Chapter 373: Chapter 360: Let’s See Who Laughs Last

“Everything’s fine with me, set your worries aside, Mother.” Chu Jinzhuo replied with a smile, “Today, Mr. Han complimented on the paper I wrote. He said he will present these good works to the Emperor, just to let the Emperor see the talents of the younger generation.”

“My son is promising.” Mrs. Ruo’s smile widened, “You need to work hard in the future.”

“Rest assured, Mother, I will bear in mind, I won’t let you down, it’s just…”

Chu Jinzhuo paused, then said, “It seems that Father has been distant towards Mother lately. Did you two have a disagreement?”

“Those gossipy servants have been blabbering in front of you?”

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Ruo was taken aback, her voice sharpening.

“Mother, please don’t be angry, you need to take care of your health.” Chu Jinzhuo hastily said, “I didn’t need the servants to tell me anything, I just noticed that Father has rarely come home recently, and I spotted some dark circles under your eyes. Hence I made a guess. If you’re unhappy, I won’t ask anymore.”

Seeing her son being apologetic and careful, Mrs. Ruo immediately regretted her outburst. She held Chu Jinzhuo’s hand and patted it, “You don’t have to worry, it’s just some trivial matter. I can handle it.”

“Don’t think too much about everything, just focus on your studies. If you can achieve something in the future, you will have a good prospect. Just remember, your future is promising, don’t let trivial things disturb you…”

“How promising? How about you enlighten me, Princess Qi?” Chu Jinnian stepped into the room, his gaze piercing as he looked at Mrs. Ruo and her son.

Upon seeing Chu Jinnian walk in, Mrs. Ruo almost ground her teeth in anger, but she managed to squeeze out a smile, “When did the Crown Prince return? Why didn’t you have someone inform me?”

“It’s just returning to my own home, there’s no need to notify you, Princess Qi.” Chu Jinnian took a seat, lifted his chin slightly, and glanced at Mrs. Ruo, “It’s surprising that I seem to have interrupted some people’s secret conversation.”

The sarcasm was evident.

Mrs. Ruo’s handkerchief in her sleeve was torn by her fingernails due to her anger.

She couldn’t vent her grievances on Chu Jinnian, so she glared at the maids and servants at the door.

The servants kept their heads down and necks retracted, daring not to say a word.

This was Chu Jinnian, the Crown Prince, the beloved nephew of the current favored Imperial Concubine Hui, highly regarded by the Emperor and they were mere servants, how could they dare to stop him?

Besides, even if they dared to, they couldn’t stop Chu Jinnian.

“Eldest Brother, you’re joking. I was simply chatting with Mother.” Chu Jinzhuo hastily explained, quickly changing the subject, “You’ve returned quite late today, have you been busy with official affairs?”

“I’ve heard of your reputation at the Imperial College. Everyone talks about how decisive you are in settling cases. I’d love to see your prowess if I had a chance.”

“Ah, Second Brother, you’re joking. Those who witness me settling cases are either victims or defendants, which one do you wish to be?” Chu Jinnian replied leisurely.

Neither of these roles was anything good.

A shadow crossed Chu Jinzhuo’s face.

Chu Jinnian always spoke to him with such sarcasm and contempt, completely disregarding propriety. Even in front of all these servants, he didn’t hesitate to make him lose face.

Being young, Chu Jinzhuo felt wronged, but could only frown and look at Mrs. Ruo for help.

Seeing her son being embarrassed, Mrs. Ruo glared at Chu Jinnian with anger.

“Crown Prince, although Chuozhuo is not your full sibling, he’s still your brother. The way you talk to him is a bit too harsh.”

“Oh? I don’t quite understand what you’re implying, Princess Qi.” A hint of mockery crossed Chu Jinnian’s face, “One can choose not to eat what they dislike, not to wear clothes that they despise. How comes ignoring someone one don’t like is considered harsh?”

“It’s quite clear who is the harsher one.”

Chu Jinnian gave a cold huff, took a sip of the tea that Jing Zhao had brought over, and added, “But I do have a piece of advice for Princess Qi. Avoid getting angry without reason, so you won’t hurt your health or your pregnancy.”

Mrs. Ruo was taken aback by Chu Jinnian’s sudden mention of her pregnancy. She wasn’t sure what Chu Jinnian was planning, thus momentarily stood frozen in surprise.

“I heard that the King of Qi recently took a new favorite. He was willing to spend a lot of money just to make her smile. The news has been buzzing around the capital city. Everyone knows and rumors even have it that the recently elevated Queen of Qi will be pushed aside. ”

“However, at this critical moment, news has it that the Queen of Qi is pregnant, which immediately regained the King’s attention. I have to say the timing of the Queen’s pregnancy is absolutely impeccable.”

Chu Jinnian sneered.

“You…” Mrs. Ruo gritted her teeth, her heart missed a beat.

Did this Chu Jinnian know something?

If that was the case…

A chill ran through Mrs. Ruo’s heart, and her gaze towards Chu Jinnian included a touch of fear.

“Your Highness, His Majesty has returned and is now passing the gate. He’s heading to the inner courtyard.” A young servant came to report.

“Quickly, prepare things.”

Hearing the King was coming, Mrs. Ruo was elated, as if she had grabbed onto a lifeline. Her whole being brightened, her voice softened, “Bi Tao, quickly make a chrysanthemum tea. The weather has been dry recently and it’s easy to get a internal heat. I noticed His Majesty’s lips were chapped this morning.”

“You all, set up the meals quickly. When His Majesty arrives, we will start.”

“Also, the amber peach kernel should be ready soon. Remember to serve it when it’s crispy, His Majesty loves it… ”

With Mrs. Ruo’s orders, all the servants got busy.

Watching the comings and goings of the servants, all obedient to her commands, Mrs. Ruo took a bit of satisfaction.

No matter what, she was the Queen of Qi, the mistress of the Qi residence, the wife of the King of Qi. She had a firm hold over the King’s heart.

As for you, Chu Jinnian, right now you are admittedly the Crown Prince of the Qi Residence, but as long as the King lives, you can only be the Crown Prince, and the variables would increase.

We’ll see who gets the last laugh!

Looking at Chu Jinnian casually sipping tea, Mrs. Ruo secretly sneered in her heart, and painfully pinched her palm in her sleeve.

Her cold and resentful eyes were immediately veiled with a layer of watery light, showing the appearance of being wronged but refusing to voice it.

Over the years, Mrs. Ruo had always played her card this way to deal with Chu Jinnian, making the King of Qi increasingly disgusted with the untamed Chu Jinnian, leaving him more sympathetic towards her and her son.

She didn’t have to say much to hold all the cards.

Mrs. Ruo stood silently at the door, waiting for the King of Qi to enter the courtyard so she could put on a good show.