Chapter 42: C33. Vision.

Chapter 33

Unlike her usual avoidance, Zhao Heng stood by the pond, the shimmering ripples casting a watery halo around the hem of her skirt. Li Wenjian remained in the shadows, his figure backlit by the warm glow of the skyrocketing fireworks, creating a silhouette against the vibrant hues.

Zhao Heng couldn't discern his features, only seeing her own reflection mirrored in his eyes.

A gentle smile curved her lips, and she nodded firmly, "It's settled."

The confusion and turmoil that had plagued her due to Ruo Zhen's truth had vanished, sinking into the depths alongside the priceless treasures of the Dalan family.

"You're young," Li Wenjian advised, "don't burden your heart with such heavy worries. If you're truly distressed, let the tears flow freely, don't bottle them up inside."

Today is the Dragon Boat Festival, and everyone is lively and festive, except for her who seems out of place in the crowd, looking pitiful.

Is she missing her late grandmother?

Sometimes, feelings of longing arise not just in the dead of night when alone but become harder to shake when surrounded by noise and crowds.

He knew this too well.

Zhao Heng smiled and said, "Alright."

Upon hearing this, Li Wenjian stood up, smoothed out the creases in his robe, and said, "Let's go, we still have to return for writing."

The smile on Zhao Heng's face froze for a moment. The Crown Prince was even more principled than she was, reminding her of her initial ambition even at this moment.

She softly murmured, "Alright," tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear while gazing at Li Wenjian with a smile, and softly asked him, "Once I finish this book, I'd like to start reading articles. Can Your Highness lend me two volumes of the books you've previously read?"

"Of course," Li Wenjian replied.

Zhao Heng's lips curved into a smile as she thanked him in a low, soft voice, tinged with a hint of indiscernible joy. They returned to the Chengming Hall, where Li Wenjian asked Fei Yu to find books for Zhao Heng.

In no time, he returned with a stack of books, casually flipping through a few and telling her, "These articles are not too complex, easy to understand, and beautifully written. Take them to read, and if there's anything you don't understand, come and ask me."

As Zhao Heng flipped through the pages, she found many notes left by Li Wenjian while reading. Observing his handwriting with silver hooks along the margins, she nodded in approval.

Under the dim light of a single oil lamp, they each engaged in their own activities.

This morning, Zhao Heng managed to find some time to write, so she didn't take long to finish in the evening. Putting away her paper and pen, she slowly turned her head to look at Li Wenjian, who sat in a chair. Perhaps due to a slight inebriation, he seemed less meticulously put together than usual, with his collar slightly loose, revealing a small patch of chest skin.

He exuded an uncommon lazy charm.

As he focused on reading, Zhao Heng refrained from disturbing him. Opening the book Li Wenjian had given her, she read slowly, scanning his annotations and delicately imitating his handwriting style on the table with her right hand.

His strokes were robust and bold, yet within the firm and composed strokes, there was also a blend of elegance and ease.

Like him, warm and powerful.

After a while, she started to feel a bit tired. Putting the book back on the table, she looked at the emerald bracelet on her wrist.

Taking off the bracelet, she held it up to the light. Embarrassed to scrutinize it closely at the banquet hall, she now noticed that the jade was vividly green, akin to a flowing spring.

Indeed, if it were just a common item, how could the previous brutal emperor devote the nation's resources to mine it?

Receiving such a valuable gift from Princess Ye Chaoyang at their first meeting only heightened her unease, causing her delicate brows to furrow slightly.

Li Wenjian turned his head when he noticed her frowning, his gaze fixed on the bracelet she held up in fascination.

"What are you looking at with a frown?" Li Wenjian turned his head and looked at her, staring intently at a bracelet in her hand.

Startled out of her thoughts, Zhao Heng handed him the bracelet and said, "It's from Miss Ye Chaoyang, who gifted me this bracelet."

Glancing at it, Li Wenjian didn't take it, asking, "Is it Kunlun jade?"

Zhao Heng nodded, "Your Highness, do you know her?"

"Yes." Li Wenjian responded lightly, "My Grandfather, upon his coronation, bestowed the Kunlun jade mined by the previous brutal emperor to General Ye. General Ye crafted two jade pendants from the jade, one for each of his sons, and a bracelet was given to Miss Ye Chaoyang. She has been wearing it for many years."

Feeling even more uneasy, Zhao Heng gently placed the bracelet on the table and sighed in frustration, "I shouldn't have accepted such a priceless treasure from her. How can I repay her?"

