Chapter 4, Former Friends

It seems that this Huacai concubine previously encouraged Murong Zi to act, and it was not as simple as it appeared. She is likely using the pretense of deep sisterly affection to elevate herself to the position of the main wife

The noble consort Hua, noticing her dazed expression, shifted her gaze and rose to stand before her. With her soft and delicate hands, she gently grasped the hands that were clasped in front of her, her voice laced with a soothing charm: "You need not lose heart or become despondent. Trust that the prince is aware of your transformation and will gradually come to accept you. In due time, with your status, you will surely replace the princess in her position"

In recent days, she had someone secretly monitor Murong Zi and learned that she had become somewhat unusual, seemingly particularly quiet. She could hardly believe it, but upon their recent encounter, she had no choice but to accept the truth.

She and this noble consort of Hua have different aspirations and do not see eye to eye

"Look, Your Highness, isn't what you said a bit too distant? I am merely standing up for you. As for Lady Lin, she is just the daughter of a mere warrior, yet she has managed to ascend to the position of a princess. This is the prince's choice, and so be it. Yet she insists on putting on an act; seeing that false facade makes me quite indignant. The prince cannot see the affection you hold for him, and I believe Lady Lin has certainly played many tricks in this regard. You, Your Highness, are of noble birth, blessed with beauty, and have deep feelings for the prince; how can you possibly be inferior to Lady Lin? I truly feel it is unfair for you!" By the end of her speech, Concubine Hua was filled with righteous indignation.

"Princess, you..." Due to their usual friendly relations, the two of them interacted casually in private. Consort Hua did not show excessive courtesy, merely displaying a look of surprise at the person who entered.

This Concubine Hua seems to have a close relationship with the former Murong Zijun, appearing to share a deep sisterly bond. However, it is uncertain how much sincerity lies within this sisterly affection

These few carefully sorted memories of Murong Zi left her, a modern person, utterly speechless. She could basically conclude that the original Murong Zi either had issues with her character or was psychologically twisted. Regarding the friends that the original Murong Zi had made, she instinctively felt a sense of disdain and suspicion.

A hint of embarrassment flashed across the exquisite and beautiful face of the imperial concubine, and she quickly covered her mouth and chuckled, "I did not expect that the princess's transformation would be even more enchanting than before."

Murong Zi subtly pressed her lips together, unable to discern whether the other party's words were praise or sarcasm. She feigned a self-mocking smile and said, "The disgrace I caused earlier has now become common knowledge. I have seriously reflected on my actions in recent days. Indeed, I have been somewhat excessive in the past, provoking envy and disdain. If I do not sincerely repent, I am sure the prince will not grant me a place."

Rather than this, it is better to proceed step by step, as this will allow people to logically accept that she currently has no thoughts whatsoever regarding King Chu

Is it possible that the princess intends to ... ...

Dressed in simple elegance, with a clean and delicate face that bore almost no trace of makeup, she went to the Xuan Bamboo Pavilion to meet the prince

This side consort of the Prince of Chu is truly not a friend one can easily accept! As the dignified side consort of the Prince of Chu, she actually persuades her own friend to pursue her man. Should one say she is magnanimous, or does she have ulterior motives?

Accompanied by Xiao Lian, Murong Zi was just about to return to her room when a maid came to report that Consort Hua had arrived and was waiting for her in the flower hall

If that is the case, it would be better, saving her the trouble of competing and maneuvering with her... If she continues to be ungrateful, once father returns, he will surely think of a way to make it so that she will find it difficult to survive in the Chu royal residence, if not impossible to live at all

Murong Zichui's lowered head effectively concealed the twitching of her lips and the disdain evident in her eyes at that moment

The heart of a woman is indeed difficult to fathom

Murong Ziwei raised an eyebrow and nodded

At the very least, she cannot achieve this

Regaining her composure, Murong Zi raised her head and looked at the beautiful and graceful Hua Concubine in front of her with a hint of gratitude. "Thank you for your encouragement, Hua Concubine. I also believe that the prince will come to recognize me anew, and when that time comes, I will certainly express my gratitude to you properly."

"How is it that after just a few days apart, Lady Hua no longer recognizes this princess?" Murong Zi said with a faint smile as she walked gracefully to the soft couch beside Lady Hua, and after elegantly taking her seat, she pretended to jest.

After determining her desires, Consort Hua's expression showed a layer of concern, "Has the princess visited the prince?"

Has she finally come to understand what self-awareness is? After that incident, will she truly no longer fantasize about marrying the prince?

In the flower hall, a woman elegantly savoring fragrant tea raised her eyes at the moment someone entered, and a hint of surprise immediately surfaced in her enchanting and charming gaze

A bold conjecture emerged in the mind of the Huá concubine, yet she did not articulate it, only gazing in astonishment at the figure entering through the door.

Furrowing her brows, Murong Zi searched her mind for information about Consort Hua. During the past few days of her recovery, it seemed that she had heard Xiao Lian mention that Consort Hua had come to visit her, but since she had been focused on adjusting her mindset, she had declined all visitors. Now that she had stepped out of her chamber, Consort Hua had come looking for her; it appeared that her Ziyou Pavilion could hardly keep any secrets.

Let Xiao Lian step down, and Murong Zi went to the flower hall alone

Upon hearing this, the concubine Hua's eyes quickly flashed with a look of realization. As she had suspected, the princess intended to reinvent herself to gain favor and win the prince's affection.

As the faint blue figure disappeared from view, Lin Xier's eyes gradually took on a hint of gloom, staring at the empty direction for a long time without withdrawing her gaze

The fact that the original Murong Zi had feelings for King Chu is already well-known to all. Even if she solemnly tells others that the current Murong Zi has completely given up on King Chu, it is likely that no one would believe her

It is said that the princess's temperament has changed dramatically in recent days. She originally did not believe it and had attempted to come and see for herself several times, but each time she was politely declined. Today, upon hearing that she had gone to the Xuan Bamboo Pavilion, she finally came to investigate, only to unexpectedly see her in such a different appearance than before

Murong Zi pursed her lips and shook her head lightly, not wanting others to perceive her thoughts. She simply lowered her head, appearing to be in a state of disappointment.

However, her fresh appearance with a fair complexion and delicate eyebrows seems even more pleasing to the eye than her previously extravagant and glamorous demeanor

Although she is not the real Murong Zi, to others, she is. It is just that there are some temporary changes. When facing the former friends of Princess Murong, even though she feels unfamiliar inside, she must still face them amicably

Murong Zi has truly changed

Upon hearing that Murong Zi had come to Xuan Bamboo Tower to meet the prince, she hurried over. But was the woman who had just appeared, exuding an air of calmness and elegance, truly the same Murong Zi who had been arrogant and rude upon their first encounter?

Has the prince shown any change towards the sovereign today