You're the one who wants to marry a mistress, and I'm marrying someone else, yet you still

"I also brought some skincare and beauty products."

Several maids then presented her with the things she had brought into the palace.

The Empress nodded slightly, signaling the palace maid to accept the gift.

"Your Highness is very kind. His Majesty has just sent someone to inform me of the whole story. I hope Simon can learn from this, because good relations between our two countries and the well-being of our people are of paramount importance."

The Empress spoke slowly and deliberately, without haste or impatience.

Every word he uttered revealed his unfathomable shrewdness and mastery of the big picture.

Even though her own son was poisoned, she calmly forgave him, but it wasn't hard to see a hint of forbearance and restraint in her expression.

Princess Simon knew in her heart that although the Empress's words were gentle, every word was precious and was clearly a warning to her.

She quickly bowed again and assured them, "Your Majesty's teachings are understood. I will certainly convey them to our King Simon. Simon is willing to build a bridge of peace with the Great Zhou and be of one heart forever."

The Queen nodded in satisfaction, indicating that she could leave.

Princess Simon felt a little relieved, knowing that she had temporarily passed this hurdle. As long as the Empress didn't make things difficult for her, she was fine. As for Consort Shu, she would see her another day.

After leaving the Empress's palace, she immediately went to the Empress's side hall to visit the Crown Prince, feeling both apprehensive and expectant.

Because she really wanted to see how long the Crown Prince of the Great Zhou could keep up his act.

Inside the side hall, the scents of medicine and incense mingled, creating a unique atmosphere that hinted at the extraordinary status of the patient residing there.

Princess Simon walked slowly into the hall.

The prince lay on his side on the soft couch, his face pale but still able to conceal his handsome appearance, his brows revealing an undeniable determination.

Xiao Long was not the most handsome of the princes, but his temperament was the best among them.

Upon seeing Princess Simon, a barely perceptible hint of mockery flashed in his eyes, yet he maintained his sickly demeanor, coughing softly a few times to indicate his weakness.

Princess Simon stepped forward, curtsied, and said in a voice that carried a hint of nervousness and inquiry: "Your Highness, I have come to visit you and wish you a speedy recovery."

Xiao Long smiled slightly: "Princess Simon, you are too kind. Please sit down. I am truly sorry that this matter has delayed your Simon Silver Leaf Project."

After saying that, Xiao Long actually showed an apologetic expression.

Princess Simon thought to herself, "I've really met someone who knows how to act, huh?"

But she could only grit her teeth and continue to negotiate: "Your Highness, you are too kind. This time, it was my fault for not disciplining you properly, which gave those with ulterior motives an opportunity. I never expected that Your Highness would suffer such an undeserved disaster. I wish Your Highness a speedy recovery and that you will continue to serve the country and the people of the Great Zhou."

The Crown Prince chuckled and stopped dwelling on the matter, instead talking about the friendly exchanges between the two countries: "Simon and Great Zhou are separated only by a strip of water. I believe that with the efforts of the Princess and King Simon, the two countries will surely be able to maintain friendly relations for generations to come and share peace."

His words were also a warning to Princess Simon not to have any improper thoughts.

Princess Simon was not stupid; she understood the meaning behind her words and respectfully replied, "Your Highness is absolutely right. I will certainly do my utmost to promote friendship between our two countries."

She knew that this was most likely Xiao Long's doing, but she just didn't understand how the Crown Prince knew about their plan.

It is true that silver leaf is prevalent in Simon, but only a few people consider it a poison; throughout Simon, it is regarded as a panacea.

Their plan was to promote silver leaves in Da Zhou, providing only the leaves and not allowing the sale of seeds, so that they could control the Da Zhou market and reap huge profits.

As the two were talking, the eunuch announced that the Crown Prince's concubine, Wu Xuanyi, and Xie Wanru had arrived.

When Xie Wanru arrived at the door, the eunuch informed her that Princess Simon was there, and she couldn't help but snort coldly.

"It's really a narrow road for enemies."

Xie Wanru gently patted her forehead.

"What? You still want to seek revenge for the Crown Prince? Wanwan, you are a girl. Let the men do some things, and we will just cooperate. Otherwise, we might cause them trouble if we don't do it well."

Wu Xuanyi advised.

She didn't really think that women should hide behind men; she simply didn't want Wanwan to do anything dangerous.

"Then why does Sister Wu work for His Highness the Crown Prince? I've heard that Sister Wu has unique insights into politics and is His Highness's right-hand woman."

"Where did you hear that? That's not true..."

While Xie Wanru and Wu Xuanyi were chatting and laughing, Princess Simon came out.

“Princess Yongchang is in a good mood, and the Consort seems to be in a good mood as well. His Highness the Crown Prince is ill, yet he can still smile so happily.”

Princess Ximen completely lost the respectful demeanor she displayed in front of the Empress or the Crown Prince.

"Heh, Princess Simon, you've gone to so much trouble. Our Great Zhou is prosperous and the people are living in peace and contentment. What's wrong with Sister Wu and I being happy? Aren't you happy, Princess Simon? Sigh, that's true. I heard that you came here for a political marriage, but I also heard that the princes didn't take a liking to you, and your Silver Leaf plan fell through. No wonder you look so sorrowful."

Xie Wanru's words made Princess Simon's face grow increasingly gloomy.

In her past life, she was a quiet and subdued person who never complained. Now that she has been reborn, she is no longer the Xie Wanru she once was.

Princess Simon knew that Xie Wanru was the one who rescued Xiaozhuang, and she already disliked her. Now, being mocked and ridiculed, she couldn't bear it.

“Princess Yongchang is indeed eloquent; I have certainly learned a thing or two.”

Princess Simon suppressed her anger and a cold smile appeared on her lips. "However, it seems that you have forgotten that you were only promoted to princess because of your father and brothers' achievements. You are not a real princess and cannot be compared with me. Also, the Silver Leaf Project is only temporarily hindered, which does not mean that it will fail forever."

Xie Wanru raised an eyebrow and retorted sarcastically, "Oh? Then I'd like to see what other tricks Princess Simon has up her sleeve. Who does she want to kidnap this time, and who does she want to threaten next?"

Seeing the two arguing and the atmosphere becoming increasingly tense, Wu Xuanyi quickly stepped in to smooth things over: "Both princesses, please say less. His Highness the Crown Prince is still ill and needs to rest. We are all here to visit the Crown Prince, so why ruin our harmony over such a trivial matter?"

Although Princess Simon was unwilling, she knew that arguing with Xie Wanru here would not do her any good, so she snorted and turned to leave.

Xie Wanru didn't want to argue with her anymore, so she took Wu Xuanyi's hand and walked inside.

Just as the two had passed each other and were a few steps apart, Princess Simon stopped and turned back. "I've heard that Doctor Huo is the Medicine King of the Great Zhou Dynasty. I wonder if he has solved the mystery of the silver leaf?"