The weak prince's queen

Chu Xiyue's face was full of gratitude. She bowed and said softly, "Thank you, Her Majesty, for your great kindness. I will never forget this." There was a sincere light in her eyes, as if the Her Majesty was the benefactor who saved her from danger.

The queen smiled slightly, waved her hand gently, and said in a gentle tone: "No need to thank me. I am a woman like you, and I know how difficult the life of the powerful is. I remember that year, I was also surrounded by enemies and had no help. At that time, I often fantasized that it would be great if someone could lend me a helping hand at the critical moment." At this point, the queen couldn't help but sigh slightly, as if recalling the difficult and hard days in the past.

Upon hearing this, Chu Xiyue quickly nodded in agreement, "Your Majesty, you are highly respected and a model for the country. You are naturally blessed by heaven. All difficulties and obstacles will take a detour because of your kindness." Her words were full of admiration for the Queen.

After hearing this, the Queen couldn't help but burst into laughter. Her laughter was clear and sweet, like a silver bell. After laughing, the Queen looked at Chu Xiyue and praised her, "Princess Jin is really good at talking. She has such a clever mouth. She is really lovable."

Chu Xiyue quickly responded modestly, "I am only speaking the truth. All of this is due to the careful teachings of Your Majesty, the Queen, which has enabled me to have such awareness today."

At this time, the Queen said loudly, "Haha... In that case, I must reward her well. Madam Liu, quickly go and get the night-shining pearl that was sent as tribute from another country this year and give it to the Princess of Jin."

When Chu Xiyue heard this, she was shocked and said hurriedly, "I am extremely frightened! I really can't accept such a precious reward. Please take back your order, Your Majesty, and don't let me be unable to bear this generous gift." She looked embarrassed and bowed deeply again, as if she was a little overwhelmed by this sudden gift.

However, the Queen didn't take it seriously. She continued with a smile, "You are deeply favored by me. This night-shining pearl is well-deserved. There is no need to refuse it. Furthermore, you might as well come to the palace more often to chat with me in the future. It will also help relieve my boredom."

Chu Xiyue nodded slightly, bowed respectfully, and said, "Then I would like to express my gratitude to the Queen for her great kindness. I will definitely return to the palace often in the future to listen to your careful teachings."

Seeing this, the Queen quickly reached out her hand and pretended to support Chu Xiyue, saying kindly, "Alright, get up quickly. There's no need for us to be so polite."

Chu Xiyue stood up upon hearing the voice and thanked the Queen again: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

The Queen paused for a moment, then glanced at Chu Xiyue, slowly asking, "What has Prince Jin been busy with lately? I haven't seen him return to the palace in quite some time."

Chu Xiyue thought to herself that the Queen had finally asked the question she had been waiting for. Her expression remained calm as she replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, I truly do not know about this. Besides, I seem to be quite busy lately and have no time to worry too much."

The Queen frowned slightly and asked, "Oh? What exactly are you busy with?"

Chu Xiyue showed a trace of panic on her face, and hurriedly explained: "I am truly ashamed. I really know nothing about this matter. I hope that the Queen can forgive my ignorance."

Upon hearing this, the Queen's expression turned grim. She said with a hint of reproach, "No wonder your relationship hasn't been harmonious lately. Your Prince is constantly busy away from home, and as his consort, you're completely oblivious to his activities. With this attitude, how can you possibly earn his favor and love? In my opinion, you should pay more attention to and care for Prince Jin from now on."

Chu Xiyue nodded slightly and responded respectfully: "Your Majesty is absolutely right. Xiyue will keep it in mind. Thank you for your careful teachings." Her voice was crisp and pleasant, like a yellow oriole singing in a valley.

The queen nodded slightly and said with a smile: "In the future, you must come to the palace often to talk to me about matters concerning Prince Jin. You are still young, and there are some things you may not understand very well. I will give you advice and guidance." The queen's tone was kind and amiable, making people feel like spring breeze.

Chu Xiyue was delighted and said with tears of gratitude, "Then I would like to thank you in advance for your great kindness!"

Seeing this, the Queen said softly, "No need to be so polite."

Then, the queen seemed to feel a little tired. She rubbed her temples gently and said slowly: "Okay, let's talk about this for today. I feel a little tired too." After she finished speaking, she stood up gracefully and left slowly surrounded by a group of palace maids and eunuchs.

"Farewell, Her Majesty..." Everyone present bowed and saluted, shouting in unison. Chu Xiyue was no exception. She lowered her head, her gaze following the empress's retreating figure until the gorgeous palace dress disappeared from her sight. Only then did she secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

"Dong'er, let's go back to the palace." Chu Xiyue turned and instructed the personal maid beside her.

"Yes, Princess." Dong'er responded, then stepped forward to help Chu Xiyue up, and walked towards the carriage together.

Having been in a state of high tension in the palace just now, Chu Xiyue was on edge, not daring to slack off for fear of accidentally saying or doing something wrong. At this moment, she was already exhausted and tired, as if all the strength in her body had been drained.

When she was finally able to sit in the carriage, Chu Xiyue felt like she had found a haven where she could rest in peace. Not long after she sat down, her body involuntarily relaxed, her heavy eyelids gradually closed, and before long, she leaned against the wall and fell into a deep sleep.

Seeing her young lady so tired, the maid Dong'er felt a pang of distress. She took a thin blanket and carefully covered Chu Xiyue with it, fearing that any loud movement would wake the sleeping young lady.

The wheels creaked as they rolled forward, but the noise didn't disturb Chu Xiyue, who was sound asleep inside. The carriage was slowly carrying her towards the palace, and in her sleep, she temporarily forgot the disturbances and intrigues in the palace.

Meanwhile, the Queen had returned to her own bedroom. She sat on the couch, resting for a moment before suddenly turning to Madam Liu, who was serving beside her, and asking, "Madam Liu, you also met the Princess of Jin today. What do you think of her?"

Madam Liu quickly bowed and replied, "In reply to your Majesty, I have observed that the Princess of Jin is respectful and courteous. Her every gesture and movement demonstrates the demeanor of a lady from a noble family. She can be considered a well-educated and well-mannered person."

However, the Queen gently shook her head, smiled, and said, "No, I don't think so. I think the Princess of Jin is not only well-educated and well-mannered, but also very intelligent! If I can make good use of such a person, she will definitely become a very useful chess piece in my hands."

Hearing the Queen's words, Nanny Liu was slightly taken aback, then asked in confusion, "Since Your Majesty values ​​the Princess of Jin so much, why didn't you tell her clearly when they met today, and ask her to closely monitor the Prince of Jin's every move?"

The queen picked up the teacup on the table, took a sip, then put the cup down and said thoughtfully: "This matter cannot be rushed, everything must be done step by step. If you are too eager at the beginning, it will easily arouse the other party's vigilance and disgust. We have to take it slowly and lead her into the game step by step." After that, the queen showed a meaningful smile on her face.