Chu Qianli hesitated for a moment.
But in the end, she let Gui Tong's hand rest on her shoulder.
Gui Tong's five fingers were tightening.
Chu Qianli instantly felt the oppressive power, but her small, palm-sized face remained expressionless.
"Young Master Hao, cooperation is built on mutual trust. If you truly wish to cooperate with me, you had best not break my heart."
Gui Tong was slightly taken aback.
Chu Minghao was also stunned.
When did this girl see through his intention to cooperate with her?
"Why would I cooperate with you?" he asked, pursing his lips.
Chu Qianli smiled faintly. "Do you really want me to say it here?"
Chu Minghao glanced around. Although the guards had retreated and no one dared to disturb them,
it was still not a good place to talk.
He hesitated for only a moment before smiling, "Alright, since you've seen through me, I won't hide it. Miss Chu, would you be willing to meet me in the drawing-room downstairs?"
...
The news that Chu Qianli had attempted to assassinate Chu Feiyan and was imprisoned in Yuhua Palace by Young Master Hao quickly spread throughout the palace.
The Empress made no move, and the Emperor also seemed very quiet.
The palace was silent, except for the Emperor and Empress each sending people to inquire about the well-being of Princess Feiyan. Other than that, there seemed to be no immediate action.
It also seemed that no one cared about Chu Qianli's situation at all.
The entire imperial palace was too quiet.
So quiet, it was somewhat unusual.
"Is there truly no movement from Prince Xuan's side?" The Empress had returned.
The嬷嬷 (mómó - wet nurse/elderly female attendant) sent to care for Princess Feiyan had also returned.
And those responsible for gathering information on Prince Xuan's mansion had all arrived.
As for Feng Qihe, using the excuse of escorting the Empress back to the palace, he was currently staying in the Empress's sleeping quarters.
However, he appeared somewhat restless.
The Empress glanced at him with a hint of displeasure. "Ever since you met Chu Qianli, you've become strange, He'er. Where has your usual composure and calmness gone?"
"Mother, you worry too much. Your son is merely contemplating what Young Master Hao's true intentions are."
Feng Qihe's furrowed brow, wanting to relax, remained somewhat troubled.
The Empress shook her head and looked at him. "I am your mother. How could a mother not know her son's thoughts?"
Therefore, this was the most peculiar thing.
Even her He'er was restless, so why was Prince Xuan's mansion completely silent?
"Does Feng Yexuan truly not care anymore?"
"How could he not care?" Feng Qihe snorted coldly.
"But tonight, you and Chu Qianli joined forces to harm him. Didn't you say he looked desperate?"
It might not be impossible that he had truly given up on Chu Qianli.
If he had truly given up, it wouldn't necessarily be a good thing for them.
Prince Xuan needed a weakness to be controlled by them.
But now, it seemed the one with the weakness was her son.
"He'er, are you truly not taking what Mother says to heart?" she asked with dissatisfaction.
Feng Qihe didn't quite react. "Mother, what are you referring to?"
"Mother told you to treat Chu Qianli well to win her favor, not to fall for her yourself!"
But seeing her son's current state, she was truly worried.
Could it be that the pretense had become reality?
"She is Feng Yexuan's woman, already played with by Feng Yexuan and other men. Such a withered flower, do you truly care about her?"
"Mother, her marriage to Fourth Imperial Brother was a proper, formal union, not an illicit affair. As for other men, she is innocent in her dealings with them."
Feng Qihe's expression was not good as he said seriously, "She is not that kind of casual girl. If she were truly casual, I... I wouldn't be in this situation now, unable to even touch her!"