I am the champion of palace intrigue, and even the proud prince bows his head in submission.

Chapter 565 Xie Jue's Line: Disappearance

Gao Wanzhi turned her head and glanced at the maids in the room, who quickly and tactfully left.

Only the two of them remained in the room. Gao Wanzhi took a deep breath, looked up at him, and said, "They've all gone downstairs. I have a question for you."

Am I important to you?

Her voice was a little hoarse, but she spoke each word with utmost seriousness.

Xie Jue nodded immediately, "Of course it's important."

Gao Wanzhi stared at him intently and asked again, "Then what am I to you?"

Her voice softened, as if she was afraid to hear the answer, yet she insisted on asking, "What place do I hold in your heart?"

Xie Jue answered almost without hesitation, "You're my younger sister."

His tone was frank, as if he were talking about the most natural thing in the world: "We grew up together since we were little. You are five years younger than me, and I have always taken care of you as a younger sister."

"Like Xie Yun?" Her voice was low, almost clenched through her teeth.

Xie Jue frowned slightly, as if he wanted to explain something, "The same, but not exactly the same."

But Gao Wanzhi was no longer listening.

As she looked at the person in front of her, her heart grew colder and colder.

Gao Wanzhi lowered her eyes. "I understand."

He didn't like her.

It was just wishful thinking on her part.

Xie Jue stood there, realizing something was wrong.

What did she understand? What did she understand?

He looked at Gao Wanzhi's back as she sat by the bed and said in a low voice, "Your illness doesn't seem to be better yet. You were sneezing just now. Did you call a doctor? Are you taking your medicine on time?"

Gao Wanzhi did not turn around, her tone indifferent, "No need for Young Master Xie to worry, I am fine."

Xie Jue was about to say something more when she heard her tone turn cold, "Send Young Master Xie out."

The maid outside obeyed the order, pushed open the door, and whispered.

"Young Master Xie, please."

Xie Jue glanced back and saw that she had her head down and her profile was hidden in the shadows, so he couldn't see her expression at all.

She's still angry about what happened yesterday.

Tomorrow, have someone send her some of her favorite snacks and some fun, novel items to cheer her up; she should be fine then.

That's how he always coaxed her.

Thinking this, he quickened his pace and turned to leave the Princess's residence.

The next morning, the area in front of the Princess's residence was unusually lively.

Xie Jue sent three large carts full of goods.

The brocade box contained the latest milk tea, fried chicken, and cookies from Fuyulou, as well as several new snacks and sweet soups that Lu Xinghe had tried.

These exquisitely crafted ornaments feature cleverly designed mechanisms; opening them reveals intricate scrolls and paper figures.

The servants carefully carried the gifts into the front courtyard and announced loudly, "Young Master Xie from the Prince Jing's residence has sent something, saying it's for the Princess and wishing her a speedy recovery."

In the hall, Gao Wanzhi was wearing a cloak.

The maidservant cautiously advised, "Princess, these are all your usual favorites. Why don't you accept some? This milk tea is one of the newest varieties..."

Gao Wanzhi said calmly, "No need, just return them all."

The maid was stunned. "But... thank you, young master..."

"I said, return it."

She said coldly, "Don't keep any of them."

The maid had no choice but to bow her head and agree, then instructed the servants to return the items exactly as they were.

Xie Jue stood in the backyard of Fuyu Tower, looking at the cartload of returned gift boxes, his brows furrowed tightly.

He personally picked out each and every item, but she didn't want any of them.

Changqing whispered from the side, "Young master, when I went to see the princess the night before last, she sat alone in the pear garden waiting for two hours. When I saw her, her lips were white. It was indeed you who acted improperly."

"Of course I know." Xie Jue rubbed his temples. "The problem now is, how can we calm her down?"

This time I'm really angry.

Changqing thought for a moment, then tentatively began to speak.

"How about we send the princess some jewelry she likes? A few days ago, Nanzhufang released a batch of extremely precious Shu-Nan colored gemstones, and someone also sent a glass hairpin from the Western Regions. They are all very beautiful."

