Fuzhu's Ballad

31

CHAPTER 31 Lost in the dream of the Dragon Wall

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During the carriage ride back to the Prince’s mansion, Zi Fu sat straight across from Lan Dan, with a solemn expression, her gaze quietly resting on her own knees. Lan Dan actually felt that she, a legitimate princess, was being overshadowed by Zi Fu in terms of aura. In the small space, no one spoke. Lan Dan felt slightly uneasy, but Zi Fu clearly did not. She secretly sized up Zi Fu, but Zi Fu didn’t even glance at her. It wasn’t an avoidance of looking, but rather an arrogant disregard.

Lan Dan didn’t remember seeing someone like her next to Luan Huang before. Luan Huang’s capable palace maids were usually either Zi Yuan or Zi Dai. This beautiful girl had been in the palace either before or after Fu Zhu, but she couldn’t recall. She was very pretty, her eyebrows and eyes weren’t necessarily exquisite, but they went well together and exuded a quiet and peaceful beauty. Even Lan Dan liked looking at her.

When they got off at the Prince’s mansion, Lan Dan looked at the courtyard she had not seen for a long time and surprisingly felt like she was coming home. She couldn’t help but feel ridiculous. How could this be her home?

The maids in the Prince’s mansion appeared more approachable in contrast to Zi Fu’s cold demeanor. At least they simply didn’t want to talk much, but Zi Fu exuded an inherent arrogance. If she was a stranger, Lan Dan would appreciate this kind of nobility and self-possession, but she was Lan Huang’s person, and they lived under the same roof, so the feeling was not so good.

Upon arriving at the inner courtyard, Shentu Rui took Lan Dan’s hand and led her to her room, while Zi Fu and the other maids trailed behind. Lan Dan knew he was upset, and at this time, she couldn’t pick a fight with him in front of Zi Fu, so even though she wanted to shake him off, she restrained herself.

They entered the inner courtyard, and Shentu Rui led Lan Dan straight to her room while Zi Fu gracefully stood in the courtyard, showing no emotion. Her back was even straighter than before.

The chief maid entered the room and asked Shentu Rui for guidance on where to house Zi Fu. He named a place and she left to lead Zi Fu to the backyard.

Zi Fu didn’t move but looked straight into Lan Dan’s room. “Your Highness, I am not here to be a servant,” she said in a pleasant tone of voice.

Shentu Rui had already settled himself cross-legged on the kang bed, and when he heard Zi Fu’s statement, he coldly chuckled, “Not a servant? Are you here to be my Consort then?”

Zi Fu didn’t answer, nor did she seem flustered. She even raised the corner of her mouth slightly.

The smile that seemed like a provocation angered Shentu Rui, who scolded, “You are just a tool sent by your mistress to act on her behalf outside the palace. I agreed to bring you here, which was already a huge favor to her. Don’t overstep your boundaries here! Since you were asked to find a suitable baby boy, you should focus on your own task. Who do you think you are?!”

Shentu Rui’s outburst interrupted Lan Dan’s packing, causing her to stop and put the clothes back into her bag.

This was the second time she had seen Shentu Rui truly angry. The last time was due to the incident in Gaolin, so it was no wonder he was so upset. Since Lan Huang wanted Zi Fu to complete such an important task, he naturally couldn’t refuse her. This was like inserting a nail next to him.

A hint of panic finally appeared on Zi Fu’s face, and her voice became sharper, “Your Highness, be careful of your words!”

“Be careful?” Shentu Rui smiled coldly. “What taboo is there for me to speak in my own house? Aren’t you the one I should be most wary of?”