Chapter 48
Zhao Heng opened the box and took out a candy, popping it into her mouth. In this season where oranges were scarce, she couldn't help but wonder where the royal kitchen sourced the ingredients. The sweet taste melted on her tongue, and the rich scent of oranges seemed to transport her back to winter days spent roasting chestnuts by the fire.
"Is it delicious?" Li Wenjian asked.
Zhao Heng nodded and grabbed another candy. Seeing that there was no one around, she tiptoed and offered it to Li Wenjian's lips.
He was momentarily taken aback, but after understanding her intention, he suddenly let out a low chuckle and lowered his head to accept the candy into his mouth.
Hmm, it was indeed quite sweet.
They walked side by side to the entrance of the empress's sleeping quarters, where Li Wenjian said, "Go and play with them, I'll call for you when we return to the Eastern Palace."
Zhao Heng nodded. The Emperor was inside, and she didn't want to disturb their father-son time.
Watching her silhouette disappear, Li Wenjian then entered the sleeping quarters.
The Emperor was currently seated on a carved wooden bed by the window, legs crossed, and a thin blanket draped over them due to the dropping temperature. Hearing Li Wenjian's footsteps, he didn't even lift his head.
Li Wenjian approached and noticed that the Emperor was engrossed in reading something.
A stack of papers filled with writing lay before him, and he had already read most of them. The sheet in his hand had been read countless times, creased and torn nearly an inch at the edge, with the corner slightly curling.
The Emperor looked at the papers and couldn't help but chuckle, lightly placing a hand on his forehead.
Li Wenjian recognized the papers as the ones Little Fourth had sent back.
He lifted the hem of his gown and sat opposite the Emperor, showing concern, "Xingyun Mama said you've been poring over these papers since morning; it's tiring. Take a rest..."
But the Emperor didn't respond to his words. Instead, he placed the papers on the table and casually remarked, "Reading Little Fourth's papers makes me break out in a sweat. I feel like my father-in-law is staring at me with his sharp eyes behind the paper."
The Emperor, naturally respectful towards his father-in-law, maintained a certain awe, even though he had reached the age to be considered a father-in-law himself.
Li Wenjian chuckled, "Little Fourth does resemble your father-in-law, sharp-witted yet elegant and gentle."
The Emperor chuckled as well, gesturing for a palace maid to take the papers from the table and let out a soft sigh.
"Is Your Majesty still troubled by the remnants of the previous dynasty?"
The Emperor couldn't bear those four words now; they only irritated him, igniting a fiery anger within him as he felt manipulated by the tyrant Emperor.
"Little Fourth's notes mention that in the nineteenth year of Yuanzheng, after the Crown Prince dethroned the Crown Princess, she somehow managed to send her son out of the palace, having Wang Zhao escort him to the south. Despite the lengthy investigation, why haven't they been able to find the missing Crown Prince's son till now?"
Upon learning that the previous Crown Prince's son was still alive, the Emperor sensed foul play.
Until they found this individual, he felt like a cat on a scratching post. A few months ago, he and Li Wenjian had found a lead, suspecting the involvement of the southern gentry. As a result, they entrusted Little Fourth to investigate thoroughly in the south.
However, despite their efforts, they had yet to trace the Crown Prince.
Following Wang Zhao's trail, after arriving in the south, he had disappeared without a trace.
"When the child left the palace, he was only eight. The Crown Princess held a grudge and may have let the child live a quiet life under a false name," Li Wenjian tapped the table gently, emphasizing to the Emperor, "With Marquis Yan'en in court, even if he is alive, he wouldn't cause any disturbance."
The Emperor remarked, "You don't understand the Crown Prince Wuyou; he and his father are different, but he indeed possesses certain abilities. During the previous dynasty under the tyrant Emperor, it was like a draughty thatched house, but the Crown Prince, upon taking charge, diligently patched it up, making it barely habitable. Unfortunately, he had poor health and a short life. If he had lived well, the situation in the country might be different now."
