sjar Chapter 563 Enemies are extremely jealous when they meet
Chapter 563 Enemies are extremely jealous when they meet
Chu Ruohan gave him a wink, and Gu Qingchen understood immediately.
The little girl, who was jumping around just a second ago, cried out "Ouch!" and her small body tilted to one side. She then grabbed Zhao Qinghan's leg and hung on it.
"Big sister, I twisted my ankle, it hurts so much, I can't walk."
She looked up at Zhao Qinghan with a pitiful expression, her wrinkled little face instantly filling with tears that seemed about to fall.
Zhao Qinghan had never seen anything like this before and was at a loss for what to do. She quickly squatted down to help her up.
"Little sister, don't cry, where does it hurt? Let me see."
Old Madam Zhao frowned slightly. Having experienced the ways of the world, she could naturally see that the child was putting on an act.
But the monk was still waiting for a reply, so she couldn't get angry. She could only say in a deep voice, "Since you've sprained your ankle, wait here for your mother to return. We still need to pay our respects to Princess Yong, so we can't delay."
That makes sense, and it also implies distancing oneself.
Upon hearing this, Gu Qingchen immediately burst into tears and clung to Zhao Qinghan's arm, refusing to let go.
"No! My mother is missing, and I'm scared to be alone! Big sister, please take me with you!"
"I'll stay right by your side, and I promise I won't make a fuss!"
She was sobbing, her little shoulders trembling, and anyone who saw her would feel sorry for her.
Old Madam Zhao wanted to say something, but seeing the lovely little girl crying so sadly, she couldn't bring herself to harden her heart.
Furthermore, it wouldn't be considered improper for Princess Yong to bring a child along when she held a vegetarian feast and invited many worshippers.
She sighed and said helplessly, "Fine, fine, take it with you. But you mustn't act so recklessly when you meet important people."
"Thank you, Grandma!"
Gu Qingchen immediately stopped crying and smiled, turning back to wink secretly in the direction of the depths of the plum grove.
Chu Ruohan, hiding behind a tree, saw the whole scene clearly. She felt both annoyed and amused, but she was also completely relieved.
She followed silently from a distance, watching the grandmother and grandson lead their little liar towards the dining hall.
Inside the dining hall, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood. Princess Yong sat in the main seat, while the person diligently serving her food was Zhao Qingzhi, the eldest daughter of Minister Zhao.
Princess Yong was quite pleased with her obedient and ingratiating demeanor and was about to say a few words of praise.
Then, the old lady of the Zhao family led her granddaughter and a little girl she didn't recognize into walking in.
Since Princess Yong has taken a liking to Zhao Qingzhi, it is natural that the Zhao family should have some contact with her.
When he saw the little girl's face clearly, his expression immediately darkened.
"why you?"
Princess Yong's tone was full of disgust, "Is this the kind of upbringing the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion is to let their daughters pester others and cling to them?"
The two were enemies, and their meeting was filled with intense hatred.
At the last flower-viewing banquet, Princess Yong said that no one would dare to marry her in the future. Gu Qingchen still remembers that!
She was being led by Zhao Qinghan, but upon hearing these words, she was not afraid at all, and instead broke free from Zhao Qinghan's hand.
She stepped forward and, imitating the adults, gave a proper bow.
"Qingchen greets the late Princess Yong."
The word "old" was pronounced crisply and loudly.
Princess Yong's face turned green on the spot.
Gu Qingchen, however, seemed not to see it. With her innocent little face upturned, she said confidently, "My uncle the emperor taught me that I should be polite to my elders."
"You are the Emperor's elder, so naturally you are the Princess Consort of Yong."
She tilted her head, looking completely confused.
"I can't very well call you Princess Consort of Xiao Yong, can I? People would think you're some kind of ancient monster who's cultivated yourself into a spirit from some mountain and lived for hundreds of years!"
Chu Ruohan, who was outside the door, stumbled and almost lost her balance.
Whose mouth does this child take after? How can he be so sharp-tongued!
"You! You are so presumptuous!"
Princess Yong was so angry that her chest heaved violently, and her hand trembled as she pointed at Gu Qingchen.
Seeing this, Zhao Qingzhi immediately seized the opportunity to show off.
She took a step forward, her eyebrows furrowed, and adopted the air of an elder sister, sternly rebuking, "Gu Qingchen! Even if your father is the Duke of Zhenguo, you cannot speak so recklessly and disrespectfully in front of the Princess Consort!"
Gu Qingchen.
Duke Zhenguo.
Upon hearing these words, Zhao Qinghan and Old Madam Zhao's expressions changed instantly.
Only then did they realize that the little girl who had clung to them all the way was actually the beloved daughter of the powerful Duke of Zhenguo!
Seeing the tense atmosphere in the dining hall, Chu Ruohan knew it was time for her to make her appearance.
She immediately composed herself, adopting an extremely anxious expression, and rushed in, lifting her skirt.
"Qingchen! My son, where have you been! You scared your mother to death!"
She pulled Gu Qingchen into her arms and looked him over from head to toe. Only after seeing everyone in the room did she quickly hug her daughter and bow to the Princess Consort of Yong.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects. My daughter and I got separated in the backyard just now. In my haste, I lost my manners and disturbed Your Majesty's peace. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."
Princess Yong's face was already ashen. She snorted coldly and did not call out.
"The Duchess of Zhenguo certainly knows how to raise her daughter. Does she inherit this ability to spout nonsense from you or from the Duke of Zhenguo?"
Chu Ruohan maintained her curtsy posture, her voice calm and even: "Your Highness, please calm your anger. My daughter is young and ignorant; if she has said anything offensive, I apologize on her behalf."
"However, what happened today was indeed my fault. I should not have let the child run around alone, which caused you all to be disturbed."
Her words took the blame upon herself, but also made it clear that Gu Qingchen was merely "young and ignorant" and had not intended to offend her.
Seeing that Princess Yong's anger had not subsided, Zhao Qingzhi immediately stepped forward and said softly, "Your Highness, please don't upset yourself. Miss Gu is young and may not know any better. However, Puji Temple is a quiet place, and such noise is indeed inappropriate."
Her words, though seemingly meant to be admonish, were actually a veiled criticism of the Zhenguo Duke's family for their lax discipline, which also included a disparagement of Chu Ruohan.
Gu Qingchen peeked out from Chu Ruohan's arms and said loudly, "I didn't make a fuss! She was the one who said I was clinging to someone and trying to climb the social ladder! My mother taught me that I should treat others the way they treat me!"
Her little finger pointed at Princess Yong, showing no fear whatsoever.
Princess Yong was so angry she nearly fell over: "You unruly girl! You've gone too far!"
"I will discipline my daughter myself."
Chu Ruohan straightened up, shielding Gu Qingchen behind her, and looked calmly at the Princess Consort of Yong.
"If Your Highness feels that Qingchen is at fault, you are free to speak to the Emperor and Empress. I believe that the Emperor and Empress will make a fair judgment."
She invoked the emperor and empress, which was a reminder to Princess Yong not to abuse her status and bully others.
Old Madam Zhao had remained silent until now, when she coughed softly and bowed slightly to Princess Yong.
"Your Highness, today is an auspicious day for your vegetarian feast. Please do not let such trivial matters disturb your peace. In my opinion, the child's mistake was unintentional."
She glanced at Zhao Qinghan, who was also silent beside her, signaling her not to get involved.
Zhao Qinghan lowered her head slightly, her long eyelashes concealing the emotions in her eyes. She felt that the atmosphere in the dining hall was even colder than the winter wind.