The unease in her heart lingered, and though she was respectful towards Chu Qianli, she could also see that she was afraid of her.
"Sister-in-law, there's no need to be afraid. Although the Princess appears somewhat cold, she is actually a good person."
This was Chu Feiyan's evaluation of Chu Qianli.
While it sounded a bit impolite, it also conveyed that she was genuinely convinced by Chu Qianli.
In her words, there was no trace of past resentment.
Ru Ji still did not dare to be presumptuous in front of Chu Qianli, after all, she was the Princess who held their lives in her hands.
Chu Minghao looked at Chu Qianli, his emotions a jumble.
The past flooded back, and he had so many things he wanted to say, to explain, to apologize for.
But in the end, all that remained was: "Thank you, Your Highness!"
He had never met such a magnanimous woman; even men could not achieve such a feat, yet Chu Qianli had.
If it were someone with a narrower mind, would he still be alive now?
The harm he had inflicted upon her in the past was far from minor.
"As long as you sincerely repent, live a good life henceforth, and accumulate good deeds, all past matters will be like clouds, wiped clean."
When facing Chu Minghao, Chu Qianli remained expressionless.
She was not condescending, but there was absolutely no warmth in her demeanor.
She did not pity Chu Minghao; a person like Chu Minghao, even if he repented from this moment on, was not worthy of her sympathy.
Her concern was solely for the unborn child in Ru Ji's womb.
"It's getting late, let's go." Chu Qianli waved her hand.
Guards immediately came forward.
Chu Minghao knelt down, and Ru Ji quickly followed suit.
After paying their respects to Chu Qianli, they set off under the escort of the guards.
Chu Feiyan, whose relationship with Chu Minghao had not been good in the past, now inexplicably felt concerned and accompanied them.
Although she couldn't escort them to the border town, she could at least see them off outside the city gates.
As for Xi Jiu, he was initially hesitant, but seeing that Chu Qianli had no further instructions, he followed Chu Feiyan.
He was afraid that Chu Feiyan might be too heartbroken and have no one to comfort her.
After everyone had left, Yang Xun approached and said in a low voice, "Princess, I have made arrangements with the guards. They will take good care of them along the way."
After all, one was injured, and the other was pregnant. If they were escorted like ordinary criminals, they might not even reach the border town alive.
"However, regarding the property deed..."
"Have them keep a close eye on it. If Chu Minghao still mistreats Ru Ji on the journey, then this property deed need not be given."
Chu Qianli turned and headed back towards the palace.
"Your subordinate understands."
Yang Xun looked at the property deed in his hand, his heart filled with emotion.
In truth, the Princess was not as heartless as she seemed, abandoning them to their fate.
The Princess, in his eyes, was the kindest person he had ever met.
However, she was not a pushover.
... Chu Qianli returned to the palace, but instead of going to her own courtyard, she went directly to the Emperor's sleeping quarters.
It was necessary to inform Chu Wang about the matter of the Heaven and Earth Lock.
The Fourth Imperial Uncle had been in a very somber mood recently. On one hand, he worried about the Emperor's illness; on the other hand, he was troubled by the rumors of the Heaven and Earth Lock and how to resolve them.
Perhaps sharing this news would bring him some relief.
However, as soon as she walked into the Emperor's sleeping quarters, she saw a guard rushing out.
Upon seeing Chu Qianli, the guard's eyes lit up, and he immediately approached: "Greetings, Princess!"
"Princess, Mr. Liu Jin has ordered this subordinate to inform you that everything you need has been prepared, and you can begin... begin that... surgery at any time."