Chapter 77 Taking a Concubine Is Not the Same As Marrying A

eeve with one hand while using the other to write. The ink-black characters spread out across the white paper with forceful strokes that were full of vitality and spirit. His handwriting was powerful...Chapter 77: Concubines are not wives

Yun Qianyue wasn't at all surprised by the forensic examiner's death. Night Tianyi and Prince De governed with strictness, so such loopholes wouldn’t appear. Therefore, only the forensic examiner who had come once before would have an opportunity to act. No one would suspect a forensic examiner, as it was natural for them to handle corpses. Moreover, the timing coincided perfectly with when the corpse powder should be used.

"What The forensic examiner is dead How did he die" Prince De was taken aback.

"It seems like he committed suicide by poisoning himself!"那人立即道。

"Bring his body here immediately! Perform an autopsy!" After glancing at Yun Qianyue and Night Tianyi, seeing that they remained silent, Prince De gave the order in a serious tone.

"Yes!" The man immediately took the command.

Prince De nodded thoughtfully. "This forensic examiner is about fifty years old and has been working for the Ministry of Justice for many years. He has handled countless cases, and his experience and knowledge far exceed those of a common forensic examiner. Many difficult cases were solved by him. That’s why I have always trusted him to handle matters in the Ministry of Justice. Who would’ve thought that…" Prince De paused before continuing: "How could it be him His family is long gone, leaving him alone without any support. Moreover, he has always been well-treated by me."

Yun Qianyue remained silent.

Night Tianyi looked at Prince De and comforted him, saying, "Uncle De, the human heart is most difficult to control. You needn’t blame yourself! There are still many unexpected things in this world. After we examine his body, perhaps we’ll find the reason."

Prince De nodded.

A short while later, two people carried the dead forensic examiner over. The man had black blood flowing from the corners of his mouth, indicating that he had indeed poisoned himself.

"Moonling, what do you think" After glancing at the forensic examiner for a moment, Night Tianyi turned to Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue looked at the man. He was an elderly man in his fifties dressed plainly, and except for the black blood from his mouth, he appeared intact. She put on her mask and gloves again to examine him carefully before saying indifferently to Night Tianyi: "He did indeed commit suicide by poisoning himself with ordinary arsenic."

"What reason would he have to do such a thing Could it be that he has some connection with the black-clothed assassins who attempted to kill Prince Yun and Princess Qingwan" Prince De looked at the forensic examiner, puzzled. "I’ve overseen the Ministry of Justice for years and kept a close watch on everyone; I’ve never seen him have any dealings with anyone."

"Though he committed suicide, his face shows guilt. This means that he felt he had let you down and betrayed your trust, which also indicates that someone else forced him to commit this act," Yun Qianyue replied.

"Miss Yun, how did you tell from his expression that he was guilty" Prince De looked at the forensic examiner but saw nothing unusual. He turned to Yun Qianyue with a question.

"It’s a subtle facial expression deeply buried within. If Prince De doesn’t believe it, you can pry open his eyelids and look into his eyes; he has guilt in them now. A person's eyes are the hardest to deceive," Yun Qianyue explained to Prince De.

Hearing this, Prince De stepped forward, pried open the forensic examiner’s eyelids, and indeed saw signs of guilt in his eyes. He let go and praised Yun Qianyue: "Miss Yun is more skilled than a regular forensic examiner! This old minister was really shortsighted!"

"Uncle De, Moonling has talent! It's not just you who’s shortsighted; many people are like this," Night Tianyi smiled.

Prince De nodded. "That’s true! Miss Yun conceals her abilities well; I’m ashamed."

Yun Qianyue made no comment. She concealed her talents It was merely a facade out of necessity. Saying nothing further, she kept silent.

"Seventh Prince, now that the forensic examiner is dead, it’s clear this was his doing. What do you think" Prince De looked at Night Tianyi.

"Uncle De, issue an order for a thorough investigation! Find out about his background and who he has been in contact with these past two days," Night Tianyi said slowly and clearly as he stared at the dead forensic examiner. "Investigate until you find the truth!"

