"Your Highness, I have brought what you requested."

Zhiyu handed the things in her hand to Lu Ziyuan.

"Um."

Lu Ziyuan responded indifferently, but Zhiyu showed no intention of leaving.

"Your Highness, when I went to fetch something, I met the Consort. She said that she hadn't seen you for many days and missed you very much. She wanted to ask when you would be returning to the palace."

You mean Rou'er?

Lu Ziyuan felt a little guilty when he mentioned Su Zhirou.

Su Zhirou did nothing wrong. Su Zhirou liked him so much. He should like Su Zhirou too.

But I felt so restless inside that even escaping here couldn't calm me down, so I could only try to distract myself with various kinds of work.

Seeing Lu Ziyuan's hesitation, Zhiyu said, "This subordinate thinks that Your Highness should go back and visit the Consort."

"How so?"

"The concubine has not done anything wrong. It is not good for you to neglect her like this. I know you still care about the princess, but the concubine is also one of your people. Why don't you spend more time with the concubine? Perhaps you will not be so bothered by the princess's affairs."

Zhiyu's original intention was to enlighten Lu Ziyuan, but upon hearing this, before Lu Ziyuan could say anything, Chengfeng disagreed: "That's not appropriate. There is a difference in rank, and the Princess Consort and the Concubine have always been at odds. The Concubine is spoiled. If the Prince dotes on the Concubine too much, he might end up with a reputation for favoring his concubine over his wife."

Zhiyu was somewhat surprised: "Chengfeng, you're usually not very talkative, how come you've suddenly become so eloquent?"

"I'm just stating my thoughts; how you proceed is up to Your Highness."

Lu Ziyuan said, "Alright, I know what you're thinking. This isn't something you should worry about. Go and do what you're supposed to do."

The two men pursed their lips and left the tent dejectedly.

After walking a distance, Zhiyu asked, "Chengfeng, what benefits did the Princess Consort give you? Why are you always speaking up for her?"

"I'm just telling the truth. You're always trying to matchmake the prince and the concubine, I'm afraid the concubine is giving you benefits."

“Where there are benefits, I’m also thinking of His Highness. The concubine may be a bit spoiled, but she is still a member of His Highness’s harem, someone he cherishes deeply.”

Chengfeng chuckled lightly: "I don't think so."

Yes, not necessarily.

He saw it most clearly; a woman like the Princess Consort would attract anyone, let alone a prince.

...

In the end, after finishing his business, Lu Ziyuan decided to return to the Prince's Palace.

Hearing that Lu Ziyuan was coming back, Su Zhirou got up early to prepare. She had been looking forward to his return for so many days, and she was determined to find a way to keep him this time.

"Lianye, quickly bring me that new dress that was made a few days ago!"

Granny Zhou directed the group of maids in Tingzhi Courtyard, and everyone was busy running around, creating quite a lively scene.

"Granny, here it is!"

"Go quickly and help the lady change; the prince will be back soon."

Lianye quickly helped Su Zhirou change her clothes. It was a sea-green gauze dress, embroidered with spring flowers in silk thread and adorned with tiny crystals that sparkled in the sunlight.

Lianye exclaimed, "Your Highness is so beautiful! The Prince will surely be captivated!"

Su Zhirou scolded playfully, "Stop being so glib, take out my jade narcissus hairpin and put it on."

Lianye smiled and agreed, not only styling her hair into the most fashionable updo at the time, but also putting that expensive hair ornament on her head.

After finishing her work, she went to the door to wait for Lu Ziyuan to return.

When Lu Ziyuan first left, Su Zhirou was really afraid he would go to Zhong Muyu. Fortunately, he went to the military camp. In that kind of place, all you could see was sand and men. Lu Ziyuan was a man too, and it was impossible for him not to miss the gentle comfort of home.

Just as Su Zhirou was pondering, Lu Ziyuan returned.

"Your Highness, welcome back!"

Lu Ziyuan was somewhat surprised: "Rou'er? You've been waiting here for a long time, haven't you?"

"It will be worth it, no matter how long it takes, to wait for the prince to return."

Su Zhirou came up and took Lu Ziyuan's arm.

Lu Ziyuan's hand was pricked by the tiny crystals on her sleeve, and he subconsciously looked her over.

It glittered silver and was dazzling.

After staring at her for a while, Su Zhirou lowered her head shyly: "Your Highness~"

Lu Ziyuan withdrew his gaze: "Hmm, when was this outfit made?"

"Your Highness, I made it a few days ago."

"It's beautiful, but too glamorous. Don't wear it out unless it's important."

Unexpectedly, this was the response Su Zhirou received. Disappointed, she lowered her head and said, "Yes, I will remember."

The two remained silent the whole way. After having a meal at Tingzhi Courtyard, Lu Ziyuan immediately got up and went to his study.

Upon learning of his return, the steward, Uncle Qiu, went to the study and brought the month's accounts.

Logically speaking, these matters should be managed by the mistress of the Prince's Mansion, but Zhong Muyu was stripped of her rights as Princess Consort before she could even take charge. Now that she's gone, the heavy responsibility has fallen into Su Zhirou's hands.

"Your Highness, these are the accounts of the Prince's residence for this month. Please take a look."

Lu Ziyuan raised his head with a slight puzzlement: "Isn't Rou'er managing everything in the manor now? Why do you need me to take a look?"

"Well, this old servant thinks Your Highness should also take a look."

Seeing that Uncle Qiu looked like he wanted to say something but hesitated, Lu Ziyuan took the accounts and his expression became more and more serious as he looked at them.

Uncle Qiu just stood there quietly, but he could sense that Lu Ziyuan was in a bad mood.

Sure enough, Lu Ziyuan slammed the accounts on the table with a "bang": "What does she need so much silver for?"

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