Chapter 659 - 662: Worth It

Chapter 659: Chapter 662: Worth It

Hua Manman said, "You don’t have to blame yourself or feel guilty. My death had nothing to do with you."

She spoke calmly and naturally, as if stating an objective fact.

But it made Princess Consort Zhen’s heart ache even more.

Because she sensed a detached attitude in her words.

Princess Consort Zhen couldn’t help but ask.

"In your heart, am I still your sister?"

Hua Manman replied without hesitation, "Of course. You’ll always be my sister."

Her words eased Princess Consort Zhen’s heavy heart, making her feel much better.

"If you truly thought of me as your sister, you would have revealed yourself to me long ago."

Hua Manman was silent.

’Princess Consort Zhen is right. If I hadn’t been forced into a corner, I would have never chosen to reveal my identity to her.’

’We both have our own children and our own lives now. There’s no need for us to disrupt each other’s worlds.’

’But now that I’m at her mercy, I have no choice but to yield.’

’If I want to get out of this situation, my only option is to be completely honest with her.’

It had been a long time since Princess Consort Zhen had lost control of her emotions like this.

After a long moment, she finally stabilized her emotions, and her reason returned.

At this point, further questioning was useless. Her sister was back, and that’s what mattered. The most important thing now was to keep her here and ensure her safety.

"Never mind. Let’s let the past be the past. We haven’t seen each other in years, and I have so much I want to talk to you about."

Finding the room too small, Princess Consort Zhen had someone prepare a more spacious and comfortable one.

She took Hua Manman’s hand and personally led her over.

As soon as Hua Manman sat down, someone immediately brought in fruits, tea, and snacks.

Princess Consort Zhen held her hand and wouldn’t let go.

"Where have you been all these years? How could you just disappear without a trace?"

Hua Manman gave a vague answer. "I don’t know, either. When I woke up, I found I looked completely different, and everything and everyone around me had changed."

Naturally, Princess Consort Zhen wasn’t fooled by such a clumsy lie.

But she saw Hua Manman’s evasiveness and guessed she must have her reasons, so she tactfully changed the subject.

"You saw Qiong’er earlier, didn’t you? He’s grown up so much. By rights, he should call you ’Auntie’."

Hua Manman said, "He really has grown up. You’ve raised him well."

But Princess Consort Zhen said, "Qiong’er is wonderful in every way, but he’s far too sensitive and prone to overthinking. Plus, he’s such a closed book. He bottles everything up and never opens up to anyone. Even I, his own mother, can’t always figure out what’s on his mind. He’s already like this at such a young age. I worry about what he’ll be like when he’s older."

Hua Manman said, "Perhaps it’s because there’s too much pressure on him. He was designated as the Crown Prince at a young age, so he bears a heavy burden of responsibility. It’s only natural he can’t be as carefree and cheerful as other children."

Princess Consort Zhen sighed. She knew this all too well, of course.

As the Crown Prince, Li Qiong was destined to be more mature than other children his age.

But as a mother, seeing her son forced to grow up too soon, her heart ached for him.

Princess Consort Zhen gave a wry smile. "I often encourage Qiong’er to spend more time with Xun’er. It’s not just because I want the two of them to grow closer, but I also hope Qiong’er can learn from him how to relax a little and not be so uptight. But it’s had little effect, unfortunately."

Hua Manman said, half-joking, "Gou Dan is far too mischievous. You’d better not let the Crown Prince learn from him! If he actually ends up being a bad influence on the Crown Prince, Gou Dan will be in deep trouble!"

Princess Consort Zhen replied, "Boys will be boys; a little mischief is normal. Besides, Gou Dan is very clever. No matter how mischievous he gets, he knows where the line is. He’s a world away from those spoiled heirs from other families who go around bullying people and causing trouble."

Hua Manman didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

"Please don’t ever say that in front of him. It’ll go straight to his head."

Princess Consort Zhen was amused and covered her mouth as she chuckled.

The atmosphere between them relaxed considerably.

Princess Consort Zhen continued, "I had originally planned to have Xun’er become Qiong’er’s study companion. If they attended school together, their bond would certainly grow stronger. But I never imagined the Regent King would suddenly run into trouble, so we had to put the companion arrangement on hold."

As she finished, she let out a long sigh.

In her opinion, there was no one in the world more suitable than Li Xun to be the Crown Prince’s companion.

Hua Manman quickly interjected, "It’s a good thing you never made Gou Dan the Crown Prince’s companion! You have no idea about his ’glorious’ track record at the Imperial College, do you? He’s a notorious terror there; he gives everyone a headache. If you really let him into Chongwen Hall, I’m afraid he’d tear the whole place apart!"

Princess Consort Zhen couldn’t help but laugh. "Surely you’re exaggerating?"

Hua Manman said, "If you don’t believe me, you can send someone to the Imperial College to ask around. From the teachers down to the students, there isn’t a single person who doesn’t know him."

Seeing how confidently she spoke, Princess Consort Zhen was both exasperated and amused.

"Why doesn’t Li Ji do something to control him?"

Hua Manman scoffed, "With Ji’s personality? He’s lucky if he can manage himself, let alone his son. The father is the Great Demon King, and the son is a little demon. Neither of them is a saint!"

Princess Consort Zhen was amused again, laughing so hard she couldn’t stop.

"Who talks about their own husband and son like that?"

Hua Manman replied, "I’d only say this to you. We’re sisters, just gossiping. Is there anything we can’t say to each other?"

Her words instantly brought the two of them much closer.

Princess Consort Zhen’s expression turned serious.

"Since we’re being honest, let me level with you. Li Ji’s conviction is set in stone. There is no turning back from this."

"If you don’t want to be implicated, you’d better call Xun’er back quickly. From now on, I will protect you and Xun’er, and I guarantee nothing will happen to you."

Hua Manman asked, "What about Ji?"

Princess Consort Zhen replied, "He can only pray for himself."

This meant she was abandoning Li Ji, leaving him to his fate.

Hua Manman refused without hesitation.

"No. Ji is not just my husband; he’s also Gou Dan’s father. I can’t abandon him."

Princess Consort Zhen frowned.

"He’s just a man. You and Xun’er can live perfectly well without him.

"Once this all blows over, if you want to remarry, I can find you another suitable match."

Hua Manman’s tone was extremely firm.

"To you, Li Ji may just be an ordinary man, but to me and Gou Dan, he is an inseparable part of our family."

Princess Consort Zhen stared at her fixedly.

"You insist on staying with him? Even though you know it will put you and Xun’er in danger?"

Hua Manman said, "We’re a family. We have to stick together through thick and thin. Even if it means death, we will be reunited as a family in the afterlife!"

Princess Consort Zhen asked, "Is it worth it?"

Having seen the full spectrum of human nature in the palace, she knew all too well how terrifying its dark side could be.

In her opinion, Hua Manman’s choice was naive and foolish.

Hua Manman said, "If I’m willing, then it’s worth it."