Chapter 440: The One who Knows Me

　　The news made waves.

　　Rong Jiu was originally the person most suited to be the Crown Prince out of all the princes, and many people were already secretly planning to get into his good books.

　　They didn’t expect him to be jailed for such an immoral conviction overnight.

　　Immediately, the Imperial City’s skies were about to change.

　　…

　　“I heard that the Third Prince’s birth mother, Noble Lady Yin, was harmed by the Empress back then and that he held this grudge for many years. Hence, he finally took action.”

　　“Who knows about what happens in the harm? But even if this is true, the Third Prince is too impulsive. As long as he can become the Crown Prince, he can do whatever he wants. Yet, he had to take action…”

　　“After coming back from the Northwest Army, His Majesty did not let him go back for long, so he was definitely anxious… Besides, the Empress’s funeral was so simple. Can’t you see the problem?”

　　“Even if His Majesty hates the Empress, he can’t allow the Third Prince to kill her… He shot himself in his foot.”

　　“All these princes… The removed ones are removed, locked ones are locked, and the sick ones are still sick. If this goes on, there won’t be many people to pick…”

　　When Chu Liuyue walked across the street, she could vaguely hear the whispers.

　　Even though they weren’t allowed to discuss on the surface, it was hard for people not to talk when so many things had happened in the palace.

　　When she was about to reach Prince Li Mansion, she realized that the defenses here were much heavier than before.

　　Chu Liuyue raised her eyebrows a notch. Almost the entire Imperial City fell into chaos, and it wasn’t easy for Prince Li Mansion to stay out of trouble.

　　Upon seeing Chu Liuyue, the guards at the entrance hurriedly welcomed her in enthusiastically. “Ms. Liuyue, you’re finally here! His Highness has been waiting for you for some time!”

　　Chu Liuyue’s lips curved up, and she walked in.

　　…

　　When she saw Rong Xiu, he was resting in the small hut in the backyard.

　　Two cups of freshly-brewed tea were placed on the stone table, together with a half-played chess game.

　　The light breeze came, and a few emerald leaves landed on Rong Xiu’s snow-white robe, making him look extra cold and distinguished.

　　“Your Highness, you knew that I was coming?” Chu Liuyue walked over.

　　Rong Xiu picked up the intricate porcelain cup, and a white mist rose, almost causing one to be unable to see his deep gaze.

　　His red lips curved up slightly, and he gave his usual, warm smile. “I made this tea myself. See how it is compared to yours.”

　　Chu Liuyue sat down and picked up the other cup. The fresh fragrance wafted toward her and tingled her nose, rejuvenating her heart and organs.

　　Chu Liuyue gently sipped on it. After the faint bitterness, there was a sweet aftertaste.

　　She honestly nodded. “You’re much better than me.” Compared to him, the tea she brewed was unworthy.

　　But Rong Xiu shook his head and smiled. “But I only like the ginger tea you make, Yue’er. This tea is nice, but I don’t like it.”

　　Chu Liuyue glanced at him. “You’re still in the mood for jokes?”

　　“I do think that way.” Rong Xiu raised his saber-like eyebrows. “Besides, what do you mean by that?”

　　Chu Liuyue squinted her eyes. The entire Imperial City is in a mangled mess, but only this person can leisurely drink tea and play chess in his backyard. He is really calm.

　　She shook her head and said straightforwardly, “You knew that His Majesty was going to do something about the Third Prince?”

　　Previously, Rong Xiu had mentioned that someone wanted to frame Rong Jiu and push the Empress’s death to him. However, Chu Liuyue never expected that person to be Emperor Jiawen.

　　No matter what, Rong Jiu was his biological son. Him doing this was akin to sending Rong Jiu to his death.

　　Rong Xiu’s expression didn’t change, and he still smiled nonchalantly. “Since you already know, why are you asking me again?”

　　This was a tacit acceptance.

　　Chu Liuyue knitted her brows and was filled with doubt. “But why does His Majesty want to do this?”

　　There were many methods he could use if he didn’t want Rong Jiu to ascend to the throne. At the very least, now that Rong Jiu was trapped in the Imperial City and had been stripped of his military power, he couldn’t cause any trouble.

　　Besides, Rong Jiu had been on the battlefield for so many years and had earned many accolades. Without his identity as the prince, he definitely still had a lot of achievements to his name.

　　Why must Emperor Jiawen be so harsh on him?

　　“His Majesty clearly knows that the person who killed the Empress is—”

　　Situ Xingchen! Until now, this news has been locked firmly.

　　“Yue’er, you’re suspecting that Father is biased toward Situ Xingchen?” asked Rong Xiu with much interest.

　　Chu Liuyue shook her head. From that night’s situation, Emperor Jiawen definitely had no intentions of letting Situ Xingchen off. He just wanted to take something from her. However… there really was no need to push the blame of the Empress’s death to Rong Jiu.

　　She knew that the royal family was heartless, and she even had her own heart-wrenching experiences.

　　But… Emperor Jiawen clearly had another motive for doing so.

　　Rong Xiu smiled slightly and said, “If he can quietly be a lazy prince in the Imperial City, Father would naturally not do anything to him. The thing that made Father determined is—”

　　Chu Liuyue suddenly realized something when she saw his meaningful expression. “Your Highness, you mean that the Third Prince…”

　　Rong Xiu put down a piece.

　　Pak!

　　Chu Liuyue looked down, and her heart felt a pang.

　　Once this move was made, the stalemate between the black and white pieces was finally broken as both of them started to fight each other.

　　Rong Jiu is going to revolt? If not, I really can’t think of another reason for Emperor Jiawen to do this.

　　“Your Highness, how did you know that?” The moment Chu Liuyue asked this, she regretted it. As long as Rong Xiu wants to, he can know everything!

　　However, Rong Xiu’s expression changed strangely.

　　Chu Liuyue looked into his eyes and felt a telepathic connection. She widened her eyes in shock. “Could it be…”

　　Rong Xiu gave her a meaningful look before he smiled and waved toward her. “Yue’er, come over.”

　　Chu Liuyue stood up and walked over in confusion.

　　Rong Xiu held her hands and pulled her into his arms, tightly holding onto her before looking down and kissing her.

　　Chu Liuyue was shocked, and her heart tingled from his warmth. W-what’s with this person? Why is he so sudden?!

　　“Y-your Highness?” Chu Liuyue pushed his shoulders, but her waist was held even tighter as if she was about to fall into his arms.

　　He kissed her until her limbs went soft, and when she melted into a puddle in his arms, Rong Xiu finally stopped and changed to a light kiss.

　　Chu Liuyue looked at him, and her originally dazzling eyes became watery and filled with love. It was as though the sweetness was going to overflow.

　　Rong Xiu’s eyes sparkled as he raised his hands and covered her eyes. He leaned close to her ear and whispered in a hoarse voice as if something was tugging at his heartstrings. “Don’t look at me like that.”

　　Chu Liuyue’s ears burned. “…Your Highness?”

　　“You’re the only one who knows me.” Rong Xiu couldn’t help but bite her soft earlobe.

　　Chu Liuyue shied away due to the tickle, and her body became even softer.

　　Rong Xiu buried his head in her shoulders and closed his eyes. She always knows what I’m thinking, from the past till now.