, Your Royal Highness is fine. I knew that you were not that kind of person. The person who framed Your Royal Highness is truly wicked."
"It's alright, it's alright. Don't be afraid," The Crown Prince gently held Hua Liuli and smiled, "If you can trust Gu like this, even if someone stabs Gu with a knife, Gu will be happy."
Hua Liuli nestled her head on the Crown Prince's shoulder, her gaze scanning the surroundings. Finally, she discovered two perfectly hidden figures on the beam above the bronze mirror and at the corner of the room.
She quickly averted her gaze and lightly hugged the Crown Prince's back, confirming the presence of the Eight Treasures Soft Armor.
In the Great Jin imperial family, there was a treasured item called the Eight Treasures Soft Armor. It was said that this armor was impervious to fire and poison, light and thin, and impenetrable by blades and spears.
Why did the Crown Prince wear this item for this occasion today?
"Alright, don't be afraid, don't be afraid," The Crown Prince released Hua Liuli, took her hand, and approached Consort Xian, "Consort Xian, Gu will return to the Eastern Palace first. Fushou Junzhu was frightened just now, so please take care of her for a while."
Consort Xian looked at the broken porcelain pieces on the ground, then at the gentle expression on the Crown Prince's face. She nodded and said, "Alright," After agreeing, she glanced at the broken porcelain pieces on the ground again and added a few more words, "Your Royal Highness is still young. Speak calmly without resorting to harsh words when Your Royal Highness is angry. The girl has a soft personality and a soft heart. Don't hurt her feelings."
Fushou Junzhu was timid and physically weak. Consort Xian truly feared that one day she would be bullied to death by the Crown Prince's bad temper.
The Fifth Prince who was standing beside them: "..."
He felt that something was amiss, but for the moment, he couldn't pinpoint any major flaws.
Fushou Junzhu fought against fear and timidity to protect Third Brother, engaged in a battle of wits with the palace maid plotting against his third brother, and extracted the truth from the palace maid. It was truly admirable.
Could this be the beautiful love they spoke of in legends?
After returning to the Eastern Palace and changing into clean clothes, the Crown Prince walked out of the inner chamber and spoke to the leader of the Golden Armored Guards who was waiting outside, "Did anyone suspicious attempt to approach the side hall?"
"Your Royal Highness, no suspicious individuals have appeared," replied the leader of the Golden Armored Guards, "I suspect that the premature appearance of the palace maid disrupted their plans."
"That's a pity. Gu is quite curious about the power of the Xie family's Fuma," the Crown Prince put his hands behind his back, his tone oddly gentle, "Investigate who arranged for that palace maid. If it turns out to be one of the Emperor's consorts, let the Emperor handle it."
"Trying to have the future Crown Princess suspect Gu with just a mere palace maid?" The Crown Prince snorted coldly, "Liuli is not an ordinary person."
The leader of the Golden Armored Guards responded, "As you say, Your Royal Highness."
If you hadn't looked so displeased and tense when you saw Fushou Junzhu earlier, this statement might have been more believable.
In the Wuyang Hall, Zhao Sancai approached Emperor Changlong and poured him a cup of wine, "Your Majesty, something unexpected has occurred."
"Is the Crown Prince injured?" Emperor Changlong almost dropped the wine cup from his hand.
"The Crown Prince is safe and sound, Your Majesty," Zhao Sancai quickly whispered a few words into Emperor Changlong's ear. Emperor Changlong tightened his grip on the wine cup, his expression gradually calming, "It seems that Zhen's harem is not peaceful either."
His gaze swept over several consorts who had sons, and then he noticed Consort Xian, dressed extravagantly, entering the hall with the Fifth Prince and Hua Liuli.
Emperor Changlong carefully observed his future daughter-in-law's complexion and let out a sigh of relief.
Fortunately, Fushou Junzhu didn't misunderstand the Crown Prince because of this incident. Having a good daughter-in-law like this was truly a blessing for the future of Great Jin.
With the feast concluded and everyone satiated, the officials from the Ministry of Rites reservedly expressed their welcome to the envoys, inviting them to visit the training ground together the next day.
The envoys thought to themselves: Tonight, we have to think about tomorrow's flattery content again.
"Third Brother?" Princess Yan noticed that her brother was absent-minded and whispered softly, "Third Brother, the feast has ended."
"Apologies," He Yuanting snapped out of his daze, adjusted his attire, and stood up to express his gratitude to Emperor Changlong.
