Chapter 81 Inquiring

Palace came to Palace, the Crown Prince clearly felt that Shu Yuwan was much happier, with less melancholy.

He couldn’t help but praise himself for handling things well.

“Shu Yuwan, let Palace stay in the Palace,” the Crown Prince said to Shu Yuwan.

Shu Yuwan was conflicted. It seemed inappropriate for Palace to stay in the palace, but she couldn’t bear to send her back.

During these days, she had become completely familiar with the affairs of the Palace. There were no complicated personnel matters, and the Crown Prince had indicated he wouldn’t take concubines.

The Crown Prince not only didn’t object but also liked Palace’s demeanor. He often hug Palace and even made wooden toys like little rabbits for her.

She also had the idea of keeping Palace by her side.

“If Your Highness doesn’t mind…”

“I don’t mind. Palace is your child, so she is also mine,” the Crown Prince said sincerely.

Shu Yuwan looked at the Crown Prince gratefully.

However, she added, “Palace has already been adopted by my eldest brother. Even if she stays with me, this won’t change.”

“It’s up to you. As long as you’re happy.”

Shu Yuwan smiled happily.

She thought it was for the best. If she could stay by her side for now, she would, and if anything happened in the future, she could always send Palace back to the Shu family.

One worry was resolved.

Remembering what the Crown Prince had said before about retrieving Zhao Qing Qing’s gunpowder and capturing her, Shu Yuwan asked, “Your Highness, have you figured out that gunpowder?”

The Crown Prince nodded, “Almost. It’s basically usable now.”

Shu Yuwan felt relieved upon hearing this. With this, the Crown Prince’s chances of success increased.

“I want to see Zhao Qing Qing,” Shu Yuwan said to the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince, not too pleased, asked, “What do you want to ask her? Why did she killed An Shaoyu?”

Seeing the Crown Prince’s disguised jealousy, Shu Yuwan chuckled, “I want to know where she got these extraordinary things and what else can be unearthed to use.”

The Crown Prince had the same idea; otherwise, he wouldn’t have kept her until today.

But seeing that Shu Yuwan was not at all concerned about An Shaoyu but focused on Zhao Qing Qing, he was pleased and said, “Alright, I’ll accompany you.”

The next day.

The two secretly went to the Crown Prince’s private villa, called Biquan Villa.

The Crown Prince led Shu Yuwan to the dungeon.

The dungeon was dark and damp, with only a few candles lit.

It was only when Shu Yuwan and the Crown Prince arrived that a servant raised a lantern, brightening the place.

Zhao Qing Qing squinted uncomfortably.

Shu Yuwan saw Zhao Qing Qing sitting in a chair, with disheveled hair, untidy clothes, and what seemed to be scars on her body, no longer the arrogant woman she used to be.

Shu Yuwan looked at the Crown Prince in surprise.

She thought the Crown Prince would at least take care of Zhao Qing Qing properly, considering she was indeed a valuable person.

The Crown Prince said indifferently, “Since she’s an enemy, there’s no need to treat her well. I want to know what secrets this woman holds, and torture will work just as well.”

He didn’t mention that he knew Shu Yuwan had been upset because of this woman and wanted to vent her frustrations on her.

Shu Yuwan nodded in agreement.

“Have you found out anything, Your Highness?”

The Crown Prince shook his head, “No, this woman is quite stubborn.”

“Then let me try.”

Shu Yuwan asked the Crown Prince to stand at a distance as she approached Zhao Qing Qing.

As she got closer, Zhao Qing Qing finally recognized Shu Yuwan.

Seeing that she had married into the Palace as the Crown Princess!

Zhao Qing Qing couldn’t help but feel jealous, glaring at Shu Yuwan.

“What? Are you happy to see me distress?” She suddenly adopted a contemptuous tone, “Do you even deserve it?”

“Just a woman from the harem, only concerned about her husband, getting pregnant and then being kicked out, only knowing how to pack up and leave like a coward. A person with limited knowledge, if not for good luck, you wouldn’t even know where to cry right now!!”

“You deserve to hear this words?!”

Shu Yuwan remained emotionless upon hearing this, “You’re right.”

“I have to admit, I admire you for fighting for your beloved. After knowing that your husband broke his vows to you, and yet you have the courage to kill him.”

“When I heard the news that you killed An Shaoyu, I kept thinking about it. If a woman betrays her husband, gets involved with another man, and is discovered by her husband, he would probably kill his wife, and people would only say the woman was promiscuous, maybe even sympathize with the man.”

“Even the woman’s family wouldn’t dare to seek justice.”

“But when a man keeps a mistress, it’s quite common, even if there were agreements before marriage.” Shu Yuwan thought of the her godmother.

“If a woman kills her husband who broke his promises, like you did, she would be condemned as a venomous woman by everyone in the world, with no way out.”

Zhao Qing Qing never expected Shu Yuwan to speak in such a manner and praised her, “I didn’t expect you to be so insightful.”

“Since you understand the challenges women face in this world, why not let me go?” Zhao Qing Qing hoped.

Shu Yuwan chuckled, “Miss Zhao, you seem to have forgotten that you belong to the Fifth Prince, while I am now the Crown Princess. Our positions are different. You are quite talented, and I can’t risk letting you assist the Fifth Prince.”

After a moment of hesitation, Zhao Qing Qing said, “I can also switch sides to the Crown Prince.”

Deep down, Zhao Qing Qing had no hesitation. But to put on a show, she considered joining the Crown Prince, which was better than dying in this dark dungeon. Initially, she had no choice and chose the Fifth Prince.

She always thought she was discreet, and the Fifth Prince was well hidden. However, the Crown Prince had long suspected the Fifth Prince’s disloyalty and even discovered her involvement with the Fifth Prince!!

If the Fifth Prince’s intentions were revealed, what chance did she have!

Shu Yuwan’s eyes flashed, “Oh?”

She smiled, “I do appreciate Miss Zhao, but you still need to show your loyalty.”

After pondering for a moment, Zhao Qing Qing couldn’t bear to part with the gunpowder, her most crucial asset. Whether it was the Fifth Prince or the Crown Prince, she wasn’t willing to give it up easily.

She said, “Most of the Fifth Prince’s money was earned by me. In the future, I can also earn money for the Crown Prince.”

Shu Yuwan shook her head, “The Crown Prince doesn’t lack money! There are others who can do business besides you Miss Zhao.”

“I know most of the Fifth Prince’s influence. If the Crown Prince needs it, I can provide all the information!”

Shu Yuwan still shook her head, “The Fifth Prince won’t make much of a splash.”

“No rush, Miss Zhao can take her time.”

Shu Yuwan casually mentioned, “By the way, I heard that Chunxiu has been taken into the Anding Marquis mansion. She’s carrying An Shaoyu’s posthumous child, and the Marquis’s wife treats her like gold.”

“That wretched woman!!” Despite knowing it would amuse Shu Yuwan, Zhao Qing Qing couldn’t help but express her hatred. If it weren’t for this woman, she wouldn’t be in such a miserable situation now.

“Why is Miss Zhao so fixated on one man for life? In fact, having multiple concubines isn’t a big deal~ After all, An Shaoyu deeply cared for you.” Shu Yuwan chatted with Zhao Qing Qing.

“You wouldn’t understand! How could a man share with others! That’s disgusting!!” Zhao Qing Qing expressed her disgust.

Shu Yuwan didn’t share the same sentiment.

Although no woman genuinely wanted to share her husband with others, she didn’t find it disgusting.

Shu Yuwan couldn’t help but think of the Empress Xiaoxian, who died in depression due to the Emperor’s numerous concubines.

Was it also because she found it disgusting??