If words weren't harsh enough, what would be? Would it take his life? She carefully protected him, afraid that if she did too much, he would feel useless and unhappy; if she did too little, he would not feel her presence. This anxious cherishing, it turned out, was just disgust in her eyes; she was just being delusional.

"I'm sorry to bother you," he said softly. Then he leaped into the air and disappeared into the mountains, leaving only those heartbreaking words that left Zhao Shu in turmoil.

Looking at the spot where he disappeared, Zhao Shu smiled self-deprecatingly. Sure enough, she was a complete scumbag. Being pretentious was not enough to describe her despicable heart. She seduced others, used others, but had no intention of giving anything in return, and even said those hurtful things.

I don't want to find reasons for not wanting to hurt him. Actually, I have already found reasons, but I just don't want to admit it. Look how hypocritical I am. I'll be punished for this.

If I could be even more despicable, what would it matter if I married him? But why couldn't I do it? Tears streamed down my face. From today onward, I would lose a great ally. Without military power, what would I do?

He will definitely hate me to death from now on and will never help me and the Crown Prince again.

Silently sitting in the banana hut, watching the two pheasants burn and char over the fire, too lazy to move an inch, no longer hungry, only filled with heartache for the lost military power.

Is it just heartache over the loss of military power? Zhao Shu was a little confused.

How wonderful it would be if he didn't seek any extra affection, and we could treat each other with respect and mutual benefit.

Shake your head. Why think about these things? We'll be strangers anyway.

"Princess, Lord Liu and Lord Zheng have arrived." After an unknown amount of time, Zhao Shu watched the fire slowly die down from its initial blazing intensity, eventually turning into ashes that were scattered by the wind.

Gao Dan said something, but Zhao Shu didn't react. He forced himself to say, "Princess, I've stopped Lord Liu and Lord Zheng. They want to see you."

This sentence was spoken too loudly, and Zhao Shu finally came to her senses, asking blankly, "What's wrong?"

Gao Dan dared not utter a sound, and then reported, "Lord Liu and Lord Zheng have arrived. Would you like to go down the mountain to see them, or should we invite them in?"

Zhao Shu struggled to her feet, suppressing the chaotic thoughts in her mind. Composing herself, she brushed the dust off her skirt and walked out. "I'll go see them."

Gao Dan was carrying a torch and a large bundle on his back. Zhao Shu glanced at it and saw that it contained bedding and dry clothes, which must have been brought by his subordinates.

Seeing Zhao Shu looking at the package behind him, Gao Dan quickly explained, "Princess, please forgive me. It was sent by General Wei. I called you several times, but you didn't respond, so I didn't bother you anymore."

Zhao Shu looked away and gently shook her head. "It's alright, let's return it."

When they met Liu Huan and Zheng Hongsheng, it was already half an hour later. They were soaking wet, so they had no choice but to use the dry clothes in their bundle. His subordinate was very efficient and took out two thin cloaks, leaving the rest of the new clothes untouched.

As she emerged from behind the tree, her body draped in a cloak, Zheng Hongsheng and Liu Huan quickly greeted her. Both knew that Zhao Shu shouldn't be viewed with the same eyes one would expect of an ordinary young lady, so they weren't particularly surprised by her presence.

The two men each brought their trusted guards, who stood behind them. When Zhao Shu came out, they withdrew, leaving the space to their masters.

Liu Huan has aged considerably and is very thin, but he remains as honest and upright as ever, possessing a more refined and dignified air than before. He exudes an air of otherworldly grace and appears more detached and elegant than Wei Caitao, whose refined and dignified air is not achieved through wealth and status. Although his appearance is not as striking, his demeanor is as solid and reliable as a mountain.

Zheng Hongsheng, on the other hand, was far less impressive. He was still pot-bellied, with small, squinty eyes, but he looked very serious.

Zhao Shuyi left Gao Dan behind, asking, "Why are you two coming to the capital together?"

The two exchanged a glance, and Liu Huan said, "To be honest, Princess, Qianzhou is a long way away. As soon as I received the imperial decree, I rode here as fast as I could, but it took me so long to arrive. I met Lord Zheng at the last post station."

"I have been in Guanzhou for six years and have just finished handing over to my new colleagues before I came here. I did meet Lord Liu at the last post station," Zheng Hongsheng said, raising his hand in a salute to confirm.

Zhao Shu nodded, originally wanting to force a smile to make the two officials feel more relaxed, but she couldn't manage a smile. "I'm sure you two have already prepared your speeches before the Emperor, so I won't go into detail here. Recently, natural disasters have been rampant, and Lord Huo must be taking this opportunity to restore order. I wonder what you two think?"

The two exchanged another glance, suggesting they had a pleasant conversation on the way. After a brief exchange, they both fell silent. Liu Huan was the Crown Prince's man, not exactly a member of the New Party, but they only cooperated occasionally, though they had the Huo family connection to him.

Zheng Hongsheng can be considered one of her people, and currently, he can be considered part of the New Party, but he has not yet achieved anything, so he is not considered a member of the New Party.

Zhao Shu was not in a hurry and waited quietly.

About a quarter of an hour later, Liu Huan said, "Your Highness, I have received a message by carrier pigeon. Your Highness is going to Jiangnan to manage the floods. Please ask the Princess to take good care of things in the capital."

This statement already reveals the attitude. Over the years, many people have been thinking about the same question: which side should they stand on to ensure the continuation of their family line? Many people are just watching from the sidelines, while many others have already reached a conclusion.

Although the two hesitated for a long time, they had already made up their minds. Therefore, their answer at this moment was well thought out and they were not afraid that he would change it easily.

Zhao Shu nodded, "The Crown Prince must be hoping that Lord Liu will actively respond when Lord Huo makes reforms."

Liu Huan sighed and nodded. He was quite happy when Huo Baichuan first entered the court and was riding high for a while. The Huo family was his maternal family, and to be honest, he thought the reforms were excellent and supported them wholeheartedly. But after all, he was surnamed Liu, not Huo.

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