Chapter 4, The Distinguished Family

Prince Shun looked at the young man with compassion, his eyes seemingly glistening with tears, "Zi Yu..."

"Your Highness." Everyone greeted him again, but he did not even glance at the crowd; instead, he looked at the Grand Princess with resentment. His expression conveyed his disdain for the woman before him more clearly than his words.

Zi Qing could not help but slowly open her eyes, as the eldest princess was deep in thought with a stubborn expression. She felt a twinge of sympathy for this woman who always seemed to have the upper hand; without her husband's love, she could hardly be considered a strong person

"Why aren't you speaking?" Seeing Prince Shun glaring at her without saying a word, the Grand Princess became even more furious

She, who was already in a state of confusion, stared blankly at all of this. She always thought that once she stepped out of this door, she would see familiar sights, towering skyscrapers, fashionable men and women, and hear the sound of car horns.

Ziqing was trying hard to understand the situation, focusing intently on her. This woman wore a Qing dynasty headdress as seen on television, which was not heavily adorned, indicating a lower status. The fabric of her clothing was quite luxurious, far superior to what was produced by the production team. She appeared to be in her forties and was well-preserved, though her figure was somewhat plump.

What is there to say? You have said everything that needs to be said. Lord Shun's cold voice instead became calm. Have you finished speaking? You and your noble daughter are here, and it would be best for us two lowly individuals to keep our distance from you!

The top of a gigantic embroidered canopy caught her eye, and for a moment, she was taken aback, even admiring the astonishing craftsmanship of the embroidery. The cloud patterns were inlaid with gold and silver threads, covering an area as large as a small room. It was truly a national treasure-level work of art, and she approached it with the enthusiasm of an art student.

The Grand Princess was clearly enraged by him, her voice rising by eight degrees, "Am I causing a disturbance? What am I causing a disturbance about? My daughter, a dignified and noble Gege, was shot down from her horse by that little beast, Ruo Hong, and has been unconscious for a full fifteen days! Who does he think he is? His father is merely a prince! In the eyes of the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, he is nothing! This is an act of rebellion against authority!"

Is this a film crew? It doesn't seem like it. Is Dongxu joking with her? The cost is too high. She has already confirmed that this is not a dream, because the warmth transmitted from Wei Mama's hand and the smooth texture of the fabric are so real. She secretly pinched her own finger, and it really hurt

No one ever came to greet Ziqing, and no one cast a concerned glance at her, this "injured" person. What kind of family is this

Prince Shun let out a gentle sigh, a sound of desolation and helplessness that seemed to emanate from the depths of his soul. He weakly patted Ziyu's shoulder as if his entire body had lost its strength, then staggered out.

Zi Qing made a great effort to open her eyes; this sleep was quite comfortable, without dreams, and without anyone to disturb her, she woke up naturally

She leisurely opened her eyes, wanting to stretch, but found her body feeling pleasantly relaxed. This sleep was truly wonderful, a level of sleep that provided absolute relaxation for her body

Ziqing felt somewhat afraid; she was truly terrified of the Grand Princess, to the extent that she did not even have the courage to open her eyes

Are you awake? Are you awake? A woman's voice sounded at the door, very authoritative. Zi Qing looked towards the voice in a daze; it was a rather beautiful woman, seemingly in her thirties or forties, with a well-maintained figure, and her luxurious clothing emitted a faint glow. She was surrounded by many servants, and her exquisite face bore no expression, appearing quite haughty

"Oh, don't you care? When you took advantage of my influence to become a prince, why didn't you say that? When your lowly-born illegitimate child begged me to seek a title for the prince, why didn't you say that?" The Grand Princess said with utmost contempt.

But that's not right

The people in the room seemed to be awakened by her cries, and they hurriedly pulled her back onto the bed.

A maid ran out, and only then did Ziqing realize that this room was much larger than she had initially perceived. The marble floor was quite smooth, and the girl was cautious as she ran out, afraid of slipping.

