Commoner Queen: Falling in Love with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince - Chapter 28

She wanted to let Li Yingshui be spared by the Prince’s anger. Murong Ziying, was genuinely intended to help the scared and tearful Li Yingshui stand up, but upon seeing the hatred in her eyes, she shrank back in fear and stood up by herself.

Li Yingshui wiped away her tears with resentment. Today’s humiliation was all because of Murong Ziying, That wretched woman! In the end, she even had to rely on her for rescue—knowing that she’s utterly unwilling! Her dignity was completely shattered, and from now on, that witch would have even more reason to flaunt her power before her. She hated it!

“Thank you for great kindness Your Highness,” Li Yingshui said, her voice laced with resentment as she expressed her gratitude.

“From now on, you are not to show any disrespect toward Ying’er again. Otherwise, I will not be so merciful,” the Prince warned firmly.

Li Yingshui hold her anger. “I understand, Your Highness.” She lowered her head but cast a deadly glare toward Murong Ziying.

Murong Ziying trembled unconsciously.

Seeing this, he frowned and approached her. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?” He assumed she was ill and placed a hand on her forehead to check her temperature.

Feeling uncomfortable, she pushed his hand away. “I’m fine. Thank you Your Highness’s for your concern,” she replied politely on purpose.

“You say you’re fine, yet your hands and feet are ice-cold, and I just saw you trembling!” He stepped closer again, unconcerned about her resistance. She was always so worrisome. “Xiao Zhuzi!” he called out.

A servant immediately responded, “Your servant is here.”

“Summon the imperial physician—Ying’er is unwell.”

“I’m not sick, Your Highness! You’re overreacting,” she hurriedly protested. She was merely overwhelmed by everything that had happened, a little unsettled and nothing more.

“Is that so? Are you sure?” His face was full of concern.

“Really, I’m fine,” she said, blushing. His care and affection left her feeling both flustered and uneasy. This wasn’t right. It shouldn’t be allowed.

Sensing her resistance, he had no choice but to concede. “Alright, as long as you’re fine. I’ll escort you back to your chamber to rest.”

“There’s no need to trouble Your Highness. I can return on my own,” she said, almost fleeing the scene.

He had intended to follow her, but after taking just one step, he stopped in frustration. Giving her some space was perhaps for the best—she needed time to accept the arrangements he had made for her. Turning around, he caught sight of Li Yingshui, who was still standing there, and his expression darkened immediately. “Leave at once!” If not for the emperor’s decree, he would never have allowed her into the Eastern Palace in the first place.

Terrified, Li Yingshui fled in disgrace, tripping multiple times over her long skirt, making her look utterly pathetic.

“Your Highness, you’ve finally arrived! I can’t bear staying in the Eastern Palace any longer!” Li Yingshui, upon seeing Consort Li’s arrival, clung to her as though she had found a savior, sobbing pitifully.

“The emperor has been keeping me occupied these days. Today, he was discussing strategies against Liao with his ministers, and only now did I manage to find time to visit you. What happened? Who dares to bully my niece?”

Li Yingshui immediately put on a distressed expression. “Your Highness, you have no idea what kind of life I’ve been living in the Eastern Palace! Wuu…” She sobbed uncontrollably, wiping away tears and snot.

“Did the crown prince mistreat you?”

Her cries became even more pitiful. “Ever since I entered the palace, the crown prince has never shown me a pleasant face. There was even one time… he tried to kill me!” she wailed.

Consort Li was furious. “How dare he! My niece is not someone he can just dispose of! Tell me—what happened?”