NOVPUBShen Roujia’s mind was in turmoil. Since investigating past events within the palace was impossible, she decided to use her connections outside, starting with the balm.
With this plan in mind, she immediately stood up, ready to instruct Xiao Fu to accompany her outside the palace at night.
Recently, Shen Roujia had been feeling uneasy, so she carried a dagger with her for protection.
However, just as she was about to quietly leave from the North Lake, she unexpectedly encountered Xu Chen.
Feeling awkward, she brushed her stray hair behind her ear.
“Master Xu, it’s so late. What are you doing here?”
Xu Chen showed no sign of embarrassment, treating the Eastern Palace as if it were his domain. He answered naturally, “Observing the night sky.”
Shen Roujia couldn’t help but roll her eyes inwardly.
There goes my plan for tonight. Looks like I can’t leave now.
Shen Roujia had no intention of further conversation and turned to leave.
Xu Chen, with a hint of amusement, said, “I wonder, did the Crown Princess come here specifically to find me?”
Shen Roujia couldn’t help but mock inwardly. How can someone be so confident? Is it just because you’re good-looking?
“Uh, no, I just ate too much and came out for a walk.”
Since you’re talking nonsense, I see no need to tell you the truth.
Shen Roujia made to leave, but Xu Chen blocked her path.
“Whatever you plan to do, just go ahead. I’ll pretend I didn’t see anything.”
Dressed plainly with a silver hairpin, Shen Roujia looked like an ordinary girl from a common family. It was clear she wasn’t just out for a stroll.
Xu Chen wasn’t actually observing the sky; he was discussing matters with the Crown Prince at the North Lake. If Shen Roujia had arrived a moment earlier, she might have run into Xu Zening.
But Xu Chen had no intention of telling Shen Roujia this. Instead, he wanted to tease her.
“I’m not planning anything,” Shen Roujia said, turning sharply.
Xu Chen pointed to the northern gate. “That place is not just for you. Many palace servants know about it.”
Shen Roujia rubbed her forehead in frustration. “Why are you, a grown man, acting so naggingly?”
“This isn’t something you can use to threaten me. Just tell me, what’s your purpose?”
Xu Chen was momentarily stunned, then chuckled. “Me? What purpose could I have? I’m just bored and find it amusing.”
Shen Roujia crossed her arms and raised her chin. “Alright, you’ve seen it. I admit it. Can you leave now?”
Xu Chen, showing signs of stubbornness, replied, “Such a beautiful night… I also want to go out and see.”
Shen Roujia glared at him. “Go yourself.”
Xu Chen, unhurried, said, “Alright, I’ll come here every day until you’re willing to take me with you.”
Shen Roujia gritted her teeth in annoyance. “Are you insane?”
Xu Chen raised an eyebrow. “How did you know?”
Shen Roujia, now genuinely frustrated, yelled, “What do you want? You’re driving me crazy!”
Xu Chen’s expression gradually became serious. “If you continue to investigate, you’ll bring trouble upon yourself.”
Shen Roujia looked at Xu Chen, hesitant and skeptical. “You…”
Xu Chen smiled slyly and added, “Yun Jin is dead. Anyone who knows about the past is likely to die one by one.”
He looked at Shen Roujia with a hint of menace. “Do you want to die too?”
