When Chu Yuan arrived with Ruan Ning, Chu Yunzheng’s face darkened. “She is of low status. It’s fine to pamper her in the palace, but why bring her here? Aren’t you afraid of being laughed at?”
“Who dares to laugh at my woman?” Chu Yuan replied calmly.
Chu Yunzheng was unhappy but didn’t want to argue.
He turned to Ruan Ning and said, “The Prince of Ning dotes on you. Don’t you have any sense of propriety? Is this a place you can come to?”
Ruan Ning remained silent. Chu Yunzheng had been reprimanding her frequently. Although Chu Yuan defended her, Chu Yunzheng persisted in finding fault.
Chu Yuan wrapped his arm around her waist and said to Chu Yunzheng, “Wherever I can go, she can go. If Your Majesty dislikes her, I’ll leave with her.”
Chu Yunzheng, typically scheming, was often outmatched by Chu Yuan. The Empress, sensing the tension, laughed and mediated, “Your Majesty mentioned this morning that this year’s Winter Solstice Banquet should be informal, allowing the children to enjoy themselves. He must have forgotten amidst the bustle. Let’s allow them some freedom. By the way, Prince of Ning, the palace servants just said that the first green plum blossoms have bloomed in the Plum Garden. The Crown Prince and others have gone to appreciate them. You should go too.”
With the Empress’s intervention, Chu Yunzheng stopped nagging. Chu Yuan took Ruan Ning away. Just as they entered the Plum Garden, a delicate figure in white fox fur appeared, saying softly, “Huo Rou pays respects to the Prince of Ning.”
Ruan Ning noticed that Huo Rou had dressed carefully today. Her subtle makeup enhanced her naturally fair skin, making her look rosy and inviting. Dressed in white, she resembled a delicate pink ball, attracting the attention of many men.
However, Chu Yuan didn’t glance at her. Avoiding conversation, he pulled Ruan Ning to walk past Huo Rou. Ignoring this, Huo Rou called out, “Ning sister, please wait a moment.”
Chu Yuan frowned and asked Ruan Ning, “Do you know her?”
Ruan Ning stood on tiptoe and whispered, “She’s probably the one who asked to see you through the Crown Prince’s wife the other day.”
