Chapter 121: A Secret Liaison Already Existed; the False Miss Catches Prince Yun in Adultery?

Clearly she hadn't heard any wind!

Li Qingzhu had no idea that Prince Yun would come to the Princess Mansion today; it was Li Qingluo who had asked Prince Su to make sure he was brought here.

After returning to Jiangjun Fu, Li Qingzhu dared not contact Prince Yun, so coming to the Princess Mansion today was just her hoping for luck.

Who would have thought, Your Highness is actually here!

Her thoughts instantly sprang to life.

She thought, why didn't I wear that string of coral beads today?

Que'er: "I said, it's Prince Yun, Your Highness. Isn't he also ***'s brother? It's not strange for him to come today."

Besides, I just heard them say that too.

Que'er casually pointed, and Li Qingzhu actually believed it.

Just then, a maid came over to pour wine and secretly slipped a note into Li Qingzhu's palm.

Li Qingzhu didn't even get a clear look at who it was before she nearly knocked over the table from nervousness.

She trembled as she unfolded the note, and upon seeing the words 'Prince Yun is waiting for the lady at the Waiting Moon Platform,' her face flushed crimson instantly.

Fortunately, because she had drunk, no one noticed her oddness at the moment.

Li Qingzhu's heart pounded like thunder; as she looked up at anyone, she felt they might have discovered her secret.

After drinking two more cups, Li Qingzhu forced herself to calm down.

She unfolded the note again to peek; though the handwriting was unfamiliar, she couldn't help but believe it.

If Your Highness is really in the Princess Mansion, she must go find him!

Leaves aside the pain of longing, Li Qingzhu has already given too much to stay by Prince Yun's side!

So she truly fears that if she goes too long without seeing Prince Yun, he might really forget her...

Just thinking of that, her chest felt as if someone had tightly gripped it.

Li Qingzhu slipped the note into her bosom and rose, having Que'er support her.

Your Highness's wine is simply too delicious, so I couldn't help but have a few extra cups. You go ahead and eat; I'll step out for some fresh air.

Li Qingzhu used that as an excuse, first going to pay respects to the princess and apologize, then dismissing Pan Li's offer to accompany her, and she and Que'er left the guest hall.

Li Qingluo watched Li Qingzhu leave, then immediately turned to look behind her at Que'er.

Que'er stepped forward and whispered, "Miss, don't worry."

But the Princess Mansion is too huge!

With such a vast garden, where exactly is the Waiting Moon Platform?

Li Qingzhu held her head, looking as if she couldn't handle her drink, and leaned weakly against Que'er.

Miss, miss, what's wrong with you? Come, someone help...

Li Qingzhu had only brought Que'er today, so she could only ask for help from others.

A maid nearby immediately jumped over.

What's wrong with this lady?

Li Qingzhu waved her handkerchief: "I'm fine... I just drank too much. A breeze will sober me up."

The maid exclaimed, "That won't do! Miss, if you drink then go out in the cold, you might get sick. You should rest inside and have a bowl of hangover soup."

Li Qingzhu grabbed the maid and straightened up: "I'm really fine. This is just my condition—if I rest, I'll get drunker. I just need a breeze to sober up."

Miss, I don't know if your mansion has a Waiting Moon Platform?

I've also heard the scenery there is uniquely beautiful, so I wanted to take a look.

The maid sighed: "Your constitution is truly special. Our mansion does have a Waiting Moon Platform; the scenery is indeed nice. If you really want to go, I'll show you the way—it's no trouble."

Having said that, the maid turned and led Li Qingzhu and her servant forward quickly.

In the distance, some servants saw them and found it strange.

Whose master and servant trio are these? At mealtime, why are they wandering around the courtyard?

The head granny wondered: "Why does the leading maid look like she's wearing our mansion's servant garb?"

Granny, you're mistaken. It's just a resemblance; up close it's not.

Whose servant is this?! Coming out dressed so like our Princess Mansion's attendants is utterly improper!

Li Qingzhu followed the winding path all the way to the Waiting Moon Platform, already out of breath from exhaustion.

Moreover, a thin sheen of sweat covered her whole body.

The Waiting Moon Platform is an artificial hill with a pavilion on it.

On the pavilion stands a viewing tower.

Perhaps because winter is too cold, the tower has doors and windows installed.

In summer they can be fully opened and retracted, leaving only half a rolled curtain.

In winter, if one wishes to stay here, the doors and windows can be shut completely and a charcoal fire lit to keep warm.

Li Qingzhu first paid the maid with silver, then left Que'er at the base of the artificial hill, and she herself climbed up the narrow stairs of the hill.

The maid, naturally pleased with the money, left at once.

Que'er, meanwhile, wore a calm expression as she watched Li Qingzhu's retreating back, her eyes revealing a faint resentment.

Li Qingzhu, you had better be utterly ruined and disgraced today!

After Li Qingzhu ascended the Waiting Moon Platform, she spotted two familiar guards.

They were attendants who had visited the prince's private residence several times; she immediately smiled and raised a finger, signaling them to stay silent.

It seems Your Highness is indeed inside!

Li Qingzhu eagerly stepped forward, but the two guards still stretched out their arms to block her, and before she could even wonder why, she heard two familiar voices from within.

"Prince, I really don't know why I'm here, I truly don't know! Sob... Prince, did someone bring me here to surprise you?"

"You little muddlehead! Clearly it's your little trick, and you still want to fool me, the king? This is the Princess Residence; who dares bring my concubine here?"

"Prince, everything I'm saying is true—ugh! Prince—"

Li Qingzhu listened to these words, and her complexion grew paler inch by inch.

She anxiously looked at the two guards, but the guards stared at her with calm faces.

It was as if they were saying: See, you really came at the wrong time.

A surge of anger rose in Li Qingzhu's heart.

When they first went to the private residence, she had never shortchanged them!

Whether it was giving money, sending wine, fine dishes, or women.

Now they are so indifferent to her!

Just like that scoundrel Cao Rou'er inside!

She is a concubine‑born daughter of the Cao family; had I not taken her in, brought her along all these years and kept her respectable among the noble ladies, how could she have been chosen by Your Highness!?

Li Qingzhu felt as if she had been betrayed by a dog, and immediately tear after tear of grievance fell down.

Cao Rou'er was her handkerchief companion.

But she secretly flirted with the Prince, and now has even become the Prince's concubine.

Just a lowly concubine!

She still doesn't dare to confront her?

Li Qingzhu pushed the door open and rushed in.

"Prince!"

She was like a queen catching an affair, righteous and assertive.

But she forgot that she, compared to Cao Rou'er, is even more improperly named and ill‑spoken.

Cao Rou'er, in her panic, was so frightened she almost jumped up.

"Prince, whimper… she really almost scared me to death…"

She leaned in Prince Yun's arms, crying like pear blossoms in rain; I felt pity.

Li Qingzhu was so angry she wanted to rush up and tear her face apart.

But Prince Yun pushed her away heavily.

"Enough!"

"Li Qingzhu, are you done making a scene!?"