Chapter 533 Extra - Lunch Invitation
Shu Tong paused in her drinking motion.
Even officials and noble families in ancient times valued the art of balance, ensuring that favors were distributed equally among all, let alone a prince.
So he will probably stay overnight at Chuyun Palace tonight.
But would he and the Crown Princess be so respectful to each other, lying in the same bed but doing nothing?
Seeing that Shu Tong's expression changed, Haitang quickly said, "Your Highness, don't worry. No matter what, you are one step ahead of the Crown Princess. It is clear that you are more important to His Highness. Otherwise, His Highness would have stayed in Chuyun Palace long ago."
Shu Tong looked up at her: "Haitang, be careful what you say in the future. The Crown Princess is the Crown Prince's legal wife. If your criticisms get back to her, how am I supposed to protect you?"
Haitang quickly bowed and apologized, saying, "This servant knows her mistake and will be more careful in the future."
Shu Tong thought for a moment and then said earnestly, "From now on, your duty is to manage our Wutong Residence well. If you continue to be so gossipy, then who knows how many others will chime in? The Crown Prince's residence isn't that big; be careful, walls have ears."
Haitang knelt down with a thud: "This servant understands, this servant is willing to accept the punishment."
Shu Tong helped her up: "There's nothing to punish. As long as I don't have the desire to compete for favor and just want to live a peaceful life, that's fine. From now on, just do things according to this standard."
Seeing Shu Tong's determined expression, Haitang nodded: "Yes, this servant has remembered. This servant will definitely keep the palace servants of Wutong Residence in check."
"Okay." Shu Tong smiled. "There's no need to serve meals tonight. Come with me to the small kitchen, and we'll make some cold noodles."
"Okay." Haitang looked at Shutong's firm yet gentle back and sighed silently.
For now, it's just the Crown Prince's residence, so it's relatively easy for Consort Liang to maintain this mindset. But once she goes to the inner palace, that's where people will be devoured.
With their mistress's temperament, how could they possibly survive?
...
The following morning, Shu Tong received a lunch invitation from Chu Yun Dian.
The messenger said that the Crown Princess had prepared a sumptuous lunch and that Shu Tong must go and eat with her.
Since it was delicious, Shu Tong naturally agreed. While helping her change her clothes, Haitang muttered, "Because you said not to worry about the Chuyun Palace, I didn't send anyone to inquire whether the Crown Prince stayed in the Chuyun Palace last night."
"No need to ask," Shu Tong said casually. "There's nothing to ask."
However, after saying this, she felt a pang of sadness and a touch of curiosity.
"However, the Crown Princess may bring this up herself when she invites you to lunch."
Haitang helped her straighten her collar, her voice low: "I know you have no intention of vying for favor, but Chuyun Palace doesn't know that, so you still have to be careful in everything you do."
Shu Tong pursed her lips.
Although she had indeed spoken to the Crown Princess many times, both openly and secretly, she didn't know if the Crown Princess believed her.
"I understand," Shu Tong replied.
After changing her clothes and tidying her hair, Shu Tong led Haitang to Chuyun Palace.
Originally, Shu Tong was filled with complicated emotions, but as soon as she entered the room and smelled the familiar barbecue aroma, her mind instantly soared, and even her steps became lighter.
Chilled watermelon and barbecue – this is a summer staple!
The palace servants led them along the corridor to the backyard, where a barbecue grill was set up in the large open space, and the ingredients were prepared on the table next to it.
Ye Qingning was happily eating half a watermelon when she saw Shu Tong and waved to her: "Shu Tong, come here quickly, I've prepared a watermelon for you."
Shu Tong hurriedly went over to bow, but Ye Qingning immediately stuffed half a watermelon into her hand: "No need for formalities, have some watermelon. It's been chilled in the well water all morning, it's delicious."
Shu Tong thanked her and sat down next to her, eating watermelon while watching Chu Song and her people busy with the barbecue.
Just then, the all-white cat, Abao, wandered over from somewhere and jumped onto the futon between Shu Tong and Ye Qingning.
Shu Tong turned her head and greeted it, then noticed a gold medal tied around its neck.
These are the gold medals that won prizes at yesterday's Cuju (ancient Chinese football) match.
Shu Tong was stunned for a moment.
So, the Crown Prince's gold medal was given to the Crown Princess, right?
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
