The simple six words, spoken with utmost seriousness, easily left a deep impression on A-Hao's heart. But she had never said anything similar to Zhang Yu, nor had she ever earnestly expressed her feelings to him in the simplest and most direct way.
Ah Hao didn't know why she was thinking about these things at this moment. It was just that, in this noisy environment, held in Zhang Yu's arms, feeling his sincere love, she felt a restless urge to do something. And so, she actually did it—
She tugged at Zhang Yu's sleeve and brushed away his hand that was covering his ears. Ah Hao smiled and looked into his questioning eyes, beckoning him to bend down slightly. Zhang Yu did as she asked without even thinking.
In the next instant, Ah Hao moved swiftly, lifting Zhang Yu's mask with one hand and her own with the other, leaning forward to plant a kiss on his lips before he could react. Then, removing her mask, she whispered three words in his ear as the fireworks soared into the sky.
The loud commotion around them easily drowned out Song Shuhao's already not-so-loud words, but even from the slightest movement of her lips, Zhang Yu knew what she was saying... Although he didn't care whether she said similar things or not, the way she actually said them felt completely different.
She raised her arm, using her wide sleeve to block any possible glances. Zhang Yu kissed Song Shuhao with delight, and like her, leaned close to her ear and said, "I didn't hear you clearly. We'll talk about it slowly when we get back tonight." Then she quickly stopped, as if nothing had happened.
Ling Xiao dragged Prince Ning to guess lantern riddles until he won the two best lanterns. Without asking for help, she happily carried the lanterns and pulled Prince Ning to the arched bridge to join in the fireworks display. Unfortunately, they stumbled upon Zhang Yu and Song Shuhao's sweet and affectionate moment.
Although she hadn't clearly seen what they were doing, it didn't stop Ling Xiao from deducing a basically correct conclusion based on her imagination. Leaning against the stone railing, she clicked her tongue, glanced at Prince Ning, and then barked twice with a playful grin.
Prince Ning paused for a moment, then moved closer to Ling Xiao, looking at her with affection and smiling as he said, "Lord Ling, if you don't mind, we can also..." As he spoke, he raised his arm and used his wide sleeve to cover their faces.
Ling Xiao immediately lowered her head, looking extremely shy, and said coquettishly, "I still have some self-respect..."
"...Yeah, I'm shameless."
·
As they left the stone arch bridge amidst the lingering fireworks and prepared to slowly walk back, Prince Ning and Ling Xiao had already vanished, while Ahao and Zhang Yu still encountered two familiar faces.
Princess Zhang Jin was an acquaintance, so it wasn't surprising to run into her. However, the person standing next to Zhang Jin made them unable to hide their astonishment. The King of Dayuan, who should have been thousands of miles away, why was he in Lin'an before the New Year, and now he was with Zhang Jin?
When Zhang Jin saw them, she greeted them warmly. Seeing that Ahao and Zhang Yu were looking at the people beside them, she said, "I met him by chance today... He said he had nowhere to go, and I felt sorry for him, so I thought I'd take him in for a couple of days." What was the real purpose hidden beneath this high-sounding excuse? At least she and Zhang Yu knew the answer without saying a word.
Ji Heng was indeed dressed rather simply, without any ostentatious displays of wealth. The coarse blue robe actually accentuated his handsome features. Despite his attire, he clearly hadn't suffered any hardship, and his complexion was not at all haggard. However, his purpose in appearing in Lin'an City remained elusive.
Song Shuhao had only seen Ji Heng once on the city wall, but such a person left a deep impression after just one meeting, so she recognized him very quickly.
The princess would certainly not easily guess his true identity, and would probably think he was some noble young master... Otherwise, she would not be so foolish as to lead him to the princess's residence, but it is indeed difficult to think in that direction.
Song Shuhao then looked at Zhang Yu, and seeing him looking at Ji Heng, she smiled and said, "Isn't it a bit too low-key for the King of Dayuan to bring his mother to Daqi for medical treatment?" He was still holding her hand and squeezed her hand, as if to tell her that she could rest assured.