Prince De nodded, glanced at Yun Qianyue but saw that she had not spoken up, then turned to instruct the officials behind him. The two officials immediately set off to carry out their orders.

"Moon兒, this matter is no trivial affair. I will go to the palace to inform Emperor Father, shall you accompany me or..." Night Tianyi turned around and asked Yun Qianyue.

"You can just go into the palace yourself! Tell Uncle Emperor that there's nothing I can do about this matter, you have to look into it by yourself. I've been very tired these days and wish to return home for some rest," Yun Qianyue used her sleeve to shield her face from sunlight while feeling somewhat listless and weary as she spoke to Night Tianyi.

Seeing how she looked, Night Tianyi asked with concern, "Moon兒, are you not feeling well"

"Yes!" Yun Qianyue nodded.

"Let me have a look!" Night Tianyi reached out to take her pulse.

Yun Qianyue did not move and let him check her pulse.

Frowning, Night Tianyi said, "Your body is still so frail even after such a long time. This can't be good!" Then he grabbed Yun Qianyue’s hand and started walking towards the direction of the palace, saying, "Come on, I'll escort you back to your residence! You should rest properly."

"No need for that, go into the palace yourself! I’ll head home by myself," Yun Qianyue shook free from Night Tianyi’s hold and gave him a faint smile. "I’m not a three-year-old child, this short of distance is no problem at all for me to walk back on my own. Moreover, this matter indeed isn’t trivial, Uncle Emperor should be informed as soon as possible. After all, the 55th birthday is drawing near and things are happening frequently in the capital recently, which may lead to a chaotic situation. Besides, Night Tianyu has taken charge of the Western Mountain Military Headquarters while Night Tianqing is being supported by the Chancellor’s Manor now. Although you control the entire northern border region, it’s still far away from here and might not be able to help immediately in case of an emergency. What’s more, if Uncle Emperor disapproves of or feels envious of you because of me, then you will get into trouble," Yun Qianyue explained.

"Moon兒…" Night Tianyi looked at her with eyes gleaming with joy. "You are actually worried about me!"

Yun Qianyue sighed and said rather helplessly, "Tian逸, as a friend, I naturally care for you." Seeing his face darken, she ignored him and walked over to take the reins of her horse and mounted it. Turning around, she left the door of the Ministry of Punishment and headed towards Yun Manor.

Watching as Yun Qianyue’s figure disappeared into the distance, Night Tianyi looked rather gloomy.

"Seventh Prince, if a woman doesn't have you in her heart, she is like a huge rock that is so hard it could withstand all kinds of storms," said Duke De while watching as Yun Qianyue walked away. He noticed how straight and upright the young lady’s back looked whenever he saw her walking away. Her figure was unlike those from noble families who followed the rules rigidly, but more like a soldier, tough and resilient despite being petite.

"Duke De叔, what if we use fire or an axe instead of wind and rain" Night Tianyi did not retract his gaze and asked in a soft voice.

"Then it wouldn’t be a huge rock anymore! That woman won't be the same either!" Duke De said.

"Even though the stone might shatter into pieces, dust or lime, it will still remain itself. It doesn't matter if she isn't what I originally wanted; as long as it's her," Night Tianyi looked away and smiled suddenly, "Besides, after watching someone like this for so many years, it’s time to change things."

Duke De sighed with a heavy tone, "Seventh Prince, women are still women. No matter how beautiful they are, their beauty will fade in just a few years and turn into nothing more than an old woman hobbling around. Nothing can compare to the verdant mountains, the vast lands or the lasting achievements that one could leave behind. Wise people wouldn’t let themselves be controlled by a woman while rulers shouldn't bend over backwards for a tiny piece of land; do you understand"

"Duke De叔, what does it mean to be a man" Night Tianyi looked at Duke De.

Duke De was suddenly taken aback.

