Doted By The Regent King

Chapter 1540 - 1478: Don’t Do Foolish Things Anymore

After being sternly and softly scolded by Wufu, Changping deeply realized how foolish and naive she had been in her impulsive decision back then.

Especially after enduring so many hardships, she increasingly felt that she had been truly unappreciative of her blessings.

Changping said, "I was so foolish."

"You truly were foolish." Wufu held her hand and said, "Changping, nothing is more important than yourself. You were born into wealth and comfort; you must learn to cherish it. Every decision you make must be carefully thought through—whether you can bear the consequences. Think about it, if you couldn’t come back this time, what would happen?"

Changping’s face turned pale, and her body began to tremble.

Wufu held her shoulder and said, "So, you must learn to weigh the consequences. If the result is worse than another choice, don’t do it. There’s no remedy for regret in this world."

"I was wrong." Changping lowered her head in shame.

"Your mother, she hopes for you to marry Song Wei, she’s attracted to his family’s wealth, which is understandable. A mother naturally wishes for her children to marry into a high household. But she was narrow-minded for a moment. You’re her flesh and blood; of course, she would be heartbroken. She made herself sick worrying about you!"

Changping bit her lip, a trace of worry appearing in her eyes.

"How did you meet Master Gui?"

Changping then recounted her experiences over the few days she ran away from home. A naive girl, easily deceived, lost the silver she carried before even leaving Changan City. Afraid she would be found, she hid in a place like the City God Temple. Fortunately, she knew to disguise herself as a beggar by darkening her face; otherwise, she would have been deceived more quickly.

Knowing her family was searching for her, she quietly left the city after a couple of days and headed south.

She slept in the wild, and when hungry or thirsty, she ate wild fruits and drank from streams. Later, she reached a town called Tongcheng and regretted her decision. She met a woman who was willing to take her back to Changan.

Who knew this woman was a kidnapper who intended to trick her? She even got onto the carriage, but along the way, she met Master Gui. It was only by invoking Wufu’s name that Master Gui’s party rescued her.

Wufu was at a loss for words, "Such a melodramatic and bizarre incident, enough for you to recall your entire life."

Changping was overwhelmed with shame.

"Miss, someone from the Prince’s Mansion is here," Mo Lan came in to report, "It’s the nanny beside the Princess Consort, and Purple Jade is currently entertaining her at Changqing Residence."

Changping was startled and looked at Wufu.

"I notified them. The compassion of a parent is pitiful. You should give her a chance to have a good talk. Go back, and don’t do such foolish things again," Wufu said.

Tears welled up in Changping’s eyes, "Wufu..."

"There will be plenty of opportunities to talk later. Let’s go," Wufu stood up and personally escorted her out.

Changping was soon led away by Nanny Gong and returned to the Prince’s Mansion, where she indeed saw her mother, the Princess Consort, with a sallow complexion and emaciated figure, still standing at the second gate awaiting her.

"Mother." Changping rushed over and threw herself into the arms of the Princess Consort.

"It’s good that you’re back, it’s good that you’re back. Minmin, Mother will not push you anymore, not again," the Princess Consort said incoherently.

Changping felt a weight lift from her heart. Thinking about Wufu’s words, she felt even more ashamed and guilty and knelt before her in repentance.

The mother and daughter hugged each other and wept uncontrollably, moving the maids and older women around them to quietly wipe their tears.

After they cried, the Princess Consort had someone help Changping wash and drink some calming soup to coax her to sleep. After Nanny checked her over carefully and confirmed that there were only minor injuries and no major harm or loss of chastity, the Princess Consort’s illness miraculously improved by half.

"Nanny Gong, prepare a cart of generous gifts to be sent to Changqing Residence," the Princess Consort instructed, "Then assist me in going to the prayer room. I must bow down to the Bodhisattva."