Chapter 48 is so sweet.
Today's meeting with Shuangyun has indeed been exposed, but fortunately, they were already mentally prepared.
Zhao Mama bowed and replied, "Since we're both in the palace, we've inevitably met and spoken to each other, so we naturally have some connection."
"Oh." Chu Heng smiled, resting his chin on his hand. "So now that you've finally made it into the palace, you're naturally eager to catch up with her."
"I understand."
Both King Zhao and King Duan were guessing at King Duan's intentions, but they remained outwardly calm.
Wang Mama said, "We chatted with Shuangyun for a while, and when we talked about what had happened in the past few months, we also brought up the old stories of the Princess Consort. Please forgive us, Your Highness."
Granny Zhao followed up, saying, "Please forgive us, Your Highness, we will never dare to do it again."
Chu Heng said calmly, "You haven't said anything unsavory to anyone. Shuangyun is someone close to the Empress Dowager. Would the Empress Dowager harm the Princess and me?"
This couple is really quick-witted and sharp-tongued together. Wang Mama thought to herself, how come she never realized that Prince Duan was such a difficult person to deal with when they were in the palace?
Thinking this, Granny Wang hurriedly said, "This servant misspoke, please forgive me, Your Highness. Everyone knows that the Empress Dowager dotes on Your Highness, and she would never have any intention of harming Your Highness."
"Well said." Chu Heng clapped his hands. "Of course the Empress Dowager wouldn't harm me and the Princess."
The two kings of Zhao and Duan felt that something was amiss. Could it be that the Prince of Duan wanted to use this as an excuse to get rid of them?
After all, they were bestowed upon them by the Empress Dowager. How dare Prince Duan be so bold?
But considering the Empress Dowager and the Emperor's consistent favoritism towards him, even though he hadn't been seen causing any trouble before, who knows what kind of person he is? Who knows, he might really dare to be lawless!
They originally thought this wouldn't be a difficult task, since it wouldn't make things difficult for anyone or harm anyone. They only needed to give Shuangyun a reply when they had the chance, and they could retire successfully after two or three years.
Prince Duan and his wife were both sickly and orphaned; who knew they would be so difficult to deal with?
Considering their ambition for a retirement as high-ranking female officials, it seems even further away than before.
Both of them were racking their brains, weighing the pros and cons in their minds, trying to come up with a better idea, but Prince Duan refused to give them the chance.
Chu Heng added, "Granny, you've spent these days with the Princess Consort, so you must already know that she is a kind and gentle person."
"Yes, Your Highness is the most compassionate of all."
Admitting this was not against their conscience. The princess was lenient and fair in rewarding and punishing her servants. As long as they were willing to work diligently, it was quite good to follow such a mistress. However, they would never dare to betray the Empress Dowager.
“But I’m not an easy person to talk to,” Chu Heng said. “Let me put it more clearly: even though there are national laws above us, if I do something that violates the law and human sentiments—for example, killing one or two people—no matter how angry the Emperor and Empress Dowager are, they will always cover for me.”
“Granny, you’ve seen plenty of filth in the palace over the years. You know I’m not lying.”
The two kings of Zhao and Duan were immediately taken aback by Duan Wang's blunt words, and realized that there was only one option left: death.
"Your Highness, spare us!" The two knelt down and kowtowed, "We were only following orders..."
"Shut up," Chu Heng said coldly. "You're making so much noise."
King Zhao immediately fell silent. This was the rule in the palace; whether it was a reward or a punishment from the master, one could only accept it.
The Prince of Duan remained silent for a long time, while the Prince of Zhao and his companion exchanged anxious glances. Whether they lived or died, there would be an answer, and waiting to die was arguably the most terrifying punishment in the world.
Soon, the door was pushed open from the outside, and the princess, accompanied by her maids and nannies, gracefully entered. Upon seeing the scene, she exclaimed in surprise, "What happened?"
Chu Heng stood up and tried to take Daiyu's hand, but she avoided him. He then asked, "Your Highness, what's going on?"
"It's nothing," Chu Heng said with a smile. "You must be tired. Come and sit down."
Daiyu turned around and smiled, "You may all go down first."
After everyone left, Daiyu sat down next to Chu Heng, dodging his outstretched hand once again and signaling with her eyes that there was more important business to attend to.
Chu Heng glared at the two people kneeling on the ground, then turned and poured a glass of water for Daiyu, his eyes and actions full of tenderness and affection.
Daiyu slowly tasted the water mixed with honey, listening to Chu Heng recount the shady dealings of the Prince of Zhao and his companion. As she finished speaking, she put down her cup and said, "It's too sweet."
"Really?" Chu Heng took the water glass and drank the last bit of water. "I feel fine."
"My...my cup." Daiyu lowered her voice because there were other people in the room.
Chu Heng asked innocently, "What's wrong?"
Daiyu: "..."
Chu Heng then said, "You like this set of cups? They're not rare items. I'll have someone..."
Daiyu, unable to bear it any longer, whispered, "Chu Heng!"
Looking at her expression, Chu Heng saw that although she was angry, it was very touching, making him want to tease her. However, if he continued to tease her, he might really anger her, which would not be good. He should stop now.
Chu Heng then sat up straight and said, "Well, how to deal with these two people depends on the Princess's opinion."
Seeing that he had finally calmed down, Daiyu straightened her clothes, sat up straight, and said in a serious tone, "Please, both of you, rise first."
