She sighed softly, and suddenly felt anxious.
She knew that the Empress Dowager intended for her to become her cousin's concubine.
Although she was only a concubine, she was quite content.
Knowing that she was physically weak and would definitely be unable to bear children for her cousin in the future, she did not covet the position of the principal wife.
She only wanted to stay by her cousin's side, living a quiet life and occasionally receiving his attention.
But now there's another Rong Qingqing.
Given how special her cousin treated her, she was determined to steal all of his affection.
What should she do then?
Thinking of this, she pursed her lips.
………
When Rong Qingqing returned to the city tower, the fireworks display was almost over.
She walked back to Xiao Zhen's side as if nothing had happened.
Upon seeing this, Xiao Zhen was about to speak when he caught a glimpse of Xie Jingrun walking in the other direction out of the corner of his eye.
He paused for a moment, then understood.
After watching the fireworks, the crowd followed the emperor down from the city wall.
There were many people around, and Xiao Zhen kept his arm outstretched to protect Rong Qingqing from being bumped into.
Upon reaching the city gate, the officials bid farewell to the emperor and left the palace one after another.
Rong Qingqing followed Xiao Zhen, also preparing to leave the palace.
However, at this moment, Princess Huaiyin walked over.
Rong Qingqing was somewhat surprised to see her.
Last time, Yanran told her that Princess Huaiyin had fallen into the lake and was only saved by the entire Imperial Medical Bureau's all-out rescue efforts.
However, Princess Huaiyin before us was indeed somewhat different from before. She no longer had that aggressive look in her eyes, but instead appeared unusually haggard and weak, perhaps because she had fallen into the lake last time and developed a chronic illness.
"Prince Su, it's been a long time." Princess Huaiyin stopped two steps away, looked at Xiao Zhen, and said with a smile.
Xiao Zhen simply nodded. "It has been quite a few years since we last met."
Looking at the still handsome Xiao Zhen, Princess Huaiyin seemed a little dazed.
Before she could say anything more, Xiao Zhen said first, "It's getting late, I'll take Qingqing out of the palace first."
Princess Huaiyin's words caught in her throat. She coughed a few times, her gaze falling on Rong Qingqing beside him. As if she had only just noticed her, she forced a smile and said, "You've saved yourself trouble by picking up such a grown daughter halfway through your life. But a daughter will eventually get married. In two more years, you'll be all alone again."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhen looked at his daughter beside him, reached out and touched her hair, his voice gentle and affectionate, "It is my blessing to have such a daughter."
Upon hearing this, Rong Qingqing glanced at him, moved closer to him, and then she successfully saw the jealousy that Princess Huaiyin could not hide in her eyes.
She paused for a moment. Could it be that Princess Huaiyin was still harboring desires for her father?
She glanced at her father's handsome face and wasn't so surprised anymore.
Her father was handsome, and due to his military background, he was tall and strong, with a powerful and dignified aura. He possessed a great deal of masculine charm, so it's not surprising that he could attract a married woman like Princess Huaiyin.
But she really disliked Princess Huaiyin, and always felt that Princess Huaiyin must have been the one who interfered in her mother's separation from her father.
Hearing Xiao Zhen's answer, Princess Huaiyin's smile was somewhat forced. "I didn't expect you to like your daughter so much." After a pause, she couldn't help but ask, "Is it because of Lady Lan? Rong Qingqing resembles Lady Lan."
Upon hearing this, Rong Qingqing tugged at Xiao Zhen's sleeve and tightened her cloak, feigning coldness, and whispered, "Father, I'm so cold, let's leave the palace quickly."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhen immediately became somewhat nervous and no longer wanted to talk to Princess Huaiyin. He simply said, "Naturally, it's because she is my daughter." As he spoke, he looked down at Rong Qingqing and said, "Let's go."
"Mm." Rong Qingqing nodded, a smile playing on her lips.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com