Li Wenjian truly admired the Crown Prince Wuyou of the previous dynasty. The policies he implemented during his reign had a stabilizing effect on the previous dynasty.
Rumors had it that the Crown Prince Wuyou was diligent, often staying up late to review documents and assess the situation.
However, the house given to him by the tyrant Emperor was too dilapidated. With deep-rooted issues in the court, he couldn't turn the tide overnight.
Facing the collapsing house alone was an uphill battle, especially for someone limited by his position as the Crown Prince.
The tyrant Emperor, known for his cunning and suspicion, being in his prime, couldn't fully trust his capable son.
The Crow Prince Wuyou not only faced resistance from all sides but also endured suspicions from his loved ones. Progress was challenging, and he ultimately worked himself to death behind his desk.
Shortly after his passing, the founding Emperor and the current Emperor swiftly gained power and control.
The tyrant Emperor fled south like a defeated dog, under the control of the southern gentry, vowing to take revenge against the founding Emperor.
A few years ago, General Wei Zhan led troops southward, crushing the remnants of the southern pseudo-dynasty, leading the tyrant Emperor to ignite himself in flames.
The era belonging to the previous dynasty had completely vanished.
It was precisely because of the lessons learned from the carefree crown prince and the tyrant emperor, that the emperor had absolute trust in Li Wenjian.
Half a lifetime had passed, starting from a young and difficult life, seeking education under the An family, gaining favor and becoming the favored son-in-law, conquering on horseback and enduring many difficult years, it all seemed like one big dream.
Even though he had many children later on, he could never forget the joy of becoming a father for the first time.
The day he learned of his birth, he had just started his military campaign, and he was so happy that he couldn't sleep for two nights.
He was the most precious gift that life had given him.
Years of separation went by, and when they met again, he had grown into a remarkable young man. Without hesitation, he declared him as the crown prince, seeing the youthful vigor and resemblance of his younger self in him.
He placed loyal ministers and generals who had been by his side in the Crown Prince's residence, allowing him to participate in politics from a young age, learning how to be a good emperor from a tender age.
He had a father's love for him and the king's expectations for the heir apparent.
Today, he could confidently hand over the kingdom to him, allowing him to showcase his talents and ideals, to create another prosperous era for the realm.
"Father, do not worry about imaginary worries, your health is the most important thing now." Li Wenjian said.
While he had verbally dismissed his father's concerns, no father could help but worry about the sword hanging over his son.
"Father, why has mother not returned yet?"
They had been sitting in the same place for a while, and the empress's presence was still not seen.
After a moment of consideration, the emperor finally spoke: "The noble consort fell ill yesterday, your mother went to the Changxin Palace to visit her."
Li Wenjian picked up the teacup, his slender fingers resting on the glazed surface that had just been washed by the rain. He paused and asked, "Have you consulted the royal physician?"
The emperor nodded, his gaze falling heavily on him, his eyes showing a hint of emotion. He slowly closed his eyes, contemplating something.
"Her illness stems from her heart, not something that medicine or herbs can cure."
The emperor coughed gently in the breeze, and Li Wenjian quickly changed the subject, asking with concern, "Father, are you feeling unwell again?"
The emperor smiled and shook his head, "I'm fine."
Li Wenjian went to the table and poured a cup of warm water for the emperor, handing it to him with both hands. Thinking of the physician's prediction that the emperor had at most two years left, they would soon face a parting. Li Wenjian lowered his head, choosing not to look at the emperor for the time being, suppressing the warmth in his eyes.
When Li Wenjian came out of the empress's chamber, Ning Wanzhi had already left the palace, leaving Zhao Heng with Li Nanxi in the garden.
Zhao Heng sat on the swing with Li Nanxi, holding a few beautiful fluff balls in her arms, brought back from Meizhou by Ning Wanzhi, in Li Nanxi's favorite fancy style.
Zhao Heng sat basking in the sunlight, dozing off, when suddenly the swing gently swayed.
She turned around, seeing Li Wenjian holding the rope of the swing, pushing them into motion.
