chapter 13 The Crown Princess whose engagement was broken off (13)

When Eunuch Qi arrived at the Wangshan Villa with the imperial decree and rewards in hand, the people from the Eldest Princess's residence and the Dingguo Duke’s Mansion had not left yet, and the traces of the fireworks and firecrackers had not been cleaned up.

Eunuch Qi discreetly glanced around without leaving a trace, thinking that the move in the Eastern Palace was indeed a big mistake.

He greeted the Eldest Princess and Ethan Gu, and exchanged pleasantries with his former superior and the old steward of the Eldest Princess's residence before proceeding to read the imperial decree in an orderly manner.

In an ordinary household, if their daughter were to be bestowed the title of a county princess, they would at least show excitement, if not faint on the spot. However, everyone present remained calm.

Lilith Jin calmly accepted the imperial decree and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Eunuch Qi quickly bent down and lightly held Lilith Jin's hand, saying, "County Princess, please rise quickly. When I left the palace, His Majesty also said that you are allowed not to kneel before anyone in the future."

Lilith Jin was somewhat surprised by this. "His Majesty is very gracious, and I dare not."

You dare not? Who in this world, aside from His Majesty and the Empress, would dare to make you kneel? Moreover, even His Majesty has exempted you from performing courtesies time and time again!

Eunuch Qi remained composed and said, "County Princess, please do not say that. His Majesty cares for your well-being."

After comforting Lilith Jin for a few moments, Eunuch Qi prepared to leave. As he was about to exit, he casually said to the old steward of the Eldest Princess's residence, "Old sir, please wait. His Majesty has restricted the Empress's movement, and the Crown Prince has been confined to reflect on his actions. I will have to deliver a decree to the Eastern Palace later. I will visit you another time."

...

In the Eastern Palace.

"Your Highness, if you truly like that woman, you could have brought her into the palace at a later time. Why offend Prime Minister Gu and the Eldest Princess for her?"

"We need to act quickly and try to remedy the situation now. Perhaps we can salvage this."

"Your Highness, there's no time for hesitation. Prime Minister Gu and the Eldest Princess dote on the Crown Princess. Moreover, there's also the Grand Princess and Duke Dingguo..."

"That's enough!" The Crown Prince scolded sharply, startling his advisors.

"Your Highness..."

"Do you all think that without her, Gu Lilith Jin, I can't achieve anything, and I can't wait for the throne anymore?"

"Your Highness, beware of eavesdroppers!"

"Your Highness, we certainly don't mean that. It's just that this marriage was sought by you personally, and it went through several twists and turns to be approved. Now... there may be unfavorable rumors circulating about you."

"You have a close relationship with the Crown Princess from childhood, and if you explain the situation to her with emotion and reason, she might lean towards you. But if you do nothing and let her heart grow cold, it will be difficult to win her back later!"

"Yes, Your Highness, it's important to be prepared early!"

The Crown Prince listened with a cold expression but remained unperturbed. "Impossible, the Crown Princess loves me so much, she will naturally side with me!"

Advisors: "..."

The Crown Princess used to be devoted to you, but now, because of a commoner girl, even if she loves you desperately, Prime Minister Gu and the Eldest Princess won't be easy to deal with!

When Eunuch Qi came to deliver a message, the advisors were still trying to persuade the Crown Prince.

Upon hearing that the Emperor had restricted his movements and didn't mention when the restrictions would be lifted, everyone was stunned.

The one who found it most difficult to accept was the Crown Prince himself. He looked at Eunuch Qi in disbelief and asked, "Father Emperor really said that?"

Eunuch Qi wore a remorseful smile and said, "Your Highness, even if you gave me a hundred courage, I wouldn't dare to fabricate His Majesty's decree."

He then mentioned that he needed to deliver a message to the Empress's palace as well.

Hearing that the Empress had been confined and her power had waned, the Crown Prince was instantly devastated, his eyes filled with anger.

What a Lilith Jin! What a Gu family! They thought they could threaten him, force him to retract his command using this method? He would not let them have their way!

..