NOVPUBGu Zhi looked up, her eyes filled with complex and tangled emotions.
Shen Roujia smiled gently, “It’s alright.”
Gu Zhi hesitated for a moment before nodding, “I’ll protect you.”
Shen Roujia pretended to be annoyed, “You’re just a little girl too. I’ll protect you…”
As she softly comforted Gu Zhi, Shen Roujia sighed inwardly.
She wondered if it was right to describe Gu Zhi as innocent.
Despite her strong protagonist aura, she revealed all her vulnerabilities in front of Shen Roujia.
Gu Zhi’s life had been far from smooth, filled with hardship and suffering, with her father being the only one who treated her well.
But fatherly love couldn’t fill all the gaps in Gu Zhi’s heart, something Shen Roujia could see clearly.
This young girl, who bore all the responsibilities on her shoulders, was actually extremely insecure.
Xiao Sinian could protect her well, but that was a matter for later.
Shen Roujia gently took Gu Zhi’s arm.
“But we can’t go together today. I don’t want to cause you any trouble.”
Gu Zhi nodded, understanding Shen Roujia’s concerns.
Publicly, no one knew about the relationship between Gu Zhi and Shen Roujia.
Gu Zhi had been biding her time, gaining strength. She couldn’t afford to have Shen Roujia’s presence bring her any additional trouble.
Shen Roujia’s understanding of Gu Zhi made Gu Zhi feel a subtle change in her heart.
“Alright.”
Although Shen Roujia arrived late, her presence immediately drew everyone’s attention.
Old Madam Gu personally greeted her. Celebrating her sixtieth birthday was a significant milestone in ancient times.
Shen Roujia blinked and spoke apologetically, “Old Madam, I’m late. How could I trouble you to greet me personally?”
Old Madam Gu, with her sharp features and unpleasant demeanor, was a detestable old woman.
Shen Roujia suppressed her internal scoff and helped her up.
Seeing Shen Roujia attend her banquet with just one invitation, Old Madam Gu straightened her back, grinning from ear to ear.
“Your Highness, the Crown Princess, it is a great honor for you to grace our humble abode.” 𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒑𝒖𝙗.𝒄𝒐𝒎
Shen Roujia smirked under her veil, glancing around. She could say with certainty that at least half the people in the hall had mocked her origins.
The remaining ones had gossiped about her ugliness.
Those who mingled with Old Madam Gu were the type who couldn’t achieve anything on their own.
Shen Roujia noticed the scrutinizing looks from the officials’ wives seated below. She softened her gaze.
“Everyone, please, there’s no need for formalities. After all, this is a family banquet for Old Madam Gu’s birthday.”
Despite her words, few people came forward to greet Shen Roujia.
As soon as she finished speaking, a few timid ones stepped up to pay their respects.
Old Madam Gu’s face was sour. Gu Qianqiu had returned and immediately sought an imperial title for his wife, yet she, who had managed the Gu family for so many years, was still on par with ordinary women.
“Your Highness, please take the seat of honor. Don’t humble yourself for my sake.”
Shen Roujia raised an eyebrow, nodded without any hesitation, and sat in the honored seat under everyone’s gaze.
“Why don’t I see General Gu?”
Old Madam Gu’s expression changed again.
She instinctively glanced at the officials’ wives who were already looking over and forced a smile, “Qianqiu just returned to the capital and has many military matters to attend to…”
Shen Roujia nodded repeatedly, “Yes, I heard some time ago that the General proposed reducing unnecessary expenditures in the military to ease the burden on the national treasury.”
