Zhong Muyu nodded. This Liu Niang really knew how to talk. Seeing that Zhang Mama was living comfortably here, she could rest assured for the time being.

The two stayed at Yunshang Pavilion until very late before returning home. As soon as they got back, Chengfeng came to report that Su Zhirou's condition had worsened and she was now vomiting and having diarrhea.

Zhong Muyu asked, "Did the imperial physician see him?"

"I have seen it, but I have already made arrangements. The servants in the manor are always opportunistic; they know what to do."

Zhong Muyu smiled meaningfully: "Looks like you're quite wicked too."

Chengfeng scratched his head sheepishly, then looked away shyly when he saw early spring.

"By the way, His Highness is waiting for you inside!"

"Then I'll head over right away."

Zhong Muyu opened the door and went in, only to see Lu Ziyuan leisurely reading a book.

Upon seeing her enter, Lu Ziyuan quickly put down his book and pulled her over to sit down.

"You went to the garment workshop again?"

"I changed the name; it's now called Yunshang Pavilion."

"I heard from them that your business is doing well. Today, everyone on the street is saying that your clothing designs are novel, unique, and very beautiful."

Lu Ziyuan doesn't use fancy words, so his statement must have been a very positive response.

Zhong Muyu said, "Yes, I designed them all, but most of the credit goes to them, especially Zhang Mama, whose embroidery is very beautiful."

Lu Ziyuan poked her head: "Sometimes I wonder what's in your head, why do you have so many wonderful ideas?"

"I've packed a lot, you'll have plenty of opportunities to see it later."

As Zhong Muyu spoke, she felt a bit heavy-headed, as if Lu Ziyuan hadn't been poking her hair with his fingers just now.

She reached out and touched something cold on her head. When she took it off, she saw that it was a very uniquely designed hairpin.

Unlike ordinary hairpins, this hairpin is completely transparent, with gold wire as its core, and extends out as an exquisite rose, adorned with color.

This design doesn't have a traditional feel; it looks like an imported product.

Lu Ziyuan asked, "Do you like it?"

"Yes, it's beautiful, but I'd like to know more about where you bought it?"

"Would you believe me if I said I bought it from a foreign merchant?"

"Of course I believe it. It's made with glass craftsmanship, and the design isn't Yuanqi's style. It looks like it came from abroad."

Zhong Muyu's completely unsurprised demeanor made Lu Ziyuan feel somewhat embarrassed.

"You really do know a lot."

Sensing his dejected tone, Zhong Muyu quickly put the hairpin in her hair: "It looks beautiful, I really like it. I wish I could wear it every day. It's a pity that glass is fragile, I would feel heartbroken if it got broken or scratched."

Lu Ziyuan stretched out his finger and lightly touched the rose hairpin: "The merchant also said this is called glass and told me to keep it safe. I remember you said that the doors and windows of the restaurant are also made of glass, including this."

Lu Ziyuan stretched out his hand and pointed straight up, where the electric light that had been installed not long ago was.

"That's right, the lamp's casing is also glass. Hmm, Lu Ziyuan, are glass products sold by foreign merchants very expensive?"

Zhong Muyu suddenly became serious and asked him with a questioning look on her face.

"It is indeed very valuable, so what?"

"If we achieve glass freedom, wouldn't this thing become cheaper?"

Lu Ziyuan thought for a moment. Most of the glass products sold by foreign merchants were ornaments, jewelry, and tableware. If a large amount of glass could be used to make windows, that would be much better than paper windows.

So Lu Ziyuan asked her, "Do you have a solution?"

"Yes, but whether or not they can make it depends on the craftsman's aptitude."

"Of course there's no need to worry. What craftsmen from other countries can do, my Yuanqi craftsmen can do as well."

As a prince of Yuanqi, he has always been very confident.

Zhong Muyu was also very happy: "Then I'll go look for it right away!"

No rush.

Lu Ziyuan pulled Zhong Muyu back into his arms and held her tightly. "Compared to other things, don't you think it's getting late and we should rest soon?"

"...I hope you really want to rest."

Lu Ziyuan chuckled and lowered his head, his hair casting a shadow that obscured Zhong Muyu's expression.

Ever since that trip to the hot springs, Lu Ziyuan has become quite addicted to it, and he's been unusually clingy to her these days. Now he can't even get a proper rest at night, which is really bothering her.

"Of course, I won't push you too hard tonight."

"ah?"

Zhong Muyu was picked up and Lu Ziyuan carried her step by step toward the bed.

She wanted to protest, but her voice gradually melted away in the heat.

...

The weather was clear that day, and the atmosphere inside the Prince's Palace was peaceful.

The only place that wasn't entirely peaceful was Tingzhi Courtyard.

Su Zhirou had been suffering from an acute illness for several days, and now, apart from being weak, she had recovered considerably. Just as everyone in Tingzhi Courtyard breathed a sigh of relief, a scream shattered the silence.

"ah!!!!"

"Madam! Madam, what's wrong?"

As soon as Lianye and the others rushed in, they saw Su Zhirou sitting in front of the mirror, looking terrified.

"My face... my body, and my hair! How could this happen!"

Su Zhirou screamed. Now she was thin, her face was ashen, her eyes were sunken, and she had lost a lot of hair, the rest of which was withered and yellow like weeds.

Where is the bright and beautiful girl she used to be now?

Lianye was heartbroken. Su Zhirou had always loved beauty, but now she had become like this, and they were helpless to do anything about it.

Granny Zhou tentatively said, "Madam, the doctor said this is a sequela. As long as you rest well, you'll get better in a few days..."

"It's already like this, how much longer! How much longer! Get out!"

Su Zhirou grabbed the things on the table and threw them outside without saying a word.

The others were startled and quickly moved away. Seeing this, Granny Zhou didn't dare to say anything more. Since the madam told them to get lost, they should leave now.

Just as they were about to leave, Su Zhirou called out to Lianye, "Lianye, wait a moment."

"yes."

Lianye stopped in her tracks, her heart pounding with fear. Su Zhirou was now like a vengeful ghost, and she was terrified that she would be killed by her.

However, Su Zhirou simply stared calmly in the mirror: "This is definitely not an illness..."

"Why do you say that, Madam?"

"This illness is strange. I've always been healthy, how could I suddenly get this disease? It must be... that bitch Zhong Muyu, she's trying to get revenge on me!"

Su Zhirou spoke through gritted teeth, her voice becoming shrill as she got more agitated.

Lianye was a little unsure: "But she has no evidence to prove that we did it before."

"That woman acts without any scruples. She dares to do things even without evidence. She just wants to torture me, but how can I give up so easily!"

"So, Madam, what do you intend to do?"

Given Su Zhirou's current state, Lianye didn't dare to say anything more and could only go along with her.

Su Zhirou opened the box on her right, took out two large silver notes from the bottom, and handed them to Lianye: "If you want to fight back, I can't do it like this. Take these silver notes and buy some tonics. I need to make up for it as quickly as possible!"