This wasn't Yuan Zhao's first visit to the Rong residence; it was more than three years ago that she first stepped through the Rong residence's gates.

At that time, she was afraid, hesitant, yet determined to burn her bridges.

This time, looking at the imposing gate, she snorted coldly and told Linglong to smash the door open.

Linglong was truly obedient, not afraid at all that this was Rong Ruo's residence, and went up to bang on the door.

The young eunuch probably had never seen anyone so bold as to bang on the door like that.

He opened the door, about to reprimand her, but his expression changed when he saw Linglong. When he saw Yuan Zhao in the carriage, he didn't even inform him, but simply opened the door.

Just kidding, Chief Steward Qing gave the order.

You should be respectful to this person.

Yuan Zhao was surprised that the little eunuch opened the door directly. She was stunned for a moment before getting off the carriage and going inside.

As we went in, we saw quite a few young eunuchs.

They all treated Yuan Zhao with great respect, bowing their heads in greeting.

Seeing this, Chu Qing felt no joy whatsoever. She knew that Rong Ruo must have said something to cause them to act this way.

As for what to say, she didn't want to mention it.

After the imperial decree is issued, I am to marry into this place and become its mistress?

The moment the thought crossed her mind, Yuan Zhao felt a chill run down her spine, and goosebumps rose all over her body.

Rong Ruo was not there, nor was Qing Zhu. Upon hearing the news, Wu Song came out and quickly bowed to Yuan Zhao. After thinking for a moment, she took Chu Qing to Rong Ruo's room.

Upon seeing the room, Yuan Zhao's face darkened, and he said:

"I'll go to the lobby instead."

After saying that, she turned and went to the hall.

Wusong wasn't as clever as Qingzhu, so naturally she didn't know what Yuanzhao was angry about.

Although the news that their master was going to marry Yuan Zhao had not yet spread, they, his trusted confidants, all knew about it.

In his view, there was nothing wrong with it. It was Yuan Zhao's good fortune to marry his master, after all, Yuan Zhao had already been married once.

Yuan Zhao had no idea what he was thinking; she sat in the hall waiting.

Perhaps having received the news, or perhaps Rong Ruo had just finished his work and returned, Yuan Zhao hadn't been sitting for long when Rong Ruo walked in.

He wore a red flying fish robe paired with a plain white cloak trimmed with gold thread, making him look extremely noble.

Upon seeing Yuan Zhao, the coldness around him lessened slightly, and he himself didn't even realize it; his eyes even warmed up.

"Why did you come here?"

Yuan Zhao didn't beat around the bush and spoke directly:

"My Lord, I have come here today because I have something I wish to ask you, and I hope you will answer me frankly."

Hearing her tone, Rong Ruo's gentle expression faded, replaced by a hint of coldness.

"explain!"

He said coldly.

"Was the exile of the newly appointed top scholar Gu Qingchen to the Western Frontier the work of the Grand Eunuch?"

Yuan Zhao said directly.

Rong Ruo gave a mocking laugh:

"Not bad, you've improved this time; your reaction time is faster now."

Yuan Zhao: "..."

Her breathing became rapid; she couldn't understand how such a person could exist in the world.

He decided a person's life, death, and future, yet he felt no remorse whatsoever, and could even say such things so casually.

At this moment, she wished she could slap Rong Ruo across the face and let him know what pain felt like.

But she didn't do it in the end.

She hadn't lost her mind; she knew Rong Ruo wouldn't give her any chance, and she still wanted those hands.

She knew she could only yield to Rong Ruo, not confront him head-on. With that thought in mind, she suppressed her anger and slowly said:

"My lord, may I ask one more question? Did you do this because of me?"