"A man is the one who owns the vast lands and establishes his legacy. He builds everlasting achievements," said Night Tianyi as he turned around and looked up at the sky, "But if there’s no woman in your life, even with vast lands, a lasting legacy or unparallelled accomplishments, it would still be a lonely century; what does that mean Just to leave behind one's name"

Duke De fell silent.

"Duke De叔, what you said I understand. As the Night family’s son, Emperor Father has always cared for me since childhood and poured all his efforts into me hoping that I would be remembered by future generations just like our founding emperor did. If not because of Moon兒, perhaps my whole life would have been spent in accordance to Emperor Father's expectations, inheriting the founding emperor’s legacy and pushing Tian聖to a new era of glory. But unfortunately, I met her; she quietly entered my heart bit by bit until it was deeply rooted there just like this land of Tian聖. How can I let go now Letting her go would be equivalent to cutting off my lifeblood," Night Tianyi covered his chest with one hand and looked at Duke De while pointing at his own chest, "She's here!"

"Seventh Prince, you will disappoint Emperor Father!" said Duke De as his expression changed.

"Emperor Father already looks down on me," Night Tianyi suddenly appeared indifferent.

"As your uncle and duke, I still advise you to reconsider. If Miss Qianyue’s heart is empty, then you can slowly win her over. But if there's someone in her heart and that person happens to be the Jing Crown Prince of the Rong王府, this would not be a good thing for you. The current Jing Crown Prince differs from previous generations’ princes as he isn’t someone who will let others control him. If things continue like this, one day your love might turn into a disaster for the world and it won't benefit you at all!" Duke De almost sounded like an old man giving sincere advice to his student.

Yitian Ye suddenly laughed and looked at Prince De, "Uncle De, you are wrong! She does have feelings for Rongjing. But it's not as invincible as what you said." After he finished speaking, he saw Prince De in a daze. His eyes flashed with a hint of darkness, "There is someone living deep inside her heart. That person isn't me or Rongjing; instead, it’s someone very deep within her. He may be invisible to her, but he is omnipresent."

Prince De looked at Yitian Ye in confusion and asked, “Seventh Prince, what do you mean”

Sometimes the best weapon isn't a sword but one's heart. Conquer their hearts," said Yitian Ye. After finishing his sentence, he did not say any more. He pulled on the reins and mounted his horse, telling Prince De, "Uncle De, I'll be heading to the palace now! You can have your people set fire to those bodies!"

"Alright," said Prince De as he put away his confusion and nodded.

Yitian Ye urged his horse forward. In a moment, his figure in snow-white brocade robes disappeared from view.

Prince De watched Yitian Ye's figure vanish and thought about what he had just said before calling out, "Come here!"

"Your Highness" someone drifted over gracefully.

"Did you hear what the Seventh Prince said just now" asked Prince De.

“Yes,” replied the person as he nodded.

Repeat word-for-word to His Majesty! Go immediately!" ordered Prince De.

“Understood!” The figure of the person quickly faded away.

After that person had withdrawn, Prince De looked in the direction where Yun Qianyue left and then turned toward the Ministry of Punishment.

A moment after leaving the street near the Ministry of Punishment, Yun Qianyue's rigid body suddenly softened as she lay limp across Bai Chifeng. Her face was pressed against the white horse’s smooth fur. She cleared her mind of all thoughts and listened to the bustling sounds on both sides of the street. Suddenly, she felt that her world could also be incredibly tranquil.

If one day I were to venture alone into the江湖(jianghu—literally "rivers and lakes", referring to the realm of martial arts), would my heart feel lonely

"Miss Qianyue" A surprised exclamation rang out from ahead.

Yun Qianyue lifted her head, following the sound. She saw Qing Shang standing on her left side, holding a basket containing what appeared to be freshly picked herbs from the mountain. Her shoes were still muddy and wet, indicating that she had just returned from the mountains. There was also a layer of sweat and frost on her face and body, showing signs of hard work. She pulled at the corners of her mouth, asking with a smile, "Did you go up the mountain to gather herbs"

“Yes!” Qing Shang nodded.

"You've just come down the mountain You should hurry back home!" Yun Qianyue did not want to prolong the conversation and laid her head back onto the horse again.

