The overwhelming hatred in her eyes was so intense that it almost burned those around her.
After confirming that her emotions were genuine, Shi Muyuan took the initiative to reach out and hold her hand, comforting her, "I can give you everything you want. As long as you do what you've said, I desire a prosperous and peaceful era."
This time, a never - before - seen light flashed in her eyes, which made the man freeze.
He seemed to realize that he didn't quite understand this woman.
However, could a prosperous and peaceful era truly be achieved? There was a glimmer of longing in his eyes. Although he tried to conceal it, the young girl still noticed.
Like a promise or perhaps just a whisper to herself, Shi Muyuan smiled brightly.
"As long as we work hard, nothing is impossible. A prosperous and peaceful era is defined by laws and determined by people's choices. Let's all strive for this goal."
Her smile infected everyone, and even the man didn't find fault for once.
"The Empress Dowager is right. Since you've chosen to follow the Empress Dowager, take this."
As he spoke, a porcelain bottle landed in Jing Hong's hand.
She was stunned for a moment, clearly not expecting such a good treat.
However, she wasn't polite either. She removed the lid and took a sniff, looking pleased.
"The National Master is really generous. Giving me such a wonderful thing right away makes me feel a bit embarrassed."
"As long as you stay obediently by the Empress Dowager's side, these things are just trifles."
"Don't worry, National Master. I never go back on my promises."
Just then, the crowing of a rooster came from outside. Only then did Shi Muyuan realize that it was already quite late. If she delayed any longer, someone might come to make a fuss.
She rubbed her forehead, looking a bit tired.
"Alright, since we've said what needed to be said, let's go quickly. Jing Hong, you'll stay by my side from now on. Try not to be discovered by others recently."
"Of course, Empress Dowager. How about I escort you back?"
Cui Qizhou interrupted inappropriately, "You're so badly injured. Are you sure you can take the Empress Dowager back without being detected?"
Jing Hong scratched her head awkwardly. The man's words hit the nail on the head.
Shi Muyuan didn't argue much, "I'll have to trouble the National Master to make another trip. By the way, could you send someone to take Jing Hong?"
Her words warmed Jing Hong's heart. This mistress was really considerate.
Since there was a free laborer, there was no reason not to use him.
Jing Hong casually placed her hand on the shadow guard beside her.
"I assume this young master won't mind?"
She was so limp that even Shi Muyuan couldn't bear to look.
Thankfully, the man didn't say anything else.
"Take her back with you."
Although the shadow guard's expression couldn't be seen, Shi Muyuan could imagine that he was as cold as the man.
It didn't take long for them to return to the house.
Shi Muyuan thought for a moment and said, "You'll sleep in the same bed with me recently."
Hearing this, not only the man but even Jing Hong herself was stunned.
They looked at her with complex expressions.
"That's not proper. Although I do believe your words about equality, I can just sleep on the roof recently."
Jing Hong was very self - aware, but Shi Muyuan didn't think so.
"You're injured and need to rest well. Anyway, no outsiders dare to come in, so no one will find out."
Jing Hong was deeply touched by these words.
"In my lifetime, following the Empress Dowager is a decision I'll never regret."
"Alright, stop being so talkative. Go in and sleep for a while. It won't be peaceful today."
Jing Hong wasn't a shy person. Seeing that Shi Muyuan was so insistent, she simply went in and lay down.
Cui Qizhou frowned on the side, not quite agreeing with the young girl's words.
"There should still be a distinction between master and servant. Otherwise, some people might take advantage of it."
"I just want to protect this country, and so does the National Master. If someone is really out of line, I'm not a soft - hearted person."
Since she knew what she was doing, there was no need to say more.
Just as they left, there was a commotion at the courtyard gate.
"As a daughter - in - law, I'm here to apologize to the Empress Dowager. Why don't you go and invite the Empress Dowager quickly?"
"The Prince's order was witnessed by the Princess. Don't make things difficult for us."
"What? Do you want me to cause a scene here? If I disturb the Empress Dowager's sleep, none of you can bear the consequences."
Shi Muyuan rolled her eyes when she heard this inside the house. This woman was already disturbing her sleep by making a fuss.
If she let the people outside in, Jing Hong might be discovered.
With a cold expression, she straightened her clothes. Her hair was in a mess, and her eyes were full of charm, looking as if she had just woken up.
"What's going on? It's early in the morning. You may not want to sleep, but others do."
Being scolded like this right away, He Hui felt embarrassed.
"Mother, I just want to apologize to you. I was too reckless yesterday."
"No need. From now on, we'll stay out of each other's way. Except for the Prince and Jun Lin, don't let irrelevant people come to my place. It'll just annoy everyone."
He Hui was humiliated twice today but still pretended to be polite.
"Mother is right. As long as mother is no longer angry, I'm willing to accept any punishment."
"Heh, it sounds as if I've bullied you."
"No, no. Mother is kind - hearted. How could you bully me? I've already apologized. If mother still doesn't forgive me, I'll kneel here until you do."
Hearing this, Shi Muyuan didn't even bother to lift her eyelids.
Since someone was so eager, she wouldn't be polite.
"If you like to kneel, then kneel. You people watch carefully. She said it herself, not because I forced her. Don't blame me when you complain to the Prince later."
He Hui's smile became forced. She couldn't take back her words, so she had to kneel on the ground, bowing her head and grinding her teeth in hatred.
She regretted saying those words. She should have known that Shi Muyuan would be so straightforward.
After a tiring night, seeing He Hui kneeling obediently, the young girl stretched.
"I didn't sleep well last night and need to sleep some more. Don't come in and disturb me if I don't call you."
"Yes."
Just like this, He Hui knelt outside while the young girl slept soundly without a care in the world.
It wasn't until afternoon that Jing Hong woke her up.
"Mistress, you're really ruthless. Except for the head of the He family and his wife, not many people can make He Hui so obedient."
"It's a little compensation from her. There are more interesting things to come. It seems you've recovered quite well."
"Of course. I only had some minor injuries, and the medicine the National Master gave me was top - notch. Naturally, I'm almost fully recovered by now."