cold clothes

Zhao Qun's voice suddenly turned deep, his calm expression exuding an imposing aura. Leng Yi quickly realized how careless she had been.

Hong'e, who was eavesdropping outside, heard Zhao Qun mention her and immediately came in, kneeling before Zhao Qun and sincerely saying, "Your Highness, rest assured, Hong'e will never leak Your Highness's conversation with Miss Ningbi."

"Hehe, there's no need to be so nervous," Zhao Qun's expression softened. "However, I'd like you to reveal a little something to the people in the palace, such as how I'm still diligent and hardworking outside the palace, always reading, with Ningbi by my side adding fragrance to my life. I really hope you can tell them that... so they won't worry that I'm indulging in beauty and debauchery." As he spoke, Zhao Qun's tone became helpless.

Hong'e's eyes flickered slightly. "This... Your Highness can rest assured as well. The Empress and Your Highness are of one heart and mind, and she trusts Your Highness completely."

"Oh, that's good. It seems you've already been to the palace." Zhao Qun snapped the book shut, seemingly having grasped something.

Hong'e suddenly realized that the Third Prince had tricked her into revealing information. A cold sweat broke out on her back. Just as she was about to say something, Zhao Qun waved her away, saying, "Go and rest. We don't need any service."

“…Yes.” Hong’e hesitated, then had no choice but to retreat.

Leng Yi watched in stunned silence. Zhao Qun usually appeared so cheerful and easygoing, without any airs, that she had forgotten what Zhao Qun was really like. Even if he was easygoing, he was still a prince with strength and ability. Thinking about this, Leng Yi couldn't help but feel a little scared, wondering if she had been too lax in her vigilance.

Leng Yi quickly apologized: "I said something I shouldn't have, and I hope Your Highness will punish me."

“I’ll let it slide since this is your first offense,” Zhao Qun couldn’t help but chuckle. “I thought you were getting bolder, but I didn’t expect you to be so scared.” Like a wary little rabbit.

"I've always been timid," Leng Yi muttered to herself. She was especially cowardly when faced with life-threatening situations; she was afraid of dying and was beyond saving.

So Leng Yi dared not test Zhao Qun anymore. Zhao Qun doted on her at the moment, but he wasn't love-struck. He was very perceptive and could sense even the slightest sensitive topic.

Alas, her undercover mission is making absolutely no progress.

The two continued to stay indoors during the winter. Suddenly one day, someone came in a hurry. After talking with the person, Zhao Qun's expression turned serious, and he left without saying another word.

Soon after, Hong'e was also getting ready to go out. Leng Yi had a vague feeling that something important must have happened in the palace.

Hong'e noticed Leng Yi's gaze and glanced sideways, but she didn't bother to pretend anymore, a hint of disdain flashing in her eyes.

She approached the man leaning against the window, petting the fox in his coat, and said arrogantly, "Do you want to know what happened?"

"How could you speak to Ningbi like that?" Lingcao's eyes widened in shock at Hong'e's arrogance, both anxious and furious.

Leng Yi raised an eyebrow, finding Hong E's sudden change of expression quite interesting.

"Hmph, I'm not a real maid. In terms of status, I'm far more noble than you slaves." Hong'e couldn't hide her pride and smugness. "I'm qualified to enter and leave the palace. As for you? You probably wouldn't be able to get in even in eight lifetimes."

Seeing that Leng Yi's expression seemed to be mocking her, Hong E couldn't help but vent all the resentment she had been silently building up for more than a month: "Don't be so smug! His Highness only favors you because you are his first woman. When His Highness marries the legitimate daughter of the royal family next year, there will be no place for you. No matter how beautiful a face is, there will be a day when people get tired of it. His Highness will get tired of you sooner or later."

"Oh? So I was His Highness's first woman. I thought Sister Hong'e had already won His Highness's heart, after all, Sister Hong'e has been with His Highness for many years."

Having spent several years mingling with women, Leng Yi had developed a knack for being sarcastic and sarcastic. When Hong E insulted her, she naturally had to insult back.