Transmigration: From Farmer To Empress
Chapter 723: Meeting on a Narrow Path (2)_1

Chapter 723: Chapter 723: Meeting on a Narrow Path (2)_1

Ever since King Qin left for the battlefield and the Empress was placed under house arrest by the Emperor, Miss Rui Zhu has become much more discreet than before. At this time of the year, she usually hosted a flower appreciation party, inviting the cream of the crop from the upper society in the capital, including the daughters of nobles and local dames, to her mansion. However, because of the Empress’s predicament this year, she was forced to keep a low profile. The flower party had to be cancelled. She could only invite a few of her boudoir confidantes to her mansion occasionally for a chat to ease her boredom and vent out the melancholy in her heart.

Du Wanqiu received the invitation and got ready meticulously, cheerfully stepping out of the door.

Today, her mood was truly exhilarating!

Over the years, in the eyes of others, she has always appeared to have a deep friendship with Li Ruizhu, presenting a picture of profound affection. However, in reality, she had long borne a bone-deep resentment towards the haughty Miss Li. Li Ruizhu betrayed her and disregarded the promise they made during their youth, thus landing her in an extremely embarrassing situation. Ruizhu had repeatedly flaunted her status in front of her and even issued orders to her in front of other noble ladies, making her furious to the point of nearly spitting blood. Yet, there was nothing she could do about it.

As the saying goes, ’what goes around, comes around’. Now, Ruizhu was facing her own tough times. Her prospective mother-in-law was under house arrest, her position as the Empress hanging by a thread. Her fiance was embroiled in conflicts at Lingbei, the outcome uncertain, and it was rumored that Jin Guifei had no intention of letting him return. It is fair to say that Li Ruizhu was now at the peak of her misfortune. Hence, despite knowing that she might be in for a dose of idle resentment, Du Wanqiu had no qualms about going to see her in her miserable state.

As she stepped out of her courtyard about to head towards the stables, her sisters, Du Wanyue and Du Wanru, walked towards her.

Du Wanqiu has never gotten along well with her sisters, thus, upon meeting, she merely offered a lukewarm greeting and intended to pass them by. However, Du Wanyue took a step ahead and stood in her way, smilingly asked, "Are you going to Li mansion, sister? Can we join you? We are getting bored to death staying at home!"

Du Wanqiu coldly replied, "My little sister seems to have excellent sources, even knowing where I’m heading. Since that’s the case, didn’t your ear-informing god tell you that only I was invited by Rui Zhu? If you invite yourselves, I am afraid she wouldn’t be pleased."

Du Wanyue confidently replied, "How could that be? We are all like sisters to Rui Zhu. She is having a rough time right now. Even if we can’t help her in any other way, at least we can provide her some comfort, right?"

"Exactly, big sister. Did you refuse to take us because you were afraid that we would become close with Rui Zhu and neglect you?" Du Yuanru, who never stepped back from an argument and was already slightly annoyed as Du Wanqiu refused to take them, spoke up with a sharp tone.

Du Wanqiu was instantly amused by these two nieces.

These two naive idiots, do they think they can comfort Li Ruizhu? Don’t they know about Ruizhu’s haughty nature? She had always been the one sympathising and pitying others, how could she bear others doing the same to her!

The thought of how interesting it would be if she were pitied and comforted by these two naive people made Du Wanqiu feel a sense of delight. "You are overthinking, my sisters. If you are so insistent on going, then I will just take you there. Just remember, it was you who insisted on coming with us, not me who invited you."

"Of course. We worried about sister Rui Zhu so we forced you to take us with you!"

Du Wanyue was eager to curry favor with Li Ruizhu and would naturally say that she came to see her out of sisterly concern and worry, rather than mentioning anything else.

So, Du Wanqiu, accompanied by Du Wanru and Du Wanyue, with several maids and manservants in tow for their protection, set off in the grand horse carriage from the Duke An’s Mansion, heading towards the Mansion of the National Protector.