C5 Ziyu Had a Father and a Mother

Conspiring with traitors to harm her!

If it weren't for the need to avoid alerting the enemy, she would have killed Yindieh herself!

The maid, seeing this, calmed down, but she couldn't decide matters of life and death and feared it might harm her mistress.

"Your Highness, you're so magnanimous. I'm here to plead for Chun's sake, asking you to spare this girl."

Wen Wan glanced over. "What's your name?"

"My name is Hua Fu."

Wen Wan nodded. "Since you're pleading, I'll have this disgraceful maid kneel here and reflect. Go back and send my regards to Chun. Today's incident was my fault for not managing things properly. Please ask Chun to be understanding."

"Your Highness, you're too kind. I will report everything truthfully."

Hua Fu, holding the little green snake, looked more respectful.

In the distance, at the Imperial Pavilion.

A middle-aged woman in a simple silk dress spoke softly, "They say the Eldest Miss of the South Control Marquis Mansion is spoiled by the Old Marquis, but she seems quite sensible."

Xiao Chen withdrew his gaze indifferently. "It's chilly here. Let me escort you back, Mother."

The middle-aged woman was Consort Xian, Chung Zhi, graceful and strikingly beautiful, still a beauty in her thirties.

Xiao Chen had entered through the Eternal Stable Gate, intending to visit the Pure Reflection Palace, but upon seeing his mother at the Imperial Pavilion, he decided to turn back.

"Just a couple of days ago, Noble Consort Chen graciously visited my palace and mentioned Wen Xian, the adopted daughter of Scholar Wen. She's quite skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Although Wen Xian isn't a direct descendant of the South Control Marquis Mansion and is adopted, your mother has heard she's a fine young lady. If you have any interest..."

"I have no interest," Xiao Chen interrupted, shifting the conversation. "I mentioned to you earlier, Mother, that I'd like you to take some time to rest at the Country Protecting Temple under the guise of seeking blessings. Has the Empress approved?"

Consort Xian's eyes dimmed slightly. "Leaving the palace is a significant matter, and besides, I don't wish to go."

Chung Zhi may appear delicate, but she is incredibly stubborn at heart. It's likely she hasn't even brought this up with the Empress.

"I mean no harm, Mother. I'm just concerned that the palace's intrigues might be too much for you."

In the past, Consort Xian had died from illness. But how much of that illness was wrapped in conspiracy and schemes, who could say?

Consort Xian smiled, "Don't worry about me. If you could bring home a wife and give me a grandchild, I'd be too busy helping with the baby to bother with anything else."

Xiao Chen gave a wry smile. "You're putting me in a tough spot, Mother."

"Isn't there anyone you fancy?" Consort Xian persisted, leaning forward with a hopeful glint in her eyes.

"If I find someone I like, I'll be sure to tell you first, Mother."

...

Sweet Spring Palace.

The subtle scent of moon lilies filled the entire inner hall, rich and fragrant. Wen Wan paid her respects, and her aunt, Wen Ruoxuan, pulled her to sit beside her.

"Wan, this time I really have to praise you."

"A woman faces two life-and-death situations in her life: marriage and childbirth," Wen Ruoxuan sighed. "Su Xuanjing, although known as the most eligible bachelor, may not have the right character. You were right to refuse him!"

Wen Wan lowered her eyes. "I was reckless before, not understanding the dangers of the world. Thank you for your guidance, Aunt."

Wen Ruoxuan affectionately ruffled her hair. "Silly girl."

Just then, the maid Qiuqing entered from outside. "Noble Consort, someone from Lady Chun's side came by. They said it was just a small garter snake, and she doesn't mind. She asks that County Princess Wen doesn't worry either."

"Understood."

...

As Wen Wan was leaving the palace gates, she saw Xiao Chen. She was about to catch up with him when Su Xuanjing blocked her path.

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