Xie Jue turned to look at him and said, "That's an interesting idea."

"Go ahead and choose, you can spend whatever you want,"

Anyway, the one thing he has in abundance is money.

Changqing immediately agreed and turned to do it.

The next day.

Xie Jue looked at the new menu draft that Lu Xinghe had sent over, but her thoughts had already drifted far away.

Changqing walked in.

"Young Master," he paused, then spoke the truth, "those boxes of jewelry were also returned."

“I went to some of the best jewelry shops in the capital, such as Nanzhufang, Jihua Pavilion, and Liuguang Palace... I bought the styles that the princess usually likes, but she didn’t buy any of them.”

Xie Jue sighed, feeling helpless.

For a moment, he didn't know what to do.

As night fell and darkness began to fall, a secret letter was urgently delivered from the military camp.

It was a message from Deputy General Liu, saying that the weather would be fine tomorrow and asking if he would continue to practice riding skills.

Xie Jue pondered for a moment, then suddenly smiled softly.

Horseback riding? Perhaps Gao Wanzhi will come?

Even if she ignores him, he still wants to see her.

The next day, at the horse farm.

Xie Jue arrived early, dressed in light riding attire, and stood in front of the stables waiting for that familiar figure.

But as time went by, the horse farm gradually became lively.

Deputy General Liu also arrived, but Gao Wanzhi was nowhere to be seen.

Xie Jue stood there for a long time, his expression changing from anticipation to silence.

Changqing jogged over and whispered, "Young Master, the Princess didn't send any message today. Perhaps she has other plans."

Xie Jue didn't speak, just stood there, somewhat lost in thought.

She's really angry.

They didn't even give him a chance to forgive.

In the eldest princess's mansion.

Gao Wanzhi sat on the soft couch, her complexion much better than the previous two days.

The medicine bowl on the table was empty, and next to it was a plate of sliced ​​pears.

Gao Yunzhi sat down beside her and reached out to touch her forehead. "The fever has almost subsided, but you're still a bit weak and need to rest for a few more days."

Gao Wanzhi nodded obediently, "I understand, Mother."

Gao Yunzhi's eyes softened. "In ten days, there will be a flower festival in the East Garden. Didn't you say last time that the begonias in that garden were blooming exceptionally well? This is a perfect opportunity, why don't you go for a walk?"

“Go. Don’t worry, Mother, I’ll be fully recovered in the next couple of days, and I definitely won’t delay anything.”

Seeing that she had finally cheered up, Gao Yunzhi breathed a sigh of relief and instructed the maid to prepare some medicine to replenish qi and blood.

"Whatever clothes you want to wear, prepare them in advance. You haven't been out for a long time, it's good to get some fresh air."

Evening, at the Prince's Mansion.

Xie Jue ate very little, taking only a few bites before putting down his chopsticks.

After dinner, everyone dispersed, and Xie Jue also stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "This child takes his leave."

Qin Jiuwei saw this and glanced at Xie Yanli with some concern.

Xie Yanli nodded, indicating that she could rest assured.

The night wind carried the chill of early winter, rustling the few green bamboos in the courtyard.

Xie Jue walked hurriedly with his head down. Just as he was about to step out of the courtyard, Xie Yanli called out to him, "Brother Jue."

“Father,” he replied softly.

"You ate too little today."

Xie Jue lowered her eyes. "I don't have much of an appetite."

Is something on your mind?

Xie Jue remained silent for a long time. "I broke my promise. I had arranged to meet Wanzhi, but something happened at Fuyu Tower that night, and she had to wait for two hours by herself. Now she's angry with me."

"What you did was indeed inappropriate."

Xie Jue said in a low voice, "I know, so I sent her food and jewelry, but she returned them all. I also went to see her, but she refused to see me. I don't know what to do."

Xie Yanli looked at him, his expression unchanged, but his tone deepened.

"You really don't know what she wants?"

Xie Jue shook his head.

Xie Yanli: ...