"Miss Qianyue, last night Young Master..." Qing Shang bit on her lip as she looked at Yun Qianyue, hesitating whether or not to speak further.

“I know! You should return quickly!” Yun Qianyue did not look back and Bai Chifeng continued walking forward.

Standing in place for a moment, Qing Shang sighed and hurriedly headed toward the Glory王府(Wangfu—literally "princely estate") with her basket.

In Yun Qianyue's heart, she was clear that yesterday Rongjing had been affected by his emotions. In the battle of ten encirclements against Spring River Flower Moon Night, both parties used their inner strength in the contest between flute and zither. Given how badly injured he was initially, it could be imagined that injuries would only have worsened. However, this matter was different from before. Xiaoqi is a secret in my heart that I can never forget; even if I recall everything again, I still cannot express it verbally. In the previous life, it all amounted to heartache. Fifteen years after coming into this world hadn't made me forget, and another fifteen years wouldn’t make any difference. As for Xiaoqi and Rongjing, if I must place them in order of importance within my heart, how could I possibly differentiate

But she was clear on one thing: Xiaoqi is the past, buried deep inside her heart where it doesn't concern herself anymore. And Rongjing is now; he's someone whom she wants to cherish and love deeply. But no matter how much she loves him, she can’t offer that part of her heart which has nothing to do with her own self or those memories already rooted in her mind.

Rongjing wants my whole heart, but I cannot give it; even if I were to run over and swear under the heavens saying 'I love you', what good would it do It would only be a joke. She doesn’t want to become that kind of joke, so she won't go.

"Sister Moon" Bai Chifeng passed by a carriage, and as the curtain was lifted, a familiar voice rang out.

Yun Qianyue, who had been lying down, sat up again. Following the sound, she saw Qin Yuning sitting in a luxurious carriage. At this moment, half of her body was leaning out, smiling at Yun Qianyue. "I thought I made a mistake. It's really you, Sister Moon. Are you returning to the estate"

"Yes!" Yun Qianyue nodded. Seeing that Qin Yuning was still as gentle and dignified as usual, if she hadn't seen it with her own eyes, she wouldn’t have believed that the woman standing before her had sharp eyes and profound martial arts skills and was extremely vigilant. It seemed that over these years, not only Yun Qianyue's disguise was perfect, but so was Qin Yuning's.

"Do you have other matters today If not, would you like to accompany me to the Divine Garment Shop" Qin Yuning asked.

"Aren't you serving the Dowager Empress in the palace What for are you going there" Yun Qianyue looked at her lazily and disinterestedly.

"The Emperor is celebrating his fiftieth birthday, and the Dowager Empress ordered me to embroider a Hundred Blessings Scroll. I've already chosen its design, but in the palace, there's no silk that suits my needs. So, I plan to go to the Divine Garment Shop to take a look. The Divine Garment Shop gathers the best silks from all over the world." Qin Yuning smiled at Yun Qianyue, "Besides, I want to make two dresses; don't you need new clothes too"

Yun Qianyue thought of Rong Jing’s dozens of sets of clothing for her. She had enough for a year and naturally didn’t need any more. Shaking her head, she said, "I can wear anything; it doesn't matter to me. No need to make new ones."

"Have you prepared a birthday gift for the Emperor" Qin Yuning asked again.

"No!" Yun Qianyue shook her head.

"This morning, I heard from the Dowager Empress that something happened in the capital city these days, creating an oppressive atmosphere and making people uneasy. The Emperor wants to relax the city with his fiftieth birthday banquet. Last night, he discussed it with the empress; besides having Crown Prince Ran and Feng Sheng compete at the banquet, there will also be a grand prize for all noble ladies in the capital who wish to display their talents. The person who does best will receive special rewards from the Emperor!" Qin Yuning seemed to be chatting casually with Yun Qianyue, "Sister Moon, you need to prepare yourself. In previous years, you were always lazy; I think this year the Emperor won't let you off."