Zhao Heng was slightly stunned, quickly getting off the swing, arranging her skirt, and bowing respectfully.
Li Wenjian smiled and asked her, "Do you like swinging on the swing?"
Zhao Heng remained silent, she did quite enjoy it, but playing with children's things at her age seemed a bit embarrassing. Without saying a word, she shot Li Wenjian a glance and asked, "Have you finished speaking with His Majesty?"
"Um," Li Wenjian gazed at her dignified posture and remembered how lively she was when playing with Ning Wanzhi. He raised his hand to press against his temples. She always seemed more animated when playing with Ning Wanzhi. "Let's go, it's time to go home."
Zhao Heng was slightly taken aback, feeling a slight increase in the beating of her heart. Entrusting Li Nanxi to the nanny, Zhang Hong lifted her skirt and walked towards the East Palace with Li Wenjian.
Leaving the Empress's residence, they continued along the palace road towards the East Palace, with palace staff cleaning and hanging red silk along the way.
This route was a must-pass for welcoming the new bride, decorated in a lively and extraordinary manner.
Li Wenjian slowed his pace slightly and asked, "Is Junning's dowry ready?"
"It is," Zhao Heng nodded, glancing at the red silk fluttering in the wind along the road. "I will show it to you when we return tonight."
Li Wenjian said, "No need, I trust you to handle such matters."
Zhao Heng paused for a moment, blinked deeply at Li Wenjian, and smiled, "How time flies, the Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching."
"Yes," Li Wenjian pondered for a moment and then said to Zhang Heng, "This year, the emperor will not hold a banquet in the palace for the Mid-Autumn Festival. He will only invite a few uncles for a small gathering on the sixteenth evening."
Zhao Heng thought to herself that with her status, she had no need to concern herself with such matters. Perhaps she wouldn't even have the chance to sit at the table at that time.
On this festive occasion, the emperor did not even invite the relatives of the noble consorts, indicating that in his heart, there was a clear distinction between family and others, treating only the empress as family.
She keenly observed the emperor's deep love for the empress. Even common folks could see the emperor's deep affection for the empress. She couldn't understand why, with such deep affection, the emperor would take on several other consorts.
Lost in thought, Li Wenjian approached her and said, "Recently, mother has been busy with many other matters. She wants to delegate the management of the banquet on the sixteenth evening to you."
There is no reason to bypass the empress and have the crown prince's wife oversee the palace banquet. Even if the empress was too busy, there were the noble consorts and concubines, not to mention the Concubine An.
She was so shocked that she didn't pay attention to where she was going, stumbled, and almost fell.
"Be careful," Li Wenjian reached out and grabbed her arm, his finger adorned with a green jade ring, making his slender fingers appear even more elegant and fair.
Zhao Heng was pulled back by him.
Li Wenjian lightly tapped her forehead, "How can such a grown-up person not walk properly?"
"Every time Your Highness approaches, my heart beats very fast," Zhang Heng bashfully lowered her eyes.
"Is that so?" A hint of a smile played in his dark eyes. "Your demeanor is always so composed."
Zhao Heng thought to herself, isn't this all just an act?
After so many years in the palace, she had long learned to keep her emotions hidden in her heart.
"Really." She reached out and handed him her fair wrist. "Don't believe me? Listen."
Li Wenjian slightly turned his head to look at her.
Zhao Heng felt that his gaze was a bit off, wanting to immediately retract her hand. But Li Wenjian immediately held her wrist in his palm. Zhao Heng's heart was beating wildly again. Although there were not as many people in the garden as on the palace road just now, she was still afraid that someone might suddenly appear.
It was not dignified for His Highness to tug at her in public.
Passing through a moon gate, they entered a small scenic garden filled with rugged artificial mountains, one after another.
Li Wenjian held her wrist and took a step sideways, pulling her into a dark artificial mountain cave.
"Really? Let me listen." Suddenly, he leaned over, one hand on her waist and the other on top of her head.
