Chapter 306: Concubine Jing's Punishment
The palace walls are tall, and the glazed tiles reflect a cold and dazzling light in the afternoon sun.
Chu Ruohan walked on the palace road, surrounded by palace servants with lowered brows and submissive looks.
Inside the Qing'an Palace, there was a warm fragrance and the furnishings were extremely luxurious.
Concubine Jing was reclining on the cushioned chaise longue, her crimson palace dress making her skin look whiter than snow.
Her eyes were slightly lowered as she was slowly fiddling with her bright red nail polish.
Chu Ruohan knelt down and saluted according to the rules.
"Your Majesty, I greet you, Your Majesty, and may you be blessed with good health."
Concubine Jing did not let her stand up, so Chu Ruohan maintained a half-squatting position.
Time passed by little by little, and my knees felt numb and sore.
Concubine Jing seemed not to see her, and was still concentrating on her nails, not even lifting her eyelids.
The palace was eerily quiet, with only the faint sound of breathing and the occasional scrape of Concubine Jing's nails across the table.
Chu Ruohan's body began to sway slightly uncontrollably, and just when she was about to collapse.
The lazy voice finally sounded.
"Get up."
"Please take a seat."
The palace maid quickly brought an embroidered cushion and served tea.
Chu Ruohan thanked him and sat down, only half of her buttocks were sitting up, her back was straight.
Concubine Jing finally raised her eyes and her gaze fell on Chu Ruohan. It was a scrutinizing look, but without any warmth.
"Mrs. Gu."
She put down her hand, picked up the teacup, and gently blew away the foam.
"Prince Su has always been a clean man, and he doesn't even have a concubine in his house.
"I have already made up my mind about the choice of his wife."
Concubine Jing put down the teacup, her eyes as sharp as a knife, piercing straight at Chu Ruohan.
"Instead of being involved with a married woman."
I found out.
Yesterday she had dinner with Prince Su in a restaurant. Although it was secret, it could not be hidden from the eyes of the palace.
Chu Ruohan's heart tightened, but she didn't dare show it on her face.
Concubine Jing's voice carried a barely perceptible chill as she continued hammering.
"Jun Ze was also raised under my watch."
"He is now far away at the border, fighting for his country, shedding blood in battle."
"Mrs. Gu, as his wife, should also abide by her duties and observe the rules of a wife."
The warning in his words couldn't be more obvious.
Chu Ruohan immediately stood up from the embroidered cushion and bowed again with a humble and respectful attitude.
"Your Majesty, I understand that your Highness Prince Su and I are innocent and have never transgressed the rules."
"We met by chance yesterday. It was simply because Your Highness was concerned about me and asked about my husband's situation at the border."
"I, your humble servant, would never dare to make even the slightest mistake, much less cause Your Majesty to misunderstand me."
She lowered her posture very low and spoke sincerely, trying to distance herself from Prince Su.
The corners of Concubine Jing's mouth curled up in an almost imperceptible arc, and she seemed to be quite satisfied with her reaction.
Of course she knew that Chu Ruohan and Gu Junze had a deep relationship, and now she was pregnant, so how could she really seduce Prince Su.
She was simply using a warning to remind Chu Ruohan of her son, whom she was increasingly unable to understand.
My son has grown up and has become thoughtful.
There are some things that she, as a mother, finds it difficult to say directly.
Finding Chu Ruohan, a smart person, who can stop at the right time, might have a better effect.
"Alright, I'm just giving you a heads up."
Concubine Jing's tone softened a little and she picked up the teacup again.
"I understand your thoughts."
Chu Ruohan secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but didn't dare to let go completely.
She chose her words carefully and spoke tentatively.
"Your Majesty, I dare to say something."
"Your Highness, Prince Su, seems to be a little different these days."
She carefully observed Concubine Jing's expression, capturing any subtle changes.
"It seems... more composed and dignified."
This was said very cleverly, sounding like a compliment while also implicitly pointing out the changes.
However, Concubine Jing's reaction was beyond her expectations.
There was a trace of relieved smile on Concubine Jing's face, and there was even a hint of complacency in that smile.
"Oh? You noticed that too?"
"Yunheng used to be too soft-tempered, but now that he's been training in the court, he's changed a lot, which is a good thing."
"I am very satisfied with his current changes."
Chu Ruohan's heart sank little by little.
satisfy?
Concubine Jing was actually satisfied with the change of this imposter?
Did she really not notice anything wrong?
Mother and son are connected by heart and live together day and night. How could she not even notice that her own son has been replaced by someone else?
Is it that Gu Chengyan disguised himself too well, or is it that Concubine Jing...
Concubine Jing seemed not to want to talk anymore and waved her hand.
"Okay, I'm tired today, you can leave now."
"Yes, I will take my leave."
Chu Ruohan suppressed the uneasiness in her heart, bowed respectfully, and slowly left Yongning Palace.
As she walked out of the palace, the afternoon sun shone on her body, but it could not dispel the chill in her heart.
It is obvious that the path of respecting Concubine Gui is not feasible.
Chu Ruohan felt a deep sense of powerlessness.
The only possibility was cut off.
She walked out along the palace path, her heart heavy and her steps a little unsteady.
Is there really no way out?
At this moment, a gentle voice came from behind him.
"Mrs. Gu, please stay."
Chu Ruohan paused, turned around, and saw the third prince in monk's robes.
Chu Ruohan's heart was filled with alarm at this moment.
Why did they all come to her, one by one or two?
First he was the "Prince of Su", and now he is the third prince.
"Meet the Third Prince."
The third prince was twirling his Buddhist beads, with no expression on his face.
"Mrs. Gu, there's no need to be so polite."
"I am about to go and chant sutras and pray for the Empress Dowager. Would you like to go with me and burn a stick of incense for the Empress Dowager?"
His invitation sounded reasonable.
"this……"
Chu Ruohan hesitated slightly.
The Third Prince seemed to see through her concerns.
"It's just a small favor, just to show my filial piety to the Empress Dowager. If it's inconvenient for Madam Gu, that's fine."
Having said that, Chu Ruohan couldn't refuse directly.
"It is my honor to pray for the Empress Dowager."
She finally agreed.
The two walked side by side to Ci'an Palace where the Empress Dowager lived.
There was no conversation along the way, and the atmosphere was subtly stagnant.
When we arrived at the Buddhist temple in the side hall of Ci'an Palace, the palace servants had already prepared incense and candles.
The third prince looked solemn. He burned incense first and muttered something.
Chu Ruohan also stepped forward and lit three incense sticks.
I silently prayed in my heart that Gu Junze would be safe, and also prayed that I could uncover the truth as soon as possible.
Wisps of green smoke rose, carrying a faint scent of sandalwood.
Just as Chu Ruohan lit the incense and was about to leave.
The Third Prince beside him suddenly spoke in a low voice. His voice was not loud, but it contained a warning that could not be ignored.
"Mrs. Gu."
"Prince Su...is not someone you can afford to offend."
Chu Ruohan looked up suddenly.
The Third Prince still had a gentle smile on his face, but deep in his eyes was a cold warning.
"Stay away from him."
"It's for your own good, and for General Gu's good."
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