Chapter 158 - 156 How dare you covet my woman?!
Shen Yinning did not take it to heart and rose to leave directly.
Only then did Gao Zheng recount verbatim to Lu Ying the words he had overheard at the Shen Guogong Mansion that day.
— "Lu Ying, that hypocrite, always clings to appearances, pretending to be noble and upright. But in private, he does such despicable things—turning on his own brother and stealing another man’s wife. Righteous or vile, in the end, he’s nothing more than a stepping stone for my ascent."
— "Does Sister Shen dislike my imperial brother?"
— "Dislike? On the contrary, I like him. I like him for his status as the Crown Prince, for the power he holds, for the way he humiliates me time and again but still can’t seem to let go of me."
After Gao Zheng finished, he dared not look at Lu Ying’s expression. Instead, he lowered his head, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Highness, I am saying these words tonight not to sow discord but simply because I cannot tolerate Shen Yinning’s lofty airs and inconsistent behavior, trampling on Your Highness’s affections for her! I feel heartache on Your Highness’s behalf!"
After he had spoken, he stood there until his feet ached, yet Lu Ying remained silent.
There was none of the thunderous rage he had expected.
Unease brewed in Gao Zheng’s heart. Gathering his courage, he lifted his head slightly, only to see the golden and distinguished Crown Prince sitting quietly beside the flickering candlelight. The long, dense lashes veiled his dark eyes, making it impossible to guess what thoughts lingered in his mind.
Nervously, Gao Zheng bit his lip and ventured softly, "Your... Highness?"