He glanced at the empty seat of the Crown Prince and at Emperor Changlong who had left with the Empress Dowager. Once they were gone, the court officials and envoys slowly exited Wuyang Hall. The envoys from the Daimao Kingdom and the Jinpo Kingdom walked at the back.
The envoy from the Jinpo Kingdom sneered, "If you had joined us in attacking Great Jin back then, you wouldn't be so subservient now, unable even to send off a princess in a marriage alliance."
"And then you would have us be subservient to you later, allowing you to snatch away all our princesses?" The envoy from the Daimao Kingdom retorted, "Our regret is not having joined forces with Great Jin back then."
If it were the Jinpo Kingdom who emerged victorious now, their fate would likely be even more miserable than it is currently.
The Jinpo envoy chuckled, "Ha."
The Daimao envoy snorted, "Hmph."
The two groups parted ways, exiting the palace gate and going their separate directions.
Princess Yan silently followed behind He Yuanting. As a young lady, she couldn't engage in conversation with the other envoys, as it would seem improper. So even though she was very curious about certain things regarding the Great Jin Kingdom, she dared not ask.
Crossing the spacious courtyard outside the hall, Princess Yan caught sight of the future Crown Princess of the Great Jin Kingdom leaning against a tree. She held a lantern in her hand, illuminating the darkness like a radiant light. She exuded a dazzling beauty.
Their gazes met in mid-air. Princess Yan made a bold move. She proactively removed her veil and smiled at the beauty beneath the tree.
The other party seemed taken aback by her action. After a momentary hesitation, she returned the smile and nodded in greeting.
"What are you looking at?" He Yuanting turned his head when he saw his sister removing her veil. He followed her gaze and saw the smiling Hua Liuli beneath the tree.
He Yuanting paused and quietly watched her.
"Third Brother, she is the future Crown Princess of the Great Jin Kingdom," Princess Yan nervously bit her lip, almost drawing blood.
"Benwang is well aware that she is the future Crown Princess of the Great Jin Kingdom," He Yuanting gently smiled, "Little sister, why do you say such a thing?"
"N-Nothing," Princess Yan quickly shook her head, putting her veil back on, covering her fearful emotions.
"Fushou Junzhu," He Yuanting stepped forward and bowed to Hua Liuli, "If there is no one accompanying you, Benwang would be honored to escort you for a part of the way."
"Thank you, Third Prince, for your kind offer, but it's unnecessary," the Crown Prince interjected as he approached in the night breeze, "Junzhu and Gu have already agreed to travel together."
"Benwang understands. Benwang thought Junzhu was alone here," He Yuanting modestly smiled, "In that case, Benwang will bid farewell."
The Crown Prince nodded slightly and, facing He Yuanting, gently held Hua Liuli's hand, "Third Prince, take care. Gu requests your presence at the martial arts demonstration tomorrow."
"Benwang would not miss the opportunity to witness the magnificent military prowess of the Great Jin Kingdom. Benwang will be there," He Yuanting bowed and glanced at the hands of the Crown Prince and Hua Liuli that were intertwined. He then turned and slowly departed.
"Your Highness," one of the Daimao's envoys said to He Yuanting when he returned, speaking in a low voice, "Although it was a hardship for you to employ the beauty trap on Fushou Junzhu before, she is now the Crown Prince's betrothed. Your Highness no longer needs to burden yourself."
Princess Yan looked at her Third Brother in astonishment. He had tried to employ the beauty trap on Fushou Junzhu? To ensure the well-being of the Daimao Kingdom? How sacrificial of him!
But judging by the indifferent attitude of Fushou Junzhu toward Third Brother, it seemed the beauty trap was not very successful?
"You're thinking too much. Benwang just went to chat with her for a few moments," He Yuanting raised an eyebrow at the official who spoke, "The customs of the Great Jin Kingdom are different from ours. It is beneficial for Daimao to establish a good relationship with the future Crown Princess."
"While that may be true, I have observed that the Crown Prince is quite fond of her. He probably wouldn't appreciate other men getting too close to her. By doing so, you might offend the Crown Prince," Princess Yan whispered, "Third Brother, I think it would be best for you to keep your distance when you meet her in the future."
He Yuanting glanced at Princess Yan, "Thank you for your reminder."
"I think that the Third Prince of Daimao looks sneaky and untrustworthy. He doesn't seem like a good person," the Crown Prince said to Hua Liuli, "In the future, stay away from him. I'm afraid he might be too ugly for you."