Yun Qianyue twisted her lips and said with a smile, "There are many talented people around, not just me. Whether I'm lazy or not doesn’t matter much. Maybe my uncles don't even see me so they aren't annoyed! Otherwise, I'd ruin his birthday."

"Sister Moon, that's nonsense! The Emperor likes you most. This morning when he went to greet the Dowager Empress, he mentioned you and said this little girl is getting more and more charming. In his view, none of these noble ladies in the capital are as bold or talented as you; no one can make him feel helpless like you do." Qin Yuning covered her mouth while laughing, "So, it's obvious that Sister Moon cannot escape."

"If I can't avoid it, then so be it. I'm just an embellishment. You need to perform well at the time. Then there will be envoys from various countries and vassal states celebrating; you mustn’t lose face for my uncles." Yun Qianyue smiled lightly as she waved her hand to Qin Yuning, "Sister Qin, go alone to the Divine Garment Shop then! I won't."

With that said, she lay back on the horse. As her sleeves moved, a corner of the scroll was revealed.

Qin Yuning’s face changed as she saw it. "Sister Moon, what is in your sleeve"

Inside Yun Qianyue's heart, there was a cold laugh; slightly sitting up, looking at her sleeves without concern, she said, "Oh, it's just a painting."

"What kind of painting Sister Moon actually carries it in your sleeve" Qin Yuning’s smile diminished as she calmed down.

"I haven't looked yet. It was given to me by Prince Xiaoqing whom I met at the corner; he wanted to thank me for saving Leng Shaozhuo with a major restoration pill. He has nothing else, and said I would find it interesting." Yun Qianyue finished speaking indifferently and no longer looked at Qin Yuning, patting the horse’s body before continuing on.

"Sister Moon, please wait!" Suddenly, Qin Yuning reached out to grab the reins of the horse.

"Eh" Yun Qianyue turned her head to look at her.

"Sister Moon, I see that your face looks bad. Are you feeling unwell" Qin Yuning asked Yun Qianyue.

"Yes, a little." Yun Qianyue nodded.

“Is there any misunderstanding between you and Prince Jing” Qin Yuning’s tone seemed to be very cautious.

“I think it's just that love is like that! There's no need to take it seriously. If you take it seriously, then you’re a fool. Right now, I am such!” Yun Qianyue spat out the words with a mocking expression on her face, "Is he Prince Jing I'm not good enough for him!

Qin Yuning was taken aback, seemingly not expecting Yun Qianyue to say such a thing. The hand that had been tightly holding the reins suddenly loosened.

Yun Qianyue fell silent and got back onto her horse's back. Bai Chifeng carried her without any further obstruction towards the Yun王府 (Cloud Manor).

Qin Yuning watched as the person and horse walked away until they were out of sight, then she withdrew her gaze. Her beautiful eyes flashed with a moment of sharpness and brilliance. After a short while, she lowered the curtain and gave instructions to the coachman. The carriage continued on its way to the Immortal Garments Shop.

Without anyone guiding him, Bai Chifeng returned unerringly to Cloud Manor. Even before reaching the main gate, Yun Qianyue heard a furious shout, "Yun Qianyue, what are you up to"

Straightening her posture, Yun Qianyue saw Yun Xianghe standing at the entrance with an angry expression directed right at her. She raised an eyebrow and said, "What am I up to It seems that I haven't provoked you in these past couple of days."

"Yun Qianyue, you're shameless! You've made my grandfather so furious he's still bedridden!" Yun Xianghe shouted angrily once more.

“So this is why” Yun Qianyue chuckled and looked at Yun Xianghe. "Elder sister, look at yourself now. The Third Young Master of the Filial Piety Prince’s Manor probably wouldn't want to marry you anymore if he sees you like this. You should go back to your room, take a good look in the mirror, tidy up properly, then come out to see people."

Yun Xianghe's expression changed upon hearing this, "I don’t want to marry him."

“Elder Sister,” Yun Qianyue suddenly turned serious. “Do you think marriage is a game You can say 'marry' and then 'not marry' Is it up to you” she said coldly, “You have to get married whether you like it or not!”

