Ning Shu observed Miao Qing's discreet actions. As expected of a palace woman, none of them were ordinary at all. While others might have tried to stir up trouble, Miao Qing clearly knew when to hold back.
Ning Shu felt that the original host wasn't simple either. In the power struggles for the throne, she had taken initiative for Li Wen and witnessed many dark realities. Yet, she was also quite naïve, having offended nearly all the women in the Inner Palace. Ultimately, she had a conceited personality, looking down on those who relied on men for survival. It was remarkable that not a single person spoke up for her when she was married off; they all agreed to send her away. It takes a special kind of talent to alienate everyone to that extent.
After some thought, Ning Shu said, "Record all of this and arrange return gifts according to the usual standards."
Both Miao Qing and Yuan Dong froze at the same time. The princess had never given return gifts before, so this sudden command shocked them. However, they quickly regained their composure—being experienced palace maids, they were used to adapting.
Interactions among people often rely on reciprocity. The original host's habit of only accepting gifts without giving anything in return signaled her desire to distance herself from those women. How offensive was that? The princess was incredibly willful, and while the women in the Inner Palace cursed her under their breath, they couldn't touch her. A wall only falls when everyone pushes. A lot of factors had contributed to the original host's current state.
"Princess, do you really want to give return gifts?" Miao Qing asked. "This would give them face."
Ning Shu merely glanced at her, remaining silent. This made Miao Qing uneasy. She and Yuan Dong had seen the princess in pain before, but now her calm demeanor was unsettling. Could it be that she had lost her mind from suffering?
Of course, they could only wonder this silently. Though reluctant, the two maids quickly took action and soon sent return gifts to the various palaces.
The consorts and concubines were surprised and touched to receive Princess Jiahui's gifts. They had all sorts of complex emotions, but for now, that discussion would wait.
Ning Shu contemplated whether she should seek out Duan Xinghui but dismissed the idea almost immediately. By now, he had likely been rescued by Er Ya. What would be the point of her going? Moreover, if a princess wanted to venture out, it had to be done with proper protection and ceremonial dignity. She would have to drag a whole entourage with her. By the time she reached the border, all the food would have gone cold.
If the two were truly in love, fate would bind them together.
Duan Xinghui and Er Ya had grown close without intermediaries. As Er Ya cared for Duan Xinghui's injuries, they inevitably had physical contact. Familiarity breeds affection; love ignites like dry wood catching fire. In short, the two had fallen in love—it was true love.
Ning Shu knew her true task would have to wait until Duan Xinghui brought Er Ya back to the capital. Until then, she needed to focus on her recovery and work on improving the Emperor's favorable impression of her. Since she didn't want to be married off, she had to build her own value.
What could she do to help Li Wen? There were already too many people handling tasks like serving tea and pouring water. While the impact of improving his impression of her and deepening their sibling bond was minimal, making an occasional effort wouldn't hurt.
Ning Shu dedicated herself to recuperating. However, throughout this time, there was not a hint of a smile on her face, leaving Miao Qing and Yuan Dong confused and on edge.
They were extremely careful with everything they said. Miao Qing no longer dared to provoke Ning Shu. Ning Shu noticed that Yuan Dong's eyes looked a little red, but whenever she asked, Yuan Dong claimed it was just from squinting or a minor eye irritation.
Ning Shu regarded the two thoughtfully. Her unreadable gaze seemed to penetrate their souls, revealing the secrets hidden in the depths of their hearts. This only made Miao Qing and Yuan Dong more anxious.
As a result, they began attending to Ning Shu with even greater care and consideration. Their comprehensive attentiveness made her days pass quite comfortably—an effect Ning Shu hadn't anticipated.