Where is this place? I should go home now. Ziqing asked as she glanced at Ziyu, who was looking at her with a mix of anger and amusement, and then got off the bed

Seeing that Ziqing had woken up, the Grand Princess straightened her expression and presented herself with an air of unattainability

Seeing that Ziqing did not respond, Granny Wei apologetically explained to the woman, "Your Highness, the princess has just woken up, and her mind may still be unclear"

How is it? It is the voice of the Grand Princess again

Nothing, absolutely nothing, only everything she had never even thought of.

Old Madam Wei gently pulled Zi Qing and whispered, "Miss, quickly call out 'Mother' to reassure the princess."

I don't want to either. The Grand Princess felt somewhat helpless, "When he looks at me with that kind of resentful gaze, I just can't stand it! Haven't I treated him well? I have worked hard for him, and he was able to be granted the title of king. I even accepted the son he had with that vile woman, and I went to fight for his recognition. Even so, they do not appreciate my efforts..." I have worked hard for him, and he was able to be granted the title of king. I even accepted the son he had with that vile woman, and I went to fight for his recognition. Even so, they do not appreciate my efforts...

Prince Shun and the young man behind him had faces that looked worse than death, trembling with rage, yet none of them said a word

The Duke Shun's teeth seemed as if they were about to be crushed, yet he did not refute her, nor did he stop her, allowing her to speak uninterruptedly until she had finished her words

Her head ached from crying, and somehow, she cried herself into an exhausted, deep sleep

Her mind has become completely numb, as if it were a bucket that can only be filled with paste. She just stared blankly as events unfolded before her.

The cold and beautiful woman, referred to as the "Grand Princess," frowned and said, "If my daughter becomes foolish, I will ensure that those two little beasts from the Ding Wang Mansion accompany her to the grave as well"

She is here again! Ziqing can't help but sigh.

This... should be due to the horse's fall causing a jolt to the head, resulting in memory loss," the old physician said uncertainly. "There are some cases like this. As long as the young lady calms down and takes good care of herself, she will gradually recover.

Old Madam Wei stared at her with her mouth agape, her spirit nearly leaving her body. "Your Highness..." After a long pause, she said with great difficulty

Old Madam Wei began to cry softly, "Your Highness, do not worry, the young lady will get better... As for you, please do not always argue with the prince. Although the prince does not resist, it is you who gets hurt." Old Madam Wei earnestly advised.

Outside the door, a cacophony of footsteps could be heard, accompanied by the crisp sound of "ka ka," reminiscent of wooden shoe soles striking the tiled floor. There were also some muffled thuds at a rapid pace. It seemed that a large crowd was surging this way, causing Ziqing's head to feel even more swollen.

No matter how noble a woman may be, when she scolds others, she still reveals the demeanor of a shrew. Ziqing, observing from the side, felt that Prince Shun was put in an awkward position, especially in front of such a large crowd

"Burial goods! Burial goods! Haven't you caused enough trouble yet!" said a middle-aged man who entered last, his voice filled with resentment. He was accompanied by a considerable number of attendants, dressed in quite luxurious attire, and his gloomy face bore no trace of a smile.

Ziqing sat up reflexively, her movements too swift, causing her vision to momentarily darken. Her swaying body was steadied by a pair of warm hands, and the sensation of her nightgown felt peculiar; it turned out she was wearing very high-quality silk lingerie

Whether as a mother or as a wife, she has not grasped the essence

"Do not think wildly," she said to Ziqing, "This is the Shun Wangfu, your home. I am your mother, a princess of the Great Qing, Princess Bilian, and even the emperor is my nephew. You must quickly recover your health; we still need to settle accounts with the Ding Wangfu! If we do not stand our ground, they will take me for an easy target"

Lush trees surround the small courtyard, and the newly sprouted grass still exudes boundless vitality under the setting sun. Some flowers, yet to bloom, fill the air with fragrance, while the forsythia appears somewhat languid in the orange-red sunlight

"Yes, Your Highness, I will prepare a few prescriptions right away." The old physician hurriedly left as if he were fleeing for his life

The wind blows coolly against the face, and only upon touching does one realize it is tears; she has cried. Where is the way home? Where are Dad and Mom? What about Dongxu?

"Gege, are you awake? Gege?" a middle-aged woman exclaimed in surprise

Where exactly is this ... ...