Zhao Heng lowered her head, her eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings in the wind, using her hands to push Li Wenjian away, lowering her voice to remind him, "Your Highness, someone is coming."
However, his actions were always one step faster than hers. Lifting his fingertips, he pulled her hand away and pressed his ear against her chest.
"It is quite fast." He still had a smile on his lips, feeling her heartbeat.
The warm light of early autumn seeped through the cracks in the artificial mountain, casting golden beams of light, with fine dust dancing within.
Zhao Heng frowned slightly, with a hint of annoyance in her voice, "We might be seen later."
Li Wenjian was a dignified person, but recently, he had been teasing Zhao Heng, enjoying her flustered and anxious state, finding some amusement in her furrowed brows.
He remembered that day at the Daxiangguo Temple when she said he was not a gentleman.
Hmm, indeed, he was not quite a gentleman.
"Didn't you ask me to listen?" Li Wenjian said.
Zhao Heng raised her eyes in surprise. She had meant for him to listen to the pulse between her wrists, not to listen to her heartbeat against her chest.
Looking into each other's eyes, Zhao Heng saw a trace of cunning in the eyes of the Crown Prince.
"I'm ignoring you." Her eyelashes fluttered, and she pushed Li Wenjian away, lifted her skirt, and ran out from behind the artificial mountain.
Li Wenjian watched her fleeing figure, a smile still on his lips. "Remember to prepare an extra seat. Xiao Silang is returning to the capital, and he will also be attending the palace banquet on the 16th night."
Zhao Heng covered her ears and ran away, not wanting to hear what he had to say.
*
The carriage slowly moved through the bustling city, heading towards the Duke's Mansion. After a long day's journey, An Xuzhi was a bit tired, leaning against the carriage wall dozing off.
The shady trees in the capital were well-made, with trees lining the roads, and autumn cicadas singing high up in the trees, their calls rising and falling, buzzing in the ears.
Amidst the noisy cicada chirping, they gradually saw the grand black gate of the mansion.
"Fourth Young Master is back."
The servants of the mansion tiptoed to the end of the street, finally spotting An Xuzhi's carriage. The mansion immediately became lively.
"Grandmother, mother, Yanlin is back."
"Good, it's good that he's back. He must have had a hard journey." A smile appeared on the already cheerful face of Madam Bai.
An Xuzhi was dressed in a purple silk robe, smiling as he spoke, "Is Great-Grandfather still in good health? Is everything well in the mansion?"
"Everything is good," Madam Bai's face beamed with a smile as she glanced at him. "Come in quickly."
"After such a long journey, you must be exhausted," Liu Shi said sympathetically as she patted the creases on his robe.
An Xuzhi replied, "It's nothing compared to the hardships my father and grandfathers faced in the past. I just miss my family and want to return home soon."
"Go change and freshen up first. Your grandfather and father are looking forward to your return." And with that, they entered the mansion.
An Xuzhi was considerate. He went back to his courtyard to freshen up and prepare to pay his respects to his grandfather. Meanwhile, Madam Bai sat in the main hall, helping to unpack and arrange the items he brought along.
The clothes and accessories he brought back were all clean. He was always very meticulous, organizing everything neatly, even folding a handkerchief in perfect order.
One by one, the items were taken out and handed over to the maids in his courtyard to arrange properly before being stored away in the cabinets.
At that moment, a servant entered carrying a chest.
As Madam Bai was about to open it, a young boy next to An Xuzhi hurried over, "Madam."
Seeing him suntanned, Madam Bai instructed Hui-niang, "Changliu accompanied the Fourth Young Master on the journey, give him two coins to buy some snacks."
Chang Liu was delighted at the gesture, grinning widely, and thanked Madam Bai. He then directed the servants behind him, "The Fourth Young Master has ordered this chest to be carried back."
Madam Bai asked, "What is this?"
Chang Liu smiled and said, "These are some trinkets that the Fourth Young Master collected along the way - small wind lanterns, ivory beads, a tiger fur collar from the Western Regions..."