Li Wenjian's eyes and brows revealed a smile as he called for Mu Gui and instructed, "Fetch 'Cascade of Myriad Peaks'."

Mu Gui quickly retrieved a scroll painting.

Li Wenjian gestured for Zhao Heng to unroll it. She cradled the carefully framed scroll, untied the red cord, and slowly unfurled it.

It was a landscape painting depicting layered mountain peaks, with diverse trees scattered amidst them. Steep peaks adorned with lush pine trees rose steeply, with streams flowing and splashing between rocks, seamlessly blending water, rocks, trees, and flowing water. The artist's brush strokes were delicate and detailed, with every splash of water on the rocks distinct and clear.

Though not versed in the art of painting, Zhao Heng could appreciate the meticulous detail in this painting.

"Are you familiar with this painting?" Li Wenjian inquired.

Truthfully, Zhao Heng shook her head, "Whose masterpiece is this?"

"It's Gong Shouye's," Li Wenjian finally revealed. "He was a renowned painter three hundred years ago, known as a master of painting. His works were magnificent and distinct from others, standing out in the market of that time. Everyone eagerly sought to purchase his pieces. However, he had a peculiar personality. If he found a kindred spirit, he would gift his artwork without accepting a single coin. Otherwise, even if offered a hefty sum, he would not sell."

Zhao Heng raised her chin slightly to look up at him, saying, "His paintings must be truly rare then."

"You're right." Li Wenjian nodded, "His paintings are already scarce, and before his death, he instructed his servants to unravel all his artworks. If there was even the slightest dissatisfaction, he would throw them into the furnace and burn them. Only this masterpiece survived after all the burning."

Surprised, Zhao Heng couldn't believe someone could be so carefree, willingly sacrificing years of effort simply due to a minor flaw in the artwork.

"The value of this painting can rival the Kunlun jade," Li Wenjian remarked.

Blinking in astonishment, Zhao Heng remained silent.

Turning his head, Li Wenjian instructed Mu Gui, "Take this to Miss Yechao's residence."

Mu Gui glanced at him in surprise, but Li Wenjian gestured for him to leave without further explanation. Mu Gui rolled up the painting and departed.

"I owe Your Highness again," Zhao Heng expressed a quiet apology while bowing her head.

"That's not right," Li Wenjian countered, "It was because of my appointment of you that she gifted you. It's my responsibility to repay this gift."

Slowly lifting her eyes to gaze at Li Wenjian, her eyes reflected the light of the lamp, resembling a pool of shimmering starlight.

Li Wenjian picked up the bracelet from the table, took her hand, and carefully placed it around her wrist. He had never been fond of such deep and rich colors before, associating them with older individuals. However, Zhao Heng changed his perspective. The red agate from the last time and now the emerald bracelet exuded a strong sense of beauty on her flawless skin.

His hands were warm as he lifted her wrist, causing the bracelet to slide onto her slender wrist.

Seeing the deep blue bracelet on her wrist, Zhao Heng felt uneasy. Wearing something so valuable on her hand, she always worried about bumping or scratching it. She said, "Let's put it in the warehouse. I would feel heartbroken if it gets damaged."

"Things are meant to be worn, a few bumps here and there are inevitable," Li Wenjian replied.

Zhao Heng blinked, "But this is a priceless Kunlun jade."

"You were playing with a priceless Dalan agate in the water," Li Wenjian chuckled.

Zhao Heng lowered her head, thinking it was not the same.

How could Ruo Zhen be compared to Ye Chaoyang?

She said softly, "This is a treasure in the eyes of the County Princess."

"It's yours now that I've given it to you," Li Wenjian said, looking at Zhao Heng's face. "Just a bracelet."

"I thought you would regret."

Li Wenjian looked surprised, "Why would I regret it?"

"Xiao Ning said you were very good friends, and this is truly something she cherishes."

Li Wenjian chuckled, "A person who seeks fame and reputation, why would she be my friend?"

This surprised Zhao Heng, her lips slightly parted, looking at Li Wenjian in disbelief.

He continued, "General Ye has saved my grandfather and father, and I am grateful for his kindness. But Ye Chaoyang, she is secretive, too calculating. We have a casual relationship, but that doesn't make us friends."

Zhao Heng was shocked, rarely hearing Li Wenjian use such sharp negative words to judge someone. She couldn't hide her surprise, softly said, "Xiao Ning said it."

"Zhao Heng," Li Wenjian lowered his gaze at her.

Zhao Heng looked at him blankly, not understanding.

"If you have any questions, ask me directly instead of believing others," Li Wenjian said.

