Chapter 424 - 418_1
Princess Yongle and Lady Roujia, having revealed their identities, naturally couldn’t continue to stay around. If targeted with ulterior motives, their safety would have been at risk. Therefore, they agreed to Judge Zhou’s proposal and let him escort them back. After this incident, it was certain that their sneaking out couldn’t be kept secret, so they no longer had any concerns. However, the palace found out sooner than they expected. They had barely returned to the Princess Residence when a palace eunuch arrived with an edict, summoning them to enter the palace.
Princess Yongle’s face fell, but she still arranged for Lin Yue to go back first, as there was no need for her to accompany them to the palace. After all, the eunuch who came with the order didn’t expressly require Lin Yue to enter the palace. It would suffice for herself and Lady Roujia to see the Emperor. They hadn’t caused any serious trouble, and even if her imperial brother was displeased, at most they would receive a light punishment. They wouldn’t come to any harm, but Lin Yue was a different case. After all, her status was too low, merely a commoner, and she wouldn’t be able to withstand her imperial brother’s reproach.
"Yueyue, you go back first. Later on, if you want to hold a gathering, just tell Lady Roujia, and she will come to the palace to inform me. When the time comes, Lady Roujia and I will both be there to support you." Princess Yongle had also learned from Lady Roujia about Chen Ruyu and Zhang Peilan, but she had never heard of these two women’s names herself; she only knew they were daughters of subordinates. However, hearing that those two women were still arrogant and didn’t forget to cause trouble for Lin Yue, attending to bolster her was a must, and it would be a good chance to join the fun.
After spending the day together, shopping, frolicking, and even brawling, the friendship among them had quickly deepened. They were all straightforward characters and found their company exceptionally cordial and enjoyable. Princess Yongle now considered Lin Yue one of her own.
"Thank you, Princess. Then I will head back now. But won’t His Majesty blame us for what happened today?" Lin Yue knew well that Princess Yongle, being the Emperor’s blood sister, would be safe, but still, it was necessary to show concern.
Princess Yongle waved her hand generously, having mentally prepared for the consequences of revealing her identity today. "Don’t worry, it will be all right. The worst that could happen is a scolding, followed by being confined. It’s the same old routine every time. I’ll just treat it like listening to a monk chant scriptures, in one ear and out the other."
"Pfft!" Lin Yue couldn’t hold back her laughter upon hearing Princess Yongle’s words, and Lady Roujia also found it amusing. The Emperor really had his hands full with such a sister. The Eunuch who had come with the edict stood there like a wooden figure, as though he hadn’t heard a word Princess Yongle said. However, the slight curl of his mouth and the laughter in his eyes betrayed his emotions.
"Then, Your Highnesses, I will take my leave now. I’ll send someone to inform you once the date for the banquet is set."
Upon leaving the Princess Residence, Lin Yue finally breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, the Princess was kind-hearted enough to consider her situation, allowing her to leave first. Otherwise, once in the Imperial Palace, facing His Majesty himself, there was no telling what the Emperor’s temperament would be like. If His Majesty were not so sagacious and decided to punish her, an unrelated party, she truly couldn’t have borne it.