Madam Bai realized that they were all things that young girls would like. However, she didn't dwell on it much, as there were many women in the mansion and Yanlin got along well with them. It wasn't unusual for him to buy gifts for them when he went out.
Turning to the servants, she instructed, "Be careful while carrying it over."
The servants replied, "Yes," and carried the chest carefully into An Xuzhi's courtyard.
An Xuzhi came out of the washroom dressed in a frost-colored robe embroidered with bamboo patterns. The collar and cuffs were edged with navy blue satin, giving off a clean and elegant aura.
In the main hall, the Old Master and An Yuanqing had been eagerly waiting. The evening arrangements had already been made, waiting for his return to welcome him.
As the family sat down, the Old Master did not detect any signs of fatigue on An Xuzhi's face. He nodded and said, "Indeed, youth is a wonderful thing. Even after such a long journey, you don't seem tired at all."
An Xuzhi replied, "This time, I traveled slowly because of Minister Ye's company, so I didn't feel exhausted upon reaching home."
In reality, upon entering Li Nan County, he had returned ahead of Minister Ye, completing the three-day journey in just a day and a half. The thought of Zhao Heng in the palace filled him with strength, dispelling the fatigue from the long journey inexplicably.
Madam Bai only focused on putting food in her grandson's bowl, smiling and saying, "Eating and sleeping outside is not good. I can see that you have lost weight and gotten darker. Take these few days to rest well at home."
An Xuzhi put down his wine cup and said, "Grandmother, I have already eaten. Enjoy your meal slowly, I need to go to the palace first."
"At this hour, you still need to go to the palace? Can't you go tomorrow morning?" Madam Bai noticed that he had only taken a few bites, and asked with concern.
An Xuzhi said, "I need to report to His Highness, I will have breakfast with you at home tomorrow."
An Yuanqing chimed in, "A man should prioritize official matters, go quickly."
An Xuzhi got up to bid farewell to his elders and left to ride his horse to the palace.
Chang Liu waited for him at the steps, puzzled, "Why didn't Fourth Young Master take the carriage? You just came back tired, riding a horse will be more exhausting."
An Xuzhi, sitting on the horse, one hand holding the reins and the other taking a few scrolls from him, did not answer his question but instead asked, "Am I really darker?"
"Darker!" Chang Liu smirked and touched the back of his head, "But Fourth Young Master looks good with a tan, more stable! Unlike me, I look like charcoal when I tan."
An Xuzhi chuckled, turned his horse around, and rode off into the night, the wind billowing his robes.
In the Hall of Chengming, Zhao Heng was writing under a lamp.
After half a year of diligent study, her knowledge improved day by day, and she had started learning to write articles. His Highness did not restrict her studies, whatever she wanted to learn, she could. She read a wide variety of books.
Today she was reading a book about the geographical records of Jiangnan.
The author described Jiangnan as rainy in the spring, endless, with raindrops falling until dawn, sounding clear like the tinkling of broken jade. Fields in front, ponds behind, and rivers by the ponds. White walls, thatched roofs, boats rocking, floating duckweed swaying, causing the waterfowl to hide in the deep water weeds.
The picturesque scenery of the water country filled her with fantasies about the world outside the palace walls.
Before, Bai Yu often told her about the outside world.
Bai Yu.
Zhao Heng shook off her thoughts and glanced quietly at Li Wenjian on the other side, who was busy reviewing official documents, unaware of the turmoil within her.
She sighed, forbidding herself from thinking of Bai Yu again, and picked up a book from the desk to continue reading.
"Your Highness." Fei Yu grinned, standing at the door to inform, "The Fourth Young Master has returned, he is waiting outside to see you!"
Li Wenjian looked at the dark sky outside, a bit puzzled, why would the Fourth Young Master come to the palace at this time?
Despite these thoughts, he still instructed Feiyu, "Let him in."
Zhao Heng, with half-closed eyes, thought that the Fourth Young Master's late-night visit to the palace probably meant urgent news from Jiangnan.
It would be inappropriate for her to stay here any longer.
