“Ningzhao…” The Empress wanted to say a few words of comfort.
Chu Ningzhao smiled, rose, and said, “My younger sister arrived late, so she can stay here and chat more with Mother. Your daughter will return first.”
The Empress felt that her mood was not very good, and fearing a quarrel between the sisters, she did not force her to stay.
After Chu Ningzhao left, Chu Yu’s eyes were slightly red, and she said aggrievedly, “Did I say something wrong?”
The Empress rebuked, “Your elder sister is more sensible than you. It should have been a fair drawing of lots back then, whoever was chosen was chosen. But you made a big fuss and refused to marry, so your elder sister voluntarily stepped forward and willingly married the Prince Zhennan’s son. How can you still say such things now?”
“I didn’t mean to…” Chu Yu sniffled, about to cry.
She was the one who made the mistake, yet she was still the one feeling wronged.
The Empress sighed deeply and ordered someone to send her newly made hair ornaments and jewelry to Chu Ningzhao.
Chu Yu lowered her eyes, hiding the resentment in her heart. She knew everyone was biased towards her, but she still felt it wasn’t enough!
She and Chu Ningzhao were born together, destined for everything to be equally divided, but she disliked being a twin; she wanted to enjoy everything alone.
No matter how much she competed, she still got too little! If only Chu Ningzhao wasn't there.
Chu Ningzhao left first, truly not wanting to see Chu Yu act spoiled.
No wonder everyone later gravitated towards Chu Yu; her mouth was truly skilled at coaxing people.
She didn’t need to do anything; just being sweet-talked could outshine someone like herself who actually got things done.
“Princess, you’re going the wrong way,” Hua Man reminded softly.
Chu Ningzhao smiled and said, “No, this is exactly where I’m going.”
She still had to go see Meng Xun. Wasn’t Meng Xun waiting for Chu Yu to save him? Did Chu Yu save him?
Yan Ggonggong and the others had already left; they couldn't keep fighting, they had other matters.
Meng Xun was locked in Yan Pavilion, a place where wild geese used to be kept, abandoned for many years, and finally found a use.
The Yun Country Palace also had a similar place. In her previous life, when Chu Ningzhao was sent to Yun Country for a political marriage, this was how Meng Xun entertained her.
At that time, Meng Xun was already the Emperor, living in luxury and comfort!
But he greatly regretted not having met Chu Yu earlier back then.
And now? Does he regret being reborn? Not being a good Emperor, but coming here to suffer this hardship.
Chu Ningzhao approached unhurriedly, and after seeing his disheveled appearance, she said, “My younger sister told Mother that the reason she was late for her morning greetings was because someone blocked her on the way, and that person was you!”
“I told you, in the Palace, no one except me is willing to save you, but you wouldn’t believe it. Do you believe it now?”
Meng Xun struggled to stand up, gritting his teeth and saying, “No!”
Chu Yu wasn’t that kind of person! Chu Yu was kind-hearted and couldn’t bear to see others suffer. It was only a matter of time before she saved him.
On the contrary, Chu Ningzhao, coming over again and again, she must have ill intentions!
“Good!” Chu Ningzhao wanted to applaud him.
All of them, it’s best if they follow through on what they say, otherwise Chu Ningzhao would be displeased.
Watching Chu Ningzhao leave, Meng Xun still didn’t say a soft word. He would wait for Chu Yu here.
Chu Yu didn’t come, but her maidservant came, saying she would teach him a lesson on Chu Yu’s behalf.
Several eunuchs, having received money, worked even harder. Even without beating or scolding, there were many ways to torment people in the Palace.
This matter seemed like the maidservant’s idea, but the eunuchs knew clearly in their hearts that Chu Yu was angry, which was why she sent the maidservant.
She had always been like this, playing the innocent, kind, and mischievous Princess in front of the Emperor.
All the bad deeds were done by others.
Meng Xun’s eyes showed such hatred for that maidservant, yet he still believed in his heart that Chu Yu was a kind Princess.
