The Useless Heiress Is Actually A Bigshot
Chapter 686: Leaving

Chapter 686: Chapter 686: Leaving

"Isn’t this good?" Zhong Niangyao’s lips curved into a meaningful smile, "Nolan Chenyu had always said he deeply loved Han An, and Han An was willing to give up everything for Prince Yu. Since the two of them adored each other and had been husband and wife for many years, naturally, they should continue to be husband and wife for a long, long time."

"Are you sure they can really be husband and wife forever?" Lu Yichen raised an eyebrow and asked, "Both of them have their own schemes, and it’s destined that they can’t spend their days together."

"With the Imperial Decree in place, they can certainly grow old together," Zhong Niangyao smiled slightly, "However, marriage relies on the efforts of both parties. If they are willing, they can naturally live well together. Regardless of whether they are willing to live well, the outcome will not change."

Even if they loathe each other, they must spend a lifetime together.

Listening to the underlying meaning in Zhong Niangyao’s words, Lu Yichen couldn’t help but chuckle, "It seems you’re quite satisfied with this outcome!"

"Of course," Zhong Niangyao nodded, "Don’t you know? I personally requested that Imperial Decree!"

At that moment, a palace maid walked in, "Lord National Master, Princess Consort Yu has arrived, and she wishes to see you."

After hearing the palace maid’s report, Zhong Niangyao was not surprised; she nodded, "In that case, bring her in!"

The palace maid quickly withdrew.

"You want to see her?" Lu Yichen’s tone carried a hint of surprise, "I thought you didn’t plan to see her ever again!"

"Hehe, why not?" Zhong Niangyao shrugged her shoulders, smiling as she spoke, "This might as well be the last time. You leave first! I have some matters to discuss alone with her."

Lu Yichen nodded and then departed.

Soon, Han An walked in alone. As she entered, she noticed that in this vast hall, only she and Zhong Niangyao were present.

"Master—" Han An subconsciously began, then, as if remembering something, she immediately corrected, "Lord National Master."

She didn’t know why she had come today. After a tumultuous episode with Nolan Chenyu, she felt like a wandering soul and had unconsciously entered the palace and made her way to the National Master Hall.

When she realized she was standing at the entrance of the National Master Hall, a sudden impulse surged from deep within her heart. She wanted to ask why Zhong Niangyao had requested that particular Imperial Decree. She didn’t believe that the decree had helped her.

"Princess Consort Yu, is there something you need?"

Zhong Niangyao sat in the main seat, her whole demeanor relaxed and somewhat languid, "You’re not here to bid me farewell at this hour, are you?"

Seeing Zhong Niangyao’s comfortable expression, a hint of envy and jealousy rose in Han An’s heart. It seemed that whether in the past or now, Zhong Niangyao had always been carefree and untroubled.

But what about her? She was almost sold into a brothel by her parents. She married Prince Yu, thinking she was marrying for love, but in the end, it was all just a sham for exploitation.

When Han An clearly heard Zhong Niangyao’s words, she couldn’t help but be taken aback, "You’re leaving?"

She never thought Zhong Niangyao would leave; she assumed that Zhong Niangyao’s return was to stay in Lai Country permanently. Now, suddenly hearing that Zhong Niangyao was leaving, her expression became somewhat dazed.

"Is it strange?" Zhong Niangyao sipped her tea slowly and began, "As early as ten years ago, I had already left Lai Country. I have laid down the position of State Preceptor for ten years. This return was only due to some unexpected situations."

"Why do you want to leave?" Han An’s tone was tinged with anxiety, "Second only to the Emperor, no one dares to offend you. Even the Emperor treats you with great respect. Isn’t this a good life?"

"Oh, you think this life is good?" Zhong Niangyao looked at Han An, a hint of sarcasm flashing in her eyes, "If so, why did you choose to marry Prince Yu back then? Wouldn’t inheriting my position as State Preceptor have been good?"

After hearing Zhong Niangyao’s words, Han An was momentarily stunned, then a flash of unknown light passed through her eyes, and she said nothing but stood there silently. It was unclear whether she regretted her past decision or felt she had wronged Zhong Niangyao.

Seeing Han An’s demeanor, Zhong Niangyao didn’t continue the topic but directly asked, "Alright, what did you come to find me for today? If there’s nothing, then leave quickly; I’m leaving tomorrow. Tonight, I plan to rest well."

As she spoke, she glanced outside, then continued, "Also, the palace gates will be locking soon. If you can’t leave the palace, are you planning to stay overnight at Imperial Concubine Wan’s palace?"

At the end, a hint of sarcasm tinged Zhong Niangyao’s tone.

Imperial Concubine Wan and Han An, this mother-in-law and daughter-in-law duo, definitely did not get along, and Han An absolutely would not consider staying the night in Imperial Concubine Wan’s palace, especially today with the Imperial Decree in place. If she went there, she needed to be prepared for a difficult time.

After all, in an era where filial piety was paramount, in the battle between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, the mother-in-law always had the upper hand. A single word of "filial piety" could be crushing.

When Han An heard Imperial Concubine Wan’s name, she shuddered involuntarily, "Lord National Master, I came today just to ask one question. Why did you beg the Emperor for such an Imperial Decree? Haven’t you already given up on me, your disciple?"

"Oh, you don’t want this Imperial Decree?" Zhong Niangyao lazily smiled, "Without this decree, who knows, by tomorrow morning, you might no longer be Princess Consort Yu!"

A flicker of humiliation crossed Han An’s face, but she still clenched her teeth and said, "Do you think, this Imperial Decree, can solve my problems? Do you know, just because of this decree, I and the Prince are at odds now."

"Does that have anything to do with me?" Zhong Niangyao looked at Han An, "If your marital relationship was truly deep, this Imperial Decree would merely be an ornament, wouldn’t it?"

"If it could cause such an uproar, it just shows that your marital relationship really isn’t that great! Otherwise, you both would have been happy about the issuance of this decree! It’s a good safeguard, after all."