CHAPTER 694: CHAPTER 694: PRINCESS CONSORT JI LOSES COMPOSURE

Ji Suhua let out a surprised cry, and everyone turned to look at Princess Consort Ji. Upon seeing her, they were somewhat taken aback.

Song Ci: Has she seen a past lover, moved to tears?

Princess Consort Ji came to her senses, noticing the curious eyes of the crowd, and asked, "What’s going on?"

"My Lady, you..."

The Palace Maid hinted subtly and handed her a handkerchief. Only then did Princess Consort Ji realize her cheeks felt cool, and when she touched them, they were wet.

Princess Consort Ji: "..."

Was she crying?

Princess Consort Ji looked at the frail young man standing under the porch and asked, "Who is that?"

Maidn Zhang explained with a smile: "In response to the Dowager’s question, that is my husband, Shang Pu."

Princess Consort Ji realized and stared intently at Young Master Shang, feeling inexplicably emotional.

She couldn’t explain the feeling; she just felt a bit sad and a little heartache.

"Is Young Master Shang in poor health?"

Maidn Zhang’s eyes darkened, and she said with difficulty, "My husband was born with a weak constitution, a deficiency from the womb. I apologize for making you laugh."

Song Ci was seeing Shang Pu for the second time. After observing him from a distance, he remarked: "Young Master Shang’s condition seems even worse than last time. Haven’t you sought out a renowned doctor?"

"We did, but the medicines only provide slight relief. Especially in this extremely cold winter, he is even more frail," Maidn Zhang sighed.

Song Ci remembered the rumor that he wouldn’t live past twenty-five and comforted, "Don’t worry, Young Master Shang is blessed, and there will be a turning point."

Princess Consort Ji was lost in thought, but hearing Song Ci mention having met him before, she asked, "Madam Song, you have seen him? When was this?"

Her tone carried a hint of questioning, dissatisfaction, and a bit of jealousy.

Everyone looked over, their eyes somewhat unusual.

Could the Dowager be planning to emulate certain women in keeping a handsome young man?

Princess Anping’s face also looked somewhat displeased. Though she despised Princess Consort Ji, she knew she was part of the Imperial Family. Now, behaving so immoderately for an unfamiliar outsider nearly disregards the Imperial Family’s honor.

Song Ci also found Princess Consort Ji’s reaction somewhat strange and said, "This is not my first time coming to the trading house, so of course, I’ve seen him before. Is there a problem, my Lady?"

She glanced at Shang Pu, then at Princess Consort Ji, repeatedly switching her gaze between them, feeling somewhat peculiar but unable to pinpoint the reason.

Perhaps realizing her overreaction, Princess Consort Ji felt a bit embarrassed and said, "Of course not, just that Young Master Shang felt somewhat familiar."

It wasn’t just familiarity; it felt like a kindred spirit.

Maidn Zhang said, "Then it must be fate. My husband has come to the capital for the first time."

"Perhaps. He looks very thin," Princess Consort Ji said, watching Shang Pu adjust his cloak, then turned and walked into the room, feeling inexplicably a sense of loss.

Princess Anping’s face grew even more unsightly and said, "It’s getting late. Madam Song, shall we return to the mansion?"

"That would be good."

Maidn Zhang quickly called for someone to pack up the items they had purchased and placed them in their carriage.

Princess Consort Ji and her party, seeing them leave, did not stay much longer either.

However, before leaving, Princess Consort Ji couldn’t help but look again towards the house where Shang Pu was, and not seeing him, left with a trace of disappointment.

This scene caught Maidn Zhang’s eye, and her gaze flickered lightly.

Princess Consort Ji did not know that someone in that room was watching them leave, expressionless, until the bitter aroma of medicine wafted over, compelling him to turn away, woodenly observing the person bringing the medicinal bowl.