Ji Heng smiled and cupped his hands in greeting, showing no surprise at Zhang Yu's words. He said, "Now that I've met an acquaintance, I'm afraid I'll have to ask for your help." He seemed perfectly normal, not at all bothered by having his identity exposed.
Zhang Jin, who had finally come to terms with Ji Heng's identity, blushed with embarrassment upon hearing these words. She had actually been caught off guard... Zhang Jin secretly cursed herself for having been with countless men, yet she had still been seduced by male beauty; it was utterly shameful.
Prince Ning and Ling Xiao waited for Zhang Yu and A Hao for quite a while not far ahead, intending to return together, but instead they saw them standing near the bridgehead in the distance. Although they couldn't make out the faces of the two people opposite them, Prince Ning recognized Zhang Jin, while Ling Xiao's gaze fell on Ji Heng, who was with Zhang Jin.
Broad shoulders, narrow waist, tall stature, and good temperament—it's rare for someone to be unattractive if they possess all of these qualities… Ling Xiao nudged Prince Ning, who was with him, concealing his desire to “catch a glimpse of her beauty,” and said seriously, “Since we’ve run into Her Highness the Princess, let’s go over and say hello.”
Prince Ning glanced at Ling Xiao, feeling that this person, whose eyes were practically glued to the strange man, was treating him like a fool... With him by her side, how could she still have the mood to look at other men? Prince Ning's face turned cold, and he ignored her words, "I'm not going. I can greet you when I get here."
"Hmm...then wait here for a bit." He glanced at Prince Ning, noticing his dark face and undisguised displeasure. Ling Xiao, however, didn't buy into the jealous man's behavior. He simply said this and headed straight for where Ah Hao and the others were.
The Prince of Ning, consumed by jealousy and left standing there by Ling Xiao, was speechless. Watching her walk away without looking back, he realized he was still trying to persuade her to propose marriage. With a dark expression, the Prince of Ning could only continue following her. If he didn't follow, wouldn't he be handing her the opportunity to cheat on him?
Ling Xiao and Prince Ning also gathered around, exchanging greetings. Ling Xiao, who didn't recognize Ji Heng, scanned him from head to toe, scrutinizing his face and physique, and secretly sighed that he was indeed a top-tier man. Seeing that A-Hao seemed to recognize him, Ling Xiao leaned forward and whispered to her, "Who is this handsome man?"
"The King of Dayuan..." Ahao replied softly, without trying to hide anything from Lingxiao. Lingxiao froze for a moment, her eyes widening into two round grapes. Seeing that Ahao had no intention of joking, she couldn't help but chuckle dryly. Her initial desire to admire the handsome man shattered instantly.
Prince Ning understood what A-Hao was saying, and his surprise was no less than Ling Xiao's. However, seeing his sixth brother's composure, he didn't lose his composure. He raised an eyebrow and glanced at Ji Heng, then looked down at Ling Xiao, who had already looked away and moved closer to him, hooking his arm around his. Finally, he curved the corners of his mouth into a smile.
Having learned Ji Heng's identity, Zhang Jin abandoned her desire for a one-night stand. Zhang Yu arranged new accommodations for Ji Heng, which he accepted, making things easier. The group soon parted ways; Zhang Jin returned to the Princess's residence, while Zhang Yu and the other three returned to the Marquis's residence.
Ahao instructed someone to deliver three lanterns to the little princess's residence. After washing her hands and face, a maid brought her freshly cooked glutinous rice balls, snacks, and fruits. She then sat down at the table with Zhang Yu, Prince Ning, and Ling Xiao. Zhang Yu served Ahao a bowl of glutinous rice balls, when Prince Ning asked, "Sixth Brother, what brings the King of Dayuan to Lin'an City?"
Ling Xiao placed the bowl in front of Prince Ning, and while speaking, he took it and served her a large bowl of food. Prince Ning instantly understood her meaning, and Ling Xiao was satisfied. She picked up a spoon and began to eat, waiting to hear Zhang Yu's explanation.
