Chapter 12

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Chapter 12: Title

Gu Hengbo paused her steps, looking up at the sign that had the words ‘Prime Minister’s residence’ written on it. She bit her lip and turned around, saying, "Um, this is where we part." She wouldn’t say thank you.

Lian Rong raised an eyebrow, "Aren’t you going to invite this king in for a seat?" Is this how she treats her guests?

Gu Hengbo was taken aback, asking, "Sit for what?"

Lian Rong narrowed her eyes and replied lightly, "Nothing. Go ahead and go in."

Gu Hengbo nodded and lifted her foot to walk through the main gate when she heard Gu Yuanqing’s slightly surprised voice from behind. "I didn’t know Prince Rong had arrived; I should have welcomed you properly."

Lian Rong smiled gently. "It’s fine. Today, there was an assassin in the palace. Is Prime Minister Gu alright?"

Gu Yuanqing stepped forward to Lian Rong and bowed slightly. "I am fine. May I ask why the prince has come today?"

Lian Rong’s eyes sparkled as she glanced at Gu Hengbo standing at the door. "When this king left the main hall, I happened to meet your daughter, and since I was passing by the Prime Minister’s residence on my way to Prince Rong’s residence, I brought her back along the way."

Gu Hengbo widened her eyes in disbelief. Was this person really lying without a hint of shame?

Gu Yuanqing was dumbfounded, realizing that every prince and influential minister in court wanted to befriend Prince Rong. There was no one who would skip morning court like this; indeed, you wouldn’t find another in the entire Dongyin. The emperor had shown ample respect; Eastern Emperor and Prince Rong were brothers, and their relationship was very close from childhood. To ensure Eastern Emperor ascended the throne, Prince Rong had cleared countless obstacles, even going as far as to harm his own family. Now, whenever someone recalled this, they would feel a mix of emotions. If it weren’t for Prince Rong’s identity, that person sitting on the throne could have easily been her.

Feeling sentimental was one thing, but now a prince had graciously returned his daughter. Gu Yuanqing couldn’t help but feel delighted, though his expression remained composed. He bowed slightly to Lian Rong, "The old minister thanks the prince on behalf of my daughter. To show our gratitude, may I invite you into the residence?"

Gu Hengbo opened her mouth, wanting to speak but stopped herself. She knew that her words would be futile at this moment.

Gu Yuanqing shot a disapproving glance at the dazed Gu Hengbo by the door. "What are you standing there for? Hurry and invite the prince in."

Reluctantly, Gu Hengbo pouted, thinking about the androgynous person pretending to be dignified.

"Please, your highness."

Lian Rong smiled, understanding Gu Yuanqing’s intentions. However, the second young lady didn’t seem to like her very much.

She nodded submissively, "Please, Prime Minister Gu."

Upon entering the hall of the Prime Minister’s residence, Madam Qin, despite being startled earlier, rushed out upon hearing that Prince Rong had arrived, her face beaming with joy. Later, as Gu Hengbo recalled this moment, she couldn’t help but feel a chill. How could they be so enthusiastic about someone they knew the identity of, as if the Jade Emperor himself had come to visit?

The Prime Minister’s residence was indeed bustling. It was said that this was Lian Rong’s first visit, and everyone in the household seemed energized.

Gu Hengbo sighed in boredom as she lay on her bed. Right now, she desperately hoped Gu Cheng was at home; he definitely wouldn’t abandon her for someone named Lian.

She thought about how Madam Dou had reacted when she heard the androgynous guest had arrived. Not only did she change into several outfits, but she even put on makeup. What kind of world was this? The androgynous person was charming good housewives now.

Only she, Gu Hengbo, remained rational!

She glanced at the silent junior maidservant standing before her, Pei’er, who had taken a servant with a decent appearance after running away with her lover. This maidservant honored her wishes the first time by saying, "I like people who speak little.” So now, she hardly said a word. Surely, Gu Yuanqing had asked her to go to the front hall, and she had to dress beautifully, standing there for half an hour without uttering a sound.

