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To her surprise, it was a small box wrapped in a handkerchief. Qu Moying took it and carefully unraveled the handkerchief, revealing inscriptions that read, “Returning the pearls with tears!”

Upon opening the box, she discovered a genuine pair of precious pearls, exquisite and lustrous.

At first glance, their size and quality indicated their exceptional value. Qu Moying had seen many pearls before, but it was evident that this pair was of extraordinary worth.

“Lady, allow me to share what I’ve heard. It seems that the second master has other women, and this particular woman is not someone Yu can easily handle. It’s as if… as if the madam and Yu pale in comparison to her…” Yu Dong had already reported everything she had heard to Qu Moying, and now, while observing her attentively examine the pearls, she continued.

A formidable woman, someone who truly captured Qu Zhizhen’s heart, and Yu seemed to be aware of this woman’s presence.

Qu Moying smirked, genuinely unaware of this mysterious woman associated with her father. However, she was certain that her father was not as simple as he appeared to be.

The question remained what kind of woman was this, who could made Yu so envious? During her time in the mansion, she had never heard of such a person.

Could Qu Zhizhen, a man like him, genuinely harbor deep feelings for a woman?

His past experiences were relatively straightforward. After passing the imperial examinations and obtaining a position, he married the daughter of Yue family in the South. He rose rapidly in the official ranks, once rivaling even Minister Liu, who held a prominent position in the court.

But somehow, his fortunes changed, and he eventually fell behind Minister Liu, his former contemporary, becoming subordinate to him.

Nevertheless, this demonstrated that her father possessed considerable abilities.

With his background, it seemed unlikely for him to encounter a powerful woman. If he was truly interested in someone, why hadn’t he married her? Did that woman reject him, or had he already married Qu Moying’s mother at that time?

Regarding Yu’s current statement, Qu Moying found it believable; at a time like this, Yu was likely speaking the truth. It appeared that she needed to pay more attention to her father.

The handkerchief was old, and the writing on it appeared ancient too. At a glance, Qu Moying could tell that it was an antiquated item. However, she wasn’t certain whether it was a keepsake from Minister Liu.

Previously, she had investigated and found that Minister Liu had some prior involvement with her mother. It could be possible that this was the betrothal token left in her mother’s hands before Minister Liu journeyed to the capital. But why had it ended up in Yu’s possession?

The handwriting on the handkerchief was in a unique style, the same style as Ji Hanyue’s birth mother. This similarity suggested a familial connection.

If her assumptions were correct, this writing should be from her mother. Perhaps it was to signify the end of the previously planned engagement with Minister Liu?

However, she hadn’t expected that this item would end up with Yu, and given Yu’s words, it seemed like she was trying to implicate Qu Moying in a scandal.

Her mother’s reputation?

Qu Moying coldly smiled and said, “Yu Chun, put this away!”

Since her mother didn’t want this item, Qu Moying decided to give it away, severing the last bit of association between her mother and Minister Liu.

If Minister Liu had indeed married the Duke Qi’s eldest daughter, it would be a betrayal of their relationship, making him unworthy of her mother’s sincerity.

Even if the emperor had issued a decree, it could be argued that the engagement had been broken off. After all, when the decree was issued, the emperor would personally summon the minister and inquire, as no one wanted the Lady from the Duke Qi’s residence to become a concubine.

Since this Minister Liu remained silent at the beginning, it was evident that he had already abandoned any feelings he had. Keeping these pearls would be a disrespect to mother!

Yu Chun stepped out from behind Qu Moying and carefully wrapped the jewelry box with the handkerchief again.

“Lady, what should I do?” Yu Dong asked.

“Don’t do anything, just wait!” Qu Moying shook her head, her eyes gazing out the window, deep in thought. “If Yu wants to create a storm, my father surely won’t want that. Let’s see what unfolds!”

Qu Zhizhen’s attitude was too suspicious, and Qu Moying couldn’t help feeling that this matter wasn’t as straightforward as it seemed.

Moreover, she had her doubts about her birth mother’s death at the time.

Yu’s own actions were questionable. She had entered the Qu Mansion while pregnant, and after some time, her mother discovered she was also pregnant. Yu gave birth to a pair of children, but her mother was forced to leave the Qu Mansion and live in seclusion at a nunnery. During that time, her mother was still pregnant, and later, she gave birth outside the mansion.

In the end, her mother died after giving birth to her.

Putting all these pieces together, Qu Moying didn’t believe in so many coincidences. She wanted to see how this old story was being brought up again.

In the past, she knew too little about these old events, so she hoped those who knew more would take the initiative to reveal them.

For Liu Jingyu, receiving a summons from the empress was both expected and unexpected.

After changing into the clothes she had prepared earlier, Liu Jingyu first went to bid farewell to her mother.

Upon seeing her daughter approaching, Madam Qi smiled faintly, and after observing her for a moment, she felt satisfied. Her recovery was not complete yet, and her complexion still appeared somewhat pale.

“After you enter the palace today, be cautious in serving the empress. If she asks about your past, follow what I told you before.”

