Chapter 373 - Chapter 373: Chapter 360: Lets See Who Laughs Last (1/2)

Chapter 373: Chapter 360: Let’s See Who Laughs Last

“Everything’s fine with me, set your worries aside, Mother.” Chu Jinzhuo replied with a smile, “Today, Mr. Han complimented on the paper I wrote. He said he will present these good works to the Emperor, just to let the Emperor see the talents of the younger generation.”

“My son is promising.” Mrs. Ruo’s smile widened, “You need to work hard in the future.”

“Rest assured, Mother, I will bear in mind, I won’t let you down, it’s just…”

Chu Jinzhuo paused, then said, “It seems that Father has been distant towards Mother lately. Did you two have a disagreement?”

“Those gossipy servants have been blabbering in front of you?”

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Ruo was taken aback, her voice sharpening.

“Mother, please don’t be angry, you need to take care of your health.” Chu Jinzhuo hastily said, “I didn’t need the servants to tell me anything, I just noticed that Father has rarely come home recently, and I spotted some dark circles under your eyes. Hence I made a guess. If you’re unhappy, I won’t ask anymore.”

Seeing her son being apologetic and careful, Mrs. Ruo immediately regretted her outburst. She held Chu Jinzhuo’s hand and patted it, “You don’t have to worry, it’s just some trivial matter. I can handle it.”

“Don’t think too much about everything, just focus on your studies. If you can achieve something in the future, you will have a good prospect. Just remember, your future is promising, don’t let trivial things disturb you…”

“How promising? How about you enlighten me, Princess Qi?” Chu Jinnian stepped into the room, his gaze piercing as he looked at Mrs. Ruo and her son.

Upon seeing Chu Jinnian walk in, Mrs. Ruo almost ground her teeth in anger, but she managed to squeeze out a smile, “When did the Crown Prince return? Why didn’t you have someone inform me?”

“It’s just returning to my own home, there’s no need to notify you, Princess Qi.” Chu Jinnian took a seat, lifted his chin slightly, and glanced at Mrs. Ruo, “It’s surprising that I seem to have interrupted some people’s secret conversation.”

The sarcasm was evident.

Mrs. Ruo’s handkerchief in her sleeve was torn by her fingernails due to her anger.

She couldn’t vent her grievances on Chu Jinnian, so she glared at the maids and servants at the door.

The servants kept their heads down and necks retracted, daring not to say a word.

This was Chu Jinnian, the Crown Prince, the beloved nephew of the current favored Imperial Concubine Hui, highly regarded by the Emperor and they were mere servants, how could they dare to stop him?

Besides, even if they dared to, they couldn’t stop Chu Jinnian.

“Eldest Brother, you’re joking. I was simply chatting with Mother.” Chu Jinzhuo hastily explained, quickly changing the subject, “You’ve returned quite late today, have you been busy with official affairs?”

“I’ve heard of your reputation at the Imperial College. Everyone talks about how decisive you are in settling cases. I’d love to see your prowess if I had a chance.”

“Ah, Second Brother, you’re joking. Those who witness me settling cases are either victims or defendants, which one do you wish to be?” Chu Jinnian replied leisurely.

Neither of these roles was anything good.

A shadow crossed Chu Jinzhuo’s face.

Chu Jinnian always spoke to him with such sarcasm and contempt, completely disregarding propriety. Even in front of all these servants, he didn’t hesitate to make him lose face.

Being young, Chu Jinzhuo felt wronged, but could only frown and look at Mrs. Ruo for help.

Seeing her son being embarrassed, Mrs. Ruo glared at Chu Jinnian with anger.