In front of Ning Shou Palace, Yinreng hurried along and arrived at the same time as Shi Xiuzhu.
The two stood side by side, their eyes meeting, sparks flying.
"I'm here. You can go back now," Yinreng said, his eyes filled with threat.
Shi Xiuzhu didn't care at all, and even deliberately took a step forward, provocatively saying, "My sister has been wronged, so I have to stand up for her."
"No need. Xiao Yan is protected by me!" Yinreng knew she was cunning and wanted to take the opportunity to get close to Xiao Yan.
Shi Xiuzhu scoffed, "Even though the Crown Prince has protected her all this time, it's still because my sister is looked down upon."
“That’s because Guo Luoluo is blind!” Yinreng said angrily.
Shi Xiuzhu ignored him and walked straight into the hall.
This is a battle concerning dignity, and Yinreng is determined not to lose.
In the end, by a hair's breadth, Yinreng arrived inside the palace before Shi Xiuzhu.
Shi Xiuzhu looked at Yinreng, who was paying his respects to the Empress Dowager, and reluctantly glanced down at his flowerpot-soled shoes.
If he were made to wear boots, then Yinreng would have no chance.
"It's rare for the two of you to come together. Are you here to pick up Xiao Yan?" the Empress Dowager asked kindly.
The shrewd and experienced Empress Dowager could naturally see that Shi Xiuzhu had no romantic feelings for Yinreng. This was nothing unusual; the Empress Dowager had been married to the late Emperor for many years and had never harbored any affection for him.
For women in their positions, the important thing is not to be a good wife, but to fulfill the responsibilities that come with that role.
To be a competent Crown Princess was Shi Xiuzhu's impeccable quality.
"It was my granddaughter-in-law's poor handling of the situation that caused my sister to be bullied," Shi Xiuzhu apologized to the Empress Dowager first.
She then sat down next to Tong Wanyan, carefully observing her expression. Seeing that Tong Wanyan looked normal, she breathed a sigh of relief: "I will definitely get revenge for my sister."
Tong Wanyan smiled brightly: "Don't worry, I won't ruin my health for her sake. I need to be taught a lesson, and I'm not someone to be bullied."
Yinreng was carried away by Tong Wanyan's smile.
He squeezed himself between Tong Wanyan and Shi Xiuzhu and smiled obsequiously at the Empress Dowager.
Then, holding Tong Wanyan's small hand, he said, "Of course, my people cannot be bullied. Yinzhi has already been kicked by his brothers today, and I reckon he's being scolded in the Imperial Study right now. He'll definitely be punished, but that's not enough. Doesn't Lady Guoluo like to associate with the wives of imperial concubines and ministers? I'll help her improve her reputation."
The seats were so small that Yinreng managed to squeeze in, leaving Shi Xiuzhu with only half of her buttocks dangling in the air.
This shameless young master has absolutely no gentlemanly demeanor.
After giving Yinreng a subtle, sinister smile, Shi Xiuzhu turned and sat down on the other side of the Empress Dowager.
"Thank you for reminding me, Your Highness. I won't trouble you with this woman's matter. The Crown Princess has the right to discipline noblewomen, so it's more convenient for me to handle this." Shi Xiuzhu intercepted the Crown Prince's plan.
"Just wait and see, little sister, how the Eighth Prince's wife is alienated and disliked by these other wives," Shi Xiuzhu said to Tong Wanyan with a doting smile.
The Empress Dowager glanced back and forth between the two women, and couldn't help but ponder, "I see that the Crown Princess treats Xiao Yan just like those boys from the Tong family."
Shi Xiuzhu knew something was wrong. She quickly put on a gentle and virtuous smile and said softly, "You have a good eye. Lord Tong and I both treat Xiao Yan like our own sister. The affection between siblings is indeed almost the same."
The Empress Dowager wanted to say it was different, but looking at Shi Xiuzhu's gentle yet resolute eyes, she became confused again.
However, it's not a big deal.
It is normal that the Crown Princess, having traveled with her elders since childhood and having a broad understanding of the country, acts with a more magnanimous spirit than ordinary women.
"I am most at ease knowing that you all get along well. However, it is not appropriate for you, as peers, to interfere in this matter, even if you are the Crown Princess. I have been idle for so long, I can still help you a little." The Empress Dowager narrowed her eyes, her nail guards tapping the table with a dull thud.
Having served two dynasties, the Empress Dowager no longer liked to argue with people, but when she really got angry, no one could bear it.
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