Chapter 1494: Chapter 1491 Gaining the Upper Hand
His gaze when looking at people carried a cold demeanor that felt like a chill, making it hard for anyone to meet his eyes directly. Previously, since he had not been in the capital for a long time and was naturally aloof, few people associated with him.
After going to the Northwest, he had acquired a hint of killing intent, making him even more unapproachable.
Deng Jieyuâs eyes flickered, and she suddenly laughed, âOh, so itâs Lord Rong. I wonder what brings Lord Rong to the Imperial Garden.â
Li Chunâerâs eyes, however, lit up, and upon seeing Li Chongjinâs stern face, her pretty face suddenly flushed.
Chu Ziluo also heard the voice and was somewhat surprised by his appearance. She instinctively turned her head to look, meeting Li Chongjinâs gaze. His cold eyes noticeably warmed a little. Though still silent and reticent, Chu Ziluo saw the shadow of the Brother Zhongjin she once knew in him.
She couldnât help but let out a faint smile. Thereâs nothing more delightful than encountering an old friend.
Seeing she was well, Li Chongjin slightly nodded before lifting his eyes to look at Deng Jieyu, âDeng Jieyu isnât copying Buddhist scriptures in the palace, praying for the Imperial Ancestral Motherâs peace, but comes to the Imperial Garden for leisure. How could this prince not come.â
Deng Jieyuâs face instantly turned pale.
She had volunteered to copy Buddhist scriptures for the Empress Dowager to show filial piety, but now being embarrassed by a junior naturally made her unhappy.
Especially since he was a prince potentially competing with her son!
She knew that her child hadnât been granted a title yet!
Deng Jieyuâs face stiffened momentarily before she reacted, âThis concubine is here to visit the Empress Dowager. The sincerity in the Buddhist scriptures matters more than the quantity.â
âSince you planned to visit the Imperial Ancestral Mother, how could you have the leisure to linger here?â Li Chongjinâs indifferent gaze made her shiver.
Deng Jieyu felt a chill down her spine and couldnât help but tremble, realizing she seemed to be frightened by him, her expression worsened.
Forcing a smile, she said, âLord Rong, you misunderstand, Miss Li and Miss Chu are picking plum blossoms for the Empress Dowager. This concubine, upon seeing them, stopped to help.â
âOh? Is that so?â Li Chongjinâs tone was casual, âSo, does it mean that Deng Jieyu missed the hour for paying respects, on a whim stayed behind, and plans to disturb the Imperial Ancestral Motherâs rest later?â
Deng Jieyuâs expression drastically changed, her face flushed with anger, yet caught red-handed, she couldnât dispute.
Were this an ordinary time, no one would likely mind.
But now, with the Dowager Empress ill and the Emperor recruiting doctors nationwide for her treatment, even calling most Imperial Physicians from the Imperial Hospital daily for her diagnosis, itâs clear how concerned he is.
If rumors spread that she was neglecting the Dowager Empress, she would fall out of favor instantly and be scorned by the Emperor.
This little bastard Li Chongjin, too ruthless!
Deng Jieyu bit her lip in anger, but kept a smile, âLord Rong is right, itâs this concubineâs oversight. I will go to pay respects to the Empress Dowager first, and then pick plum blossoms for the Empress Dowager.â
âMiss Li, Miss Chu, take your time with your tasks. I will not disturb you further.â Despite being offended by Li Chongjin, and extremely furious, Deng Jieyu managed to control her temper instantly, smiled, and led a group of palace ladies away.
Since everyone had left, Chu Ziluo no longer needed to pick plum blossoms by the Lotus Pond.
However, before she could move, she heard Li Chongjinâs calm voice asking, âMiss Chu, are you going to pick plum blossoms by the Lotus Pond?â
ââŠYes.â Chu Ziluo lifted her clear and pure eyes, hesitated for a moment, but didnât mention what Deng Jieyu had just said.