Dad, open the door. I'll bring your mistress back for you.

Chapter 294: Encounter with the Sixth Prince

After Shen Chuning had lunch at Shoukang Palace, she headed towards the North Third Institute according to the plan she had agreed with Zhou Lin.

The North Three Houses are located in a remote corner of the imperial palace. It is the cold palace. Usually, there are few people here, and it is not easy for others to notice their whereabouts.

Moreover, this place is close to the north gate of the imperial palace, making it convenient to enter and exit.

When Shen Chuning just stepped into the North Third Building, Xuan You, who had been hiding in the dark and on guard, immediately appeared to greet her and reported to her that Zhou Lin had not yet spoken.

Shen Chuning nodded slightly to show that she understood, and then stood quietly there waiting for Zhou Lin's arrival.

At this moment, a cry of surprise suddenly rang out: "Sister Aning!"

Immediately afterwards, a figure rushed to Shen Chuning as fast as the wind.

After Shen Chuning got a clear look at the person, she subconsciously took a small step back, then knelt respectfully and said, "Greetings, Fifth Prince."

Seeing this, Xiao Yuanyi quickly reached out and made a gesture of support, saying, "Hurry up and stand up."

After Shen Chuning stood up, he still kept his head down, standing silently to one side, without saying a word.

Xiao Yuanyi seemed to sense that the atmosphere was a little awkward, so he coughed lightly, trying to break the deadlock, and asked, "Why is Sister An Ning here?"

"I just visited the Empress Dowager at Shoukang Palace and was about to leave. I'm a little tired, so I'd like to rest here."

Naturally, Shen Chuning couldn't tell others the truth that she was waiting for Zhou Lin, so she had to make up a seemingly reasonable excuse to get away with it.

"Sister Aning, why don't you come in with me and sit for a while?"

Xiao Yuanyi extended the invitation enthusiastically, his eyes full of anticipation.

Shen Chuning shook her head gently and declined politely, "Thank you for your kindness, Fifth Prince, but I'm almost done resting."

After saying that, she nodded slightly, turned around and was about to leave.

A trace of hurt suddenly flashed across Xiao Yuanyi's eyes, and he murmured softly: "Sister Aning, you are still blaming me..."

Hearing this, Shen Chuning couldn't help but stop.

Ever since Xiao Yuanyi completely disregarded the lives of thousands of ordinary people in order to gain more merits for himself, Shen Chuning's opinion of him has indeed changed greatly.

The child who once met her by chance on the street and stepped forward to rescue her no longer exists.

She and her grandfather had carefully selected this candidate and had originally intended to support him to ascend to a high position.

Unfortunately, after that incident, Shen Chuning began to realize that with his character, it would be difficult for him to become a wise ruler.

But now that things have come to this, there is no more suitable replacement for the time being. In desperation, I can only continue to assist him, hoping to change his temperament.

"Sister Aning, aren't you curious at all about why I came to this place?" Xiao Yuanyi looked at Shen Chuning expectantly.

Hearing this, Shen Chuning slowly turned her head, her eyes fell on Xiao Yuanyi, and she asked softly, "Fifth Prince, why are you here?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuanyi's lips curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile. He said, "Sister Aning, this is the first time today that you've looked me in the eye like this. Whenever I'm in a bad mood, I can't help but return to that courtyard and sit for a while. I don't know why, but I always feel like this is my paradise. It was here that you patiently taught me to read and write. I didn't expect to see you here again today. It really is a paradise."

After saying this, Xiao Yuanyi closed his eyes with an intoxicated look on his face, as if he was recalling every detail of the past.

However, Shen Chuning just lowered her head silently and remained silent.

Seeing this, Xiao Yuanyi was not discouraged. Instead, he immediately asked, "Sister Aning, aren't you going to ask me why I'm in a bad mood?"

Shen Chuning sighed softly and responded helplessly: "Why is the Fifth Prince in a bad mood?"

"My father has sent my eldest brother back to his fiefdom. In less than a year, I will be of age. I'm afraid I won't be able to stay in the capital for long, but I don't want to leave."

Hearing this, Shen Chuning couldn't help but frown and advised bluntly, "If the Fifth Prince is really reluctant to leave, he can go and tell His Majesty. How can just sitting here and worrying about it change the current situation?"

Xiao Yuanyi looked at Shen Chuning earnestly and asked sincerely, "Sister Aning, can you help me?"

Shen Chuning shook her head and replied with difficulty, "I am powerless to influence your majesty's wishes."

Xiao Yuanyi suddenly grabbed Shen Chuning's shoulders and shook her, "Why are you unwilling to help me? You have helped me so much in the past, are you going to give up on me now?"