Chapter 140: Visiting Family

With a display of ferocity that left her maids stunned, Hua Rong had devoured half a bowl of rice before they could even pick up their chopsticks.

"Your Highness, just how famished are you? Did you engage in some sort of strenuous activity yesterday?"

Hua Rong, caught off guard by this unprovoked teasing, nearly spat out her rice. She choked, coughing violently, and had to gulp down two large cups of water before she could breathe again.

"You cheeky girl, what nonsense are you spouting? One must be enthusiastic about eating; otherwise, there’s something wrong with their brain!"

Maintaining a posture of righteous indignation, Hua Rong refused to admit that she was trying to use the philosophy of a foodie to forget a certain man.

Just then, news arrived from outside. "Your Highness, Noble Lady Hua is here," a maid announced.

Hua Rong blinked in surprise. "My sister, you mean?"

Though she had lost her memories, Jun Yeli’s long-term guidance had left her with some impression of her family. Recalling that her previous escape had relied heavily on Hua Yue’s efforts, she dared not be negligent.

"I’m finished; you all go ahead and eat."

Hua Rong stood up and hurried toward the door, colliding head-on with Hua Yue.

Seeing the maids gathered together and eating with Hua Rong, Hua Yue couldn't help but frown. "Do you usually dine with them?"

Before she could even offer a greeting, Hua Rong sensed the hostility in the voice. "Is there something wrong with that?" she asked, feeling slightly awkward. After all, there were only so many people in the Xuanji Palace; if they didn't eat together, were they expected to have individual tables?

"Honestly, you are now a consort of the Emperor, a person of noble status. These maids are of humble origin; sitting with them only lowers your own standing."

Hua Yue rolled her eyes. She couldn't fathom how such a naive character had managed to survive in the inner palace until now. Without waiting for an invitation, Hua Yue sat down, her imposing presence instantly overshadowing Hua Rong and leaving her feeling flustered.

*The Emperor said my sister was approachable and kind-hearted,* Hua Rong thought. *Why does she feel so cold?*

Whether it was her imagination or her heightened sensitivity, she felt as though the Hua Yue before her was an entirely different person from the one described to her. Summoning her courage, Hua Rong smiled. "Sister, is there something you need today?"

"What, can't I come to see you if I don't have a reason?"

Whatever had soured Hua Yue’s mood that morning, she was clearly ready to snap at anyone. Hua Rong was rendered speechless. Suppressing her rising irritation, she forced a smile. "It’s just that it’s so early, I was a bit surprised. Please don’t be angry, sister."

Seeing the mess on the table, she realized it wasn't appropriate to invite Hua Yue to dine, so she ordered a pot of fresh tea to be brought in.

"Never mind, don't trouble yourself. I did come for a reason. Our father is gravely ill at home and misses you dearly; he hopes you can return to visit him."

"Father is ill?" The news was abrupt, and Hua Rong hadn't yet processed it.

Hua Yue nodded. "I don't have much weight or status in the inner palace, so I can only ask you to go out and see him."

Thinking it was a simple matter, and since it involved visiting her sick father, Hua Rong felt it was her duty. "Don't worry, sister. I will take good care of him."

After seeing Hua Yue off, Hua Rong hurried to find Jun Yeli to request permission to go home. He frowned slightly, studying her anxious expression, and felt a sense of bewilderment.

"The Vice Minister has been attending court every day, looking vibrant and full of energy. He doesn't look like a man who is ill. Why would she say such nonsense?"

Despite his doubts, seeing Hua Rong’s expectant face, he couldn't bear to refuse. "Very well. If you have such filial piety, then go out of the palace and keep the Vice Minister company."

Whether she was just craving the scenery outside the palace walls or truly missing her family, he felt that his woman should be pampered.

Overjoyed, Hua Rong packed her things and set off that very day. The journey out of the palace seemed endless, yet it was finally within reach. For the first time, Hua Rong felt a flutter of nerves. *Since losing my memory, this is the first time I'll truly see my family. I wonder what they look like?*

Filled with anticipation, she rode in the jolting carriage as the evening deepened into night. The long streets were empty, and the biting wind carried a sense of desolation. Hua Rong couldn't help but hug herself, rubbing her cold arms. "Why aren't we home yet?"

Feeling uneasy, she instinctively pulled back the carriage curtain. She saw only dense, tangled trees. Something was wrong. Frowning, she called out to the driver, "Wait! Where are you taking me? Is the Hua residence really this remote?"

Even if she had lost her memories, she wasn't a fool. Her father was a high-ranking official in the capital; how could they have ended up in such a desolate wilderness?

A wave of intense, inexplicable dread washed over her. She swallowed hard, waiting for an answer, but the only response was the carriage coming to a halt.

Footsteps echoed in the silence. Confused, Hua Rong opened the curtain, only to find that the driver had vanished without a trace, and her guards were gone as well. She was completely alone.

"What is happening? Where did everyone go? Where is this place?"

Unable to suppress her panic, she scrambled out of the carriage. She scanned her surroundings, but it was pitch black and empty. The terror began to sink in. "Is anyone there? Help!"

No matter how loudly she shouted, only her own echo returned to her.

Just as she was about to give in to despair, a dark figure emerged from the shadows. "Oh? What have we here? A lost little beauty?"

The voice alone gave away his lecherous nature. Hua Rong’s heart hammered against her ribs. She struggled to steady her voice. "Don't you come any closer! Do you have any idea who I am?"

"I don't care who you are. The fact that we met in this place means it's destiny!"

As the man stepped forward, the moonlight revealed his wretched, sneering face.

"You are not from the Central Plains!" Hua Rong exclaimed, noting his distinct features.