Chapter 129 Detachment
Chapter 129 Detachment
Chu Jingru is the current emperor's younger brother, born of the same father and mother. He is of noble status, but he never interferes in politics and only loves eating, drinking and having fun... cough cough, he only loves poetry and songs.
Recently, he married a concubine and doted on her. He originally wanted to enjoy a period of blissful life with his beloved concubine, but unexpectedly, there were always some restless officials in the mansion.
Left with no other choice, Chu Jingru had to put aside his personal matters for the time being and summoned Liu Shan and Xu Bo to an audience. Chu Jingru sighed softly, his gaze sweeping over Liu Shan and Xu Bo, his tone grave: "Recently, there have been undercurrents in the manor, making it difficult for me to have peace of mind. Although Ning'er is intelligent, she is still young and inevitably susceptible to slander. I have summoned you here precisely because I hope you can lend Ning'er a helping hand, not cause trouble out of nothing."
Liu Shan frowned. He had summoned him supposedly to discuss important matters, but upon meeting him, he accused them of making trouble out of nothing...
He was slightly displeased, but still replied respectfully, "Your Highness, rest assured, we will do our utmost to assist the Princess and would never dare to have any disloyal intentions."
Xu Boyi nodded in agreement: "Your Highness is wise. We will follow your teachings and ensure that the Princess is not misled."
Chu Jingru nodded slightly, his gaze profound: "The affairs of the manor are complicated, and Ning'er needs capable assistants. You two have always been loyal, and I trust you. When Ning'er arrives, I will have her send you to the capital for further studies."
After speaking, he picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and a hint of weariness appeared on his face.
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves in the courtyard, making the atmosphere even more somber.
Liu Shan had come to understand this prince's way of speaking: he would first say nice things to lower your guard, and then make a sudden turn of events to catch you off guard.
He was secretly alert, but on the surface he remained humble and did not answer, waiting for the princess to arrive.
Xu Bo was uneasy. He didn't understand why Prince Kang would suddenly interfere in the affairs of the princess's subjects. This was very unusual. Prince Kang never interfered in internal affairs and left everything to the princess to handle herself.
Although Xu Bo had many doubts in his heart, he dared not show them and could only silently observe the expression of the King of Kang.
Seeing that neither of them answered, Prince Kang gently put down his teacup, glanced at the two of them, and said in a gentle tone, "Ning'er is young and inevitably a little impatient. Please bear with her. When she arrives, I will have her personally escort you on your journey."
Liu Shan felt helpless. Was the Prince of Kang determined to send them both away?
Upon hearing this, Uncle Xu was shocked and deeply surprised.
Suddenly, he remembered something and whispered in Liu Shan's ear, "Ge Yuniang..."
Liu Shan's eyes flashed, and he instantly understood what Uncle Xu meant.
He looked up and was suddenly surprised to find that King Kang had quietly stood beside them.
Prince Kang asked in a low voice, "Who is Ge Yuniang?"
Liu Shan never expected that the dignified Prince Kang would have such an unconventional personality.
He looked at Uncle Xu questioningly, "Was he like this before?"
Uncle Xu shook his head slightly and responded with his divine eyes, "It's not usually like that."
Liu Shan: "..."
Uncle Xu: "..."
Chu Jingru: "Why are you two exchanging glances but not responding to me? Do you have a grudge against me?"
His tone carried an undeniable air of authority.
Liu Shan hurriedly explained, "Your Highness has misunderstood. We were just discussing how to better assist the Princess."
Uncle Xu quickly added, "There was absolutely no other intention, Your Highness, please rest assured."
Upon hearing this, King Kang's expression softened, and he nodded gently. "I am deeply gratified that you two have been so dutiful. It has not been in vain that I insisted on sending you to the capital."
Chu Jingru picked up his teacup again, gently swirling the tea inside. After a moment of contemplation, he said calmly, "Ning'er is stubborn and needs more experience. Your going to the capital is a good thing for her. You... shouldn't come back for the next few years."
Liu Shan was truly impressed; the way Prince Kang thought was absolutely bizarre!
If he lived in modern times, he would definitely have a place in a mental hospital!
Chu Jingru seemed unconcerned about Liu Shan's inner monologue and continued slowly, "There are many masters in the capital. If you go there, you will be able to learn more skills, which will be beneficial to Ning'er and the entire Prince's Mansion."
He paused, a profound look flashing in his eyes, "In that case, the longer you stay in the capital, the more Ning'er will be tempered, and the more beneficial it will be for you yourselves... It seems that it would be best if you didn't return to the Prince's Mansion for the next ten years."
Liu Shan and Xu Bo exchanged a bitter smile. They dared not refute or agree, and could only remain silent, pretending to be deep in thought.
Seeing that the two remained silent, Chu Jingru continued, "You don't need to thank me. After all, I'm only thinking about Ning'er's future."
The silence between Liu Shan and Xu Bo was deafening.
Just then, light footsteps came from outside the courtyard.
The courtyard gate slowly opened, and Ning'er entered with light steps and a calm expression.
After bowing to the Prince of Kang, she glanced at Liu Shan and Xu Bo and said softly, "My father must have summoned me to discuss important matters."
Prince Kang nodded and said in a deep voice, "There are undercurrents in the mansion that are keeping me from having a peaceful time. Ning'er, although you are intelligent, you are still inexperienced. Liu Shan and Xu Bo are loyal and will surely be able to lend you a helping hand."
Ning'er frowned slightly. No one knows a father better than his daughter, and she immediately saw through the King Kang's thoughts: "Father wants to drive them away?"
She paused, then added, "Does Father want them to go to the capital?"
Liu Shan stared wide-eyed, stunned. He hadn't expected that Princess Changning could see through Prince Kang's thoughts so easily.
Xu Bo nodded slightly, inwardly admiring the princess's intelligence.
King Kang coughed lightly to cover his embarrassment and said slowly, "Ning'er, since you understand, you should know that this is for your own good."
Princess Changning looked at Prince Kang with gentle eyes and a soft tone: "Your subject understands, and I hope that Father can also understand your subject's predicament."
"Ah? What hardship?" King Kang frowned slightly and asked in surprise, "Ning'er, your father's love for you has never changed, so what hardship could there be?"
Princess Changning did not answer, but instead called out to the outside of the courtyard, "Someone, bring Ge Yuniang in."
"Ge Yuniang?" Chu Jingru asked with some curiosity, "These two just mentioned this name. Ning'er, tell your father quickly, who exactly is this Ge Yuniang? How come you both know her?"
Princess Changning sighed softly and said, "Father, you actually know Ge Yuniang too."
"I know him too?" Chu Jingru was even more surprised, and quickly recalled in his mind.
However, he could not connect the name with any familiar face, and a sense of doubt arose in his mind.
Seeing this, Princess Changning said slowly, "Father, please be patient. You will understand everything in a moment."
Chu Jingru frowned, his gaze shifting between Ning'er and the courtyard gate. He asked anxiously, "Why haven't they arrived yet? Why are they so slow?"
Before he could finish speaking, the courtyard gate was gently pushed open.
With her hands bound, Ge Yuniang slowly walked into the courtyard.
Chu Jingru suddenly stood up and exclaimed, "Ziyan?"
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