Chapter 1232: Chapter 1227: Jin Fengzhao Comes Looking

The Lady from Prince Jin Residence gave birth, and it was a boy, delighting the Empress beyond measure.

Of course, whether she was genuinely happy or not is hard to say; as per tradition, the birth of a first son or legitimate heir usually calls for a grand full-moon celebration by the Imperial Family.

And Jin Zijin planned to expose their scandals during the child’s full-moon celebration.

Now with only a month left, he was busy preparing the necessary arrangements.

For years, the Ducal Residence had established deep roots in the court; uprooting them would not be easy.

Their tangled web of relationships, if not handled properly, could potentially bring disaster to Zhuzhao Country.

Being able to remove them all at once would be ideal, but achieving that was easier said than done; thus, managing these relationships properly was a significant challenge.

In terms of balancing the power of various families, the emperor was an expert in this area; hence, these past few days, Jin Zijin frequently traveled to Beijing, and even Gu Youyou seldom saw him.

But today, an unexpected visitor came to the house, leaving Gu Youyou uncertain about what to do.

“Jin Fengzhao?” It was only upon seeing the person in the flower hall that Gu Youyou remembered there was such a person in Zhuzhao Country—she had almost forgotten.

“Greetings to the Grand Princess!” Upon seeing Gu Youyou, Jin Fengzhao hurriedly stood up to salute her.

Indeed, how fortunes change; the last time she saw her, Gu Youyou was bowing and scraping before her, even being slapped and stripped by her.

Today, their roles were reversed.

Gu Youyou gave a wry smile, “What are you seeking the Grand Prince for?”

Jin Zijin was often absent from home lately, difficult to see during the day, and sometimes even at night.

“I have an important matter to discuss with him, please grant me convenience, Madam Grand Princess.”

Jin Fengzhao no longer exhibited her previous arrogance; two years had passed, and she seemed very changed.

She no longer had the majestic elegance of before, and looked much older, her previously well-maintained skin had turned sallow, and her body much thinner, making her clothes appear too large and ill-fitting.

The clothes she wore were still luxurious but seemed somewhat old – in the style of past seasons.

Previously, she would never have worn old clothes, but now her status had changed.

Gu Youyou looked her over, slowly withdrawing her gaze, and said, “It’s not that I’m not willing to help, but he genuinely isn’t here in Netherworld.”

“Where did he go?” Jin Fengzhao hurriedly asked.

Suddenly realizing her tone was too urgent, she quickly lowered her head and timidly added, “I… I indeed have a very important matter, could you please let me see the Grand Prince?”

Gu Youyou, seeing her pitiful state, felt a touch of sympathy; although she did not deliberately inquire about Jin Fengzhao’s life at the General Residence, her current appearance spoke volumes.

Gu Youyou sighed, “He’s truly not here; if you don’t believe me, you can wait here for a while. It’s getting late, and if you’re lucky, perhaps he will return sooner.”

With that said by Gu Youyou, Jin Fengzhao, despite her urgency, had no more to argue.

Gu Youyou had a maid invite Jin Fengzhao to wait in the guest room, but Jin Fengzhao declined.

“Thank you for your kind retention, Grand Princess, but I shall not wait. I will return another day.”

Gu Youyou found it odd but did not thank her further and had someone escort her out.

It was late at night when Jin Zijin finally returned, arriving back rather late, and Gu Youyou had already gone to sleep.

To avoid disturbing her, he slept in the outer study.

So she didn’t get a chance to talk to him about this matter.