After she finished speaking, there was silence for a long time.
She cautiously looked ahead and saw, just beneath the window lattices inlaid with bright tiles, a small rosewood couch.
Beside the couch hung golden curtains.
The noblewoman from earlier was seated on a floral-patterned gold satin cushion, leaning slightly against a silk pillow with an air of laziness as she enjoyed a fragrant tea.
Below her, three to five maidservants were attending to her, holding lacquered tea bowls and trays.
This was clearly the Crown Princess.
Earlier, when she first raised her eyes outside the door, the sunlight had been dazzling, and she hadn’t seen clearly.
Now, as she observed carefully, she saw that the Crown Princess wore a purple gold-threaded headband, adorned with glistening golden pearls.
The brightness of the jewels accentuated her neat and fair features, exuding an aura of wealth and nobility.
She was dressed in a pink-collared, front-opening satin blouse, paired with a golden gauze skirt.
Loose bracelets of shimmering gemstones adorned her wrists, enhancing her air of indolent elegance.
Compared to her earlier warm and affectionate demeanor toward that noblewoman, Dening, the Crown Princess was now distant and indifferent.
She did not spare A’Wu a glance, as if she had not heard her words.
Instead, a nearby woman let out a disdainful scoff.
“Pretending to be someone important, yet so improper!”
A’Wu curiously looked toward the speaker.
The woman wore a silver-threaded cloud-shaped hairpin, a lotus-colored front-opening blouse, and a deep blue silk skirt, appearing dignified and composed.
A’Wu had overheard the servants gossiping before and knew that the Crown Princess had a trusted maidservant named Lady Su.
This Lady Su had been a companion to the Crown Princess’s mother and had watched the Crown Princess grow up.
When the Crown Princess married into the Eastern Palace, she brought Lady Su with her.
Lady Su was the Crown Princess’s most trusted aide, handling all matters on her behalf.
A’Wu lowered her head again and quietly waited.
A long time passed, yet neither the Crown Princess nor Lady Su made a move.
A’Wu couldn’t help but let her thoughts wander.
As she was lost in thought, she suddenly heard the soft sound of porcelain rubbing together—the gentle friction of a fine white porcelain tea lid against the rim of a teacup.
Her eyes remained downcast, staring at the luxurious embroidered carpet, as she imagined the Crown Princess elegantly lifting her hand, long fingers adorned with nail guards, gently tilting her gaze downward as she gracefully moved the tea lid before taking a delicate sip.
At last, she heard the Crown Princess let out a soft sigh.
“Your name is Ah Wu?”
A’Wu responded, “Replying to Your Highness, my name is A’Wu.”
The Crown Princess asked, “Oh? What is your surname?”
A’Wu hesitated before answering, “My original surname was Ning.”
The Crown Princess spoke slowly, “You have been in the residence for some time now, haven’t you?”
A’Wu replied, “It has been two months since I arrived.”
The Crown Princess said, “Then you should understand some rules by now.”
A’Wu was puzzled.
She did not fully understand.
The Crown Princess continued, “The Crown Prince traveled to Songzhou for official duties. But now that he has brought you back, do you realize how the rumors spreading outside might damage his reputation?”
A’Wu now understood somewhat and replied, “It is A’Wu who has brought shame upon the Crown Prince.”
The Crown Princess said, “The Crown Prince is a man of honor and righteousness. Since he has brought you back to the residence, he naturally intends to settle you properly. However—”
She gave a cold, mocking smile. “That night, you saw for yourself. The Crown Prince may tolerate you, and I may tolerate you, but the Emperor will not.”
A’Wu heard this and raised her head to look at the Crown Princess.
“Your Highness, I understand my humble status and have never dared to hope to serve by the Crown Prince’s side. Now that Your Highness has summoned me, please give me your instructions.”
The Crown Princess was momentarily stunned, then sneered with sarcasm.
“And what exactly do you think I need from you?”
A’Wu carefully studied the Crown Princess.
The people in the room saw that this young woman’s gaze was clear and tranquil like autumn water, open and steady, without a trace of servility.
A’Wu said, “Your Highness, the imperial palace must have issued an order for you to summon me here, but surely, it is not an order for my execution. Otherwise, I would have already been given a white silk noose or a cup of poisoned wine, wouldn’t I?”
The Crown Princess’s heart skipped a beat, while Lady Su’s expression subtly changed.
This frail-looking girl seemed inexperienced and naive, yet she spoke such bold words.
After that night, the Emperor had been displeased upon seeing her and had initially intended to dispose of her casually.
However, the Crown Prince refused to comply and was now openly opposing the Emperor over the matter.
Enraged, the Emperor had confined the Crown Prince, ordering him to reflect on his actions.
The dispute between father and son had escalated, alarming both the Empress Dowager and the Empress.
The Empress Dowager, deeply fond of her only grandson, intervened on his behalf.
The Empress’s true thoughts were unclear, but outwardly, she too had to protect him.
The situation had spiraled out of control.
Eventually, the Emperor issued an imperial decree, ordering the girl to be sent to Yanxiang Temple to take vows and become a Daoist nun.
However, the Crown Prince immediately sent a message via his trusted eunuch, instructing the Crown Princess to delay the order at all costs.
He forbade her from allowing A’Wu to leave before he returned.
The Crown Princess understood that she had to appear virtuous and magnanimous to satisfy the Crown Prince.
She also had to be obedient and dutiful, complying with the Emperor’s command.
As for herself?
Naturally, she wished this girl would disappear—completely!
To maintain her reputation, avoid offending any side, and still vent her frustration, the Crown Princess needed to plan carefully.
Yet, she hadn’t expected this seemingly timid girl to speak so boldly.
With a cold smile, the Crown Princess said, “You think that just because the Crown Prince favors you, you can forget your place?”
A’Wu knelt there, looking up at the Crown Princess.
“Your Highness, I am well aware of my humble origins and my lack of beauty. I dare not bring disgrace upon the Crown Prince’s reputation. Since Your Highness has brought this matter up, as long as you are willing to give me a way to live, I will do everything I can to cooperate.”