Chapter 448: Met
Xiao Lansi’s expression stiffened.
Of course, she didn’t dare to go.
The Eldest Princess would surely be displeased to see her.
’Wouldn’t going over now just be asking to get caught in the crossfire?’
"I... I’d better not. I’d only be a nuisance if I went now. It would be better to pay my respects once Father Emperor’s health has recovered."
Before Ye Chutang could reply, she added, "I won’t keep you any longer, Second Miss Ye. My mother consort is still waiting for me in her hall, so I’ll be taking my leave."
She came and went in a hurry, seemingly out of pure concern for Emperor Muwu.
Watching the retreating figure, Ye Chutang raised a slight eyebrow.
To an outsider, it would seem this Princess Yuhe was truly loyal and devoted, tied so tightly to Consort Ru and her son, Xiao Chengxuan, that she remained steadfastly by their side even in such circumstances.
’But it’s not like she had anyone else to rely on. Now that she’s latched onto this lifeline, why would she let go so easily?’
Ye Chutang sighed softly. "Princess Yuhe doesn’t have it easy."
The little eunuch leading the way tutted. "Isn’t that the truth? She’s at the age where her marriage should be discussed, and then something like this suddenly happens. Who wouldn’t be anxious? What a pity... to be caught up in this sort of trouble!"
Ye Chutang gathered her cloak around herself.
Xiao Lansi’s return to the capital this time was, in fact, for the matter of her marriage.
Although her birth mother was of low status and she had never been favored by Emperor Muwu, with Consort Ru as her backer, she could at least have her pick among the sons of noble families.
Who would have thought that Xiao Chengxuan would suddenly fall from power, implicating everyone connected to him, with Xiao Lansi being no exception.
For a princess with no power or influence, this was indeed an immense headache.
However... Ye Chutang had a strange feeling that this Princess Yuhe didn’t seem to care about her own marriage as much as outsiders might think.
’That’s not right.’
’A timid, unfavored princess who had struggled to survive in the rear palace since childhood and was extremely insecure would most likely see marriage as her lifeline.’
But that wasn’t the case with Xiao Lansi.
It was as if she was fine with getting married and fine with not getting married. She didn’t even seem to care who she would end up marrying.
On the surface, it looked like she let others make all her decisions for her.
’No matter how little backbone a person has, they shouldn’t be so indifferent about something like this...’
"Second Miss Ye, we’re here." The little eunuch’s reminder brought Ye Chutang back to her senses.
She lifted her gaze and looked ahead.
A magnificent and imposing palace stood silently, heavily guarded, its atmosphere cold and stern.
Just as she arrived at the entrance, a palace attendant came out to greet her.
"Second Miss Ye, you’ve finally arrived!"
Ye Chutang glanced inside. "Where is the Eldest Princess?"
The attendant quickly explained, "Oh, what unfortunate timing! The Eldest Princess is currently in a side hall discussing matters with several ministers from the Cabinet. Please, come in first! Consort Rong is here as well!"
With that, the attendant led Ye Chutang inside.
Ye Chutang glanced in the direction of the side hall before quickly looking away.
Although the rear palace was not supposed to interfere in politics, the Eldest Princess’s status was different.
She was a formidable figure who had once conquered the realm on horseback alongside the Grand Ancestor. Her prestige in the court was immense, so with Emperor Muwu suddenly falling ill, it was only natural that someone had to step up and take charge.
The Eldest Princess was the obvious choice for that role.
Ye Chutang nodded slightly and followed the attendant into the hall.
As she rounded a screen, the bitter, stuffy smell of medicine assaulted her nostrils.
Ye Chutang’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.
Suddenly, a figure appeared before her, and a gentle yet undisguisedly eager voice called out—
"You must be Second Miss Ye?"
Ye Chutang focused her gaze and, in an instant, guessed the other person’s identity.
She stopped and curtsied.
"This subject, Ye Chutang, greets Your Highness, Consort Rong."