A Shocking Dream

Kou Yurou's gaze fixed on Yuanyuan, a complex glint of emotion. Curiosity, doubt, and perhaps even a subtle hint of wariness. She secretly scrutinized Yuanyuan, from her attire to her demeanor. Kou Yurou wondered what it was about this woman that had captured Qin Ruoyu's attention. A strange jealousy welled up within her; after all, in this palace, she had always craved Qin Ruoyu's attention and favor. Fearing that this sudden appearance might threaten her position, she secretly resolved to closely monitor Yuanyuan's every move, ready to respond to any eventuality.

Qin Ruoyu nodded slightly, his expression calm. He knew that bringing Yuanyuan back to the palace would inevitably cause some turmoil.

Yuanyuan stood beside Qin Ruoyu, feeling the tense atmosphere and feeling a little nervous. She looked at He Zongguan and Kou Yurou, unsure of what awaited her. She could sense the scrutiny and inquiry in their eyes, which made her feel a little uneasy. But she also understood that since she had chosen to follow Qin Ruoyu here, she must face everything bravely.

"Your Majesty has ordered that you come to see His Royal Highness the Crown Prince in the Imperial Study after the court session. I hope Your Highness will not neglect me. This old servant will take his leave." Steward He bowed slightly, and after conveying the Emperor's order, he was ready to turn around and leave.

"I understand. Eunuch He, take care." Qin Ruoyu nodded slightly, his expression calm. His eyes revealed a hint of thought, as he had many considerations in mind for the upcoming meeting with the emperor.

After watching Eunuch He leave, Kou Yurou stepped forward to pay her respects. Her graceful demeanor and gentle movements embodied the demeanor of a lady from a noble family. "Your Highness, how are you these days? You must have been exhausted by the long journey." Kou Yurou's voice was gentle and melodious, like a spring breeze caressing the heart.

Kou Yurou, a few years older than Yuanyuan, looked graceful and well-educated. Her eyes held concern, yet she remained dignified. Her presence was a touch of brightness in the palace, imbuing it with a sense of tranquility and beauty.

Qin Ruoyu looked at Kou Yurou and nodded slightly. "Thank you for your concern." His tone was calm, but polite.

Yuanyuan stood aside, watching all this quietly. She could feel the aura emanating from Kou Yurou, her elegance and grace, and could not help but admire her inwardly. In this palace, everyone had their own role and mission, and Kou Yurou was clearly a leader among them.

Kou Yurou's gaze shifted from Qin Ruoyu to Yuanyuan, who was standing beside her. She raised her chin slightly, a hint of curiosity and inquiry in her eyes. "Who is this sister?" Kou Yurou asked softly, her voice gentle yet carrying an undeniable authority.

Yuanyuan felt a little nervous as Kou Yurou stared at her. She lowered her head slightly, unsure how to respond. Qin Ruoyu, observing this, leaned slightly to the side, protecting Yuanyuan behind him. "She's someone I brought back from Qiuluo Mountain. She's just staying here for a few days." Qin Ruoyu's voice was steady and powerful, carrying a firm sense of protection.

Qin Ruoyu was filled with vigilance and worry. He knew Kou Yurou's position and tactics within the palace, and every question she asked might hold hidden secrets. Qin Ruoyu understood that bringing Yuanyuan into the palace would inevitably cause significant disturbances. Kou Yurou's appearance further confirmed that the challenges Yuanyuan faced were far greater than he had imagined.

He looked at Kou Yurou's seemingly kind smile, yet he knew the hidden plot behind it. Kou Yurou narrowed her eyes slightly, carefully examining Yuanyuan. She sensed a purity and simplicity in her that was unlike any other palace woman. This quality stirred a complex feeling within Kou Yurou: curiosity about Yuanyuan, yet also a tinge of worry. In this palace, innocence is often the most vulnerable.

"So that's how it is." Kou Yurou smiled slightly, but her smile was filled with a hint of meaning. "Sister, you seem very well-behaved. You must be more careful in the palace from now on." Her words seemed caring, but in reality, they contained a hidden warning.

Yuanyuan looked up at Kou Yurou's seemingly kind smile, and understood the challenge she was about to face. In this palace full of intrigue, she had to learn to protect herself in order to survive.

"Thank you, beautiful sister, for the heads-up. Don't worry, I won't be here long, and I won't keep you any longer." Yuanyuan raised her chin, her eyes bright and resolute, emphasizing the last two words. She knew Kou Yurou's presence wasn't simple. From her scrutinizing gaze and subtle expression, Yuanyuan could clearly sense that Kou Yurou must have mistakenly assumed there was some kind of special relationship between her and Qin Ruoyu. She felt that clarifying it upfront would prevent misunderstandings; after all, she didn't want to be drawn into the complex emotional entanglements and struggles of the palace.

Yuanyuan's words startled Kou Yurou. She hadn't expected this seemingly delicate woman to be so direct. Kou Yurou's eyes flickered, her seemingly kind smile still lingering, but a hint of displeasure welled up in her heart. She looked at Yuanyuan, as if trying to discern more from her face.

Qin Ruoyu felt a complex mix of emotions when he heard Yuanyuan's words. He admired her bravery and straightforwardness, but he was also worried that her actions would bring him more trouble. In the palace, every word and every action could have unintended consequences. But he also understood that Yuanyuan was protecting him and didn't want to be dragged into unnecessary trouble.

Yuanyuan looked at Qin Ruoyu with a hint of determination in her eyes. "Your Highness, this sister is right. I am not from the palace. I still have time to leave before I enter the palace. If my uncle-master comes to look for me, it will be inconvenient for me to stay in the palace."

Her voice was clear and firm, each word carrying a chorus of resolve. Yuanyuan knew full well that the palace was a place rife with rules and constraints, and she, accustomed to her freedom, found it difficult to adapt to the complex etiquette and strict hierarchy. She didn't want to make a mistake in the palace due to her recklessness and bring trouble upon Qin Ruoyu. Furthermore, she was obsessed with her uncle-master, and if she were trapped in the palace, she would inevitably miss the opportunity to find him.

Qin Ruoyu frowned slightly, a wave of reluctance and worry welling up in his heart. "Yuanyuan, it's too dangerous for you to be out there alone. This capital is full of mixed people, and you're unfamiliar with the place." Qin Ruoyu tried to persuade her. He really didn't trust Yuanyuan to venture out alone. In his heart, Yuanyuan was so pure and kind, and he was afraid she would get hurt.

"Don't worry, Your Highness. My uncle-master often brings me to the capital, and I have my own place to go." Yuanyuan's eyes were bright and firm, and her words revealed a sense of confidence and composure. She raised her chin slightly, as if to prove her ability to Qin Ruoyu.