Zhao Heng didn't expect him to say that and was stunned.

Yes, she had always heard from others about His Highness's attitude towards Ruo Zhen, but she had never asked him directly.

If His Highness knew about Ruo Zhen's coveting for her, how would he handle it?

Would he let her go willingly or would he intervene for her?

"Your Highness," she hesitated for a moment but couldn't help but speak.

"Yes?" Li Wenjian looked at her.

Zhao Heng hesitated before speaking, "That Ruo Zhen is arrogant and rude. Why are His Majesty and Your Highness so tolerant and forgiving towards him?"

Li Wenjian chuckled at her words, then took her hand and a lamp from the table and led her to a wall nearby.

He released her hand and illuminated a wolf skin map on the wall, saying, "Take a look."

"What is this?" Zhao Heng asked.

"It's a map of the Northern Territories." Li Wenjian handed the lamp to Zhao Heng. "Hold the lamp."

Zhao Heng held the lamp in one hand and protected the flickering flames to prevent the fire from burning the wolf skin.

"Here is Fengjing, here is Xihe, and here is Yecheng..." Li Wenjian's long, slender fingers pointed to many places on the map.

Zhao Heng's gaze followed his fingertips as they moved across the map. Li Wenjian glanced at her and asked, "Do you know what these places are?"

"The Eighteen Cities of the North Territories," Zhao Heng blurted out.

Li Wenjian nodded approvingly, "Yes, it's the Eighteen Cities of the North Territories."

"Two hundred years ago, during the prosperous and powerful era of the former dynasty, the army was dispatched to expel the barbarians from the Northern Territories, establishing the Eighteen Cities of the North Territories. Many vassal states of the North Territories came to pay homage, thus opening up a passage to the Western Regions."

"As the former dynasty declined under Emperor Ning, the expelled barbarians and vassal states became restless, seeking to secede the Eighteen Cities. During the reign of Emperor Li, control over the Northern Territories weakened due to his absurd and tyrannical rule, relying on marriages and tributes to maintain the appearance of peace. Eventually, even marriage and tribute could not satisfy them, leading to territorial concessions. In order to save face, Emperor Li ceded all the Eighteen Cities of the North Territories."

The map of the Northern Territories displayed like a jade belt spanning across the northern borders.

"The Eighteen Cities serve as a key stronghold connecting the Central Plains and the Western Regions. Losing the Eighteen Cities would sever the path from the Central Plains to distant lands. In the first year of Xuanhe, my father sent Marquis Dingyuan to negotiate with the Northern Barbarians to reclaim seven cities, but he was massacred by them; in the sixth year of Xuanhe, the Northern Rong invaded the Northern border, intending to march south from Xihe during a drought year. That year was my second year of regency, I abandoned the court's policy of appeasement towards the Northern border and petitioned to use military force to drive out the Northern Rong. The court unanimously opposed my decision, and it was General Wei Zhan who decisively took up the command."

Mentioning Wei Zhan, Li Wenjian paused, a hint of sadness crossing his expression.

"He marched five hundred miles against the Rong, achieving the first victory in over a hundred years since Emperor Ning's reign, greatly lifting morale. But in the end, he was captured by the Rong army and tortured to death."

"The displaced people of the Eighteen Cities in the Northern border were forced to leave their homeland, subjected to the trampling of the Northern Rong cavalry."

"Marquis Dingyuan and General Wei Zhan, with their courage and determination, have yet to return home, their bones buried in the yellow sand."

"To pacify the Northern Territories and reclaim the Eighteen Cities of the North borders was the goal I set in my youth. Expelling the barbarians of the North was not only a national hatred but also a personal vendetta."

Looking at Zhao Heng with a piercing gaze, Li Wenjian continued, "And now, His Majesty governs with benevolence, amassing grains, rice from the South, and wheat from the North piled like mountains; he opens up opportunities, breaking the barriers for commoners to repay the country, fostering a gathering of talents in the court. Everything is at its best, and the reclamation of the Eighteen Cities of the Northern border is within reach."

As Li Wenjian outlined his grand vision on the wolf skin map, Zhao Heng envisioned him leading a massive army over mountains and valleys, reclaiming the Eighteen Cities of the North Territories, igniting a flame of pride and excitement in her heart, trembling at the thought of his grand ambitions.

'Turns out, what he was after was a really great thing.'

“Yuezhi of Yue Tribe.” He pointed on the map, worried that Zhao Heng couldn't see clearly. He approached her, taking her hand and pointing again when she got closer, saying, “Here.”

