"Wait, Your Highness, it's chilly outside. Please put on a coat."
Xiu'er unfolded the thick cloak, which was neatly ironed, and brought it over.
Just as he was about to drape the cloak over Tang Zhuyun's shoulders, Prince of Jin lifted the curtain and entered.
Seeing Xiu'er's movements, he subconsciously asked, "Are you going out?"
Tang Zhuyun noticed his expression and listened to his voice, sensing that something was amiss.
"Don't go out, go check the outer courtyard. You just got back, didn't you see anyone come from the outer courtyard?"
The Prince of Jin paused for a moment, then said, "I returned this afternoon; I'm in the outer study."
Although the outer study was also in the outer courtyard, it was far from the main gate, so he didn't hear any noise.
Who's here?
Tang Zhuyun became even more certain of her guess.
The Prince of Jin was in his outer study, but he didn't have dinner with her that evening, returning only late at night, which was very unusual.
Tang Zhuyun wanted to stay and ask him if something had happened.
But then again, Zhou Xu had gone to great lengths to get her aunt out.
And I'm afraid it needs to be sent back as soon as possible.
So Tang Zhuyun said, "It's Zhou Xu. I'm going to see her and will be back as soon as possible. I've saved some food for you..."
The Prince of Jin said, "Why do you want to see her? I'll go with you."
"No need, she brought her aunt with her. It might be inconvenient to talk if you're here."
The disliked Prince of Jin: "..."
Xiu'er spoke quickly and directly, "Your Highness, please eat first. The Empress will be back after you finish eating."
Don't be so attached to the Empress, acting like a clingy baby.
This is a concubine, not a mother!
Tang Zhuyun had something on her mind, and she walked in a hurry after leaving the house.
"Your Highness, is the Prince acting strangely?"
"You noticed it too?"
"How could I not have noticed?" Xiu'er asked. "She stayed in the outer study instead of coming back to find you. What treasure is she hiding there?"
She wanted to go see it all.
Tang Zhuyun said, "I'll ask tonight."
"Okay, take it easy, you're feeling heavier after all."
Tang Zhuyun: "What are you thinking! I'll ask you with my mouth!"
She was just having a normal conversation with her husband, why would she need to seduce him?
Xiu'er pouted. "Different paths, same destination."
No matter the topic, it always ends with sex.
Don't think she didn't notice; these two change their sheets every three days, more accurately than anything else!
Tang Zhuyun blushed and felt guilty. Just as she was about to offer a flimsy explanation, she heard her say, "You'll know when I'm pregnant with another one."
Tang Zhuyun: "... Try not to do it during the first and last three months."
Did she play a role in promoting happiness for expectant couples in ancient times?
Xiu'er: "Alright, alright, let's change the subject. We're almost there, don't let anyone overhear."
Tang Zhuyun: Isn't this something unsuitable for children?
The two quickly arrived at the outer courtyard.
Zhou Xu was already waiting outside the room. When she saw Tang Zhuyun arrive, she quickly stepped forward to greet her.
As before, her makeup was still exaggerated, but this time her eyes were clear and resolute.
Some of them were even ruthless.
This was the first time Tang Zhuyun had ever seen such a look in a woman's eyes.
Zhou Xu is somewhat like Nanxing, but also different.
Nanxing is often cold and distant towards strangers—"I don't know you, so I'll ignore you."
But Zhou Xu was different. When she didn't try to hide it, her eyes held a ruthless glint—I'm not someone to be trifled with; I'm a lone wolf who can fight the whole world.
"Your Highness," Zhou Xu said, "My aunt is inside. I've already had her tied up, so please don't worry."
"Why were you tied up?" Tang Zhuyun asked. "Was it because you were worried I'd be bothered by it, or is she really...?"
"There are two reasons," Zhou Xu said honestly. "My aunt has facial disfigurement and isn't in good mental health..."
Xiu'er said, "I didn't realize you were so filial. What hasn't our Empress seen? Don't worry about it."
Her impression of Zhou Xu improved somewhat.
Because many illegitimate daughters from wealthy families fawned over their legal mothers and legitimate sisters, refusing to acknowledge their stepmothers.
Those who admit it mostly seem to have a respectable status as concubines.
The dignity of a woman in the backyard largely stems from the pampering of a man.
With her Concubine Yu disfigured and her mental state so poor, how much incense would she have to burn to regain favor?
Tang Zhuyun said, "Let's take a look first."
Even though she had listened to Zhou Xu's words and was already mentally prepared, she was still shocked when she saw Concubine Yu.
Concubine Yu had a long scar on her face, which ran diagonally down from the corner of her left eye near the bridge of her nose, almost to her left ear, and was quite shocking.
When she saw the stranger enter, her eyes darted away, as if she were terrified.
But when she saw Zhou Xu, she clung to him like a lifeline. "Xu'er, Xu'er, please take me home, I beg you..."
Zhou Xu hardened her heart and said, "Now that I've brought you out, I have no intention of letting you go back to that godforsaken place!"
"No, no, I want to go back, I want to go back!"
Xiu'er couldn't help but say, "You woman, have you gone mad! Your daughter risked her life to save you, and what are you yelling about!"
Having a mother like that must be incredibly stressful.
Concubine Yu was already weak, and being tied up and held down by two maids, she had little power to resist and could only cry and beg.
They looked rather pitiful.
Tang Zhuyun stepped forward to take her pulse, her brows slowly furrowing.
Zhou Xu cautiously probed, "Your Majesty, is my aunt's illness very serious?"
"She doesn't have tuberculosis," Tang Zhuyun said confidently.
Zhou Xu almost bit her lip until it bled. "I... I knew it! It must have been that mother and daughter did this to control me!"
"It's not a lung disease," Tang Zhuyun said, "It's poisoning."
Zhou Xu wasn't so surprised by this result.
She knelt on the ground. "Please, Your Highness, save my life! From now on, if Your Highness ever needs me, I, Zhou Xu, will serve you like a slave, even unto death!"
Xiu'er said, "If Her Highness can help, she will; if she can't, kneeling won't help. Don't cause trouble, listen to Her Highness."
Zhou Xu nodded, gritted her teeth, and stood up.
Concubine Yu suddenly sighed, "I deserve to die, it would be better if I were dead."
"Auntie," Zhou Xu's eyes suddenly turned fierce, "Fine, we won't treat you. I'll die with you!"
Concubine Yu cried out in a panic, "Miss, you can't say such foolish things! I'm the one who should die, it has nothing to do with you!"
"If you mention death again, I'll risk my life to take you with me! I'll go back to the Zhou Family and drag a few more down with me!"
"Girl, please, please don't! I beg you..."
Tang Zhuyun said, "That's enough. Do you want the antidote?"
"Yes!" Zhou Xu said decisively, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Concubine Yu wanted to say something, but Zhou Xu gave her a look, and she immediately fell silent.
Xiu'er: My mother should come and see!
Mother, you must cherish me!
Look how good I am to you! If I dared to glare at you, wouldn't you gouge my eyes out?
Tang Zhuyun said, "I'll prepare the medicine tomorrow. Will you come to pick it up, or should I have someone deliver it to you?"