“Xun Gongzi, the days are long; just wait and see,” Yan Ggonggong’s words were profound.
… …
On her way out of the Palace, Chu Ningzhao learned that Shen Zhi was still waiting outside Chu Yu’s Princess Manor.
“Chu Yu is truly amazing. A few words, and she has them acting like dogs,” Chu Ningzhao curled her lips, inexplicably wanting to laugh.
She did nothing, just needed to coax them with words.
Hua Zhuozhuo poked her head out, “If the Princess wants to keep a dog, she can.”
“I wouldn’t dare. I’m afraid dogs bite people,” Chu Ningzhao thought of that group of ungrateful people who wanted to put her to death.
These are just two; there are still several more to come.
Hua Zhuozhuo hinted, “Then keep a well-behaved one.”
“Where can I find one as well-behaved as you?” Chu Ningzhao smiled brilliantly, extended her hand, and pinched his cheek.
So cute, couldn’t help but pinch!
Hua Zhuozhuo’s face visibly reddened, but he didn’t dodge, indeed very well-behaved.
Only after Chu Ningzhao released her hand did he report, “Shen Gongzi is only moving around the Anyu Princess Residence. Currently, he hasn’t attracted attention and is not in danger.”
“Hmm…” Chu Ningzhao thought for a moment, “Let’s go to the Prime Minister’s Residence.”
The Shen family did not participate in the rebellion; they were framed by others. If the mastermind discovered Shen Zhi’s existence, they would definitely kill him.
Chu Ningzhao had previously promised her Grandfather (maternal) to protect Shen Zhi’s safety.
Now Shen Zhi insisted on leaving, so she had to explain clearly to her Grandfather (maternal) in person that it wasn’t that she didn’t want to protect him, but that this person was unwilling.
When Shen Zhi came to seek refuge, Chu Ningzhao and Chu Yu were both present.
Chu Yu was terrified of having any connection with him, and Prime Minister He also didn’t dare to associate with a rebel criminal, but he did want to help the Shen family investigate the events of that year.
Coincidentally, Chu Ningzhao also wanted to investigate, and she wasn't afraid of trouble, so she took Shen Zhi in.
The investigation process was long and arduous. Chu Ningzhao didn’t want Shen Zhi to remain hidden in the Princess Manor’s backyard, unable to see anyone. So she gave him an identity, saying he was a Princess Manor advisor.
At first, it was fine, there were no rumors, and Shen Zhi was considered respectable.
Later, it started to spread from somewhere that Shen Zhi was a male courtesan she kept in her residence.
Shen Zhi only saw himself being scolded and humiliated, but he didn’t see how much Chu Ningzhao was scolded. Because she took in a Shen Zhi, outsiders said her behavior was improper, her inner court was chaotic, and she had countless male companions and courtesans.
Chu Ningzhao had thought about clearing his name, but he himself didn’t want to leave!
Shen Zhi completely forgot these things, as if he had amnesia.
He only remembered Chu Yu’s soft words. Even after being left out all night, he was still recalling the words Chu Yu had said to him back then.
He remembered every word, including Chu Yu’s smile and expression at the time. Chu Yu said she would take him in.
Just as he was thinking, Chu Yu returned. Her carriage stopped at the main gate, and as soon as Chu Yu got down, Shen Zhi rushed over.
“Ah!” Chu Yu screamed, startled.
Today was truly cursed; one after another, they all wanted to scare her to death, didn’t they?
Chu Yu’s temper flared, and she kicked out. Her good clothes were still soiled!
The maidservant quickly intervened, “Princess, calm down. This person is just a lunatic. Let them handle it; don’t do it yourself and hurt yourself.”
Everyone crowded around Chu Yu as she went inside. Shen Zhi didn’t even get a chance to say a word.
He was beaten again…
The two people, who had just been reborn a few days ago, one was beaten in the Palace, and the other was beaten outside the Palace. Neither of them gained any advantage.
They brought it upon themselves!
