Chapter 221

Ning Si was incredulous, "She actually did such a thing? Could it be just for the Eldest Prince and you?"

"Mm," Gu Ying nodded. Seeing her reveal a worried look, she smiled, "But the Eldest Prince won't be fooled. The Eldest Prince found an excuse, tricked Zhao Changxing, and sent Huo Qiyun back to the Huo family."

Ning Si stroked her chest and took a deep breath of relief, "I've seen her a few times before. She looked gentle, I really didn't expect her to do such extreme things. Ah Ying, fortunately the Eldest Prince believes you."

"Yes," Gu Ying happily curled the corners of her mouth, "Him believing me is enough."

Seeing her whole face full of happiness, Ning Si laughed and asked again, "The Eldest Prince has been in Yueyang for four or five days, do you miss him?"

Gu Ying nodded, "Mm, counting the journey, he should be halfway up the slope."

Missing him goes without saying, but more is worrying.

On February 15, 1623, there was an avalanche in the valley halfway up the slope. Dozens of people under Prince Shu were buried alive in the snow.

But she had already reminded the Eldest Prince of the route. This time, they would change the route, or go through the valley ahead of time.

Anyway, nothing would happen.

Ning Si saw a hint of sorrow appear between her brows when she talked about the Eldest Prince. She teased, "You've only been married for a short while, yet His Majesty made you separate from your husband. It really is difficult for you. But you, don't be too sad. I will often come over to chat with you. Ah Ying, would you like to go appreciate the lantern lights together during the upcoming Lantern Festival?" Gu Ying sincerely thanked her, "Ah Si, you're the nicest to me."

She was imprisoned by Jiang Yin all her life and had almost no friends. She was really grateful that Ning Si did not abandon her.

Still?

Ning Si was puzzled, "It seems we didn't know each other before?" Gu Ying meaningfully laughed, "Maybe we were good friends in our past life?"

Ning Si also didn't know why she felt such a strong sense of closeness towards Gu Ying. Anyway, she was happy to make this friend.

But she was no fool either. When Ah Ying talked to her last time, she felt something was off.

"Ah Ying, I should be thanking you for helping me and His Highness Prince Duan this time."

Gu Ying chuckled, "As long as you and His Highness Prince Duan are fine, I'll feel at ease."

If Prince Shu's health was good, he wouldn't think of separating Ning Si anymore.

It would be the best ending if they could be together happily in this lifetime after suffering for a lifetime.

Yet Ning Si suddenly asked seriously, "Ah Ying, tell me honestly, how did you know Prince Shu put drugs in His Highness Prince Duan's food?"

Gu Ying was stunned. She hadn't expected Ning Si to ask her this.

She blankly stared at Ning Si. A strong urge made her want to tell Ning Si everything she had experienced... After thinking twice, she still didn't want to drag her into this painful abyss.

The corners of her lips curved up into a gentle smile. She came up with a reason and said, "It was the Eldest Prince who told me. The Eldest Prince's people found some clues. I just thought to give you a reminder to be careful not to fall into Prince Shu's trap."

Ning Si gazed into her eyes for a moment without doubting her words.

After all, with the Eldest Prince's power and influence, it wouldn't be difficult for him to find out some things.

Moreover, the conflict between Prince Shu and Prince Duan over the crown prince's position was intensifying.

It was time for the position of Crown Prince to be determined.

Thinking of the days and nights she had spent with His Highness Prince Duan recently, she shyly smiled. "After changing his diet as you advised, his health has improved a lot. Although he still coughs, he doesn't cough blood anymore. I believe he will get better and better. Ah Ying, I really have to thank you. His Highness said that when the Eldest Prince comes back, he must treat you to a nice meal."

Gu Ying met Ning Si's clear eyes. She wanted to tell her so much about her rebirth.

She was carrying too heavy of a burden. She really hoped there was someone who could share it with her and change fate together. She unconsciously gripped Ning Si's soft little hand with some force.

If Ah Si knew those things, would she look down on her?

Ning Si looked up puzzled, "Ah Ying, what's wrong?"

Gu Ying swallowed and let out a dry laugh. She pulled the corners of her lips and said, "No...nothing. It's just our road ahead is still arduous. Ah Si, you must take good care of His Highness Prince Duan."

In the end, she didn't have the courage. She sighed and decided to continue hiding it.

Ning Si nodded. She would naturally think of ways to protect His Highness Prince Duan.

It was just that his health hadn't fully recovered yet. Although he had anxiously jumped into the water with her that day, after tirelessly taking care of her day and night, he was still stubborn towards her, refusing to say that he liked her and was willing to marry her.

But to be able to be like now, she was already very happy and satisfied.

After the Lantern Festival, she would go to Qingyun Temple to pray and make a wish for His Highness Prince Duan's peace and safety. If he still refused to marry her, she would wish for him to soon find a princess consort that he liked and soon have children.

Gu Ying didn't know what Ning Si was thinking. She happily kept her to dine together.

It wasn't until the evening meal that Ning Si left Prince Guo's residence.

Outside the moon gate at the end of the nine-bend corridor in the rear garden, Huo Qiyan watched Ning Si and Gu Ying leave laughing and chatting. She curiously asked, "Since when were they so close?"

The maid Cui Yu standing behind Huo Qiyan said, "Eldest Young Miss wasn't back from her hometown previously. It seems they got acquainted at the imperial banquet."

Huo Qiyan let out a contemptuous snort. A master diviner had told her she was born with the fate of great fortune and prosperity and was destined to be an imperial consort.

With her status and identity, she had never looked upon Ning Si.

Yet His Majesty the Empress Dowager's eldest son, Prince Duan, only had Ning Si in his heart, which often made her feel uneasy.

Although she liked cousin, why didn't Prince Shu and Prince Duan like her?

What was she lacking compared to Ning Si?

"She and Gu Ying look very close. Didn't Gu Ying always not come out of Changfeng Pavilion? This good opportunity has delivered itself to the door," the corners of Huo Qiyan's lips slightly curved up in a smile. "Eldest cousin said to wait for the right time, but isn't this the perfect chance?"

"Second Young Lady, you can't be..."