"No, it's an old friend." Hailan quickly changed her words, secretly relieved.
"Oh? Is it a man or a woman? Do you know what the Princess Consort said to her?" Thirteen hadn't missed her earlier nervousness, and frowned as he asked again.
Hailan blinked, and following Heyue's instructions from yesterday, shook her head: "This servant doesn't know what was said. This servant wasn't in the room at the time. I only know that it was a woman wearing a veil."
Thirteen stared intently at Hailan's expression. Hailan pretended to be calm on the surface, but inside she was panicking, afraid that her master would get angry and punish her.
He couldn't help but feel resentful. How could someone who was so kind and gentle in front of the Princess Consort be so terrifying when facing his servants?
The difference is too big! Waaaaah!
She misunderstood. Thirteen didn't intend to punish her for this. After all, she was a kind and considerate person, and it wouldn't be worth it to upset her by acting rashly.
So he frowned and waved his hand, and Hailan withdrew as if she had been granted a pardon.
Thirteen instructed Li Shun'er: "Investigate that man's background and what business he has with the Fujin."
Li Shun'er responded and went to give the instructions.
Thirteen then went to the palace.
He Yue thought about it all last night and realized that she really couldn't handle this matter herself. Thinking of using someone else's strength, she went to the Prince Yong's mansion in the afternoon.
Prince Yong had not yet returned. After visiting the Fourth Prince's wife, He Yue strolled casually in the garden.
I sat down on a rock behind the artificial hill by the lake. The autumn wind was bleak, the leaves were falling, and there was no scenery to see.
The artificial hill blocked the chilly autumn wind, and Heyue sat there, resting her chin on her hand, lost in thought.
However, after a while, voices came from behind.
The voices sounded like those of two women, one a maid and the other seemingly the mistress.
"Princess, what are you doing here? It's cold, and you're not well, so you should go back soon."
"How can you be so weak? Staying indoors all day must be so boring." It was a soft, timid female voice, probably the princess the maid was referring to.
Such a youthful style can probably only be found in those two people in the mansion.
I don't know who it is.
Heyue originally intended not to disturb each other, but as the two people walked, the maid advised the princess to rest for a while, and the two of them came over to Heyue.
As the others approached, their eyes met. He Yue was taken aback, and the other woman also paused for a moment before immediately bowing down: "This servant greets the Thirteenth Princess Consort."
Disturbed from her peace, Heyue lost her composure and stood up to look at the young woman before her.
It's true that He Yue rarely sees this unassuming princess in front of her.
The clearest memory I have is of the year Honghui passed away, when Heyue saw her standing with her fourth brother.
After many years, the once childish little girl had grown into a graceful young woman. Her face was slightly pale, indicating that she was not in good health. Her eyes were timid, and she dared not look up at people.
He Yue could never reconcile the person in front of her with the woman who would one day be the most honored woman in the world.
However, now that he knew her future identity, He Yue was naturally happy to form a good relationship with her.
He smiled and said, "This princess is tired, so she can rest here for a while. I'm about to leave."
After saying that, he took a step to leave. As he passed by her, he looked up at the sky and said gently, "It's getting late and the wind is strong. This princess doesn't seem to be feeling well. It's best if she doesn't stay outside for too long, lest she catch a cold."
Niohuru looked up at Heyue with a flattered expression and nodded blankly.
Heyue said no more and quickly walked away.
Hailan grumbled discontentedly, "Why is the Fujin giving way to the other party? She's the one who should be giving way."
He Yue raised her hand and tapped her forehead: "Why bother arguing with her? I can tell she's not feeling well, so what's wrong with giving way to her?"
Hailan rubbed her forehead, her eyes wide: "When did the Princess Consort learn to be modest?"
Heyue stopped, pretending to hit her, but Hailan smiled and shrank back, dodging her violence: "Why are you so angry, Madam? I was just telling the truth."
She's getting bolder and bolder! Heyue glared at her but didn't bother arguing with her.
But then a sharp rebuke startled him: "You're becoming less and less like a master. Is this how you train your servants?"
Hailan's expression changed instantly, and she curtsied, saying, "Greetings to Prince Yong."
Heyue turned around and saw Prince Yong, dressed in a dark blue robe, standing in front of her with a stern face. However, she was not afraid of his dark face at all. She smiled and bowed, explaining, "Heyue is not usually so reserved. I am used to being close to the maids around me. If I scold them like wooden dolls, I would be unhappy!"
Prince Yong frowned even more deeply, glaring at Hailan with a fierce look in his eyes. That glare made Hailan feel as if she were in an ice cellar, and she shivered violently, lowering her head even further.
"Why is Fourth Brother scaring my maid?" He Yue saw this and immediately became unhappy.
Prince Yong glanced at her, his expression softening slightly, and shook his head helplessly: "What brings you here to see me?"
Seeing that he changed the subject, Heyue pouted and didn't pursue the matter further: "Fourth Brother, are you busy with something?"
Prince Yong did not answer, but walked towards the study: "Come with me."
Heyue happily followed.
Upon entering the study, Prince Yong had some snacks prepared and placed on the table before sitting down behind his desk: "Speak, what is it?"
He Yue glanced at Su Peisheng, and Prince Yong raised his eyes to signal him to step back.
Su Peisheng bowed and withdrew, closing the door behind him. Only He Yue and Prince Yong remained in the room.
A man and a woman alone in one room, and they are also related as uncle and aunt; it just doesn't seem appropriate.
He Yue had always been carefree, and Prince Yong didn't care, nor did anyone else. But after those events, He Yue avoided being alone with Prince Yong.
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