"You shouldn't always be so impulsive. No wonder Afu's mind has never been on you these past few years. You should be more calm and collected in your daily life and not make a scene over every little thing. We were too reckless today, which is why we lost the upper hand. You must remember this lesson next time."
After a lecture, Shen Jiadai was completely confused. Why was her aunt taking her anger out on her again?
Ah Miao, who was standing to the side, knew that Shen Jiadai was not very bright and needed someone to patiently explain things to her so that she could fully understand the key points.
"Little princess, Her Majesty the Queen means that in the future, if you encounter any problems, do not alert the enemy. Report to us first. Today, your rash argument with others has displeased the young prince. In the future, you should think twice before acting."
After listening to A Miao's advice, Shen Jiadai finally realized what was going on and nodded repeatedly, saying, "Aunt, I understand, but what should we do now?"
Queen Chen shook her head helplessly. "It's so late, what's the point of all this? I have a headache and want to sleep for a while. Jia Dai, don't go to your cousin's place to cause trouble for the next few days. Let him be for now. I'll come and call you when I come up with a solution."
Since Shen Jiadai couldn't find a good solution, she naturally couldn't sleep or eat well, and she had no intention of just waiting like this.
“Aunt… if we just leave this matter unresolved for a few days, and that girl gets bolder and climbs into my cousin’s bed… then…”
Queen Shen was getting a headache from listening to this, and replied impatiently, "Even if that girl is indecent, Afu is definitely not that frivolous. What's wrong with you? Go back and rest. I'm tired."
Before Shen Jiadai could speak, she was pulled out by A Miao.
"Little Princess, didn't you see that the Queen is angry? You should go back and rest. We will handle this matter. Also, remember, you are not allowed to go to the Prince's place again!"
"Yes... I understand."
Shen Jiadai nodded dejectedly, turned around, and left Laiyin Palace with her maid.
After seeing her off, A Miao returned to Queen Shen's side.
"Where is he? Has he been sent out?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, we've departed."
"No more trouble?"
Amiao shook her head. "They were obedient enough to leave with their maid."
Queen Shen nodded, stood up, and walked toward the bed.
"Help me undress, I'm tired."
Ah Miao gently helped Queen Chen remove her palace robes and helped her to bed.
"Forgive me for speaking out of turn, but when you think about it carefully, it's really nothing. She's just a pretty girl. Even if His Highness takes her in, so what? A girl with no background like her can only be a concubine. She's not going to amount to anything."
Empress Shen closed her eyes, her slender, fair fingers gently circling her temples.
"It's not that I can't tolerate her, it's just that with Qingwu's shadow around, I'm truly afraid..."
"Your Majesty, you are worrying unnecessarily. Qingwu is Qingwu after all. She is the daughter of Prince Xian, born into nobility, and has a family to rely on. This wild girl is different. If she doesn't listen to you, crushing her would be as easy as crushing an ant."
Queen Shen slowly opened her eyes, and a continuous chill emanated from them.
"If Qingwu hadn't instigated Afu to seize power and establish a separate palace, why would I have wanted her dead? She's caused my son and me to become so estranged!"
"Shh, Your Highness, this should not be said in front of others."
Queen Chen breathed a sigh of relief. "So be it. A substitute is just a substitute after all. She can't amount to anything. I'll just observe and wait, lest Afu always hold a grudge against me."
"yes."
The lights in Laiyin Palace were turned off, and A Miao returned to the side hall to rest, leaving only two maids on night watch outside.
The next morning at dawn, Song He'er woke up on the soft bed.
She stood up, looked around, and realized that she had just randomly chosen a room to sleep in!
And seeing that it was already broad daylight outside, she figured that sensitive and eccentric young prince was probably looking for her too...
Without a second thought, Song He'er stood up and walked toward Jiang Huaifu's palace.
As she approached the door, she met the maids who came out from inside. Seeing that they were carrying basins and handkerchiefs, Song He'er knew that her task had already been taken care of by others.
"What were you doing last night! Come in!" A chilling voice came from the room.
Song He'er held her breath and walked inside step by step.
Jiang Huaifu had finished tidying up and was sitting by the window reading. Sunlight shone through the light gauze and reflected on his sculpted profile. Dressed in white, he was light and flawless, like a scholar who had stepped out of a painting, full of gentle charm.
"I am asking you a question."
Song He'er shook her head, indicating that she should stay awake, "I...I was sleepy last night, so I found a place to sleep..."
"It's also my fault for not arranging proper accommodations for you yesterday. From today onwards, you will sleep in my side hall."
A side hall?
Song He'er had no desire to live here. Although Jiang Huaifu's main hall and side hall were separated by a corridor, if she wanted to come out in the middle of the night, she still had to go through a gate where there were maids on night watch. It was impossible not to be seen.
But then again, she's a maid! She's here to serve others! Shouldn't she sleep with the other maids?
Why would you need to create a separate residence? It's really strange...
"No need, I'll just make do with living with the ordinary maids..."
"You must listen to whatever I say."
Song He'er was speechless. This man was simply a pervert. Why did he want her to live in the side hall? Did he have a condition that caused him to get up frequently at night? So he needed to order people around even in the middle of the night?
Fine, fine! I'll stay then!
Anyway, she won't be staying here for more than a few days. Once she finds an opportunity, she'll escape through the secret passage!
"Yes...this servant understands."
Jiang Huaifu remained silent, quietly reading the book in his hands.
After a short while, the maids who had come to deliver breakfast entered, carrying the food.
The leader also specifically mentioned two dishes: "Your Highness, the Queen Mother felt that you hadn't been feeling well lately, so she specially ordered the kitchen to stew black-boned chicken with ginseng to nourish you. And this plate of cakes is a tribute from the Southern Kingdom. They are made with mango juice and flour, and are fermented cakes that can soothe the stomach."
Jiang Huaifu remained indifferent and gave a perfunctory nod.
"Your Majesty is so kind, please put it down!"
The leading palace maid put down the cakes and turned to look at Song He'er.
She looked him up and down, and said politely, "Miss Song, do you have time to come with me?"
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