"Damn it! What use does the court have for you all!" The Grand Princess is cursing again; it seems she was born to curse. "What on earth is going on! The old matron said she doesn't even know where she is, who she is, or recognize her own parents!"

The Grand Princess did not speak

The Grand Princess did not spare him due to his lack of resistance, but instead derived another reason to vent her frustrations

You! The Grand Princess gritted her teeth and suddenly smiled, "Want to hide away in peace? No way! My daughter is awake, and your son is staying! Serve her! Is it that easy to ask for help? If you don't serve well, Ziqing will tell her mother! If he treats us poorly, do we still have to treat him well?"

"Gege, you scared Granny Wei to death, scared her to death..." The woman cried incessantly, and Ziqing could only stare at her in astonishment

Seeing Ziqing staring at her, the woman joyfully shed tears, wiping them with a handkerchief while instructing the maid, "Quickly go inform the Grand Princess! The young lady has awakened! This is tremendous news!"

A dream? Is it yet another dream? It feels so real

This answer left Ziqing even more despondent, and she could only continue to cry

Miss? Mother? Princess?

Old Lady Wei also cried, "Miss, please do not frighten this servant! Is this not your home..."

Gege is currently in a state of great distress, having exhausted her strength from prolonged crying. As for any symptoms... I truly cannot make a judgment.

She felt her wrist being gripped by a cold hand, wanting to break free, yet lacking the strength. Her head throbbed, her nose was congested, and her mind felt as if it were stuffed with cotton. Compared to the comfort of just waking up from that previous sleep, she now felt as if she were in hell

She looked out of the bed in shock, exclaiming, "My goodness! Where is this?" It was a magnificent ancient room, with everything appearing to be worth a fortune. Especially the room full of maids and servants, who were looking at her with astonished eyes, numbering no less than twenty!

"Ziqing, if there is anything, just instruct him!" The Grand Princess rolled her eyes, held her head high, and left with her maid.

"Um..." Ziqing looked at Granny Wei with confusion, "Are the Grand Princess and the Prince a couple?" It should be, yet it doesn't seem so. Especially since the Grand Princess referred to "my daughter" and "your son".

The handsome young man who entered behind Prince Shun's back instantly turned pale, his beautiful eyes narrowed coldly, but in the next moment, he smiled faintly

Everyone stared at her in astonishment, no one spoke, and no one stopped her. Zhiqing walked briskly towards the door

Prince Shun could no longer endure it, "Is this all that is in your heart? I know your noble lineage! The whole world knows it! Is it interesting to constantly flaunt your titles and honors?"

"What’s the matter? Are you afraid to argue with me?" The Grand Princess looked disdainfully at the rigidly smiling young man. "You know I have done you a favor, right? I shamelessly spoke to the Empress Dowager about your trivial matters! You still want to be a Beile? Have you even looked in the mirror? Think about your own background! Your mother’s lowly status is something even the banner people can’t comprehend. Do you think just because your father is a prince, you should be a Beile? Ask your father, who always wears a gloomy face, how he became a prince? Just relying on himself, does he even deserve it?"

She suddenly burst into tears, crying out in a fragmented manner, "I want to go home"

Everyone in the room bowed to her, indicating that she must be an extraordinary person

The young man glanced at his father and unexpectedly smiled, a smile so cold that it was completely incongruous with his age. "Father, you may leave now, I understand everything."

Then hurry up and calm her down! She has been crying all night! She has just fallen asleep

The nobleman... No, both the prince and you are already in your forties, and the young lady has reached the age for marriage. Yet they still... Princess, you cannot always speak hurtful words.

Looking out from the open courtyard gate, there are layers upon layers, and it is unclear how many courtyards there are. The sky, devoid of tall buildings, appears exceptionally vast.

"How could this happen?" The Grand Princess questioned indignantly, as if someone could provide her with a clear answer.

Perhaps hot pot and car accidents are just dreams? She is truly lacking ambition, dreaming even about eating, and what is even more ridiculous is that she was actually hit by a car over a cup of milk tea

"I want to go home!" she cried to Granny Wei. "I don't know you!"