frightfiction Chapter 964: Are You Here to Punish Me?
Chapter 964: Are You Here to Punish Me?
But the eldest princess’ innocence is true, her simplicity is true, her ignorance of the world is true, and it is also true that she has not experienced the sufferings of the world.
During the time she was lurking in Yongshou Palace, even though she had her own ulterior motives, she truly regarded the eldest princess as a friend.
So today, when Chu Xiyan heard the eldest princess innocently say that she should forgive Liu Shiqing and they should continue to be friends, she felt angry and powerless at the same time...
Because how could a princess who had never experienced any hardship and was loved by everyone understand the reason why she shouldn't eat meat?
Chu Xiyan was just thankful that even though she was sad and angry, she remained rational and treated the eldest princess respectfully.
Otherwise, because of the distinction between high and low, not only would she be punished, but she would also implicate Concubine Chen.
After returning to Zhongcui Palace, Chu Xiyan met Xiao Mingzi and nodded to greet him: "Eunuch Ming."
Xiao Mingzi noticed at a glance that Chu Xiyan's eyes were a little red.
He frowned slightly and asked with concern: "Xi Yan, what's wrong with you?"
"Did someone bully you when you went to Yuhua Pavilion to deliver Buddhist scriptures?"
Not to mention that Chu Xiyan is more respected by the Empress, even if she is just a random maid sweeping the floor in Zhongcui Palace, outsiders would not dare to bully her, otherwise it would be a slap in the face of the Empress.
Chu Xiyan shook her head: "No."
"Thank you for your concern, Eunuch Ming. I won't be in the way."
Xiao Mingzi said in a gentle voice: "You are about to cry, isn't that a problem? Tell me, what happened?"
"We in Zhongcui Palace cannot be bullied by others."
Chu Xiyan didn't want to mention what happened in the Imperial Garden, but she was worried that something unexpected might happen and implicate the Empress.
So she lowered her head and told him everything that had just happened.
Xiao Mingzi knew Chu Xiyan's background. He was silent after listening to her and looked at her with a hint of sympathy in his eyes.
However, the eldest princess was only five years old, and he could not blame her too much.
Besides, the eldest princess is the master and they are just palace servants, so how dare they make up stories behind her back?
Xiao Mingzi could only comfort her: "Xiyan, don't be sad. Changchun Palace is far from Zhongcui Palace, and your chances of meeting the eldest princess in the future are few and far between. Just work hard in Zhongcui Palace and live a good life."
Chu Xiyan bit her lip and nodded.
Ever since Liu Shiqing was executed, she has slowly tried to let go of the hatred in her heart and live a good life.
Because she knew that if her father and mother were still alive in heaven, they would definitely not want to see her live in hatred all her life.
Only if she lives well will her father and mother be happy.
Moreover, Her Majesty the Imperial Concubine Chen is kind and generous to her subordinates, and the palace maids in Zhongcui Palace are also easy to get along with.
Especially Eunuch Ming, who always takes good care of her on a daily basis.
Living here, she already lived better than many other maids in the palace.
Chu Xiyan is very satisfied and cherishes this kind of life.
At worst, she would stay away from the eldest princess from now on, and even if she met her occasionally, she would just find a way to avoid her.
Xiao Mingzi smiled gently at Chu Xiyan: "Okay, go in and report back, and tell the queen about this matter so that she can know the situation."
Chu Xiyan said "hmm" and went into the inner room.
After finishing her ceremony, she bowed her head and said, "…Madam, I have already placed the Buddhist scriptures you copied in Yuhua Pavilion for worship."
Shen Zhinian nodded slightly: "I understand."
Then, Chu Xiyan said, "There is one more thing... On my way to Yuhua Pavilion today, I met the eldest princess in the Imperial Garden..."
As soon as she finished explaining the whole story, Xia Feng came in from outside and announced, "Your Majesty, Concubine Zhuang wants to see you."
Shen Zhinian subconsciously glanced at Chu Xiyan.
Somehow, Chu Xiyan suddenly had a bad feeling in her heart...
Is Concubine Zhuang coming here to call for punishment because of the eldest princess?
But in the imperial garden, she was always respectful to the eldest princess and did not behave disrespectfully at all.
Is it a crime that she doesn't want to be friends with the daughter of her enemy who destroyed her family?
Shen Zhinian said: "Let her come in."
Xia Feng said: "Yes."
Concubine Zhuang was wearing a plain palace dress today, which was very elegant, and she also had a faint scent of sandalwood on her body. Just standing there, she gave people a feeling of peace of mind.
After entering, Concubine Zhuang bowed to Shen Zhinian and said, "Your Highness, I pay my respects to Her Majesty, Concubine Chen. May Your Majesty be blessed with good health!"
Ruoli also followed behind Concubine Zhuang and bowed respectfully.
But she was disdainful in her heart.
Concubine Chen is so young, and she has to ask her own queen to give her such a great gift. Can she bear it?
No wonder the queen is reluctant to come to Zhongcui Palace on weekdays. Who would be willing to pay a visit to someone whose rank was countless ranks lower than hers in the past?
Shen Zhinian picked up the teacup on the table, took a sip, and then said slowly, "Get up."
"Give me a seat."
Concubine Zhuang said, "Thank you, Imperial Concubine Chen."
Shen Zhinian guessed the purpose of Concubine Zhuang's visit, but still asked, "How come you have time to visit Zhongcui Palace today?"
Concubine Zhuang seemed a little helpless: "I know that Concubine Chen is in charge of the six palaces, taking care of the fourth prince, and serving His Majesty. She is busy every day, so I shouldn't come to disturb you."
"It's just that... I have no children. Fortunately, Your Majesty has shown mercy and raised the eldest princess. To me, the eldest princess is my life."
"Who would have thought that when she went to play in the Imperial Garden today, she was made to cry by a little maid in the Empress's palace. Seeing that the eldest princess' eyes were swollen from crying, I felt so distressed..."
"I understand that Her Majesty the Imperial Concubine Chen is very strict with her subordinates and will certainly not condone the maids to do such a disobedient act. That's why I wanted to ask what exactly is going on, so as to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings."
When Chu Xiyan heard this, her face suddenly turned pale.
She did not commit any offense, nor was she disrespectful to the eldest princess. She just didn't want to be friends with the eldest princess.
Should she be blamed for the fact that the eldest princess cried?
But after living in the palace for so long, Chu Xiyan has already understood very well that there are differences between the superior and the inferior.
She knelt on the ground, kowtowed, and explained: "Please understand, Empress Chen and Empress Zhuang!"
"I did meet the eldest princess in the Imperial Garden today and talked to her. But I was not disrespectful to her, let alone committing a crime of insubordination!"
"The eldest princess's nanny and the maids in the imperial garden can all testify to this."
"Please understand, Empress Chen and Empress Zhuang!"
Her mother lost her life because of Liu Shiqing's momentary anger.
She didn’t want to be like her mother, who was beaten to death because the eldest princess cried…
Ruoli looked down at Chu Xiyan with contempt and asked coldly, "You said no, then no? The eldest princess burst into tears after she finished talking to you. Is this true?!"