NOVPUBOne day, Xu Zening asked, “Is the Shen family matter settled?”
Shen Roujia first nodded, then shook her head. “More or less.”
Xu Zening sighed. “As long as it’s nothing serious. By the way, I might need to inspect the mines in a few days. If anything urgent comes up, send a message by carrier pigeon.”
Shen Roujia nodded. Xu Zening always gave her careful instructions, but she didn’t take it too seriously. “Go early and come back soon.”
In her spare time, Shen Roujia spent her days fishing by a small pond in the rear garden, finding it the coolest spot during the hot weather.
But unexpectedly, her hidden location allowed her to witness something unusual.
It seemed to be Consort Li, chatting with Xu Lianggen.
Her face was beaming with a smile, a look that made Shen Roujia think of the phrase “budding spring feelings.”
Her heart skipped a beat—wasn’t Consort Li someone sent in by the Gu family?
Could it be that Gu Zhi didn’t know about her connection with Xu Lianggen? And even Consort Shu didn’t seem to target Consort Li.
Shen Roujia held her breath, quietly retreating a bit to avoid being seen.
Faintly, she could hear their conversation. “Your Highness, this is a sachet I made recently to ward off insects.”
Xu Lianggen’s expression remained unchanged, his smile distant. “Very well, I’ll keep it safe.”
Consort Li’s smile grew even brighter.
Just as Shen Roujia was about to slip away, her fishing rod suddenly shook as a fish took the bait.
The commotion caught the attention of the pair nearby. Xu Lianggen noticed the fabric peeking out from the shadows and gestured for Consort Li to leave.
Then, with a murderous look on his face, he slowly approached.
Shen Roujia could almost hear her own heartbeat pounding in her chest.
His footsteps came closer, unhurried. Shen Roujia began thinking of escape plans—should she push him away and run, or dive into the river and swim for it?
But she was the Crown Princess. He wouldn’t really kill her, would he?