So she stood up and said to Li Wenjian, "Your Highness, I will go back first."
Li Wenjian knew that the Fourth Young Master had come to the palace late at night, and there must be many things he wanted to discuss with him. Their conversation would likely be boring for her to stay, so he nodded and said, "Go back and get some rest, I might be back late."
Zhao Heng agreed, started to walk out, but as soon as her foot stepped forward, she heard Li Wenjian calling out behind her, "Ah Heng, wait."
She stopped and turned back in the light, "Your Highness?"
Li Wenjian picked up the cloak she had left on the chair back, walked to the door, and draped it over her, "It's getting windy."
Zhao Heng blushed suddenly, clutching the soft fabric of the cloak tightly and softly said, "Thank you, Your Highness."
"Go ahead." Li Wenjian stood with his hands behind his back, watching her leave.
An Xuzhi carried the palace lamp and followed Fei Yu towards the study. As they turned the corner of the corridor, he could see two figures standing at the door of the study room.
The sky was completely dark now, with occasional moths fluttering around the lanterns under the eaves, their wings flapping in the light.
He saw His Highness gently draping a cloak over the woman, and turned to ask Fei Yu, "Who is that?"
"Lady Liangyuan." Fei Yu looked at the action His Highness was doing for Zhao Heng, feeling a bit jealous for some reason, and added, "She looks very beautiful!"
"Looks are secondary, being able to stay by His Highness's side, her conduct must be excellent." An Xuzhi watched the woman's figure walk away, a smile playing on his lips. His Highness's discerning eyes, in the end, found a confidante to accompany him, and he was genuinely happy for him.
"She always lies and upsets His Highness." Fei Yu muttered under his breath.
An Xuzhi didn't continue this conversation, and in a blink of an eye, the two of them arrived at the door of the study. An Xuzhi smiled gracefully at Li Wenjian and bowed, "Your Highness!"
Through this experience, the young man had grown stronger and leaner, with a maturity replacing the youthful exuberance in his demeanor. Li Wenjian patted his shoulder, "A Lin is back."
An Xuzhi reported to Li Wenjian with the scrolls in hand.
Although many things had happened during this trip to the south, An Xuzhi had a habit of reporting daily, sending reports back to the capital city every few days. So Li Wenjian was already familiar with many things.
After reporting the important matters, An Xuzhi patiently served around, but as time went on, he couldn't help but show his impatience.
Li Wenjian had already noticed An Xuzhi's restlessness.
Looking at the lanterns dancing in the wind, he suddenly realized - some people had ulterior motives that were not about the wine.
He chuckled at the eager youth's sentiment.
Glancing at An Xuzhi, Li Wenjian put his hand to his lip and yawned, "I'm a bit tired today, let's look at the scrolls tomorrow. A Lin, you've had a long journey, go back and rest early."
An Xuzhi's expression remained unchanged on the surface, but he felt relieved in his heart. He smiled calmly and confidently, "Yes, I will report to Your Highness again tomorrow."
The smile was about to fly out of the corner of his eye.
Pretending not to see, Li Wenjian said, "You may go."
An Xuzhi bowed, quickly turned and exited. In the blink of an eye, Li Wenjian only saw the fluttering of his robes.
Li Wenjian slowly rolled up the scroll in his hand, placed it on the desk, and then walked towards the courtyard.
An Xuzhi hurriedly made his way to the agreed meeting spot by the willow pond.
The night wind gently swayed the willow branches, and he stood with his hands behind his back by the pond, his heart swaying with the branches.
Anxiety and uneasiness filled the air. Hearing footsteps behind him, he took a deep breath, forced a smile on his lips. But as he turned around, the smile froze on his face.
"Bai Yu? Where is Ah Heng?"
"Miss Zhao is missing," Bai Yu reported. "Lian Zhou and Bin Tao are also missing. It is said that the old lady at the laundry house got into trouble and it led to a loss of life. Many people at the laundry house are gone."
"Gone? What do you mean?" An Xuzhi stood by the lake, feeling the gentle night wind turning icy.
