Seeing that Du Heng was also about to let the person go, Concubine Rui curled her lips. "Today's matter is settled like this. If the general still wants to catch up, you can stay. I'll go back first. Miss Qiao, don't forget what you promised me. Come to the palace early tomorrow."
"Of course I won't forget. I bid farewell to Your Highness respectfully."
Just like this, the door was closed, and the sound of the carriage outside gradually faded away.
Du Heng saw the woman walking into the room and immediately followed her.
"Why are you so reluctant to stay by this general's side? Can't this general help you avenge your family?"
He always felt somewhat unwilling. They had spent so much time together. Didn't the woman understand his feelings yet?
However, what he didn't know was that Qiao Meng didn't want to involve him in all these troubles precisely because she understood his feelings.
"The general is preoccupied with national righteousness. Your talent should be used for greater things rather than in this small matter of revenge. Moreover, I've already made it clear just now. We are not the right match for each other. The general should find someone else."
A cup of hot tea was placed in front of him. Du Heng watched as the steam from the tea curled up and then disappeared.
He clenched his fists tightly, and the veins on his arms bulged.
"I remember that Miss Qiao's greatest love in life is making tea. You're fond of the art of tea because, I've heard, it contains things that ordinary people can't taste."
Although she didn't know why he suddenly changed the topic, it was actually a good thing for her that he stopped dwelling on that matter.
Qiao Meng was quite happy about this. "That's right. Who says women are inferior to men? I will surely avenge my father's clan. By then, I'll make those who looked down on the Qiao family in this world see that I've come to claim their lives. I'll treat them exactly the way they treated the Qiao family."
"Sigh, you take hatred too seriously. It's not good for you."
Du Heng lowered his eyes. He thought his feelings were well - hidden, but in Qiao Meng's eyes, his tricks were just like those of a child.
"Does the general think that a deep - seated hatred can be let go easily? We've known each other for many years, and I don't want to end up on bad terms with you. Leave as soon as you finish this cup of tea."
She got up and walked towards the inner chamber. Du Heng raised his hand as if he wanted to grab something, but her words echoed in his mind, and finally he withdrew his hand.
Yes, he, who was so soft - hearted and always put national righteousness first, was not worthy of this beautiful woman.
Suddenly, at that moment, he let go of his feelings.
On the other side.
After Concubine Rui returned to the palace, someone soon reported what had just happened to her.
She tapped the chair beside her with an interested look on her face.
"If these people like the princess consort so much, I don't mind giving them a hand. Alright, you can go first. I have other arrangements for the following matters. Don't worry. I'll remember all the things you've reported to me. You'll surely be rewarded in the future."
Yes, the one who came to report was the little maid.
She had long noticed that ever since the princess consort was put under house arrest, or rather, since this woman stepped into the Western Region, the atmosphere in the harem had started to change. Who knew what the future of the Western Region would be like.
If she followed the right master, she wouldn't have to worry about any obstacles in her future. Now that Concubine Rui valued her, she would one day be second only to the king.
The little maid quickly retreated. As soon as she left, the King of the Western Region appeared in the Kunning Palace.
Before even entering, he couldn't wait to take off his outer robe.
"My love, why did you take so long today? I've been waiting for you. By the way, did you find the kind of person you were looking for?"
Concubine Rui shook her head disappointedly, with a look of guilt on her face.
"It's all my fault. I went out today but found nothing. Your Majesty, I've let you down. I deserve to die."
The King of the Western Region loved to see her looking so submissive. This was how the women in the harem should look when they saw him.
At this moment, he lovingly pulled the woman on the ground up and instinctively pulled her into his arms.
"My love, don't blame yourself too much. There are many talented people in the Western Region. It's just that those people should have gone into hiding recently. One day, you will surely be able to help me."
"Really?"
She looked at him expectantly. The King of the Western Region couldn't bear to disappoint her, so he nodded.
Concubine Rui nestled in his arms and put forward her request.
"I've heard that elder sister's maternal family controls a lot of power. Many talented people have defected to her family. How about I go to elder sister's place tomorrow and see if she is willing to help Your Majesty?"
This matter was like a thorn in the King of the Western Region's heart. It was hurting him so much, but he couldn't even spit out a mouthful of blood.
"Why do you suddenly mention that unlucky woman? When will I ever use the things sent by that woman? If you're really that idle, go for a walk in the imperial garden and see how the newly - presented flowers and plants are."
Seeing him angry was exactly what she wanted.
Concubine Rui pretended to be aggrieved. "I just want to help more. Let's talk about it later. No matter what, elder sister is someone around Your Majesty. Won't she help Your Majesty? I've heard about what happened before. Your Majesty doesn't need to worry. Maybe this time I can make elder sister change her mind and make the forces of her maternal family work for Your Majesty."
When she said this, it was impossible for the King of the Western Region not to be tempted.
If he could really get the forces of the princess consort's maternal family, he would hold even more power in the future, and he could avoid battles.
"You may go, but the princess consort might take her anger out on you. I'm just worried about you. I've never cared about those things."
His eyes were sincere when he spoke, as if it were really the case. Fortunately, Concubine Rui didn't believe a single word this man said. They were all just putting on a show.
"Of course I'm going for Your Majesty. After all these things, doesn't Your Majesty believe my sincerity?"
"No. Since my love is so eager to go, then go."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
...
Early in the morning, Qiao Meng entered the palace. Fortunately, Concubine Rui had already arranged someone to pick her up at the palace gate.
"Miss Qiao, please follow this maid to the internal affairs office first. You need to register before you can go to see Her Highness."
Qiao Meng frowned. She thought this was really troublesome.
"No need. It's so troublesome that it will delay your mistress's business. Take me to see your mistress first. The registration can be done later."
Hearing her say this and thinking of her mistress's anxious look when she got up early in the morning, the little maid was not a stupid person, so she agreed.