Commoner Queen: Falling in Love with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince - Chapter 32

“Your Highness, what should we do? The Crown Prince is back at the palace,” upon hearing the news that the Crown Prince had returned, Ying Shui was so frightened that she dropped the needles and her face turning pale.

Princess Li also became a little anxious. She hadn’t expected the Crown Prince to return so soon. “Don’t panic,” she reassured Ying Shui, then collected herself and turned toward Murong Ziying. “Why haven’t you put your shoes back on? Change into clean clothes and wipe the bl00d from the corner of your mouth. Don’t look like you’ve been tortured. Let me warn you, if you dare to tell the Crown Prince or complain, I will make you regret it. Think of your family. I’m sure Lord Murong wouldn’t want to offend the Emperor’s favored consort,” she threatened.

She was hinting at harming her father—truly vicious.

“I won’t say anything,” Murong Ziying. For the sake of her father and family, she had to endure.

“Good, at least you know your place. Ying Shui, help her quickly. The Crown Prince might come here right after returning to the palace. Make sure she’s properly dressed.”

Murong Ziying had just managed to change into new clothes when Prince Yi Han arrived, stepping gracefully into the room. “Ying’er, look what I brought you…” Upon entering, he saw Princess Li and Ying Shui there, and his smile froze. His face filled with suspicion, gradually turning to anger. “Why are you two here?” Something must be wrong; these two women wouldn’t be here without reason. He quickly turned toward Murong Ziying, standing by the bed. She seemed fine, though her face was deathly pale. He sighed in relief. Fortunately, she appeared to be alright.

“Your servant greets His Highness,” Ying Shui trembled as she bowed to him.

He glared at her, then realized something didn’t add up. Why was she so frightened? Unless she had something to hide. His suspicions grew.

“Your Highness, forgive me for my rudeness,” Princess Li spoke up to divert his attention. “I am a consort, and you didn’t greet me properly. How could you treat me like this?”

He sneered. “My apologies. May I ask what brings Your Highness to the Eastern Palace?” He shot her a cold glance.

She unconsciously swallowed. If not for her desire for power, she wouldn’t want to contend with such a terrifying person. “I came to visit Ying Shui,” she lied.

“Visit your niece and end up in Ying’er’s bedroom?” He asked suspiciously.

“Well… I heard that Ziying was ill, so I came to check on her…” she said, her voice shaking with guilt.

“Ying’er is ill?” He was shocked. “Ying’er, where does it hurt? You were fine when I left this morning; how did you suddenly fall ill? It must be because these servants failed to take proper care of you… Where are the servants I assigned to you?” He was startled to see that there wasn’t a single eunuch or maid in the room.

To avoid suspicion, Princess Li already instructed them to leave.

“They… I sent them all away,” Murong Ziying said, glancing at the warning look from Princess Li, speaking awkwardly.

“Why?” His suspicions grew stronger. She was definitely hiding something from him.

“Because… because I wanted some peace and quiet. I didn’t feel comfortable with so many people around,” she forced herself to explain.

“I see, but weren’t you ill? How could you manage without them here to care for you?” He said, still uneasy.

“I just feel a little… dizzy, it’s nothing serious.” She was lying. She wasn’t just dizzy; she was on the brink of fainting. Beads of sweat, like small pearls, slid down her back. The salty sweat stung her wounds, and the pain made her want to scream.