"I won’t! If I’m going to marry someone, let you do it!" Yun Xianghe glared at Yun Qianyue with intense resentment. "I knew you had ulterior motives; no wonder you agreed so readily! It turns out the Third Young Master of the Filial Piety Prince’s Manor is such a person—I won’t marry him even if it means death. Yun Qianyue, don't think you can control my marriage arrangements. My grandfather wouldn’t agree either!"

"Qin Xianghe, do not forget that your surname is Qin, not Feng." Yun Qianyue sneered and gestured to the two guards on either side of her. "Bring Elder Sister inside the estate; starting today, she’s not allowed to leave without my permission."

"Yes!" Two guards immediately stepped forward to hold onto Yun Xianghe.

Yun Xianghe then started kicking and hitting the guards while shouting at Yun Qianyue.

Ignoring her, Yun Qianyue dismounted from her horse. A guard took over holding its reins; just as she was about to enter the estate, several carriages stopped in front of Cloud Manor’s main gate. An elderly driver shouted out: "Miss Yun Shallow Moon, please stay!"

Yun Qianyue paused and turned around to see that a banner with the name of Filial Piety Prince's Manor hung from one of the carriages; the old man who had called her was the steward of Filial Piety Prince’s Manor. She gestured for the two men holding Yun Xianghe back to stop, at which point Yun Xianghe stopped shouting and looked towards the entrance. The head steward of Filial Piety Prince's Manor did not speak.

"Old servant greets Miss Shallow Moon! On behalf of our prince, I have come to propose marriage for Third Young Master," the steward greeted Yun Qianyue respectfully. "Here is the betrothal gift. Please accept it."

“Who did your Third Young Master send as his proposal agent” Yun Qianyue raised her eyebrow.

"It’s Lady Miss of Cloud Manor!" The steward immediately answered.

"I won't marry him! Didn’t I already tell them that No way, he can't have me!" Yun Xianghe shouted as soon as she heard this.

“Alright then, I accept the betrothal gifts! There’s never been any marital connection between Filial Piety Prince's Manor and Cloud Manor for over a hundred years. Since both His Highness and Third Young Master find my elder sister suitable and General Feng is willing to let this granddaughter marry in, and Uncle Emperor also appeared delighted about it on that day, why should I not agree” Yun Qianyue smiled as she nodded.

“Yun Qianyue, I said no way!” Yun Xianghe was livid.

Ignoring her further, Yun Qianyue gave instructions to Yun Meng who had come over in a hurry: "Uncle Meng, you take care of this for now. I'm heading back to my quarters!"

"Alright, Miss, go back home! Old servant will handle it here," Yun Meng nodded.

“Miss Shallow Moon, please stay. Old servant still has something else to say,” the steward of Filial Piety Prince’s Manor stopped Yun Qianyue and when she turned around to look at him: “Our prince says that although Miss is talented, as a concubine-born daughter, it would be inappropriate for her to marry Third Young Master who's an official son. So, today’s proposal from our third young master is not for marriage but for taking in a consort.”

Yun Xianghe originally saw several carriages of betrothal gifts and was somewhat tempted, but her eyes suddenly widened in disbelief as she looked at the Grand Steward of Prince Xiaoqin's王府. Taking a concubine Wasn't it said earlier that he would take a wife

"Third Young Master is very talented, I've always admired him. Initially, I was worried that Elder Sister might be underestimating him, but now there seems to be no need for worry; just a concubine, she wouldn’t even come close to belittling him." Yun Qianyue nodded with a smile. "That's great then; once the flower-covered sedan chair carries her into the residence, everything will be settled without any fuss."

"Do you agree, Miss Yun Qianyue" asked the Grand Steward of Prince Xiaoqin’s王府.

"Agreed!" Yun Qianyue said two words and turned to return to her residence.