“The Western Regions,” Zhao Heng responded.

“Yes, Yuezhi is the largest country in the Western Regions now, controlling a significant area that links the Western Regions to the Northern border. The surrounding smaller countries all look up to them.” The dim light from the lamp cast a somber expression on his face. “Gaining the support of Yuezhi can eliminate the worry of betrayal from the Western region countries. Even if the Northern expedition fails, trading with Yuezhi offers a chance to recover and regroup.”

“So, even if Ruo Zhen is reckless, disrespectful, and greedy, I don't mind,” he said.

“Even if you have to trade away your most precious possessions, you wouldn't mind?” Zhao Heng looked at him, a hint of wetness in her eyes, hiding a sense of unease and fear in her heart.

“For the grand cause of our country, nothing is too much,” Li Wenjian affirmed.

Upon hearing his response, Zhao Heng's heart sank, but not as expected disappointment.

He had the nation and its people in his heart, and she couldn't demand to be above them all.

If she had the chance to achieve such remarkable feats, she, too, would spare no effort.

This was why he was the prince she knew, shining with compassion like the sun, embracing all under his benevolence, not fixated on individual interests.

However, understanding aside, willingly marrying Ruo Zhen was simply not possible.

Before Ruo Zhen could bring this matter to light, she needed to find a way to resolve this predicament.

“When you're not strong enough, you have to learn to yield.”

Li Wenjian lowered his gaze, meeting Zhao Heng's misty and watery eyes looking up at him.

He felt somewhat intoxicated, blurting out all of this to her.

Zhao Heng said, “I believe in Your Highness.”

Slowly, but each word clear and resolute, she added, “I believe that Your Highness will succeed in reclaiming the Eighteen Cities of the Western Regions and bring back the remains of General Wei and the fallen soldiers.”

Li Wenjian gazed at her, silent for a long moment before offering a faint smile, “I'll borrow your words then.”

Zhao Heng looked up at Li Wenjian again, the fragmented flickering light accentuating his confident and handsome demeanor.

*

After the Dragon Boat Festival, the weather gradually warmed up.

Qiyu, the maid beside Ye Chaoyang, hurried through the lush corridors, carrying two scrolls of scriptures in her arms, and arrived at the entrance of Li Garden.

As the largest courtyard of the Duke of the country, Li Garden's entrance was spacious and flat, with a vermilion gate shrouded in green shadows, reflecting the beauty of the landscape on the front screen. The beast-shaped door rings sparkled, while the interior décor was simple and elegant, showcasing the owner's refined taste.

Qiyu emerged, sweat running down her face, and took a breath. As she entered the courtyard, she headed straight for Chaoyang, who was reading under the veranda. "County Princess, General Mu Gui has arrived. The Duke is calling for you."

Chaoyang said, "How many times have I told you, be calm and composed in your actions, not impulsive."

Qiyu immediately nodded, suppressing a smile at the corners of her lips. "Yes."

"Look at you, all flustered. Someone might think the Crown Prince has come," Chaoyang teased.

Following her lead, Qiyu said, "Everyone knows that General Mu Gui is the Crown Prince's confidant; seeing him is like seeing the Crown Prince. The Duke wants you to come out quickly."

"Understood, prepare my attire for me," Chaoyang said, concealing a hint of hidden joy in her eyes.

She took her time dressing and grooming, checking her appearance in the mirror multiple times to ensure everything was perfect before heading to the main hall.

Ye Xiangyang, the current head of the Ye family and Chaoyang's elder brother, inherited the title of Duke after their father's passing. At that moment, he was receiving General Mu Gui.

Ye Xiangyang himself lacked great talent, but through the blessings of their ancestors, he enjoyed the title and glory of his forefathers, hence his cautious nature. Seeing General Mu Gui, with his grim expression, sitting upright and staring straight ahead, Ye Xiangyang felt a bit anxious and took the opportunity to subtly blame Chaoyang.

She always kept guests waiting, causing everyone to wait for her. Fortunately, she wasn't a doctor; otherwise, if someone needed her to save a life, they might have already been carried out before she arrived.

"Go and urge the young lady," Ye Xiangyang instructed a servant.

Thankfully, as the servant stepped out of the corridor, they saw Chaoyang approaching from a distance.

"General Mu Gui, long time no see. How have you been lately?" Chaoyang greeted him with a smile.

General Mu Gui stood up with a stern face, bowing to her. "I appreciate your concern, everything is fine. Today, I am here on the Crown Prince's orders to deliver something to you."

He presented a box containing a painting.

