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As she spoke, Nangong Nuo's most favored maid, Zhu Bi, swayed her slender waist and approached with a charming smile.
The charcoal fire in the palace blazed brightly, and a thin scarlet gauze robe barely draped over Zhu Bi's fragrant shoulders, hardly concealing her fair bosom. Her delicate oval face featured soft features, especially her eyes beneath elegantly arched brows, which sparkled like a pool of spring water, full of allure.
Nangong Nuo did not approach as usual with playful banter and pinch her tender cheek before teasing her. Instead, he walked alone to the table and sat down. His brows were slightly furrowed, and his expression was serious, as if he were still lost in thought.
Seeing Nangong Nuo's demeanor, Zhu Bi felt puzzled but dared not disturb him recklessly.
After pondering for a while, she realized that the only person who could occupy Nangong Nuo's mind so much was Zhao Prince. Coupled with recent rumors circulating in the palace, it all made sense.
This elusive Zhao Prince, known for his unpredictable actions, had disappeared for over two months under the pretense of inspecting various states. It was needless to say that he was avoiding that woman's grand wedding.
According to the schedule, he should have been away for at least another month. The New Year had only just passed halfway, yet he returned with such urgency. Such speed could only mean he was hurrying back for that woman!
Seeing Nangong Nuo, usually so playful and carefree, now deep in thought filled Zhu Bi's heart with disappointment and an indescribable feeling.
Suppressing her jealousy, she instructed a maid to bring tea and gently placed the cup in front of Nangong Nuo. While softly kneading his shoulders, she leaned closer to his ear and sweetly said, "My lord has been away these days; I have missed you so much. Look, this is the snow green tea I prepared for you; please have a taste..."
Nangong Nuo seemed oblivious to her words. After a long moment, he finally emerged from his reverie.
He picked up the tea cup and slowly stirred the floating green tea leaves while glancing at Zhu Bi beside him. Lazily, he asked, "What has happened in the palace during my absence?"
Zhu Bi thought to herself that this was a question he already knew the answer to but replied softly while feigning innocence, "My lord knows I usually keep to myself; there haven't been any major events. However, I did hear that the Empress Dowager sent someone to inquire about your return. If you come back, you must go to see the Empress Dowager immediately."
Nangong Nuo nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over Zhu Bi. After taking a sip of tea, he casually remarked, "Is that so? When I returned earlier, I went to check on the Cold Palace..."
"Cold Palace?" Zhu Bi exclaimed in surprise, covering her mouth. She hurriedly said, "My lord, what time is it? You still don't know to avoid suspicion! Nowadays, not to mention the Emperor, anyone who knows about this believes there is something between you and Miss Mei Shuang—uh, if you go to see her now and someone sees you, how will you explain that..."
Nangong Nuo fixed his gaze on Zhu Bi, his eyes turning cold. "Did you not say you knew nothing?"
Zhu Bi immediately realized she had misspoken and hurriedly fell silent. Lowering her head, she twisted her handkerchief nervously while stealing glances at Nangong Nuo's expression. She softly defended herself, "I was just thinking of your well-being, my lord..."
"Shameless!" Nangong Nuo's face darkened like frost as he threw the teacup onto the table. His peach blossom eyes narrowed slightly, radiating a sharp glare. "Zhu Bi, don’t think that just because I favor you, you can play tricks in front of me!"
Zhu Bi was terrified and quickly knelt before Nangong Nuo. "My lord, what are you—"
"I ask you," Nangong Nuo demanded, "on the day of Mei Shuang's wedding, what was going on with those letters from Weiyang Palace? If you utter even half a lie today, I will throw you straight into Mile Palace. Hmph, those Dragon Pythons haven't been fed well for some time..."
Zhu Bi turned pale with fright and hurriedly knocked her head against the ground like a pestle. Yet she desperately cried out in protest, "Ah ah, this is unjust, my lord! I truly know nothing about any letters from Weiyang Palace..."
"Very well," Nangong Nuo said, staring at Zhu Bi whose eyes flickered while she feigned calmness. Instead of getting angry, he smiled as he leaned forward slightly and gently traced his finger across her fair chest. "I remember when I first met you in the brothel; you mentioned that your cousin served the second young lady Mei Ru at Mei Manor. Is that true?"
Zhu Bi's heart raced like a drum as she nodded.
"Then tell me," Nangong Nuo pressed on, "where did your cousin end up? Hmm?"
Zhu Bi's face turned pale in an instant. Under Nangong Nuo's piercing gaze, the once pleasurable touch now felt like countless ants crawling over her skin, sending chills down her spine. She gritted her teeth and replied, "I have had little contact with my cousin; I only heard that she was expelled from Mei Manor for making a mistake. I truly do not know where she went—may I ask why my lord is inquiring about this?"
"Is that so?" Nangong Nuo's fingers paused, and he let out a slight scoff. "Do you think that just because I am outside, I have become deaf? Those letters from Weiyang Palace that exposed my privacy—if it weren't for someone close to Miss Mei Shuang, how could they know so much? That's not what I want to know. What I want to know is whether this framing and scheming has anything to do with the second miss of Mei Manor—the current Empress?"
Zhu Bi felt darkness cloud her vision, nearly fainting. After a moment of panic, she shook her head frantically, speaking incoherently, "No! I absolutely did not mean any harm to Miss Mei Shuang! I only admire the prince and am willing to be his concubine. I have never had any improper thoughts!"
"Hmph," Nangong Nuo smirked slightly, his finger moving toward Zhu Bi's sharp chin as he scrutinized her face. His voice was cold and hard as iron. "You? What do you mean by willing? You think you deserve that? I favor you, yet you should know your place. How dare you even dream of becoming my legitimate wife? You are overestimating yourself! You and your ilk are scheming well together. After killing Mei Shuang, there will be no distinction between legitimate and illegitimate in Mei Manor, and Mei Ru can solidly become the ruler of a nation. And what about you? It’s better not to mention those filthy thoughts; truly a case of killing three birds with one stone!"
Staring at Zhu Bi's pale face, which resembled snow, Nangong Nuo suddenly chuckled lightly. "How is it? Am I right? It must be quite a feat for you all to have started plotting this so early and succeeded in manipulating me all along. You must feel quite proud of yourselves."
Zhu Bi gazed at Nangong Nuo, her breathing growing increasingly rapid. Her nostrils flared as tears filled her large eyes, choking back sobs she said, "My lord, even if I have made mistakes, it was all for you. You are of noble birth; I have always admired you. But I know my place and would never dare to reach for you. To serve by your side is already my blessing. However... the reason for your favor is only because I resemble Miss Mei Shuang. Though I come from a brothel, I still have my pride; I do not wish to be someone else's substitute..."
As she spoke the last words, Zhu Bi's tears flowed freely, rendering her speechless.
"Hmph, well... what a touching speech; it almost softens my heart..." Nangong Nuo clapped and laughed. "Zhu Bi, I'm too lazy to waste words with you. What you've said is indeed correct. Looking like Miss Mei Shuang is your fortune. However, you may have forgotten that I've already stated: whoever dares to lay a hand on Miss Mei Shuang will lose their life!"
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