Empress Lu’s face darkened. “I’ve already sent people to look for Su Qingyue. Once she’s found, won’t I tell you? A royal consort, running off without understanding what happened, and not a word in so many days. Mobilizing so many people, she truly has no manners!”
The Second Prince lowered his head. If she hadn’t run, there would be no need to mobilize so many people. But who knew, perhaps she was already gone.
“Aunt, please don’t be angry. Even Yun’er is worried about how sister-in-law is doing. Brother and sister-in-law have always had a good relationship, how could he not be worried?” Lu Ruoyun said softly. “Please don’t keep brother here. Let him hurry to find sister-in-law. One more person, one more bit of strength, the chances of finding sister-in-law will be greater.”
“You child!” Empress Lu was quite exasperated.
The Second Prince also felt a sense of gratitude. He knew his mother’s intentions; Yun’er had come to the palace, wanting him to spend more time with her to foster their relationship. But he had never considered marrying Yun’er. He saw her as a sister.
His father, the Emperor, already knew about the Lu family’s schemes. Therefore, the Lu family would certainly be held accountable.
The Second Prince felt conflicted. Cousin Yun was gentle and understanding. She had done nothing wrong; it was all arranged by her elders. Their ambition had harmed Yun’er.
Never mind, never mind. He couldn’t escape this matter. When the time came, he would beg his father to spare Yun’er, and he would be her support in the future, finding her a good marriage.
“Cousin, thank you,” the Second Prince said sincerely.
Lu Ruoyun smiled. “Cousin, why do we need to be so formal between us?”
Empress Lu sighed. “Alright, alright, I won’t keep you. Yun’er has spoken up for you. If I keep you any longer, you’ll resent me in your heart. How about this, Yun’er, you help your aunt see your cousin off from the palace.”
“Brother frequently enters and exits the palace; he’s very familiar with the roads. Why would your niece need to see him off? Your niece would rather stay and chat with you!” Lu Ruoyun said. “Brother, Yun’er is right, isn’t she?”
The Second Prince nodded. “Mother, your son can leave the palace on his own.”
After the Second Prince left, Empress Lu looked at Lu Ruoyun with disappointment, wishing she could turn iron into steel. “I told you to see him off so you could have more time to interact. You directly refused. What can I say to you?”
A hint of melancholy flickered in Lu Ruoyun’s eyes. “Aunt, cousin’s heart is entirely with sister-in-law. At this moment, if I cling to him, cousin will surely dislike me. Aunt, perhaps we should just forget it… I, I don’t want to be someone cousin dislikes.”
Empress Lu patted Lu Ruoyun’s hand with affection. Her mother and sister-in-law had previously said that Yun’er knew nothing about the entire affair, only that the family wanted her to marry her cousin. This child had a kind heart; at the time, she had asked if this would harm Su Qingyue.
“Yun’er, you are so wonderful, how could your cousin dislike you?” Empress Lu comforted her. “Your cousin’s heart is clouded by foolishness right now. Don’t worry, Aunt guarantees you, your cousin will willingly marry you.”
“In any case, I don’t want to make cousin difficult,” Lu Ruoyun said earnestly.
“He certainly won’t be put in a difficult position,” Empress Lu said. Su Qingyue was gone, and her son would naturally be sad and grieved. But men, how many of them were truly long-suffering and unforgettable? As long as Yun’er spent more time with him when he was sad, it wouldn’t take long for Su Qingyue to be forgotten.
At that time, perhaps she wouldn’t even need to say anything; the matter would naturally fall into place.