Gu Hengbo looked at the elaborate clothing in the girl’s tray with a sigh. "I say, Qingfeng, just go tell your master that the young lady received a fright in the palace and is not feeling well. It’s inconvenient for me to go to the front hall, so they needn’t wait for me."

“……”

Gu Hengbo sighed while holding her forehead, “Qingfeng~~, I really don’t feel well. You can go ahead, okay?”

“Second Miss, what is wrong? I have some medical knowledge and can check on you.” Lian Rong leaned against the screen and smiled at her.

Gu Hengbo rolled her eyes at her and stayed silent.

“Miss Qingfeng, your master asked you to come over,” Lian Rong said cheerfully to the maid holding a tray.

Qingfeng blinked and gracefully curtsied to Lian Rong before stepping out.

“Do you really dislike me this much?” Lian Rong asked.

Gu Hengbo looked up at the beams of the roof and then at Lian Rong leaning against the screen. “The Empress is quite injured; shouldn’t the prince check on her again?”

Lian Rong chuckled lightly upon hearing this. She moved away from the screen and walked toward Gu Hengbo, sitting down beside her and tilting her head to gaze at her neck. “You have a scratch on your neck.”

Being so close, Gu Hengbo could even feel the warm breath escaping Lian Rong’s lips lightly brushing against her face. She discreetly leaned back, feeling a rush of jealousy at Lian Rong’s beauty.

Suppressing the urge to scratch Lian Rong’s face, Gu Hengbo calmly replied, “Oh, I think that was from the black-clad man just now. It doesn’t hurt.” She thought, It shouldn’t be fatal; I really don’t feel it.

Lian Rong smiled and took out a small white porcelain bottle from her cloak. She removed the red cork, sniffed it, then turned to look at Gu Hengbo. “Turn your head away.”

Gu Hengbo looked at her warily. “What does the prince want to do?”

Lian Rong chuckled at her words. “So, Second Miss knows I am the prince. Now, let me help you with some medicine.”

Gu Hengbo opened her eyes wide, wanted to say something, but decided to keep quiet and obediently tilted her smooth neck toward Lian Rong.

Lian Rong nodded in approval and began to apply the medicine.

The cool sensation on her neck made Gu Hengbo sigh with comfort, and she instinctively asked, “What is this?”

Lian Rong gazed at her delicate earlobes and replied with a smile, “It doesn’t have a name; I made it myself.”

Gu Hengbo was slightly surprised inside. “You made it yourself?” How impressive.

“Yes, if you like it, keep it. It works well for treating minor wounds.” Lian Rong gently said.

The warm breath escaping between her lips brushed against Gu Hengbo’s little ears, inevitably turning them slightly red.

Gu Hengbo’s heart raced for no reason, and her face felt hot.

“Meisheng,” a voice suddenly called as the door swung open, and a figure stepped across the screen. Gu Cheng had just returned from outside and rushed over without even going to the courtyard, wanting to see if Gu Hengbo had a smooth day in the palace. However…

“Gu Cheng greets Prince Rong,” Gu Cheng said, bowing politely, though he couldn’t help but feel puzzled. Prince Rong was usually lazy and rarely went out except for the occasional visit to the Empress.

“Eldest Son, no need for such formalities.”

Gu Hengbo felt a wave of relief, standing up quickly as if she had found a savior. She rushed over and warmly grabbed Gu Cheng’s sleeve. “Brother, you finally returned! You didn’t come to see me off to the palace today.”

Gu Cheng affectionately ruffled her hair and smiled, “It’s just that I’ve been so busy lately that I’ve neglected you. Once this is over, I’ll spend more time with you at home.”

Although Gu Hengbo felt awkward inside, her face still beamed with joy as she thought to herself, Why hasn’t Lian Rong left yet?