The Emperor sighed: "I know that you and the Regent are in love. In the past, if you were just an ordinary citizen, it wouldn't have been a problem for you to be his concubine. But now you are the apple of the Duke's eye and Princess Heyue in the palace. You need to consider the bigger picture."

Xu Yuehuai could tell that these words, whether openly or covertly, implied that a relationship between the two of them was impossible.

Seeing that she remained silent, the emperor sent her back to rest.

Xu Yuehuai walked back in a daze, unaware of the cold wind blowing on her, because she was feeling very sad.

She didn't even know how she got from the Emperor's palace back to her quarters. She suddenly lay down on the bed and burst into tears, unable to hold back her sobs any longer.

Feelings of resentment, sadness, tears, and grief welled up inside her, making her feel extremely uncomfortable.

She knew very well that Qi Guze was already suspected by the Emperor. If she were to arouse the Emperor's suspicion again because of her, it would definitely ruin Qi Guze's future. She couldn't be so selfish.

Xu Yuehuai already had a plan in mind.

...

Around midnight, news spread from the Empress's palace that the Empress was unwell, and palace maids rushed over eagerly to find Xu Yuehuai to check on her.

"Princess Heyue, have you gone to sleep yet?" Amber knocked twice on the door and immediately came in. "Princess, my lady is not feeling well and can't get up right now. The imperial physician said she needs to eat something nutritious. The imperial kitchen has prepared a lot of food, but my lady has no appetite. We can only ask you to come over."

Seeing Xu Yuehuai lying on the bed, looking haggard, she couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Xu Yuehuai knew perfectly well that this was definitely a tactic the Empress used to keep her in the palace.

She composed herself slightly: "Amber, I also have a terrible headache right now, and I can't get out of bed for a while."

After saying that, she even tried to get up, but unexpectedly fell down.

"This..." Seeing this, Amber really couldn't call the person over again, so she could only say, "Since the princess is not feeling well, why don't you stay in the palace to rest?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuehuai's eyebrows twitched slightly.

She only wanted to temporarily escape the Empress's intention to keep her there; she didn't intend to give them a chance.

While she was pondering a solution, the Emperor heard about the Empress and Xu Yuehuai's discomfort.

His Majesty, reflecting on the situation just now, already knew the truth in his heart.

"Your Majesty, should I ask the imperial physician to examine the princess?" The eunuch couldn't help but ask, noticing the prince's furrowed brows.

The Emperor shook his head: "No need. If the Duke of Zhenguo finds out, he will be even more worried. Go and inform the Duke of Zhenguo to ask him and his wife to come to the palace gate to pick up the person. Xu Yuehuai can leave the palace immediately."

"yes."

Although the eunuch did not understand the emperor's meaning, he still agreed without hesitation.

...

At this moment, Amber was still waiting for Xu Yuehuai's reply.

Unexpectedly, her flawless plan fell apart.

"Princess Heyue, His Majesty grants you permission to leave the palace immediately." After delivering the decree, the chief eunuch prepared to depart.

Amber's expression faltered slightly, and she immediately said, "Eunuch, the princess is unwell and may not be able to leave the palace in time, otherwise..."

“Miss Amber, this is His Majesty’s decree,” the eunuch immediately said. “Besides, the Duke and his wife are already waiting outside, so there won’t be any problems.”

Since things had come to this point, Amber naturally couldn't say anything more.

Xu Yuehuai took the things and walked out. She was filled with mixed feelings. Just as she reached the door, she saw the carriage of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion.

Upon seeing Xu Yuehuai, the Duke and his wife quickly dismounted from their carriage and stood waiting at the palace gate.

Besides the Duke of Zhenguo's carriage, there was also the Regent's carriage, and the Regent was also waiting early.

"Ah Yue..." Qi Guze immediately went to greet her, "I just heard the news and I was really worried. How are you feeling? Have you seen the imperial physician? Should we..."

Xu Yuehuai glanced at him, her heart aching. She controlled herself and kept her distance from Qi Guze.

She immediately interrupted Qi Guze: "Your Highness is too kind. I am fine now."

Qi Guze was stunned.

He could clearly sense Xu Yuehuai's distance from him in those words.

"Ah Yue?" He couldn't believe his ears.

The Duchess of Zhenguo was already very worried. Without thinking, she took the bundle from her hands and said, "A-Yue, let's go back first. Your health is the most important thing."

“Okay.” Xu Yuehuai immediately replied, then turned and got into their carriage, completely ignoring Qi Guze behind her.

Qi Guze stood there dumbfounded, completely unaware of what had happened.

...The Duke and his wife also noticed Xu Yuehuai's unusual behavior. They exchanged a glance and decided to try asking him about it.

The Duchess of Zhenguo asked softly, "A-Yue, what's wrong?"

Xu Yuehuai remained silent.

"Ah Yue, are you too tired?" the Duke of Zhenguo analyzed. "When we get back, you can sleep soundly. Your parents will take care of everything."

Xu Yuehuai remained silent.

When the Duchess of Zhenguo saw this, she almost burst into tears: "Ayue, what's wrong with you? Say something to your mother, otherwise your mother will really be worried."

"Father, Mother, when will the results of this year's imperial examination be available?" Xu Yuehuai finally asked.

Her sudden words left the couple completely stunned.

The Duke of Zhenguo frowned and asked, "Why are you suddenly asking about this?"

"Father, Mother, I want to get married," Xu Yuehuai answered truthfully.

However, her eyes were empty, clearly not from her own heart.

The Duchess of Zhenguo was delighted upon hearing this, oblivious to her unusual expression, and immediately said, "That's wonderful news! I think the Regent Prince..."

Upon hearing this, the Duke of Zhenguo immediately tugged at her sleeve, interrupting her.

"Ah Yue, don't worry, your father will definitely find you a good marriage." He turned to Xu Yuehuai and said.

The Duchess of Zhenguo was quite puzzled. Just a few days ago, the two of them were getting along very well, so how come they have become strangers now?

Although she was puzzled, she did not ask any further questions.

"Thank you, Father and Mother." Xu Yuehuai said, then sighed, "If only I were truly your daughter."

The Duchess of Zhenguo felt a pang of sadness upon hearing this, and she immediately pulled Xu Yuehuai into her arms, gently patting her.

Just like soothing a child to sleep, I gently murmured to comfort her.

The carriage soon returned to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion. Fearing that they would wake Xu Yuehuai, they sent the carriage directly to the backyard.