Gu Shengyin was taken aback by the sight of Yu Wenrui.
She still remembered the first time she saw him: his figure was tall and straight, his face handsome, radiant with an outstanding charm that made all women’s hearts flutter.
But just now, it was clear that he had become thinner, his complexion unhealthy pale, and deep dark circles under his eyes revealed a severe lack of rest.
All of this was self-evident as to why, yet Gu Shengyin felt not the slightest sympathy for him.
Since he dared to do such vile deeds, he should be prepared to suffer the consequences.
There was still plenty of time, and she had even greater "surprises" waiting for him.
The Emperor, having recently acquired a new beauty, naturally wanted to show off his heroic brilliance in front of his beloved.
He and Consort Li, who was currently the most favored in the Imperial harem, shared a carriage as they arrived at the Imperial Hunting Grounds.
Gu Shengyin swept a glance around and noticed Yun Chuqing was also present; given her status, she had no right to partake in such a grand event.
Upon a bit of reflection, she understood the crux of the situation: it must be due to the title of Prince Xian’s Consort.
Yu Wenrui seemed to be dragging his feet on the matter that had been decided, much to the Yun Family’s dissatisfaction, though they dared not express it too openly.
And so, Yun Chuqing found herself in an awkward and unresolved situation.
However, Gu Shengyin felt annoyed just looking at her.
With a slight purse of her lips, the Emperor by her side noticed and immediately asked, "What’s wrong, my consort?"
Gu Shengyin lazily gestured towards Yun Chuqing with a hand, "That woman, I don’t like her."
After all, in the eyes of others, she was nothing but trouble, wasn’t she? So she decided not to be reasonable.
The Emperor followed her gaze and took a glance, a flicker of astonishment flashed through his eyes.
However, he quickly returned his gaze to Gu Shengyin beside him, and thought, compared to my consort, everyone else was simply ordinary.
Since his consort disliked her, then: "Someone come, take her away. Do not let her sit here, spoiling the mood."
Yun Chuqing’s face went pale instantly; being openly scorned by the Emperor, what face would she have left in the future?
She looked toward Yu Wenrui, seemingly seeking his help.
The others also turned their eyes to His Highness Prince Xian, who was highly sought after. Many knew that this young lady was to be his consort, and now that she had been humiliated by Consort Li, they were curious as to how he would respond.
Yu Wenrui turned a deaf ear to these gazes. Yu Lan didn’t like Miss Yun of the Yun Family; was it because she was his consort, or, did it mean she couldn’t let go of him in her heart?
He wanted to look up and see Gu Shengyin’s expression, but unfortunately, they were too far apart, and all he could see was the blurred and distant silhouette of a beautifully dressed figure.
"Did you not hear His Majesty’s command? Since she has dampened His Majesty’s spirits, take her down quickly!" he said coldly.
Many were shocked, saying that it was true what they said about Prince Xian being cold-hearted; even towards his own consort, he was ruthless.
Someone shouted, and suddenly several figures jumped out from the crowd, lunging directly towards the Emperor at the head of the group.
"My consort!" the Emperor exclaimed in alarm.
He hadn’t expected that, in such a moment, this delicate beauty would stand in front of him to shield him.
"Your Majesty, it’s an honor for your consort to block this strike for you," Gu Shengyin said with a weak smile.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Yu Wenrui rushing towards them.
"Your consort and His Highness Prince Xian... are as close as siblings..." She didn’t continue, partly because the Emperor would understand her meaning, and partly because she closed her eyes.