She knew that Old General Feng was still ill as she saw Yun Xianghe here today, which is why she didn't go to Prince Dede's王府 to cancel the engagement; thus Yun Xianghe would argue with her here. Prince Xiaoqin’s王府 sent betrothal gifts not for marriage but for taking a concubine. It seemed that Young Master Three must have done something yesterday to prompt Prince Xiaoqin to take this action despite risking offending Old General Feng. The old emperor wouldn’t care whether Yun Xianghe was a wife or a concubine; he just wanted the outcome of an inter-marriage between two royal families. Although there were some changes, it didn't affect anything as Young Master Three must have had his plans to get Prince Xiaoqin to change his mind; she would cooperate.

"Yun Qianyue, that’s impossible! I said no and will never agree!" Yun Xianghe struggled madly against the guards.

"Elder Sister, you'd better not die. You're still useful to me. Do you know why I agreed Because I want to marry into Prince Rong’s王府, with your example from Xiaoqin’s王府, I can argue that an inter-marriage between the four major royal families is possible. That way, I can marry Rong Jing; you laid the groundwork for me." Yun Qianyue walked up to Yun Xianghe and whispered in her ear as she went mad. With a triumphant look on her face, she arched her eyebrows. "Now that I'm in charge of Yun王府, it's no longer under my mother’s rule. Old General Feng probably doesn't have much time left. You can only listen to me; whoever I order you to marry, you must marry."

"You're dreaming! Yun Qianyue, you’re dreaming!" Yun Xianghe tried to hit Yun Qianyue but couldn’t reach as her arms were held by the guards.

After Yun Qianyue finished speaking, she no longer looked at her and walked towards Qianyue Pavilion, soon disappearing from sight.

"Take Miss back," Yun Meng glanced at Yun Xianghe and waved his hand to the two guards.

The two immediately carried Yun Xianghe down.

The Grand Steward of Prince Xiaoqin’s王府 watched as she was taken away, still shouting and kicking while being held. He worriedly asked Yun Meng, "Grand Steward Meng, it seems Miss doesn't want to go along with this. Could something happen"

"Ah, nothing will happen; she makes a fuss like this every day," Yun Meng waved his hand.

The Grand Steward of Prince Xiaoqin’s王府 didn’t ask any more and waved for the carriage driver to open the curtains and remove the gifts. The six carriages of betrothal gifts showed how seriously Prince Xiaoqin’s王府 took this matter.

Returning to Qianyue Pavilion, Ling Lian and Yi Xue were waiting at the door; they bowed when she returned, "Miss!"

Yun Qianyue saw that both of them had changed into servants’ clothing. She smiled and nodded, then walked towards her room.

"Miss, Prince Jing has arrived and is in your room now," Ling Lian followed Yun Qianyue for a step and said softly.

Yun Qianyue stopped walking and looked inside the room. The window was open but the curtains were drawn; with a breeze blowing in, they swayed slightly, concealing anyone inside. She pursed her lips and nodded, "I know."

Ling Lian didn’t say anything more, exchanged glances with Yi Xue, then stood guard at Qianyue Pavilion's entrance.

Yun Qianyue walked to the door; she clenched her hand into a fist and slowly opened the door. No one was on the bed, at the table or on the soft couch. She looked towards the bed; only seeing the curtains drawn, with a hint of a long figure lying there under them, covered by her blanket. A piece of the white moon-colored robe’s corner could be seen through the gap in the curtains. Apart from the faint incense smoke curling upwards in the room, she caught a trace of a light scent like snow and lotus flowers. She stopped walking and looked at him; it was indeed Rong Jing.

She stared for quite some time but he remained motionless. She walked into the room and closed the door behind her before slowly approaching the bed.

Rong Jing was lying on his side with his face towards the wall, his jade-like face had a slight pale hue; long eyelashes drooped over dark eyes. As she got closer, she could faintly hear his even breathing, indicating he was fast asleep.

—— Interlude ——

Jing is actually very cute! O(∩_∩)O~im."Yun Qianyue nodded, thinking about that summer twelve years ago. That was the time when her mother died! She felt there must be more than just a connection between Rong Jing and this old Taoist du...