ZCaoyang looked into the box and was shocked. "This is Master Gongshu's 'Wanfeng Diecui' painting!"

"Indeed."

Chaoyang was first shocked, then ecstatic. She knew this painting was a rare treasure, beloved by the Crown Prince and not easily shown to others. She had tried to borrow it from him as a conversation starter in the past, but he had never relented.

Yet today, he had gifted her with this painting.

What did this mean?

Had he finally acknowledged her by offering such a precious gift?

Suppressing her inner joy, she knelt gracefully and said, "Thank you, His Highness. 'Wanfeng Diecui' has been a long-desired treasure of mine. To have the opportunity to admire this painting is a dream come true. Please convey to the Crown Prince that once I have finished enjoying it, I will return the original piece intact. Chaoyang is not one to snatch love away from someone else. This painting holds no importance; the Crown Prince's opinion of me is what truly matters."

In her eyes, the painting itself was not significant; what mattered was the Crown Prince's perception of her.

Yesterday, she had presented her treasured bracelet to Zhaoxun, not only to show her magnanimity but also to display her kind-hearted side to the Crown Prince. If he were to choose a Crown Princess, he wouldn't pick a petty and scheming woman.

That priceless Kunlun jade bracelet had set her apart from those individuals.

Hence, this painting was destined to be admired but not kept. It was the Crown Prince's cherished possession, and she could not claim it as her own.

The painting was inconsequential; the Crown Prince's view of her was what truly counted.

Furthermore, in a few days, she will enter the palace to paint, which will give her another opportunity to interact with His Highness.

She was deeply engrossed in her thoughts when Mu Gui interrupted her, extinguishing her beautiful fantasies with a single sentence: "Zhaoxun said the bracelet you gave her was too valuable, and she couldn't sleep at night because of it. That's why His Highness specially decided to gift this painting to the young lady. There is no need for the young lady to return it."

After speaking, Mu Gui left with a bewildered look from Ye Chaoyang.

It took Ye Chaoyang a while to realize that His Highness gave the precious treasure, kept hidden from the world, to her because of that woman.

Despite the bright sunlight outside, she felt a chill running through her body, and her hands couldn't help but tremble.

*

After the Dragon Boat Festival, Zhaoxun officially went to the learning hall to study.

The learning hall was where the women of the palace studied, teaching a variety of subjects superficially. Once they reached a certain level, they would need more specialized tutors.

Since Eight Princess had a young age, she was still studying in the learning hall along with seven or eight other princesses.

In this setting, Zhao Heng stood out in a different way.

Knowing that she had developed a habit of oversleeping recently, she insisted the night before that Lin Mama must wake her up.

Lin Mama dutifully shook her awake at the designated time the next day.

Still groggy, Zhao Heng opened her eyes as Lin Mama helped her get ready.

The morning's lesson involved learning to play the guqin, and the instructor, Mr. Liu, was very strict. Whether it was a princess or a concubine, anyone who made a mistake in his class would be reprimanded or punished, with no favoritism shown.

Lin Mama didn't want to see Zhao Heng getting scolded and punished on her first day.

Struggling to keep her eyes open, Zhao Heng slumped against the maid as she washed her face. When Lin Mama asked why she was so tired, Zhao Heng yawned and replied, "I don't know what's wrong, I've been oversleeping lately."

Finally, Lin Mama placed the guqin in Zhao Heng's arms and practically dragged her out of the hall.

Feeling extremely tired, with her eyelids heavy as if glued shut, Zhao Heng walked like a zombie as Lin Mama pulled her along.

As they approached the East Palace gates, Lin Mama suddenly stopped.

Unprepared for the halt, Zhao Heng collided with a hard chest, jolting her awake. Rubbing her nose, she saw Lin Mama bowing respectfully. "Your Highness."

Fully awake now, Zhao Heng looked up and saw Li Wenjian standing before her with a smile on his lips.

Embarrassed, she bowed in return and said, "Your Highness, going to court so early?"

Li Wenjian replied, "Yes. You're also heading to study early."

Seeing the playful glint in his eyes, Zhao Heng couldn't help but yawn.

His smile deepened at her reaction.

She saw it all.

"It's not early anymore, I'll go ahead." Another yawn escaped her.

His smile was now unapologetic. "Go on then."

She bowed again and walked away.

As Li Wenjian stood on the palace road, watching Zhao Heng's swaying figure disappear around the corner, he turned and said, "Let's go."

———

Author's note:

Li Wenjian: Had a great chat with my wife about my grand plans and felt happy. Hooray!