Even after arriving at the Prince's residence in the carriage, Zhou Xu did not relax.
Although she was feverish and her body could hardly stand, she still tried her best to sit up straight.
Xiu'er tucked a cushion behind her and said, "Lean on it and rest for a bit. We'll be home soon."
Ren Yingying held the Dog Meat, blinking her big eyes curiously at Zhou Xu.
--You really can't judge a book by its cover. How could you tell from this girl's appearance that she's a ruthless character who can kill without hesitation?
Tang Zhuyun said, "Don't be nervous, from now on... we'll all be family."
She suddenly didn't know how to tell Zhou Xu the truth.
Thinking especially of the hardships she had endured in the past, I felt an unbearable pang of sorrow.
I really want to say on behalf of the Prince of Jin, brother, you're late.
Zhou Xu's eyes widened suddenly. "No, Your Majesty, as I told you, those outrageous words were all said by Zhou Fu at my behest, I..."
I have no designs on the prince.
Tang Zhuyun treated her so well, how could she still covet her man? Did she have no conscience?
She was a person of strong likes and dislikes; even if she were to die in poverty, she would never do such a thing.
"You," Tang Zhuyun interrupted her, looking into her eyes, and said, enunciating each word clearly, "Zhou Xu is the prince's sister. Your aunt is the prince's biological mother."
Zhou Xu stood there, stunned.
The princess asked, "Biological mother?"
Is the concubine the prince's biological mother?
So, she's the prince's sister?
Zhou Xu suspected she was delirious from the fever.
A look of utter disbelief and embarrassment crossed her face. "Your Majesty, you must be joking."
This is not funny at all.
"Are you trying to get the prince to recognize me as his sworn sister because you pity me?"
"No, Zhou Xu, every word I said is true," Tang Zhuyun said very seriously.
Xiu'er said, "Look at you, you seem so smart, how come you're so confused about such an important matter? Do you think you can just do whatever you want with the prince's sister?"
Ren Yingying remained silent, after all, this was a family matter of the Prince's Mansion.
She rubbed the Dog Meat's head.
I hit someone today, and my hand hurts. Good son, rub it for your mother.
The Dog Meat really did a great job today; we should reward it when we get back.
Qu Nian: That Poisonous Woman Ren is up to her old tricks again.
You'll go bald sooner or later.
Zhou Xu was so restless she was about to slide down.
Ren Yingying reached out and helped her up, saying, "It's still hot, we need to hurry back."
Xiu'er: "I forgot, she has a fever and is talking nonsense! Your Highness, let's talk to her when she's better."
"No, no!" Zhou Xu suddenly became agitated, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, please tell me the truth."
How could her life deserve such a turn of events?
Even if it's fake, even if it's just a dream, let her be happy for now.
Tang Zhuyun breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing her expression.
It seemed that Zhou Xu only felt happy and incredulous, without complaining about the suffering she had endured in the past.
Admittedly, she sympathized with and felt sorry for Zhou Xu, but if the latter only indulged in complaining, then her opinion of Zhou Xu would likely be greatly diminished.
Tang Zhuyun said, "It's definitely true. I only told you after I confirmed it. It concerns bloodlines and cannot be confused. Let me check on your health first. We can discuss the details when we return to the Prince's residence."
Zhou Xu nodded, obediently offering her wrist, and whispered, "I didn't wash up in the woodshed, Your Highness, please don't mind."
Tang Zhuyun took her pulse and said, "You've caught a cold. When were you locked in the woodshed?"
"Last night," Zhou Xu said, "Zhou Fu had someone hit me a few times, not badly. Someone secretly brought me a blanket last night, but I didn't cover myself with it."
"Are you deliberately trying to get sick?" Xiu'er asked. "Did you guess we were coming?"
Zhou Xu shook her head with a wry smile.
How dare she think that?
She never dreamed that one day, the princess would take her hand and lead her out of her misery.
She couldn't believe it—the Princess Consort was actually her sister-in-law.
She had grown accustomed to the bitterness and darkness of fate, but she never expected such a stunning reversal.
To this, Ren Yingying would like to say, congratulations, girl, you've passed the level.
"I was just thinking that if I fell ill due to mistreatment by the Zhou Family, Wu Zhenhai would feel embarrassed and might develop some resentment towards the Zhou Family..."
"Are you stupid!" Xiu'er couldn't help but say, "Do men care about things in the backyard? Are you playing with your life? So many people die from a cold! If you die, do you want to throw away this great blessing?"
Zhou Xu just smiled foolishly and didn't refute.
She couldn't even imagine such incredible good fortune!
Back at the Prince's residence, Tang Zhuyun took Zhou Xu to a courtyard that had been prepared in advance to settle her in.
"Do you want to see the old lady now, or wait a bit?" she discussed with Zhou Xu.
Zhou Xu's face is still swollen, and her neck, wrists, and other exposed areas are covered in injuries...
Zhou Xu held Tang Zhuyun's hand and shook her head repeatedly, "No, don't tell Auntie... I'm fine."
"Okay, then I won't tell you," Tang Zhuyun said. "Let go of me first, I'll find you some fever reducer."
"The medicine is all here: anti-inflammatory drugs, fever reducers, and cold medicine. Look—" Ren Yingying said, pointing to a pile of medicine on the table.
Qu Nian, standing to the side, wondered if he had lost his mind.
No one noticed, but he saw it.
He watched as Ren Yingying took out medicine from her sleeve one by one.
But he swore that he was watching Ren Yingying get dressed that morning.
There was nothing in her sleeve!
She hasn't left my sight since this morning.
She really is a fairy!
Even Monkey Sun needs to pluck a single hair to conjure something; what could Poisonous Woman Ren, possibly do?
She plucked her body hair?
Holy crap!
But can body hair really cure diseases? Isn't that just a scam?
Tang Zhuyun replied, "It's so convenient that you're here."
She found the medicine, and Xiu'er poured water for her. Zhou Xu struggled to get up and took the medicine.
"Take a nap," Tang Zhuyun said. "You feel sleepy after taking the medicine. A nap will make you feel better. Listen to me, go to sleep."
Zhou Xu smiled and shook her head, "I don't want to sleep, I'm afraid that when I wake up, my dream will be over too."
Tang Zhuyun felt heartbroken.
Ren Yingying was already secretly wiping away tears.
Oh, the suffering of humanity! What a mess!
Qu Nian: Your emotions are overflowing, but I've never seen you show me any mercy.
This "I" is not Dog Meat, but the distant Qu Nian.
Clearly, he remembered how Ren Yingying always hoped he wouldn't return to the capital and wished for him to remain in a deep sleep for a long time.
Xiu'er said, "Go to sleep. You can have anything in your dreams, and it will still be there when you wake up! Even if it's the stars in the sky, we'll pluck them down from the sky."
Tang Zhuyun smiled and said, "Go to sleep, silly girl. You've suffered enough; your good fortune is yet to come."
"Your Highness, please don't tell your aunt about my illness. She's timid and inexperienced..."
"Don't call me 'Auntie' anymore," Xiu'er said bluntly. "Just call me 'Mother' openly and honestly; we can call her that!"