Chapter 193
Lu Shuqing's face was ashen as she watched the girl's departing figure, her chest heaving with anger.
Murong Jia Hui, standing to the side, also gazed at the girl's unrestrained figure, her beautiful eyes revealing a longing she herself was unaware of, and she was surprised that there was such a carefree woman.
She quickly realized what was happening and comforted Lu Shuqing, saying, "Mother, it's all Hui'er's fault. Hui'er was impolite, which gave others an opportunity to take advantage of us. But... we didn't expect this little peach sister to be so impatient. It's quite surprising."
"Perhaps she is still young. Mother, calm down. In a few days, she won't be so distant."
She reached out and stroked Lu Shuqing's back, speaking softly like a gentle spring breeze, making one feel comfortable and at ease.
Lu Shuqing took several deep breaths to calm herself down before saying calmly, "She's just a young girl. This princess is magnanimous and won't stoop to her level."
"You must seize the opportunity to make a good impression at the Empress's banquet. If you can become the Crown Prince's concubine or be betrothed to someone by the Empress, that would be the greatest blessing of your life."
"There are so many noble ladies in the capital, each one is proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting. Mother knows that you have always been hardworking, but you are born out of wedlock, so you have to work twice as hard as others."
Do you know?
Murong Jia Hui lowered her head and said softly, "I understand, Mother."
At this moment, the steward came over and reminded her, "Your Highness, Miss, the carriage has been waiting outside for quite some time."
The two walked out the door and did not see Tao Tao's figure at the door. They only saw a carriage and assumed that she had gone up first, which made Lu Shuqing angry again.
Thinking to himself that this young girl was indeed as unruly as she had said, she went upstairs by herself before the elders had even set off.
Zhao's mother was seriously injured and couldn't get out of bed. When Lu Shuqing visited her, she told her to rest well. Therefore, Lu Shuqing had to arrange for other maids in the mansion to serve her.
But there's only one carriage. How can so many people fit in?
Murong Jiawei thought the steward had made a mistake, so she turned to the steward behind her and said, "Uncle, is there another carriage for me to ride in?"
The steward was completely bewildered, wondering if they didn't want to share a carriage with the maids, which was why they asked that question.
He paused for a moment, then quickly replied with a smile, "Yes, yes, I'll take care of it right away."
Just as she was about to wave for preparations, Lu Shuqing, worried about being late for the palace, said impatiently, "Forget it, the servants don't need to go. Let's go."
Murong Jia Hui hurriedly lifted the carriage curtain, expecting to see the girl from before, but found it empty.
He couldn't help but turn his head and ask, "Where is Princess Huaimin? Why isn't she inside?"
The steward looked bewildered again and said, "Second Miss, the county princess left a long time ago. Is there a problem?"
Upon hearing this, Lu Shuqing couldn't help but ask, "You mean she just rode away alone in a carriage?! What's the problem? Isn't this a big enough problem already?!"
Seeing her angry expression, the housekeeper immediately shut his mouth, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and was somewhat at a loss for what to do.
The princess had only been back for a day when he felt that everything was difficult, as he was almost caught between two masters he couldn't afford to offend.
Tao Tao, as a county princess, did indeed have her own carriage, as did the princess consort; it was just that Murong Jia Hui did not.
After calming down, Lu Shuqing understood this point. With the help of her maid, she stepped onto the carriage on a stool, and Murong Jia Hui followed closely behind.
Since Tao Tao and her servants are not here, it's perfect for the four of us to sit down.
Seeing the carriage depart, the steward, who had been holding his breath, finally relaxed, exhaled a sigh of relief, shook his head helplessly, and muttered to himself, "The Prince's Mansion won't have any peaceful days for a while."
The wheels rolled and rolled over the bluestone slabs, accompanied by the lively noise of the street.
Tao Tao leaned against the car, holding a book of flowers and birds in her hand, looking down intently at it, occasionally turning a page with her finger.
Suddenly she felt a stinging sensation in her eyes, closed them briefly, and reached out to pinch the bridge of her nose.
No matter how sturdy the carriage was, it couldn't avoid swaying slightly, and after watching it for a while, my eyes started to sting and ache.
Seeing this, Rong'er advised, "Princess, if your eyes are uncomfortable, you can look at them later."
"It's alright." She didn't force herself. She put the book on the table, picked up her teacup, took a sip of tea, and lifted the curtain to look outside.
The magnificent royal palace is not far ahead; it looks like we'll be there in no time.
"Princess, is it alright if we don't wait for the Princess Consort?" Rong'er asked nervously.
She said nonchalantly, "We'll meet at the palace gate soon, so it's not like we're not waiting."
However, she was filled with impatience towards Lu Shuqing. Waiting for her was ridiculous; her arrival had ruined her mood. She was so nagging and annoying.
Granny Wu gently advised, "After the county princess enters the palace, she should be more patient with the princess consort. After all, she is your mother in public, and you have to maintain appearances to avoid being criticized."
Tao Tao took a deep breath and yawned listlessly: "I know, I just won't embarrass them."
Before long, the carriage came to a stop. Leng Qiao got off first, followed by Tao Tao. Rong'er was going to help her down, but unexpectedly, she hugged Tao Tao's waist and pulled her down.
Tao Tao was taken aback for a moment, blinked her eyes, and realized it was quite effortless.
After her initial surprise, Rong'er looked at her with admiration, cupping her face in her hands, her eyes sparkling like stars, and excitedly said, "Sister Leng Qiao is so brave!"
Leng Qiao seemed to have never been praised like this before, and she lowered her head slightly, looking a little shy.
Many ladies and noblewomen had already gathered at the palace gates, and they would be able to enter when it was almost time.
Tao Tao surveyed her surroundings, secretly observing everyone present. She noticed that the woman was surrounded by mostly unmarried young women, and her guesses were pretty much correct.
Just as she was waiting, a cheerful voice came from behind her.
"Murong Tao?!"
The name was a little unfamiliar to her, and she wasn't used to it yet. At first, she didn't realize that it was her name being called. It was only after Granny Wu reminded her from the side that she realized it.
Her indifferent expression changed abruptly the moment she turned her head; her brows relaxed, the corners of her lips turned up, and a pure and innocent smile spread across her soft, white face.
Lin Wange took small steps forward and said with a smile, "I thought I had mistaken you for someone else. I didn't expect it to really be you, Tao'er. Now I should call you County Princess, right?"
Tao Tao frowned almost imperceptibly, her mind racing as she tried to remember who this person was. He looked familiar, but she seemed to have forgotten his name.
Although she didn't know, it didn't stop her from reminiscing. She smiled and said, "Long time no see."
Are you alone this time? Would you like to come with us?
After she finished speaking, she looked at the three people not far away: Madam Lin, another lady, and a young lady. The three of them were chatting and laughing.
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