Scharlachroter Regen überflutet die Stadt

Kapitel 12

"Are you... the Eighth Prince from the palace?" I was a little flustered. If he really was, then he would be Lu Li's half-brother.

"Don't you know? You're a new girl?" He looked surprised, then sighed and looked at me. "I didn't expect Seventh Brother to be keeping a mistress. Compared to the women of my brothers, you are indeed much better."

"I am not—" I was about to say that I was not Lu Li's mistress, but his legitimate wife.

"You're not the one he's set his sights on?" Eighth Master's eyes lit up, and he chuckled. "That's much better."

"Huh?" I asked, puzzled.

He concealed his smile and leaned closer, "What's your name?"

I looked at him, puzzled. He just kept smiling. "It's okay if you don't tell me. Just remember... you can't promise yourself off to anyone else in the future. You're mine, Eighth Master."

"I..." I hesitated. I am his sister-in-law. If I tell him, the whole mansion will probably know that the dignified Princess Ning accompanied a man to a brothel. If I don't say anything, it's only a matter of time. However, I can wait and see. After this period passes and he forgets about it, I can pretend that I don't know anything. Maybe I can still get away with it.

"We've arrived at the Prince Ning's residence." He gently fanned himself with his fan. "Shall I escort you?"

"No need, no need." I hurriedly waved my hand, got out of the car, and he lifted the curtain and looked at me with a smile. I felt uncomfortable because of his smile, hurriedly thanked him, and ran into the mansion with my head down.

At that moment, I decided that no matter what happened in the future, I would never wander around aimlessly again.

In the past two weeks, Lu Li only sent one letter home, inquiring about the situation at home and only instructing me to keep an eye on the manor and take care of Yi Ling. I thought he would be wandering for more than a month, but unexpectedly, he returned before a month was up.

After not seeing him for many days, he seemed unchanged. His gaze was still indifferent, expressionless, only showing some weariness.

In the Empress's side hall, he first asked me how Yiling was doing. I said that judging from the situation, the delivery should be in July next year. He then said, "We were originally going to go to the suburbs again in July, but even so, I will ask Father Emperor to postpone it."

I remained silent. He looked at me and asked, "Is there nothing else?"

"It's gone."

He then fell silent, and a servant came to call him for his meal.

As I followed him into the main hall, I heard Fourth Sister-in-law's voice from inside, "Oh, how strange, Eighth Brother, you actually came today."

"Hearing that Seventh Brother is back, I rushed over to find him." This clear voice was jarring to me.

I stopped and tugged at Lu Li's sleeve. "Master, look at my memory! I was supposed to go to the room to see Consort Ding. You all eat first, I'll be right back."

"What's so important? Can't we have a meal first?" He frowned slightly.

"Mother, that cannot be delayed." I smiled calmly.

"Alright, go ahead."

I hurriedly fled the main courtyard, afraid that if I was even a step too late, something bad would happen.

Chapter Twelve: Where Does the Scheme Come From?

"Zhao'er, why are you here?" Consort Ding glanced at me indifferently and leaned back gently in the armchair.

"I'm afraid we'll be drinking again today, and I'm afraid of getting drunk and embarrassing myself, so I came here to avoid this meal."

The princess smiled and pointed to the chessboard on the table. "Alright, I was just looking for someone to keep me entertained. Why don't you play a game with me?"

Sandalwood incense burned on the table, and Consort Ding softly uttered, "That woman in your household is unhappy about me giving Zhen'er to you."

My hand holding the chess piece paused. "No, not at all."

The princess gave a cold laugh. "That woman is very scheming. She is not destined for that fate, but she insists on being obsessed and refuses to be satisfied."

I felt a chill. I thought to myself, how could Consort Ding, who rarely leaves her home, see through everything so clearly?

"Your Majesty is doing this because you're on my side," I smiled. "It's just that I'm useless and have caused you worry."

"It's nothing. Just a word." She glanced at me and smiled reassuringly. "Don't be discouraged. Royal men are very calculating. Pampering them doesn't mean anything. Being cold to them doesn't mean they're without affection."

I was stunned, trying to glean some understanding from what they had just said.

I felt a sudden warmth in my hand as Consort Ding pulled me close, her face calm. "For the first five years after I married into this family, the Emperor never touched me."

“Mother Consort…” I didn’t know what to say, and only felt a pang of sadness in my chest.

Consort Ding opened her mouth as if to say something, but Lu Li's calm voice came from the doorway, "Mother... your son is going back and has come to say goodbye."

Consort Ding opened the door, covered her mouth and laughed, glancing at me every now and then, "It's probably not important for you to see me, but you really are here to see your wife."

I blushed, but Lu Li's face remained indifferent.

Back in his own residence, just as he lit the lamps in the main hall, he suddenly asked, "Why didn't you come for dinner?"

"I forgot about it when I was with the princess."

He nodded, sat on the tatami mat, and wearily rubbed his head.

"Has Eighth Brother come by during this time?" He frowned.

"No." I walked over and asked in a low voice, "What's wrong?"

"He said he'd taken a fancy to a maid in my household and wanted me to give her to him. How am I supposed to know which maid she is? He's never even come here. Why doesn't he say which one he's interested in?" He shook his head and chuckled.

My face was stiff, and I was slightly focused.

He picked up a cup of tea from the table and brought it to his lips. "Keep an eye on which girl she is, and send some to Lao Ba later."

I agreed, wanting only to leave as soon as possible. "Sir, aren't you going to see Yiling? She's been worried about you, and she's probably waiting now after receiving the message."

He paused, then gently shook his head. "I'm a little tired."

"So you had her serve you to sleep while you were at it, since you're going to the palace tomorrow, aren't you?" I grinned.

He didn't speak, as if he hadn't heard.