"Looking for Ling Xiao," Zhang Yu said calmly.
Ling Xiao, who had been caught in the crossfire without warning, nearly spat out her mouthful of glutinous rice ball. She looked tremblingly at Zhang Yu and weakly protested, "I don't know this person at all..."
“He came seeking medical treatment, without specifying who he wanted to see. But His Majesty is right. If others could cure him, he wouldn’t have traveled all this way to Lin’an for treatment; if even you can’t cure him, then perhaps he really can’t be cured… there’s no other way.” After slowly swallowing a glutinous rice ball, A-Hao explained on Zhang Yu’s behalf.
She had witnessed it more than once; Ling Xiao's methods of treating illnesses were unique and remarkably effective, and she had great confidence in her medical skills. Dayuan was a country comparable to Daqi, so naturally it had no shortage of famous and miraculous doctors, yet they still sought her out here, most likely because Ji Heng had also sensed something different from the previous war.
However, he wouldn't get his way so easily. The relationship between Da Wan and Da Qi wasn't particularly good to begin with, so there was no reason for them to grant every request. Even if they eventually helped, they would inevitably try to gain more benefits. That way, Ling Xiao would have another opportunity to earn merit.
As the ruler of Dayuan, he ventured alone into the shadow of the emperor of another country with whom he had a grudge. His fearlessness is truly astounding, and he probably had a backup plan.
After hearing Ah Hao's explanation, Ling Xiao rolled his eyes and chuckled, "But he doesn't know who can help him, and we have no reason to help him. Let's just leave it for now."
"After the New Year holidays, do you still have time to worry about these trivial matters?" Prince Ning laughed. "I reckon it won't be long before news of the Dayuan army pressing in reaches us. Since they dare to come, they can't be completely unprepared. Even if something really happens in Daqi, they'll definitely make others pay for it."
The truce between Daqi and Dayuan had only been in effect for a short time, and neither side clearly intended to resume hostilities. The Dayuan king's decision to visit Daqi at this time was undoubtedly based on this understanding. The large army's presence was meant to demonstrate their stance; regardless of the circumstances, their attitude had to be firm. Compared to his initial surprise, Prince Ning had long since regained his composure.
The selection of female officials will take place in late February, and Ling Xiao, as the person in charge, must oversee all matters, including the various aspects of the selection process. There are still too few people who can help her; she needs to carefully consider what to assess… Poetry and songs must be discarded immediately, since she doesn't know how to do them, haha.
"Of course I'm busy." Ling Xiao thought for a moment, then answered without hesitation. Remembering something, he said to Ahao, "Why don't you sign up for the assessment too? I won't give you any special treatment, but you'll definitely pass... because we share the same values!" "His Majesty certainly won't have any objections," Ling Xiao added, afraid that Song Shuhao might hesitate.
However, Song Shuhao agreed without any hesitation, saying, "Okay, actually I had the same idea... Although I don't think I can definitely do it, there's no harm in trying."
In addition, she and her female tutor, Du Yuqing, had agreed that she would go to the academy to help out for a month after the New Year holidays, both for learning and observation. In return, she would cover all the expenses for the academy's repairs.
Having something to do all the time makes her feel exceptionally fulfilled. Ling Xiao and the others will all be busy, so she won't be idle in the manor, and Zhang Yu won't need to worry about whether she'll be bored. No matter how you look at it, this plan is good.
After discussing Ji Heng's matter and settling this matter, everyone ate a late-night snack and returned to their respective courtyards to rest.
·
Ah Hao was kept up by Zhang Yu, who was "settling scores" with her, until late at night before she finally fell asleep. Fortunately, she slept soundly and woke up feeling quite refreshed the next day. Zhang Yu had already gone to court, and she was so deep in sleep that she didn't remember exactly when he got up.
Ling Xiao didn't need to leave early like Zhang Yu and Prince Ning. After A Hao got up, she was also ready. The two of them had breakfast together before taking their respective carriages. Those who were going to the yamen went to the yamen, and those who were going to the academy went to the academy.