Princess Lingchen stepped out cautiously from the assembly hall. Her maidservant, Ah Zhen held her arms. Soon, the other maidservants and guards lined up and followed behind her as they head back to her quarters.
After a few steps, the princess noticed that Ah Zhen has stopped beside her. Lingchen lifted her head and her gaze met with her Imperial Cousin, Prince Jing. He was the son of Prince Yi, her second uncle.
According to the hierarchy, her Imperial Uncle, Prince Yi should be the one next in line to ascend the throne after Lingchen, and Prince Jing will only have the chance to rule if Lingchen and Prince Yi was no longer capable of ruling. Although Prince Yi and his wife would always treat her well, the Crown Princess would be on her guard whenever she was around them.
Because of the dormant poison in her body, she cannot trust the people around her easily.
"Greetings, Crown Princess." Prince Jing bowed.
The princess forced a smile. "Imperial cousin Prince Jing." she glanced around and did not see anyone else around them. The thought that he was here waiting for her crossed her mind, but she did not speak her thought out loud.
"I heard His Majesty complimented you on your arrangement towards the flood victim in the western region," Prince Jing said. "I have yet to congratulate you on your achievement."
"I'm afraid that I don't deserve your good wish, Imperial Cousin. After all, it is our responsibility to aid the flood victim. They are the citizen of Da Cheng." she pointed out.
The prince laughed as he heard this. "You are right."
Her eyes darkened for a second. Princess Lingchen knew that her cousin did not stop her to have an idle chat. She could feel Ah Zhen's hand on her arms tightened.
After the lengthy meeting with the Emperor, the Princess was mentally tired, as they discussed the country matters. Winter was approaching, and the temperature was getting colder. Although the princess was wearing thicker clothes, she trembled when the cold wind blew.
Ah Zhen was worried that the Princess's illness would flare up again. It would be difficult for them if Her Highness's illness flared up at an open space like this.
After all, not many knew of the dormant poison in her body.
If any of her enemies knew that she poisoned, won't they take this opportunity to bring her down?
Before Prince Jing could say more, Princess Lingchen decided to retreat. She let out a smile and nodded. "If there is nothing else, then this Crown Princess will return to her quarters now."
She moved to her right to avoid the prince. But before she could take another step, Prince Jing blocked her path. The second he lifted his hand, Princess Lingchen took a step back to avoid him. She looked at her paternal cousin with a frown. "What is the meaning of this, Imperial Cousin?"
Prince Jing held up both hands as he laughed. "I don't mean anything, Your Highness. Just that, I heard His Majesty had assigned you to organize the banquet this spring. I only wish to lend my hand to help."
Princess Lingchen put a hand on Ah Zhen's hand to reassure her that she was alright, but her gaze was still on her imperial cousin. "Then I have to thank you for your offer. If I need any help, I will look for you, Imperial Cousin."