The next day, dawn was just breaking.
Knock, knock.
The steward came over and said, "Young master, the breakfast for two you requested is ready."
Hearing this, Cui Rong immediately rose and said to the Chancellor's wife beside him, "Mother, it's time for me to report for duty."
The Chancellor's wife's eyelid twitched. "Xuanzhi, what are you..."
After a whole night of reflection... this is all?
"Don't worry, Mother."
Seeing her concern, Cui Rong answered earnestly, "He is of noble birth, and he is still young... I will restrain myself and observe propriety. I would never dare overstep."
He lowered his lashes. "I will bury these feelings deep in my heart..."
The Chancellor's wife froze for a moment.
Noble birth, still young, someone in the Palace...
The person Xuanzhi likes is a... prince!
She suppressed her shock.
"Does he really need you to provide for him?" she asked, puzzled.
Cui Rong paused briefly and answered honestly, "Mother, though he is of noble birth, he has no maternal family to support him. In others' eyes, his status means nothing. His meals are often withheld... I want to do what little I can for him."
The corner of the Chancellor's wife's mouth twitched.
She thought she knew whom Xuanzhi liked now.
That child was the only one in the Palace without a mother.
Looking at his food box, packed to the brim, the corner of her eye twitched. "...Go on. The Chancellor's Residence can afford another mouth to feed."
"All right."
With that, Cui Rong turned and left with light steps.
The Chancellor's wife watched him go and sighed softly.
Oh, well. It's rare for him to take an interest in anything besides studying.
Then she thought of her husband, and a trace of worry involuntarily crossed her eyes.
She was a