Chapter 263 Let's act, and see who can outact.
Zijuan wasn't as composed as Shengsheng, who was wholeheartedly devoted to protecting her mistress. She couldn't stand hearing Shengsheng being spoken to like that, and immediately became angry: "Hey, what do you mean by that? How has our princess ever made things difficult for you?"
People passed by the entrance of the Imperial Hospital from time to time, and Zijuan tried her best to keep quiet in order to avoid causing controversy.
However, Zijuan was in a hurry and her emotions were inevitably agitated. Even though her voice was not loud, her tone was a bit off, which still attracted the attention of the palace maids and eunuchs passing by.
Fearing that others might misunderstand her princess, Zijuan raised her voice and said to the palace maid in front of her, "Our princess said that she must first pay her respects to Consort Rong, and then she will go to Liuyun Pavilion. Could it be that Consort Liang doesn't respect Consort Rong and thinks she is more noble than Consort Rong, and that's why she wants the princess to go to Liuyun Pavilion first?"
The palace maid glanced at Zijuan, seemingly surprised that Zijuan would speak so loudly. Seeing that several palace maids in the distance had quietly stopped to watch the gossip, she immediately changed her attitude: "That's not what I meant. My mistress only heard that the Second Princess brought back a rare herb that was helpful to the Fourth Prince, so she was eager to thank the princess!"
After listening to each sound, he seemed to be deep in thought.
Her intuition told her that wasn't the reason. If she really just wanted to thank her, she could do it anytime. Why was she in such a hurry?
When Zijuan heard what the palace maid said, her furrowed brows finally relaxed a little. Just as she was about to speak, she was stopped by Shengsheng.
"Alright, I haven't seen my fourth brother in a long time, so I might as well go and play with him." Sheng Sheng laughed. "Let's go, after we finish at Liuyun Pavilion, I'll go and pay my respects to my mother."
Zijuan was surprised and whispered, "Princess, I was just about to refuse..."
"It's alright. Since Consort Liang extended such a warm invitation, it would be difficult for me to refuse. I'm sure Mother will understand." Sheng Sheng said with a smile, but her words carried a deeper meaning.
This means that since it was Consort Liang who insisted she go, she could only blame Consort Liang herself if she was blamed.
The palace maid's face changed color several times before she said, "This servant will lead the way. Please, Second Princess."
Sheng Sheng subtly gave Zi Juan a wink, and Zi Juan understood, silently retreating behind Sheng Sheng.
Sheng Sheng stared at the palace maid's back for a while, then led his men after her with great pride and arrogance.
She wanted to see why this Consort Liang suddenly had the confidence to act this way.
Also, was your rush to find her really just to express your gratitude?
Hmph, Sheng Sheng doesn't believe it at all.
Regardless of the reason, Sheng Sheng believes that Xie Yunwen is an unavoidable figure.
Since it concerns the Fourth Prince, Sheng Sheng naturally has to go and find out what's going on.
When it comes to loyalty and righteousness, Sheng Sheng is truly something else!
Upon returning to the palace, Sheng Sheng sent Chunhua, Qiuyue, Lao Mao, and Lao Yu back to rest. Now, only Zijuan and Zhuifeng are with her.
Knowing that Zhui Feng had been transferred and another guard had taken his place, Sheng Sheng wasn't worried about Zhui Feng encountering any danger while he was away. So she sent Zhui Feng to Jinxiu Palace to deliver a message to Consort Rong, saying that she would arrive later.
The journey was uneventful, but as soon as Sheng Sheng saw the three large characters "Liuyun Pavilion," he immediately became extremely alert.
As soon as Sheng Sheng stepped into Liuyun Pavilion, a slender noblewoman swayed out.
"Oh, the Second Princess is back!"
Consort Liang smiled brightly and spoke warmly as she rushed towards Sheng Sheng, taking her hand affectionately: "Second Princess, it's been so long! I've missed you terribly."
Sheng Sheng paused for a second, then gave her a sweet smile and replied in the same warm tone, "Consort Liang, Sheng Sheng has missed you very much too."
"Really? Hahahaha."
Consort Liang covered her mouth and laughed, showing no sign of awkwardness.
So, two people who had barely spoken a few words to each other suddenly began to stage a scene of a long-awaited reunion.
The two had different thoughts, each thinking: Let's put on an act and see who can outact the other.
Consort Liang was secretly delighted, thinking that Sheng Sheng was just being childish and friendly to everyone.
That's good, kids like this are easy to fool, and she'll probably succeed in getting what she wants in no time.
"Come, Second Princess, I heard that you love osmanthus cake, so I specially ordered some to be prepared."
Consort Liang led the person in and waved for the palace maids to bring up the snacks that had been prepared earlier.
He thanked her with a smile, took a piece of osmanthus cake and ate it, secretly pondering to himself.
Judging from Consort Liang's appearance, she must have something to ask of her.
What could it be? Is it like Consort Yue did before, trying to get close to the mother through her?
That's not right either. If that were the case, it would be impossible for the palace maid to stop her on her way to pay her respects to Consort Rong.
What could be so urgent for Consort Liang?
Sheng Sheng remained expressionless, turned her head to look around, and asked, "Where is Fourth Brother? I don't see Fourth Brother. Does Sheng Sheng miss Fourth Brother?"
When Xie Yunwen was mentioned, a fleeting look of disgust crossed Consort Liang's face, but it was quickly masked by her smile.
"Oh, Yunwen is such a studious child. It's still winter and he's already taken a book to find that Grand Tutor Liu, saying he wants to discuss the classics with him."
When Xie Yuxiao was mentioned, Consort Liang's smile finally became more genuine. However, the contrast between before and after made Sheng Sheng feel indignant on behalf of the Fourth Prince. How could Consort Liang, a mother, dislike her own son?
It turned out that the Fourth Prince was not here. Sheng Sheng kept saying that Consort Liang was looking for him suddenly. It seemed that she really had something to ask of him, and she had deliberately avoided the Fourth Prince.
Sheng Sheng almost turned cold, but thankfully she held back: "Wow, Fourth Brother is as diligent as ever! Father Emperor also loves to discuss scriptures and doctrines with Fourth Brother. Now that Father Emperor has returned to the palace, Fourth Brother can go to Father Emperor's place to chat again in the future."
Consort Liang smiled slightly, then suddenly perked up, her eyes brightening: "Not at all, it's because my poor child is unlucky and has a leg ailment that His Majesty has shown him some pity. His Majesty has five princes, all of whom are more outstanding than him. If his leg were no different from that of a normal person, how could this pity fall on him?"
Sheng Sheng's smile froze instantly, her surprise evident.
At first glance, this sounds like a mother being modest when her child is being praised.
But if you look closely at Consort Liang's eyes, you'll see that the disdain and disgust in them are real, not just deliberate humility.
By considering her emotions and re-examining her words, you can discern a different meaning within them.
Sheng Sheng's smile vanished; she suddenly lost all interest in putting on an act: "What does Consort Liang mean by this?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com