"Since Cousin Xiuzhu is unharmed, then this Palace is relieved. Upon returning to the palace, this Palace will send someone to deliver some top-grade medicinal herbs to Cousin Xiuzhu. Cousin Xiuzhu, please do not refuse." The Crown Prince said with a gentle expression.
Zhao Xiuzhu curtsied and said, "This humble subject thanks Your Highness the Crown Prince, but…"
The Crown Prince waved his hand, his smile as warm as a spring breeze, "Cousin Xiuzhu, you are already this Prince's future Crown Princess. You must not refuse what this Prince bestows upon you."
Though his voice was light, Zhao Xiuzhu was jolted.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince is too kind, this humble subject truly…"
"Is this Prince speaking with Cousin Xiuzhu?" The Crown Prince looked at Zhao Shiming with a smile, but Zhao Shiming felt a chill from head to toe.
For a moment, a peculiar silence settled upon them.
"Haha, Your Highness the Crown Prince, will this King soon be able to drink your wedding wine?" At this moment, Prince Min Nan suddenly spoke, breaking the eerie silence.
Even Xue Xingyue, who arrived shortly after, could clearly sense the undercurrents at play.
She looked at Song Xiuyuan, his expression unchanged, yet his gaze was exceptionally cold, like frost and dew on a winter night, chilling one to the bone. Suddenly, she felt a pang of discomfort; she found herself disliking seeing him like this.
She reached out, attempting to touch his hand, only to find it ice-cold. The coldness made her want to withdraw her hand quickly. However, before she could, her hand was enveloped by the chill. A frigid current flowed into her from his hand, causing her to shiver involuntarily.
Just as she was beginning to adapt to the cold, a warm current flowed from his hand into her palm. Soon, she felt warmth spreading throughout her body. She looked at him; although he hadn't moved, she knew he had used his inner energy for her.
Remembering Mu Xingzhi's reminder, she was about to speak when she heard his deep voice, "It's nothing, just for a moment."
As she was about to refuse, she suddenly heard the Crown Prince speak, "Then please invite Zhaoyan and Miss Xue to the wedding feast."
He did not invite Prince Min Nan, the Fourth Prince, or even the Ninth Princess. He specifically mentioned Song Xiuyuan and herself. She looked up at the Crown Prince, who stood bathed in the moonlight, clad in a purple brocade robe. She felt a sense of unease.
"Then this humble subject respectfully accepts." Song Xiuyuan slightly bowed and said.
The Crown Prince smiled, his smile as gentle as ever. His gaze now fell upon Zhao Xiuzhu, "Cousin Xiuzhu, see, your cousin is also blessing this Prince and you."
For some reason, looking at the Crown Prince at this moment, she felt an indescribable sensation.
She knew the Crown Prince's true nature was far from what he presented. She glanced at Zhao Xiuzhu, who merely kept her eyes lowered, her thoughts hidden.
"This is excellent. Your Highness the Crown Prince, you have also fulfilled your wish. Otherwise, if Xiao Wu were still alive, this Miss Zhao might not have been yours." Prince Min Nan said with a smile, and the atmosphere immediately turned heavy.
Xue Xingyue's eyes narrowed. Zhao Xiuzhu and the Fifth Prince? Was there a hidden story? Why had she never known?
"Imperial Uncle, your words carry great weight!" The Crown Prince said mildly, looking at Prince Min Nan.
Prince Min Nan chuckled, "My apologies, my mouth forgot to close."
"Imperial Uncle, today is Eldest Cousin's birthday. Speaking recklessly could lead to punishment." The Ninth Princess, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke.
Prince Min Nan nodded, "Indeed, punishment is due."
He then looked at Zhao Xiuzhu and said, "Miss Zhao, is there anything you desire? This King will surely grant it to you."
Zhao Xiuzhu seemed lost in thought, her mind elsewhere. Zhao Shiming quickly stepped forward and said, "Your Highness is too kind, my daughter…"
"Can this humble subject have anything the Prince can grant?"
Zhao Xiuzhu looked up at Prince Min Nan and asked, her eyes unusually bright. Prince Min Nan nodded subconsciously, "Naturally, this King keeps his word."
Zhao Xiuzhu stepped forward, curtsied, and said, "Then I implore Your Highness to advise His Majesty."
"Advise on what?" Prince Min Nan's interest was piqued.
Zhao Xiuzhu suddenly looked up, her gaze clear, "This humble subject is untalented and of poor character, unworthy of Your Highness the Crown Prince. I implore…" Da Feng Novel Network.
"Xiuzhu, what nonsense are you spouting?" Zhao Shiming grabbed Zhao Xiuzhu and slapped her hard across the face.
The slap was forceful. Zhao Xiuzhu staggered back several steps, finally managing to stand with the help of a maid.
At this moment, Song Xiuyuan suddenly stepped forward and whispered a few words into the Crown Prince's ear. The Crown Prince, though his gaze remained cold, nodded. He beckoned the Ninth Princess, who nodded and led the other ladies from various households away.
Although the ladies were reluctant, they understood that in such matters, it was better to keep a low profile.
Seeing that unrelated individuals had left, Zhao Shiming quickly stepped forward to apologize to the Crown Prince and Prince Min Nan, "Your Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness, please do not listen to my daughter's ramblings. She must have been frightened and is speaking out of turn."
"Whether she is speaking out of turn is for this Prince to judge. However, this is a marriage decreed by His Majesty. Your Zhao family has accepted the imperial edict. To go back on one's word is a capital offense. This Prince believes your Zhao family does not wish to reach that point, does it?"
"Your Highness speaks wisely. My daughter was indeed foolish. I beg Your Highness to forget what she just said." Zhao Shiming bowed.
"This can be considered foolishness, but what about Your Highness the Crown Prince?" Prince Min Nan looked up at the Crown Prince.