Chapter 8

Chapter 8

The first time I saw Hu Mianmian, I decided I was going to be good friends with her.

It was the second day after we entered the Eastern Palace together. The Crown Princess took me with her to pay respects to the Empress. I was in a terrible mood that day, wearing a foul expression that warned strangers to keep their distance. Seeing me like that, even the Crown Princess did not quite dare to say anything too familiar to me.

Only the silly Hu Mianmian dared to strike up a conversation with me on the way back to the Eastern Palace.

“Sister Ruan, I think you’re so cool.”

After saying that, Hu Mianmian ran off with a smile.

At the time, I thought that having her in the Eastern Palace did not seem so bad. At least my life would not be too boring.

But in a mere two years, the light in her eyes had dimmed.

I was truly worried. The next day, I gritted my teeth and decided to go find the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince was reading alone in his study. He must have been quite surprised by my arrival, but I did not have to wait long before I was allowed in to see him.

After I paid my respects and exchanged the proper courtesies, I suddenly had no idea how to begin. The atmosphere abruptly turned awkward.

He set down his book, propped his cheek on one hand, and looked at me curiously. Then he asked, “Yueying is a rare guest. Since you’ve come, there must be something you wish to say. I truly am curious what matter could have brought you here.”

I steeled myself. For Mianmian’s happiness, I was going all in.

“Your Highness, Hu Liangdi has not been feeling well lately. Hu Liangdi is sincere in her feelings for Your Highness. If Your Highness could visit her, her mood would improve, and once her mood improves, her health will improve as well.”

As I said those words, I did not dare raise my head to look at the Crown Prince. For one woman to stand before her own husband and relay another woman’s lovesickness for him was truly humiliating.

He gave a soft laugh and said, “If Hu Liangdi misses me, why did she not send someone to invite me? Why is it you who has come to do it for her?”

I was honestly about to run out of patience. But for Mianmian’s sake, I forced myself to answer calmly.

“Hu Liangdi was afraid of disturbing Your Highness. It is only that I have seen her condition growing worse and worse of late. I was truly worried, so I could only take the liberty of coming here to disturb you. Your Highness, for the sake of the two years she has been married to you, please go see her.”

I could never read the Crown Prince’s expression. I did not understand why, at this very moment, he kept smiling.

All I felt was that he deserved a beating. An immature brat who would never grow up and had no conscience.

The Crown Prince nodded and said, “I understand. I will go see her tonight.”

Before I could thank him for his grace, he added, “I knew it. You would only come here for someone else’s sake.”

I was utterly baffled and looked at him in confusion. But I had nothing to argue, so I obediently knelt and thanked him.

He walked over to help me up, then strode away.

“I will go now.”

No matter how I looked at it, there was something wrong with him.

That night, he stayed in Hu Mianmian’s room. I slept very well too. Mianmian would surely get better, wouldn’t she?

The next evening, the Crown Prince came to see Chan’er. As he chatted idly with me, I finally learned that Mianmian had indeed been ill for some time. She had already been taking medicinal decoctions for a while.

The moment I heard that, I rushed out the door to find Hu Mianmian. The Crown Prince hurriedly grabbed me and soothed me, saying, “Don’t panic. She is already improving. It was my fault as well. I neglected her. She told me not to tell you, so you must not let her know it was I who said anything.”

Half complaining, I said, “Why hide it from me? Would I blame her or something? I wouldn’t even have enough time to feel sorry for her. I’m a strong, healthy idler with nothing to do. What is there to be afraid of disturbing? That Hu Mianmian. She always understands the things she doesn’t need to.”

The Crown Prince signaled for the wet nurse and servants to carry Chan’er away. Suddenly, only the two of us were left in the room. I grew so nervous that even my tears were forced back.