“Don’t worry, Mother. I’ll handle it. But I’m afraid… afraid the empress won’t let it go.” Liu Jingyu expressed her concerns, feeling anxious about facing the empress’s questioning.

“No need to worry. The empress is benevolent and won’t press you if you can’t answer. Just handle it with care. As for the Crown Prince…” Madam Qi sighed, “If the Crown Prince brings up the issue, you must be careful in your response. After all, the Crown Prince is still young.”

Her words had an underlying implication, which Liu Jingyu understood. She nodded earnestly, “Mother, rest assured, I know how to handle it.”

“When it comes to his wife, maintain a humble posture. She’s a deceased person, and there’s no point in contending with her.” Madam Qi noticed her daughter’s reluctance and offered more advice.

“Mother, I understand. Ji Hanyue is already dead, and regardless of anything, she’s just a deceased person. There’s truly nothing to fight for.” Liu Jingyu nodded again, her face no longer as tense as before.

Seeing her daughter’s demeanor, Madam Qi smiled and allowed her to enter the palace. As Liu Jingyu slowly departed, the smile on Madam Qi’s face gradually faded.

“Madam, will the county lady be alright?” A maid standing behind Madam Qi asked in a low voice.

“Of course, she’ll be fine. She’s my daughter; how could anything happen to her?” Madam Qi smiled faintly and coldly, gracefully turning around and entering the inner room.

Her demeanor was as smooth as flowing water, and she displayed great poise. A closer look revealed her elegance and grace, surpassing even Liu Jingyu’s demeanor. After all, she was the eldest daughter of the Duke Qi’s family, and her upbringing far surpassed that of an ordinary young lady.

With her mother’s words in mind, Liu Jingyu felt more at ease. Following the palace maids, she entered the palace. Outside the empress’s palace, she didn’t have to wait long before a palace maid came out to usher her in.

Upon entering, she respectfully approached the high and mighty empress and greeted her, “Your Grace.”

“Please rise!” Empress Wang looked at her and nodded.

Liu Jingyu stood up but didn’t immediately sit down. She maintained a respectful posture on the side, keeping her head lowered in a deferential manner.

Empress Wang seemed somewhat satisfied with her demeanor. Compared to Ji Hanyue, Empress Wang found Liu Jingyu more pleasing. When Liu Jingyu looked at her, her respectfulness seemed to emanate from within her very bones.

“Has your mother’s health improved?” Empress Wang inquired.

“Your Grace, my mother’s health has slightly improved. She mentioned that once she gets even better, she wishes to come to the palace and express her gratitude to you. Many thanks for the previous gifts, Your Grace.”

Liu Jingyu replied softly, her gaze fixed on the ground in front of her shoes, avoiding any hint of impertinence.

“Your mother and I became friends when we were young. There’s no need for such formalities.” Empress Wang said, a hint of a smile forming on her face. “Please, sit down, and let’s talk. The Crown Prince will join us shortly.”

“Yes!” Liu Jingyu lowered herself to sit on the chair at the side, but she only lightly touched the seat without fully sitting down. Her demeanor conveyed that she was ready to stand up at any moment to serve the Empress.

This posture was no more comfortable than standing.

“Tell me about yesterday. Why are people saying you did something wrong and went to the Qu Mansion to apologize? I heard that the Third Lady Qu didn’t wake up until midnight last night. What’s the connection with you and the sachet incident?” Empress Wang asked with a nonchalant tone.

Though Empress Wang’s words sounded casual, they made Liu Jingyu’s heart race.

Indeed, the Empress seemed to know everything. And it was safe to assume the Crown Prince was also aware of the situation. Remembering the unpredictable Crown Prince, Liu Jingyu felt uneasy. She composed herself, lifted her head, and adopted a soft and gentle demeanor. Her eyes were slightly red, but she didn’t let tears fall. Despite appearing somewhat aggrieved, she handled the situation with grace, as befitting a well-bred young lady.

The elegance of a noblewoman was evident in her demeanor.

“Your Grace, this matter was an unexpected accident. Please allow me to explain it to you in detail.” Liu Jingyu requested politely.

Empress Wang leaned back slightly, her eyes deep and mysterious as she nodded.

Liu Jingyu recounted the events in detail and, when she finished, added, “My father thought Grandmother’s words were reasonable. It was indeed appropriate to apologize to the Qu Mansion. Regardless, the Third Lady Qu had already awakened, and the Qi Mansion bears some responsibility. I noticed the unusual situation but failed to report it promptly to my grandmother. I acknowledge that it was my fault.”

Her words didn’t absolve her of responsibility. On the contrary, she fully supported the decisions made by the Duke and Duchess Qi. Her expression revealed a mix of regret and guilt, though she managed to appear composed even as she conveyed a sense of grievance. While Liu Jingyu didn’t delve into Lord Jing’s remarks, the underlying meaning was clear.

She was clearly considering the relationship between the Crown Prince and Lord Jing. Empress Wang nodded, her gaze becoming more sympathetic as she looked at Liu Jingyu.