Seeing the Crown Prince always required a bow, and Liu Shimei couldn't avoid him even if she didn't want to see him anymore.
She stepped forward, curtsied, but remained silent.
It seemed like bowing was all she had to do, like a palace maid meeting her master. She hoped Huangfu He wouldn't make things difficult for her.
But obviously, things didn't go as she wished.
Huangfu He halted his steps and looked at her. "No need for formalities."
With many people around and prying eyes, he wouldn't say anything inappropriate. But he wanted to talk to her more, "Did you just come from Yongle Palace?"
"In response to His Highness, yes," Liu Shimei replied curtly. She hoped her cold demeanor would make Huangfu He leave quickly.
Seeing that she wouldn't even look at him, Huangfu He felt disheartened. "Is it to pay respects to Empress Mother, or is there something else?"
"There's something else," Liu Shimei said, her words concise.