Chapter 63 - 62: Do I Have to Persuade You Myself?
Shen Yinning gracefully sat down on the round chair where Lu Ying had previously been seated. "Sister Ruizhu, I’m feeling a bit thirsty. I’d like to have some almond nectar from the Shen Garden’s small kitchen."
Ruizhu sneered disdainfully but had no choice other than ordering someone to fetch the almond nectar for her.
Meanwhile, at the Minister’s Mansion—
Xue Ling was in a good mood today, adding a few extra dishes to the evening meal.
As Xue Mianmian poured wine for him, she cautiously asked, "What has brought you such happiness, my lord?"
"Of course, it’s because Shen Yinning is being punished!" Xue Ling sneered coldly. "Last time at the hunting grounds, she informed on me, causing the Crown Prince to chastise me. This time, it’s finally her turn to be disciplined!"
Xue Mianmian’s heart clenched tightly. "What did Zhaozhao do to deserve this punishment?"
"She attempted to ensure that Shen Yunxi could never bear children! Ruthless, isn’t she?" Xue Ling drank a sip of wine with great interest. "But the Crown Prince is even more ruthless. He handed her directly over to Ruizhu for disciplining. Ruizhu has a personal grudge against her. Falling into Ruizhu’s hands—there won’t be any good outcomes for her!"
Xue Mianmian’s face turned pale like fine paper.
Xue Ling leaned closer to her, their noses nearly touching. His tone was both playful and dangerous. "What’s this? Are you feeling sorry for her?"
Xue Mianmian’s eyes filled with tears as she grasped his arm desperately. "My lord, Zhaozhao has a delicate body and has never endured such suffering! Please, I beg you to say a kind word on her behalf to the Crown Prince. Have her released from the dungeon and spare her from further punishment!"