A Shocking Dream

Qin Ruoyu looked at Yuanyuan's determined gaze, feeling both puzzled and helpless. His gaze roamed over her, trying to find more clues from her expression. He couldn't understand why Yuanyuan was so determined to leave the palace. What kind of confidence had her uncle-master given her, allowing her to be so certain in this unfamiliar capital that she knew she had a place to go?

"Your uncle-master asked me to take care of you. How can I find you if you live outside the palace?" Qin Ruoyu's voice was filled with concern, his brows slightly furrowed, and his eyes were filled with worry. He was well aware of the complexity and dangers of the capital, and he was worried about Yuanyuan being alone outside.

Yuanyuan bit her lip lightly, thought for a moment and said, "Your Highness, don't worry. If you want to find me, come to the willow tree in the east of the city and leave a mark. I will wait for Your Highness there when I see you." Her eyes flashed with intelligence, and it was obvious that she had already thought of a response plan.

Qin Ruoyu sighed slightly, knowing he couldn't change Yuanyuan's decision. "Well, since you're so insistent, you must be careful. If there's any danger, come to me immediately." Qin Ruoyu's tone was serious and earnest, his eyes fixed on Yuanyuan, hoping she would remember his words.

Yuanyuan nodded and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I will be careful." She turned and prepared to leave.

Kou Yurou, who had been silent all the time, suddenly spoke: "Sister, you are alone, why don't you come to my house." Her voice was gentle and melodious, with a faint smile on her face, but her eyes flashed with an elusive light.

Yuanyuan was slightly startled and turned to look at Kou Yurou. A sense of vigilance surged in her heart. This sudden invitation took her by surprise. She was unsure of Kou Yurou's true intentions, whether they were out of kindness or had other motives.

Qin Ruoyu also frowned, and looked at Kou Yurou with a hint of doubt in his eyes. He knew Kou Yurou's status and thoughts in the palace very well, so her invitation forced him to treat it with caution.

Kou Yurou seemed to sense their concerns, and her smile softened. "Don't misunderstand, sister. I just understand that you're all alone and will inevitably encounter difficulties in this capital. I have some spare rooms in my house where you can stay temporarily, and it will also be convenient for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to take care of you." Her words seemed reasonable, but they added to the tension.

Yuanyuan was silent for a moment, then slowly said: "Thank you for your kindness, sister. I don't want to cause you any trouble." Her tone was firm, and her eyes revealed independence and stubbornness.

Kou Yurou nodded slightly, a subtle flash of disappointment in her eyes. "Since you're so insistent, I won't force you. Just be sure to stay safe. If you need anything, you can always come to me." Her words carried a hint of concern, making it difficult to discern her true thoughts.

"Thank you, sister. Don't worry, I have no thoughts about what you like." Yuanyuan's voice was clear and firm, her eyes bright and calm. After saying this, she did not linger, but walked away with light lotus steps. Her figure, reflected in the sunlight, looked particularly free and easy.

Yuanyuan's words startled Kou Yurou, a myriad of thoughts swirling through her mind. She stood there, her gaze following Yuanyuan's retreating figure, a look filled with confusion and contemplation. "I like her? Does she mean she has no feelings for the Crown Prince?" Kou Yurou speculated. This sudden revelation caught her off guard. She had initially assumed Yuanyuan would be a potential threat, but she hadn't expected her to be so direct in her stance.

Kou Yurou couldn't help but feel a complex mix of emotions. She had always harbored special feelings for Qin Ruoyu. Within the palace, she worked hard to maintain her status and image, while also craving his attention. Yuanyuan's appearance had made her feel a little uneasy. But now, Yuanyuan's words surprised her. She began to reassess this woman, pondering her true intentions.

At the palace gate, a gentle breeze blew past, and Kou Yurou's hair fluttered in the wind. Her eyes flickered with confusion and thought, and the doubts in her heart had not completely dissipated.

"She explained it clearly? You didn't understand?" Qin Ruoyu asked eagerly, his eyes fixed on Kou Yurou before turning and walking back into the palace. His steps were firm and powerful, his sleeves fluttering gently in the breeze, as if carrying an undeniable aura.

Kou Yurou was slightly startled, then quickly responded and chased after him. "I understand. She said she has no feelings for His Highness." Her voice was soft, yet tinged with doubt. She didn't understand why Qin Ruoyu cared so much about Yuanyuan's words, and she secretly speculated on the reason.

Qin Ruoyu didn't pause, but continued walking forward, his tone becoming increasingly serious as he asked, "Did the Queen Mother send you here, or was it the Empress Dowager?" His eyes gleamed with a sharp light, as if he wanted to penetrate Kou Yurou's heart and find the answer. He knew that in the palace, every move he made could be noticed and exploited, and Kou Yurou's appearance was no accident.

Kou Yurou was intimidated by Qin Ruoyu's aura. She lowered her head slightly, thought for a moment, and replied, "Your Highness, it was the Empress Dowager who asked me to come." There was a hint of helplessness in her voice. She was just following orders, but did not want to get involved in this complicated situation.

Qin Ruoyu paused slightly, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He knew the Empress Dowager's intentions, and he also understood his own situation. In this palace, every choice he made could affect his future.

"You go back first. I don't have any thoughts about anyone except you." Qin Ruoyu's voice was firm and powerful, and his eyes revealed a kind of determination. After saying this, he left without hesitation, leaving Kou Yurou standing alone.

Kou Yurou stared blankly at Qin Ruoyu's retreating figure, her heart filled with bewilderment. Her eyes flickered with a complex mix of doubt, surprise, and worry. She pondered over Qin Ruoyu's words, "I won't have any thoughts about anyone except you." What did these words truly mean? Was it a sincere promise, or just a temporary excuse?

"Is it because I can't or dare not to have feelings for anyone?" Kou Yurou asked herself silently. She knew that the palace was full of rules and constraints. As the crown prince, Qin Ruoyu shouldered a heavy responsibility and mission. Every decision he made could affect the fate of the entire country. Perhaps he couldn't easily have feelings for others because his marriages were often used as political bargaining chips.