novelaction Chapter 429 (00 words added)
Chapter 429 (00 words added)
She stole a glance at his eyes and found him staring intently at her, as if he could see right through her. A wave of panic and unease washed over her. She had thought she had gotten away with it perfectly, but now it seemed that wasn't the case. She realized she might have underestimated his intelligence and insight; perhaps he had already seen through her intentions. At that moment, Xue Ruanruan's heart pounded even faster. She didn't know how to face this situation. What would happen if he really discovered her actions? She began to regret her risky move, now finding herself in such an awkward predicament. However, despite the fear and anxiety filling her heart, Xue Ruanruan tried to remain calm. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself and think about how to deal with the situation. After all, running away wouldn't solve anything; she needed to bravely face reality. But since she hadn't exposed him in public, there was still room for maneuver. Xue Ruanruan forced herself to remain calm, meeting Murong Xun's gaze, and said softly, "Your Highness, this matter requires careful consideration. As for the Empress Dowager..." Murong Xun interrupted her, "My mind is made up. If we let the Left Prime Minister go because of the Empress Dowager, what will happen to the people he has persecuted?" Xue Ruanruan bit her lip, "I understand Your Highness's righteousness, but the Empress Dowager is seriously ill. If we provoke a rebellion from her faction, it will be detrimental to Your Highness." Murong Xun looked at her, "I am naturally aware of the risks involved, but I am determined to investigate this embezzlement case. Miss Ruanruan, you don't need to worry, I will handle things with the Empress Dowager." Seeing his determination, Xue Ruanruan felt a mixture of admiration and worry. At this moment, Yan Xiao rushed over, "Your Highness, the Empress Dowager has sent someone to summon you to the palace immediately." Murong Xun's expression hardened. "It seems the Empress Dowager already knows about this." He straightened his clothes. "Ruan Ruan, you stay here and wait for my news." With that, he followed the messenger into the palace. A contest with the Empress Dowager's faction was about to begin. Did the fact that he cooperated in pressuring the Left Prime Minister mean he had agreed to her actions? Xue Ruan Ruan was in turmoil, unable to think of anything else. Only after the Left Prime Minister and the other students' parents had all left did she apologize to the headmaster and teachers. The Left Prime Minister decided to secretly observe the Regent's movements and find a suitable opportunity to make further plans. At the same time, he also began to win over some ministers who supported him in the court to strengthen his own power. The Left Prime Minister knew that in this power struggle, only with sufficient strength could he protect himself and his family. He began to carefully recall his conversation with Lady Wang, trying to find some clues. The more he pondered, the more ordinary and unremarkable those words seemed. The Left Prime Minister frowned, then suddenly a thought flashed through his mind—he realized that Lady Wang's seemingly ordinary words might conceal a hidden meaning. Perhaps Lady Wang was sent by the Regent to test him. The more the Left Prime Minister thought about it, the more likely it seemed, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead. Meanwhile, Xue Ruanruan was also racking her brains for a solution. She knew the Left Prime Minister wouldn't give up easily, and the days to come would certainly be even more difficult. Just as she was feeling anxious, Yan Xiao brought news that after some maneuvering with the Empress Dowager in the palace, Murong Xun had temporarily stabilized the situation, but the Empress Dowager demanded that he stop investigating the Left Prime Minister. Murong Xun didn't agree, only saying he would consider it carefully. Xue Ruanruan understood that this was only temporary calm; a storm was brewing. She decided to work with Murong Xun and Yan Xiao to further gather evidence against the Left Prime Minister, ensuring he couldn't recover. Meanwhile, the Left Prime Minister was also intensifying his plans, preparing to deliver a fatal blow to Murong Xun and Xue Ruanruan; an even more intense palace intrigue was about to erupt. He was lost in deep thought. Was he just imagining things? Or was there a deeper secret hidden within? Time ticked by, and the Left Prime Minister remained perplexed. He decided to set aside his doubts for the time being and continue observing Lady Wang's every move, hoping to uncover more clues. After all, in this treacherous officialdom, any detail could be the key to changing the situation. The Left Prime Minister was furious; he hadn't expected his beloved daughter to be so disobedient. He angrily pointed at her, declaring that if she continued to entangle herself with the Regent, he would disown her! Hearing this, the Left Prime Minister's daughter felt a sharp pain in her heart. She knew her father had always placed high hopes on her, wishing her to grow into a noble and elegant young lady, marry into a wealthy family, and bring honor to the clan. But her feelings for the Regent were something she couldn't sever.
Yan Xiao led Xue Ruanruan to sit in the main seat. As they were talking, Liu Shi suddenly spoke sarcastically, "Sister, you look much better after going out. I wonder where you found such pleasure." Xue Ruanruan smiled calmly, "I just went to the temple to pray for blessings. But sister, you should watch your words and actions, lest you lose your composure." Liu Shi was speechless, her face flushing red. Yan Xiao saw all this, gently tightening his grip on Xue Ruanruan's hand, his eyes full of protectiveness. He greeted her with a smile. Murong Xun looked up at Xue Ruanruan, a hint of amazement flashing in his eyes. He had never seen such a beautiful and charming woman, as if a fairy had descended to earth. "These are fruits I just picked from my space," Xue Ruanruan said, taking out fruit from her space and inviting everyone to taste them, "These fruits are sweet and delicious, everyone should try some." Yan Xiao looked at her with doting eyes, taking the first bite, "Delicious." Murong Xun also took a bite and praised, "Truly delicious! I wonder where this fruit comes from; it's so unique." Xue Ruanruan smiled and said, "This is a variety I came across by chance; it's rarely seen in the world."