The next morning, Ning Shu woke up early. Miao Qing was busy helping her comb her hair, but as Ning Shu glanced in the mirror, she noticed that Miao Qing looked a bit absent-minded. Her eyes were swollen and red, and panic flickered in them, along with dark circles.
Clearly, Miao Qing hadn't slept well last night. Ning Shu gently stroked her hair and said, "Help me put on the phoenix hairpin."
"Princess, is it the golden white marble victorious plum blossom nine-tailed pheasant coiled dragon and four phoenix hairpin?"
Ning Shu just nodded. With such a long name, how could she possibly remember it? Miao Qing quickly retrieved the hairpin from the jewelry box and carefully inserted it into Ning Shu's hair.
Once everything was in order, Ning Shu stepped out of Orchid Garden Palace. She spotted about a dozen imperial guards carrying chests filled with items belonging to the original host. The palace was packed with far too many things.
Miao Qing's beautiful face twisted in worry. How would she ever see His Majesty again after they left the palace?
Ning Shu turned back to her and said lightly, "Miao Qing, you should just stay in Orchid Garden Palace and look after things." The implication was clear: she could take care of the place.
Miao Qing's face lit up with joy for a moment before falling back into despair. Even though she could remain in the palace, it didn't mean she would see the Emperor. Would he still visit Orchid Garden Palace once the princess was gone?
Ning Shu chose to ignore Miao Qing's mixed emotions and left with Yuan Dong. Yuan Dong glanced back at Miao Qing, who was leaning against the door, feeling a twinge of desolation at the sight.
Ning Shu's first stop was to say goodbye to Li Wen. As she approached the palace doors, she saw him already waiting, accompanied by the Empress in her bright yellow court dress embroidered with gold and silver phoenixes. Behind them was a large crowd of attendants and well-wishers there to see the princess off.
Feeling a bit intimidated, especially by Li Wen's presence, Ning Shu hurried over. Once close, she curtsied and said, "This sister-subject pays her respects to Imperial Older Brother."
Li Wen nodded, then took a moment to size her up. He glanced at the crowd behind her and asked, "You've already packed everything?"
"It seems you've managed to let go," he said, his tone indifferent. "You're our sister; it's okay to be sad, but don't overdo it."
Ning Shu simply replied, "En." She understood now—Li Wen was the Emperor. He couldn't allow his sister to wallow in grief over a commoner; it would tarnish the family's reputation. The original host's mourning over Duan Xinghui had likely worn out Li Wen's patience and favor, especially since it affected her health.
It became clear that the original host's behavior after Duan Xinghui returned had likely disgusted Li Wen, driving a wedge between them. This realization hit Ning Shu hard. She met Li Wen's gaze for a moment before looking down and saying, "This sister-subject is the princess of the Great Yong dynasty. Duan Xinghui was just a subject. I've thought it through: since he has passed, I should let it go and not disappoint Imperial Older Brother."
Li Wen nodded. Noticing she had only one maid with her, he asked, "Why is there only one person attending to you?"
In truth, Li Wen had treated the original host well, as long as she didn't cross his boundaries. His presence with all the women from his Inner Palace to see her off was a clear sign of respect.
Reflecting on this, Ning Shu started to develop a favorable impression of Li Wen. Love wasn't the only thing in life; some people would give everything for it, like a moth drawn to a flame.
Finally, Ning Shu offered Li Wen a genuine smile and said, "One girl didn't want to leave the palace, so I decided to let her stay."
Li Wen was momentarily taken aback by her smile, but his expression darkened slightly as he replied, "Such a disloyal servant; getting rid of her is a wise choice."