Wei Shu felt an urge to explode with anger. She was becoming increasingly bold, daring to talk back to him. He stepped forward to grab her, but another figure rushed in front of him to take Ruan Ning away, coldly saying, “Your Highness, why have you broken into Yikun Palace in the middle of the night?”
“Move aside!” Wei Shu roared.
Gu Lianchang’s voice was not loud but carried more authority than Wei Shu’s. “Zhang Jing, go invite the Crown Prince’s tutor to bring him back to the Eastern Palace and explain the ‘Classic of Filial Piety’ carefully.”
“Gu Lianchang, since when is it your place to manage my affairs!” Wei Shu exploded.
“Why is Your Highness so furious?” Jin Wang, hearing the Crown Prince’s angry roar from afar, was secretly amused, and the neglect he felt from Gu Lianchang diminished. “Your Highness should be careful; it’s getting late now.”
If you continue to linger here with the Imperial Consort, the censors may advise against it tomorrow.”
Wei Shu didn’t expect to see him and retorted, “If you know it’s late, why are you still here? I came to discuss important matters with the Imperial Consort. What are you doing?”
“I heard you were angry, so I came to mediate,” Jin Wang smiled. “What has made you so angry? Tell me, and I’ll help resolve it.”
Wei Shu snorted disdainfully, “If you’re bored, you might as well discipline the Virtuous Consort and prevent her from causing trouble.”
Gu Lianzhang refused to let go. During the stalemate, Ruan Ning bit his tongue tip.
With a hiss, Gu Lianzhang was surprised and let her go: “You dare bite me?”
“You hurt me,” Ruan Ning said guiltily. Seeing his ugly expression, she quickly leaned in and rubbed her red lips against his, “I didn’t mean to. Don’t be angry. I’ll find you later, okay?”
Gu Lianzhang coldly snorted, “No need!” He turned and walked away, his face stern. Ruan Ning followed, feeling uneasy. She had bitten him hard, and he might be angry. It seemed she would need to work hard to coax him later.
The Eastern Palace was silent. The bedroom door was tightly closed, and the serving staff stood far away, while Qin Zhi’s trusted female official guarded the door with a solemn expression.
