Chapter 287: Not Giving Up (Third Update)

A crisp slapping sound rang out within the room, interrupting Rong Zhen's heated argument.

A deathly silence followed.

Rong Zhen's head was tilted to the side, her hand clutching her face, motionless.

The Empress was also startled; she hadn't expected her momentary impulse to actually result in a slap to Rong Zhen.

Although she wanted to teach Rong Zhen a lesson, the girl was her own daughter after all, and this was the first time she had ever laid a hand on her.

"Zhenzhen—"

The Empress spoke hesitantly, reaching out with a hint of heartache.

Rong Zhen took a step back, avoiding her hand.

The Empress's movements froze.

Rong Zhen slowly raised her head.

The Empress's slap had been heavy, even knocking her hairpin loose.

Her hair hung down in disarray, yet it still could not hide her rapidly swelling, reddened cheek.

At the corners of her lips, which had been pale from anger, a trace of blood was gradually seeping out, making her look utterly wretched.

"What, did I hit the mark?"

Rong Zhen curled her lips into a cold sneer, her eyes bloodshot, a look of madness burning in her depths.

The Empress's heart sank.

"Imperial Brother is the Crown Prince, and he is also Mother's reliance. That is why for all these years, every single time, the first person you consider is always Imperial Brother. And me—you have never truly held me in your eyes at all, have you?"

From childhood to adulthood, Mother had always taught her to consider everything for the sake of her Imperial Brother.

Though she occasionally felt jealous, because she had been well-loved for many years, she had never dwelled on it and had always acted accordingly.

Otherwise, when she heard that Chu Liuyue had privately sold Rong Jin's hunting grounds, she wouldn't have intentionally made things difficult for her at the palace banquet just to vent her anger on behalf of her brother.

But only now did she realize that in Mother's heart, she held no status whatsoever!

For the sake of her brother, Mother would likely push her out to take the bullet at any moment, wouldn't she!?

Seeing Rong Zhen's agitated state, the Empress felt a faint sense of regret, but hearing those words, her expression turned cold again.

"Zhenzhen, you are overthinking. Your body has not yet recovered; let us stop here for today. Go rest well and reflect on your behavior."

Having said that, the Empress turned to leave.

Rong Zhen, however, gave a sarcastic laugh. Pointing to her own face, she said word by word

"Indeed. My original core is shattered, and I have completely become a useless person. To Mother and Imperial Brother, I no longer have any utility left, so naturally, I can be discarded at will!"

The Empress's face turned ashen.

She took a deep breath, struggling to suppress the rage in her heart, before turning to walk out the door.

"The Fourth Princess's injuries are fluctuating; she must remain bedridden for rest in the coming days. All of you, watch over her carefully for this Palace! If anything happens to the Fourth Princess, bring me your heads!"

The palace attendants responded in a panic.

The Empress gave a meaningful glance to those nearby.

Someone quickly stepped forward and closed the door.

The Empress walked away.

The palace attendants looked at one another—was the Fourth Princess being placed under house arrest?

It seemed even the Empress could no longer endure it.

This Fourth Princess was willful and capricious, loving nothing more than using various means to torment people.

At the slightest dissatisfaction, many people would suffer.

Now, things would finally quiet down!

If even the Empress refused to look after her, then in the future, this Fourth Princess would no longer have the capital to be arrogant!

Inside the room, Rong Zhen stared at the tightly closed door, the resentment in her eyes nearly overflowing.

She bit her lip so hard that blood flowed.

"Elder Zhu."

She called out a name in a hoarse voice.

A moment later, ripples suddenly appeared in the void behind her.

A black figure slowly emerged.

"Take me to see Chu Liuyue."

Zhu Lin looked at her hesitantly.

"Fourth Princess, I fear now is not appropriate."

Rong Zhen let out a cold, grim laugh.

"What is inappropriate about it? The strong prevail. For every extra day I spend as a useless person, I must endure an extra day of humiliation! If you refuse to take me, I will find another way!"

She finally knew now—no one in this world could be relied upon!

She had no way back now; she could only go to Chu Liuyue!

Zhu Lin remained silent for a moment.

"Fourth Princess, Chu Liuyue was only just selected by Vice General Mu today; it is currently at its peak of excitement. Acting now will surely attract much attention. Otherwise... let us wait for another day."

Rong Zhen gritted her teeth.

"We wait!"

***

Cheng Han returned to his quarters in a depressed mood, only to find that Situ Xingchen was actually waiting for him.

"Xingchen, why are you here?"

Situ Xingchen's eyes flickered slightly.

"I was somewhat worried about you. After thinking it over, I decided to simply wait here for your return."

Cheng Han shook his head with a bitter smile.

"In the end, it is you who cares for your Master."

Yesterday, when he was being warned by Mu Qing in secret, Situ Xingchen had been right beside him.

She definitely knew.

"Don't worry, Master is fine."

Situ Xingchen breathed a sigh of relief.

"That's good."

Seeing that Cheng Han's expression was somewhat poor, she felt a sense of worry and asked tentatively

"Master, what exactly is the purpose of Vice General Mu coming to the Yaochen Kingdom?"

Knowing her curiosity, Cheng Han did not hide it and gave her a brief explanation of the matter.

After listening, Situ Xingchen was lost in thought for a long time.

"...You mean, he chose Chu Liuyue... to go to the Tianling Empire?"

Situ Xingchen's voice sounded hollow.

Cheng Han frowned in frustration.

"That is what is said, but Mu Qingye also said they won't go immediately; there seem to be some trials afterward. If Chu Liuyue cannot pass them, she won't be able to go. She might not actually end up going."

Suppressing the jealousy surging in her heart, Situ Xingchen couldn't help but ask

"Since they are selecting for the Earth Meridian Original Pulse, why didn't Vice General Mu go elsewhere and instead come specifically to the Yaochen Kingdom?"

Whether it was the Huai Cang Kingdom or their own Xing Luo Kingdom, no news had been received before or after!

How could she feel balanced in her heart?

"As for that, I fear everyone is just as curious."

Cheng Han shook his head helplessly.

How could he not want such an opportunity?

Unfortunately...

Situ Xingchen did not speak for a long while.

What if Chu Liuyue actually could go?

This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; Chu Liuyue would definitely seize it.

Even though she felt great loathing toward Chu Liuyue, she had to admit that Chu Liuyue's talent was indeed very strong.

This talent might truly allow Chu Liuyue to rise rapidly through the ranks!

Once she went to the Tianling Empire, the distance between them would be quickly widened!

"Why does Vice General Mu only want geniuses of the Earth Meridian Original Pulse?"

Situ Xingchen murmured in a low voice.

If they were selecting for Heavenly Physicians, she would certainly be chosen!

Cheng Han shook his head.

"Geniuses of the Earth Meridian Original Pulse are very rare in our land, but in the Tianling Empire, they shouldn't be few. This trip of his is indeed very suspicious... Forget it, these are things we cannot control. You should go back and pack properly; we will be setting off to return in a few days."

Situ Xingchen was startled, only then remembering that the Qingjiao Assembly had ended, and they indeed had no reason to continue staying here.

But...

On Rong Xiu's side...

She had not yet completely given up hope.