Bai Yu explained, "Some are dead, some are goneâ¦"
An Xuzhi's heart dropped a few notches, a strong sense of unease rising within him. "Where is Lai Shan?"
"He was reassigned to guard the imperial tomb, and he can't be found now."
An Xuzhi shivered.
*
After returning to her dormitory, Zhao Heng found Lin Mama already prepared the bath for her. After bathing, she sat quietly in front of the dressing table, gazing at the emerald hairpin on the table.
Despite reminding herself countless times not to think about him, his face always unexpectedly intruded into her mind.
Knowing that he had returned to the capital, perhaps he was now in this square palace city just like her, her heart was restless.
Holding the hairpin in her hand, she looked at the somewhat absent-minded reflection in the mirror, the hesitation in her eyes gradually fading away.
They had reached a point of inevitable separation. In the toughest times, they had warmed each other, preserving those beautiful memories.
Her rapidly beating heart gradually calmed down.
After a while, she released the hairpin from her hand and placed it at the bottom of the cosmetics box.
Outside, Li Wenjian's footsteps could be heard. In a hurry, she quickly climbed onto the bed, closed her eyes pretending to sleep.
Li Wenjian entered, seeing her lying down, he quietly went to the bath to take a shower before changing into night clothes and returning to the dormitory. The lights in the room had been extinguished, so he took off his shoes in the dim light outside and carefully stepped onto the footstool.
As he reached for the bed, Zhao Heng sat up, whispering softly, "Your Highnessâ¦"
Li Wenjian was surprised, "Aren't you asleep?"
Zhao Heng pretended to be asleep, but her heart was in turmoil.
"Do you have something on your mind?" Li Wenjian's deep, ancient eyes gazed at her.
Zhao Heng's brows furrowed tighter, she looked up quietly at him, her eyes filled with hesitation and unease, "I want to tell you something."
"Is it difficult to speak about?" Li Wenjian asked.
Without hesitation, she nodded.
Li Wenjian reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, then got up to pour a glass of water, saying, "If you can't bring yourself to speak, you don't have to. Your privacy is important."
"Your Highness," Zhao Heng thought he was leaving and hurriedly grabbed his hand.
She told herself there was nothing to hide. Her relationship with Bai Yu was clear and transparent, so there was no harm in telling him. This matter should not be kept from him. Being in the palace, she couldn't guarantee that it wouldn't be revealed through others.
Apart from that, she wanted to be honest with him, just as he had been honest and trusting with her.
With her decision made, she lifted her eyes again, a sense of calmness in her gaze.
"In the past, when I was at the laundry house, I knew a eunuch who treated me well, and I treated him in the same manner."
âââ
Author's Note:
My dear readers, today I am so upset for Xiaosilang that I can't even make a joke~ Let me advertise a bit, a new column titled "The Princess's Four Marriages" is now available for your enjoyment~
Zhaohan Qing was the most beloved daughter of the late emperor, unparalleled in beauty and famous in the capital.
Despite her beauty, her marriages were ill-fated, she married four times.
Her first husband died from a horse accident on their wedding day; her second husband died from excess drinking on their wedding night; her third husband, fearing her reputation for misfortune, sent her to a separate residence on their wedding day.
Everyone thought Zhaohan Qing would wash her face with tears every day, blame the heavens and others, but she spent her days leisurely indulging in hobbies.
Later, the prince of Ningguo returned to the country, killed his brother, and seized the throne. Shortly after, a hundred thousand troops invaded the Chen Kingdom. The first thing the new emperor did upon entering the capital was to take Zhaohan Qing into his tent.
Everyone said that Zhaohan Qing was in trouble. When the prince was in the palace, he almost died at the hands of the Chen Kingdom people. He hated the Chen royal family. With Zhaohan Qing in his hands, she would surely perish...
On the day the prince received the congratulations of the officials, everyone was stunned to see the empress beside him.
With the phoenix robe draped over her, the graceful and exquisite empress was none other than Zhaohan Qing.