"It's okay. If anyone looks ugly to me, I'll ask Your Royal Highness to wash my eyes," Hua Liuli yawned, covering her mouth, "Your Royal Highness, it's late. Where would you like me to accompany you?"
"I want to visit Grand Tutor Du at the Du Family Estate. Would you accompany me?" The Crown Prince held Hua Liuli's hand and walked towards the direction of the carriage.
"Your Royal Highness, is it appropriate for you to visit the Du Family Estate so late at night? It might not be proper for me to go along," Hua Liuli expressed her concerns.
"I think it's perfectly fine," the Crown Prince said as he helped Hua Liuli into the carriage, "Grand Tutor Du has served through two reigns. Although he is picky and stubborn with me, he is unwaveringly loyal to the Great Jin Kingdom. I don't usually mind these things. Now that he is seriously ill, he must be thinking about who the Crown Prince will marry and when."
"With his current condition, I cannot let him pass away with regrets. Although our wedding day has not yet arrived, the fact that you are the future Crown Princess cannot be changed," the Crown Prince enclosed Hua Liuli's hand in his palm, "To put the old man's heart at ease, please bear with me and accompany me as we visit his estate late at night."
Hua Liuli asked, "I heard that Grand Tutor Du used to be very critical of you?"
The Crown Prince sighed, "When I was young, I was mischievous, and Grand Tutor Du caught me in the act twice. He thought I was lazy and believed that scolding me more would make me more diligent."
"Children being mischievous is natural. Your Royal Highness is doing well now, aren't you?" Hua Liuli said, "Your Royal Highness has a broader mind than I do. I'm petty and hold grudges."
"Nonsense. It's obvious that Liuli is a hundred times better than me," the Crown Prince adjusted his sitting position and faced Hua Liuli, "What I feared the most tonight wasn't the possibility of an assassin but you misunderstanding me, doubting my feelings for you."
A thousand words are not as moving as the word "trust".
Hua Liuli looked at the Crown Prince and smiled without saying a word.
The carriage left the palace through a side gate, merging into the flow of vehicles leaving the palace. It passed through the dark night and arrived in front of the Du Family Estate.
The Du family had just returned from the palace. They hadn't even had a chance to freshen up when they heard the gatekeeper's report that the Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu had come to visit. This news surprised them, and they quickly made their way to the entrance.
Before the family reached the entrance, a servant from the inner courtyard rushed over in a panic, "Master, Madam, the Old Master is not well!"
"What?!" Du Daren's mind went blank. Ignoring the Crown Prince outside, he turned and rushed towards the courtyard where Grand Tutor Du resided, stumbling along the way.
Madam Du watched the frantic figure, wiping away tears from the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief. She spoke to her two bewildered maidservants, "Open the main gate and welcome His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
As soon as the Crown Prince got out of the carriage, he heard the commotion inside the Du Family Estate. He could faintly hear words like "The Old Master is not well". He quickly stepped inside the Du family's main gate without waiting for them to pay their respects and asked, "How is your old master?"
"Your Royal Highness, the Old Master... he's not doing well," one of the Du family members couldn't hold back any longer and covered his face with his sleeve, crying.
"Your Royal Highness, let's go and see," seeing that the Crown Prince seemed stunned, Hua Liuli pushed his arm.
The Crown Prince snapped out of his daze. He held Liuli's hand and walked directly toward Grand Tutor Du's courtyard.
The room was filled with the bitter scent of medicine, with the Du family members kneeling around the bedside. Grand Tutor Du, looking at his wailing descendants, had an unusually clear mind, "You've all come back?"
"Father, all your children are here," Du Daren knelt at the foot of Grand Tutor Du's bed.
"It's good that you've come back," Grand Tutor Du then asked, "At the banquet, did those envoys behave themselves?"
"With His Majesty's majestic presence, the envoys from other countries wouldn't dare to be disrespectful. After the banquet, His Majesty asked about your health and said to take good care of yourself. Once you've recovered, he would invite you to the palace for a meal."
"It's good that they behaved," Grand Tutor Du smiled contentedly but also with some regret, "Unfortunately, I won't have the chance to witness such a lively scene anymore. From now on... I'm afraid I won't be able to see it."
"The Crown Prince has arrived!"
Krish728
Author's Note:
The Beauty Trap: Do I have no dignity left?
