Liluo quickly brought a mahogany chair for Ning Zhuangyan. She placed the chair at the seat below Chu Mingze and then stepped back. Ning Zhuangyan pouted in dissatisfaction. Once Liluo left, she selfishly moved the chair to the right side of Chu Qitong.

Regarding Ning Zhuangyan's familiar behavior, Chu Mingze's complexion was slightly unpleasant. Seeing that Chu Qitong did not intend to speak, he did not say anything further.

After this delay, everything has been resolved, so it was time to have a meal. Chu Qitong, as she used to, picked up a spoon and served soup for Chu Mingze. Seeing this, Ning Zhuangyan hurriedly held her own bowl in front of Chu Qitong, smiling with her eyes and saying, "Painting, I also want some."

Chu Qitong remained silent. She took the bowl handed to her by Ning Zhuanyan and only sat down after serving the soup for Ning Zhuanyan.

"Your Highness, there was a thick layer of snow from yesterday. It might be best for you not to go to Empress Wen's place today," Chu Mingze suddenly spoke up halfway through his meal. As he spoke, he glanced up at the tightly closed doors of Qiwu Hall, his gaze particularly focused, as if he could already see the accumulated snow outside through the thick door panels.

Chu Qitong's hand paused for a moment as she picked up her food, but quickly resumed its actions. She glanced at Chu Mingze and said in his usual tone, "Aze, you mustn't say such things anymore. Empress Wen diligently takes care of the palace on behalf of our father, and as children, we should respect her. Furthermore, it's only proper to pay respects to our elders, how can we casually take a leave of absence?"

In fact, as the only princess of the Great Chu Dynasty and the daughter of the late emperor and empress, Chu Qitong had no need to pay respects to the Dowager Concubine Wen every day. Lilo had advised her before, and Chu Mingze had also occasionally brought up the matter to her. But no matter how many times the two of them had spoken, Chu Qitong would still go to the Qinyu Palace to pay respects to Concubine Wen as usual the next day, without fail, regardless of the changing seasons.

Chu Mingze couldn't understand Chu Qitong's intention. Clearly, the two of them, as siblings, don't even need to address Empress Wen as "Mother Empress" when they see her. So why is Princess Huang going out of her way to please Empress Wen? Based on the favor Father Emperor shows Princess Huang, even if she doesn't greet Empress Wen, Father Emperor probably wouldn't say anything.

Although Chu Mingze was extremely puzzled in his heart, he dared not defy the intentions of the princess and didn't dare to speak up to persuade Chu Qitong. He had always known that this princess of his was far from being as approachable as she appeared on the surface.

Chu Mingze fell silent, and suddenly, the interior of the Qiwu Palace seemed to quiet down. In the spacious palace, the only sound that could be heard was the crisp sound of chopsticks accidentally touching the porcelain plates.

Every word spoken by Chu Qitong's siblings entered Ning Zhuangyan's ears without missing a beat. After listening to Chu Qitong's words, the only thought that crossed Ning Zhuangyan's mind was that this little beauty who had saved her had a really gentle nature.

People always say that the imperial palace is the most ruthless place in this world, where it devours people without leaving a trace. Ning Zhuangyan suddenly became worried that this overly kind and innocent beauty in front of her would be bullied in this vast imperial palace.

"Yanyan, why aren't you eating? Is it because the food doesn't suit your taste? You have injuries on your body, but you still need to eat some food no matter what." Ning Zhuangyan was lost in thought, her mind wandering unconsciously, until she heard the voice of Chu Qitong in her ears, and Ning Zhuangyan snapped back to reality.

Looking at the woman in front of her, wearing intricate princess clothes but with gentle eyes and brows, Ning Zhuangyan suddenly felt like teasing her. She moved closer to Chu Qitong and spoke in a slightly playful tone, "Hua Hua, would you please feed me?"