Ning Shu instructed her maids, "Pack up everything in the storeroom. Don't leave behind even a single needle."
Miao Qing exchanged glances with Yuan Dong, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. "Princess, are you sure you want to pack everything? There are quite a lot of items in your storeroom."
Ning Shu gave her a cold look. "Not a single item should be left behind."
Miao Qing's heart raced. The princess had become eerily unreadable since her recovery, displaying no signs of her previous pain, just a calmness that was unsettling.
"Understood," Miao Qing replied, suppressing her doubts.
As the palace maids began to gather the items, Ning Shu set off to find Li Wen. When she entered, he was immersed in reading memorials. He looked up, placing his cinnabar brush down with an effortless fluidity.
Li Wen's appearance alone could charm anyone, but Ning Shu felt an overwhelming sense of fear and insecurity. The primary reason she wished to leave the palace was to escape his intimidating presence. He seemed too dangerous, with thoughts deeply concealed beneath his composed exterior.
"Why have you come to see us?" Li Wen asked, his tone indifferent.
Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, Ning Shu allowed sorrow to creep onto her face. "Imperial Older Brother, I wish to live outside the palace."
Li Wen appeared momentarily surprised, then offered a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Ning Shu's heart sank at the sight of that feigned smile.
"Imperial Older Brother, I just need some time to unwind," she added, her voice trembling slightly.
Li Wen sipped his tea, placing the cup down without a word. Anxiety bubbled within Ning Shu as she maintained her sorrowful façade, desperately hoping for a positive response.
Finally, he broke the silence. "Where do you plan to live?"
"Imperial Younger Sister wishes to go to Manor Garden," she replied cautiously, glancing at his expression, which remained as cold as ever.
"Manor Garden is too far and not safe. Your Princess Residence is ready; you should live there instead," he stated flatly.
Ning Shu's heart sank. The Princess Residence was too close to Duan Xinghui's quarters, and she had no desire to stay there.
Yet, she had no choice in the matter. Though her title as a princess was esteemed, it could be stripped away with a single word from Li Wen. How could life be any more disheartening?
She pondered how to improve her older brother's perception of her and deepen their sibling bond while avoiding his penetrating gaze.