Gu Shengyin instructed Ming Que to keep a watchful eye on Cheng Lingyu’s courtyard.
Although Ming Que did not understand why her mistress wanted her to monitor the Fifth Miss and especially to ensure she didn’t co to any harm, she dared not question her mistress’s orders and simply complied.
Gu Shengyin observed that on that day, Cheng Lingyu did not fall into the water and naturally, she did not catch a cold. The next day, Cheng Lingyu was still the healthy Cheng Lingyu.
On the third day, it rained, and as Cheng Lingyu stepped out of her room, she slipped. Just as she was about to fall, Ming Que, hidden in the shadows, quickly directed a surge of hidden energy toward Cheng Lingyu, steadying her staggering fra.
Nothing happened on the fourth day, nor on the fifth day.
The sixth day was the Old Madam’s birthday.
The Protectorate Great General’s Mansion was considered one of the top prominent families in the Tianxuan Dynasty. Almost the entire prestigious Huangfu family sent representatives to celebrate the Old Madam’s birthday.
As a daughter of the General’s Mansion, Cheng Lingyu naturally had to make an appearance at such an event.
Moreover, the mansion had specially prepared extravagant outfits for these less favored daughters, ensuring they would not disgrace the General’s Mansion.
Cheng Lingyu adjusted the soft fabric of her clothing, feeling sowhat restrained.
Gu Shengyin glanced at her and suddenly approached, "You don’t need to be too nervous, just stay on the side and enjoy the food and drink."
Cheng Lingyu was startled, looking at the person before her. She hadn’t expected that at such a ti, the much-admired elder sister would actually co over to comfort her.
She felt a bit moved, bowed her head slightly, and showed her gratitude, "Thank you for your concern, elder sister."
Gu Shengyin gave her a slight nod then left, as becoming too close to Cheng Lingyu would not be beneficial for her.
Ming Que continued to follow the Fifth Miss from the shadows.
"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has arrived, His Royal Highness the Second Prince has arrived!" A distant voice announced their arrival.
Gu Shengyin looked up to see two n dressed in dark cloud-patterned robes that signified their imperial status approaching.
The one on the left was taller, with a handso face and a gentle smile — this was Xuantian Hao, the Crown Prince born of the Emperor and Empress, and the most likely candidate to beco the next Emperor.
The one on the right, Second Prince Xuantian Ce, had features even more striking than the Crown Prince, having inherited the beauty of his mother, the Favored Consort. Unlike the Crown Prince, his expression carried an air of aloofness and arrogance.
But no one thought it amiss: as a Prince of the Imperial Family, he naturally had the basis for his pride.
The Crown Prince, upon seeing Gu Shengyin, showed a hint of delight in his eyes.
The Emperor and Empress had long wished for the Crown Prince to marry Cheng Linyin, as this would secure the support of the Great High Priest behind Cheng Linyin, further solidifying the Crown Prince’s position.
It was not unreasonable for them to be concerned, given the eager ambition displayed by the Noble Consort’s faction over the years; now, the Second Prince had also grown up and was quite outstanding, much to the Emperor’s liking.
This couldn’t help but cause them anxiety.
However, the Protectorate Great General’s Mansion was not keen on having Cheng Linyin marry the Crown Prince, since their family already held imnse prestige and saw no need to marry a daughter into the Imperial Family just to enhance their status.
Moreover, involving oneself in the disputes of the imperial succession could lead to tragedy if unsuccessful, as history had shown.
Cheng Linyin felt no particular affection for the Crown Prince, fortunately, she had a good teacher, and if she was unwilling, no one could force her.
"Ayin, how long will you be staying at the mansion this ti?" the Crown Prince asked happily.
Gu Shengyin responded indifferently, "I will leave for Xuantian Tower after my grandmother’s birthday celebration is over."
The Crown Prince looked sowhat disappointed.
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