Having been left out in the cold for so long, Zhao Wang and his companion were filled with trepidation. Hearing this sound was like a blessing, and they quickly thanked Daiyu profusely before getting up.
“The prince has a quick temper, please don’t take offense, nannies,” Daiyu said with a smile. “Whatever your purpose in coming to my and the prince’s side, you have no intention of harming anyone, and I think I’m not wrong about that.”
The two men, including the King of Zhao, exclaimed excitedly, "Your Highness is wise!"
Daiyu glanced at Chu Heng before continuing with a smile, "We've spent these days together, and the nannies know what kind of person I am. If you have any difficulties, just tell me, and I'll help you both. If you think I'm not capable enough, there's always the Prince..."
Chu Heng suddenly reached out and hooked Daiyu's finger, causing her to pause in her speech.
"Your Highness..." Daiyu said through gritted teeth, "You will stand up for the nannies, won't you?"
Chu Heng smiled reassuringly at Daiyu and said, "It depends on what kind of thing it is. If it's about retirement, I can always live a few years longer than some people who have a lot of grandchildren and great-grandchildren."
Upon hearing this, both King Zhao and his brother felt a chill in their hearts. How could Prince Duan even know this? The Empress Dowager still held absolute power in the harem, yet she couldn't even keep an eye on her own son!
However, perhaps it is precisely because he is his own son that he cannot be prevented from doing so.
The two men, Zhao and Wang, had nothing more to say and knelt down again, respectfully saying, "We beg Your Highness to make the decision."
Chu Heng and Daiyu exchanged a smile.
“No problem,” Chu Heng said slowly.
They didn't need these two people to do anything; they just wanted to prevent the Empress Dowager's spies from becoming a problem for them.
After receiving the promise from Prince Duan that they would be protected and could live out their old age in peace, the two princes of Zhao and his wife withdrew with profuse thanks.
With no one else in the room, Chu Heng tried to take advantage of the situation and grabbed Daiyu's hand completely. Daiyu hurriedly tried to dodge, but half of her hand was still caught.
Chu Heng said, "There are no outsiders here."
You're never well-behaved when there are outsiders around!
Daiyu said with a stern face, "I have something else to say."
"I won't interrupt you." Chu Heng moved his hand little by little. "Go on."
Daiyu's blush grew even more pronounced, though it was unclear whether it was from embarrassment or anger: "Your Highness..."
"Hmm? Miss Lin?" Chu Heng responded with a light laugh.
Having no other choice, Daiyu had to honestly say, "I'm distracted and can't speak properly."
Chu Heng paused for a moment, staring intently into Daiyu's eyes, his heart softening, and he couldn't help but pull Daiyu into his arms.
Daiyu was stunned for a moment. In the warm embrace, she was first shy, then overwhelmed by the surging affection, and rubbed her cheek against Chu Heng's shoulder.
"That's wonderful..." Chu Heng murmured.
You will be influenced by me, you will be moved by me.
As Daiyu listened to his heartbeat, she couldn't help but be moved, even though she didn't know why he was suddenly so excited.
very nice.
Daiyu thought to herself, "When I received the imperial decree to marry you last year, how could I have imagined that things would turn out so well today?"
After some time, there was a knock on the door. It was Zhao Qing asking if they wanted the meal served.
Daiyu tried to escape from Chu Heng's embrace, but was held firmly and unable to move. Chu Heng said softly, "No one has come in."
Daiyu was still very shy, and said softly, "Your Highness, it's time to eat."
"Hmm, Miss Lin, are you hungry?" Chu Heng asked with a smile.
He knew perfectly well that he couldn't change his old habits just yet, but he still resorted to the same trick. Daiyu was not only ashamed and angry, but also couldn't help but find it a little funny.
How old are you? Why are you still so childish?
Daiyu couldn't let herself be taken advantage of every time, so she clenched her fist to encourage herself and asked, "Your Highness, are you hungry?"
Chu Heng chuckled softly, but before he could speak, a gurgling sound responded to his laughter.
Daiyu leaned her head on Chu Heng's shoulder and couldn't help but laugh, "It seems Your Highness is indeed hungry."
Feeling the person in his arms tremble slightly from uncontrollable laughter, Chu Heng thought to himself that he might not just be hungry.
Just then, Daiyu's stomach growled, and her laughter stopped abruptly. A moment later, she clutched her stomach and said, "At the banquet in the palace, we don't even have time to eat."
“Indeed, our Princess Consort is hungry.” Chu Heng held Daiyu’s shoulder, reluctant but having to let her leave his embrace for the time being. “Serve her a meal, don’t let her go hungry.”
Chu Heng got up, straightened his clothes, and then asked Zhao Qing to serve the meal.
This dinner was arranged by Daiyu beforehand. She had also asked Zhao Qing about Chu Heng's preferences. The dishes were not as plentiful as those for breakfast, but they suited the two of them's tastes perfectly.
After the meal, Daiyu sat down on the daybed by the window first, and Chu Heng couldn't help but smile and sat down opposite her.
Daiyu breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn't that she was against being close to Chu Heng; it was just that she really had something to say, and he was just too good at distracting her.
Chu Heng pointed behind Daiyu and said with a smile, "You must be tired today. Lean on him, and we can talk slowly about what's going on."
Daiyu thought to herself, "It's all because of you, otherwise I wouldn't be so tired today."
Thinking of this, she blushed, then realized that it was already after dinner and she would be going to bed soon.
Because of this sudden thought, Daiyu's mind wandered again, and she couldn't bring herself to say what she had prepared.
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