Yan Jia Lao Liu would blame everything on Jin Rong when the time came, leaving Jin Rong with no happiness.
Consort An sighed. While there was regret, at least no greater mistake had been made.
"Princess, Her Ladyship is speaking with the young lord. Couldn't you at least let this servant announce your arrival?" The voice grew closer, and as the words fell, Jin Rong appeared before Gu Sinian, a panting palace maid trailing behind her.
"Where has all the etiquette you've learned gone? As a royal princess, every move you make represents the dignity of the royal family. Look at you, where is any dignity left?" Consort An reprimanded with a stern face.
Jin Rong tugged at Consort An's hand and pouted, "I haven't seen my cousin in so long, I missed him dearly, so I got a little anxious. Mother, this is your palace, and there's no one else here. We're all family, so we don't need to adhere to those palace rules."
Normally, Jin Rong's pouting would immediately soften Consort An's temper. This time, however, she maintained her stern expression. Usually, Jin Rong never came to greet Ah Nian when he visited the palace. Yet, this time, she had rushed over after he had only spoken with her for a short while. It was clear that the girl had someone in her palace keeping an eye on her.
From this, it was not difficult to see that Jin Rong was very fond of Yan Jia Lao Liu.
"Don't even think about it. Yan Jia Lao Liu not only has someone he cares for, but that person is also pregnant. Yan Jia Lao Liu will be marrying soon!" Consort An said with a serious expression.
Jin Rong's face turned pale. "Impossible. How could he have someone he cares for? Even Yan Qi doesn't know."
"Yes, not only Yan Qi doesn't know, but even the elders of the Yan family have only just found out. Yan Jia Lao Liu's beloved is pregnant, and there's nothing he can do. Yan Jia Lao Liu had no choice but to confess to his family," Consort An said with disdain. "Someone who takes a girl's purity without any status or name is not a good person. Even if his beloved wasn't pregnant, I wouldn't marry you to such a man."
"I..." Jin Rong's expression was clouded, and she felt so distressed she could barely breathe.
"In short, don't think about it. There are plenty of good men in the world, he's not the only one." Consort An felt distressed seeing Jin Rong like this. She had been young too and knew how profound such innocent feelings could be.
Jin Rong opened her mouth, her mouth tasting bitter, and said nothing.
"Your cousin-in-law said that if you're willing, you can come stay with us for a few days. She said she misses you very much," Gu Sinian said.
With so many eyes and ears in the palace, if Jin Rong's dejected appearance were to be seen by those with ulterior motives, who knew what rumors would spread? Jin Rong liked Zhen Zhen very much, and at this juncture, having Zhen Zhen counsel her might be beneficial.
Jin Rong looked at Consort An, who nodded. "Your cousin-in-law is pregnant. Don't cause her any trouble when you go. Also, no going out casually..."
Consort An feared Jin Rong would secretly go to find Yan Jia Lao Liu.
"Mother Consort, I know what I'm doing," Jin Rong said earnestly. "I won't make things difficult for you, nor will I cause trouble for my cousin and his wife."
"Ah Nian, then I'll entrust Jin Rong to you and Zhen Zhen. Let her stay for a short while to relax."
"Aunt, rest assured, we will take good care of Jin Rong."
Jin Rong returned to her palace, packed a few things, and left the palace with Gu Sinian, bringing only a young palace maid named Lu Ru.
"Aunt is right, there are plenty of good men in the world. So, Jin Rong, don't be sad over Yan Jia Lao Liu," Gu Sinian said expressionlessly.
"Cousin, are you trying to comfort me? Your stern face is terrifying," Jin Rong said listlessly. "Don't worry, I'm sad, but I'm still rational. I won't do anything crazy for him by using my status to pressure anyone."