The epidemic in Bianzhou is severe. The Emperor dispatched Minister Wu and Shen Yiru as imperial envoys. The two are traveling in the same party, though Minister Wu is highly reluctant to serve in this capacity. While he harbors deep resentment, he dares not complain about the Emperor’s decision. Upon hearing that Shen Yiru had volunteered for the mission, he found her heroism only served to highlight his own cowardice and selfishness. He began to loathe the sight of her, and given their past animosity regarding the affair involving Shen Chen'er, he resolved to find an opportunity to settle the score. As the mission party departed, they gradually faded into the distance away from the Capital City.
At the Eldest Princess's Estate, Nursemaid Zhou was resting in her bedchamber. As the most trusted servant of Her Royal Highness the Grand Princess, she was granted the privilege of her own private room. Having caught a cold a few days prior, she had requested leave to recover. On this day, a maidservant who delivered her meals sighed as she set the tray down.
"Sigh... Her Royal Highness hasn't had a proper meal for two days now, all because of Shen Yiru."
Chapter 270