The next morning, when Chu Qingluan was about to leave the palace after court, she saw Chu Hong waiting on the road she had to take.

He had been waiting here since the court was dismissed, while Chu Qingluan had just come out of the Qinzheng Hall after reviewing memorials.

"Why are you here so early today, sister?"

Chu Hong went forward upon seeing this, somewhat surprised.

In the past, it would take her an hour to finish reviewing the memorials.

My father has been recuperating recently, and many decisions in the court have been left to Chu Qingluan.

Therefore, after court was dismissed every day, she would stay in the palace to help handle some government affairs before leaving the palace.

"Well, I have something to do today." Chu Qingluan did not stop and spoke in a flat tone.

The smile on Chu Hong's face froze for a moment, and then he said sarcastically: "The affairs of this dynasty are over, what else can the emperor do?"

Before Chu Qingluan could speak, Chu Hong probed again, "A new teahouse opened in the west of the city today. It is said that the tea art is excellent. Why don't you go with me to taste it?"

He knew that Chu Qingluan liked tea.

For this reason, Chu Hong had someone reserve a private room early on, hoping to take the opportunity to be alone with Chu Qingluan and cultivate their relationship.

He felt that perhaps he had not been proactive enough in the past and had done some wrong things, which had caused the imperial sister to have a bad impression of him.

He wanted to take this opportunity to open his heart to his sister and admit his mistakes.

After hearing this, Chu Qingluan did not stop and said lightly: "No, I have an appointment today."

Chu Hong paused, then said sarcastically, "Oh? An appointment? Qin Yuan has sent so many gifts to the princess's residence these past few days, and my sister accepted them all. Why is he so disrespectful when it comes to me?"

He took a step forward, moving closer, dissatisfaction in his eyes.

"Could it be that the Imperial Sister really intends to accept that marriage proposal and completely side with the Qin Empire?"

Chu Qingluan stopped, glanced at him calmly, and said in a calm voice: "I don't need your royal brother to worry about my affairs."

"But you are the legitimate princess of the Great Chu, and you are now involved in politics!"

Chu Hong raised his voice, his eyes filled with restrained anger.

"Your marriage concerns the foundation of the country, how can I not worry about it? Qin Yuan clearly has ulterior motives, why can't you see it?"

Chu Qingluan glanced at him calmly and said, "The matters concerning the foundation of the country will be decided by my father."

"Don't you have ulterior motives?"

Chu Hong: “…”

"My royal brother, if you have the time to spare, why don't you take care of yourself first?"

These words were like a soft knife, leaving Chu Hong speechless.

His chest heaved violently, and he was obviously very angry, but he couldn't find the words to refute.

Yes, Qin Yuan has ulterior motives, doesn't he?

The difference is that one of them was originally from the Qin Dynasty, and the other was originally from the Western Regions.

The same thing is that they all grew up in Da Chu.

"So, you really want to agree to this marriage?"

He lowered his voice, anger in his tone.

Before Chu Qingluan could say anything, a furry little head suddenly popped out from her sleeve.

It was Yu Nu.

It seemed to sense Chu Hong's hostility, baring its teeth at him and twisting its body mischievously, revealing its snow-white buttocks.

Like a demonstration.

Chu Hong was stunned.

Then he sneered, "When did you start liking this kind of gadget? If you like it, I'll have someone collect a dozen for you tomorrow."

No need to guess, this must be Qin Yuan's work again.

Chu Hong cursed him in his heart, "Shameless, despicable! Actually sending this kind of living thing to the Imperial Sister."

Doesn't he know what this means?

The sourness in Chu Hong's tone could not be concealed.

Yu Nu seemed to understand what he said and screamed even louder, her little claws still digging in Chu Qingluan's sleeves, as if she was about to rush out.

Chu Qingluan patted the jade slave gently, comforting it, and said to Chu Hong: "No need, this one of mine is fine."

Chu Hong's eyes were sore from watching this.

"I've already inquired about this this morning. You don't have anything else to do today. Everyone in the capital is watching you. It's really not appropriate for you to be alone with Qin Yuan at this time."

Chu Hong still refused to give in and kept trying to persuade him as they walked.

As they were talking, the two of them had already reached the palace gate.

Chu Qingluan looked up and saw Qin Yuan standing next to a carriage. He was wearing a dark brocade robe, with an upright posture, a calm and reserved aura.

Like a well-polished sword.

When he saw Chu Qingluan, a gentle smile appeared in his eyes and he strode towards Chu Qingluan.

A smile appeared in Chu Qingluan's eyes, and she walked towards Qin Yuan without hesitation.

On the other side, the carriage from the Princess's Mansion was parked. Chu Qingluan walked straight towards the carriage where Qin Yuan was.

There were guards and passers-by at the palace gate, but at this moment, time seemed to stop flowing, and the entire space seemed to have become a backdrop for the two of them. Only the two of them looked at each other and moved closer to each other.

"Have you been waiting for a long time?" Chu Qingluan asked softly.

"Not long ago, just arrived." Qin Yuan smiled and lifted the curtain of the carriage for her.

Chu Qingluan glanced at the morning dew on his shoulders but didn't prick them.

Qin Yuan extended his hand to her, and she naturally took it and was helped steadily onto the carriage.

Before leaving, he did not forget to order the servants: "Drive the carriage back to the princess's mansion."

The servant responded and left.

Not far away, Chu Hong watched Chu Qingluan get on Qin Yuan's carriage. Seeing the two of them smiling at each other, she felt a surge of sourness rushing from the bottom of her heart to the top of her head.

He clenched his fists and his face turned ashen.

Watching the carriage slowly drive away and finally disappear from sight, I felt so angry that my chest was boiling, but I couldn't stop it.

This feeling is like the treasure that you have been coveting for a long time is suddenly intercepted by someone.

A dark, destructive emotion gradually grew in my heart...

…

In the carriage, Chu Qingluan took Yu Nu out of her sleeve and placed her on her lap.

Yu Nu seemed very satisfied too. She rubbed herself in her arms, found a comfortable position to curl up, and continued to sleep soundly.

Qin Yuan stared at her gentle profile and asked softly, "Just now with His Royal Highness Prince Rui..."

"Nothing." Chu Qingluan didn't want to explain any more and said with a smile, "Let's go quickly and don't keep Uncle Pei and Aunt Pei waiting anxiously."

Qin Yuan nodded and told the driver to set off.