"You must learn to take care of yourself. Don't eat cold food, and don't go hungry at night... I'm always a little worried about letting the Crown Prince take care of you. I've already asked Prince Yun to help take care of you; after all, he's an elder..." His father's earnest words of advice still echoed in his ears, but he had already embarked on the road to the frontier.
While Leng Yiqing was still immersed in the wonderful memories of the past few days, Su Zhengyang quietly came to her side.
"You actually have the leisure to stand here in a daze?" The angry rebuke upon meeting her left Leng Yiqing completely bewildered.
"What did I do to you? Can't you let me have some peace and quiet this late at night?" she replied impatiently and habitually, completely treating him as the modern-day Su Zhengyang.
Seeing her nonchalant attitude, and thinking about Xue'er's current state of disarray, Su Zhengyang's face grew even colder, his eyes flashing with anger: "Your ridiculous story has scared Xue'er so much that she's been out of her mind lately, while you're having a carefree time!"
So that's what it was about! Leng Yiqing almost laughed. She had only meant to scare Jiang Yuelin; she didn't believe Jiang Yuelin would dare reveal that she wasn't the real Crown Princess, unless she herself wanted to die. Since she could throw the Crown Princess into the lotus pond without anyone noticing, she naturally had the ability to quietly dispose of the body as well. Leng Yiqing had only intended to use her. She hadn't expected to provoke Xue'er because of it.
"Then why are you here now? I didn't do it on purpose, it was just a ghost story, how could she take it seriously?" Her face was full of innocence and helplessness, and she kindly advised Su Zhengyang: "You should go and invite a Taoist priest to perform a ritual for your precious Xue'er and help her soul return!"
I picked up the fragrant tea in front of me and continued to savor it slowly, as if the person next to me didn't exist at all.
"Leng Yiqing!" A rebuke completely ruined her mood.
"Boss, I'm begging you! Let me have some peace and quiet! I'll apologize to her tomorrow, okay?" Even though she was a thousand times unwilling, she really wanted some peace and quiet. Besides, Xue'er was indeed quite endearing.
"You..." He clenched his fist, wanting to explode in anger, but seeing the sincerity in her eyes, he could only helplessly lower his hand and loosen his clenched fist. "If you don't apologize tomorrow, then we'll settle all our scores, old and new!" He walked out without looking back.
Su Zhengyang couldn't understand why she changed so quickly. If it were the original Leng Yiqing, she definitely wouldn't have compromised so easily; she would have just been unreasonable and argumentative.
Since Su Yunmo brought her back that day, she has changed completely. She has become much more mature than before, and she has many indescribable feelings, as if she has experienced a lot. Her eyes are no longer innocent, as if she is hiding a lot of secrets. She no longer clings to him.
But shouldn't he be happy? Why did he feel uneasy without her pestering him? Coming here so late at night, she wasn't happy at all; instead of excitedly hugging him and begging him to stay, she just gave him a cold shoulder. He was increasingly unable to understand this cousin.
A gentle evening breeze stirred the sheer curtains by the window, allowing Leng Yiqing to finally relax and temporarily forget everything. She sat by the window, quietly sipping fragrant tea and gazing at the beautiful night sky. The bright moon hung high, and countless tiny stars twinkled in the dark night, a truly captivating sight.
"Whoosh!" A dark shadow suddenly flashed past, startling her. Su Zhengyang had been gone for a long time; it was impossible for the shadow to be after him. Could it be that the shadow was targeting her?
Peering out the window, Leng Yiqing nervously looked in the direction the dark figure had disappeared, only to see the pitch-black night. She was terrified; after all, she was the only one in Qingxin Pavilion; the guards and maids were already asleep.
"Come..." She was about to call for the guards when a pair of large hands covered her mouth from behind.
---Aside---
You absolutely have to add this to your favorites! It would be such a shame not to!
Chapter Thirteen: Truth and Falsehood
Leng Yiqing couldn't scream; she could only struggle desperately. In the midst of the struggle, the world spun around her, and Leng Yiqing vaguely seemed to see a pair of deep eyes behind her.
"Royal Uncle?" Although his face was veiled, Leng Yiqing recognized those eyes. The gentleness in those eyes had once brought her some comfort. So she remembered them deeply.
"Yes! Keep your voice down, I need to talk to you!" Su Yunmo slowly released his hand. He had come tonight for something special and didn't want others to know. That's why he was dressed like this, but Leng Yiqing found it very puzzling.
Su Yunmo didn't explain, going straight to the point. A few days before the general returned, when he came to see her, he clearly noticed her foot seemed injured. Later, she learned that Su Zhengyang and Leng Yiqing had argued after he brought her back that day.
He was the one who brought the person in, so he needed to understand what was going on before he could come up with a solution. Otherwise, he wouldn't even know why something went wrong one day!
"After returning to the Crown Prince's residence, I was always worried and secretly inquired about it. But the information I received was incomplete. I need you to tell me what exactly happened after that day," Su Yunmo asked earnestly.
Seeing how seriously he took the matter, Leng Yiqing told Su Yunmo everything that followed. There wasn't much to hide from him, and in fact, she harbored a small hope—that she could get Su Yunmo's help if necessary.
Su Yunmo was a little puzzled: "To put the whole thing together, the Crown Princess disappeared in the Crown Prince's residence, but reappeared at sea far away. Tell me the truth, are you really Leng Yiqing? Or is there something else going on?"
“…” Leng Yiqing hesitated.
He had always been confident, believing his eyes were captivating enough. So he continued to gaze at Leng Yiqing with those mesmerizing eyes. And Leng Yiqing truly lost herself in those deep, resolute, warm, and sensual eyes.
“I must know the truth. Otherwise, how can I help you? Your goal is to stay in the Crown Prince's residence and live a peaceful life. But as long as Zheng Yang's suspicions about you remain unresolved, you will never be at ease! You must believe that your Imperial Uncle will always be on your side.” His tone was unusually firm.
She finally couldn't hold back any longer and told him how she had traveled through time and about the scenes in her dream. But after she finished speaking, she regretted it. Because she didn't know what awaited her. Would Su Yunmo tell Su Zhengyang? Or would he continue to care for her as before?
"Uncle, I'm sorry! I lied to you before! Because I was afraid of being called a monster, and I knew you wouldn't believe me!" Leng Yiqing said sincerely, after all, she only had a place to stay because of Su Yunmo's protection.
Su Yunmo carefully processed her words. Those things he had never known and never even considered were too unbelievable. But from her words, he learned that someone in the Crown Prince's residence was trying to kill her in order to seize the position of Crown Princess.
But the people he arranged only wanted to remove her from the position of Crown Princess, not kill her! Did something go wrong? Or was it someone else? It seems he needs to find Duan Feng and get to the bottom of this. But regardless, she's still a very good substitute.
Su Yunmo comforted Leng Yiqing, "Your royal uncle believes that those inexplicable things you said are true. If you also believe your royal uncle, then just focus on being the Crown Princess. Leave these matters to me, and I will find a way to help you solve them!" Whether true or false, these words undoubtedly gave Leng Yiqing great comfort.
“Royal Uncle…” Leng Yiqing was deeply moved by Su Yunmo’s words, but she couldn’t find the words to say anything.
"Don't say anything, even if you're not really the Crown Princess. But your father has already entrusted you to my care, hasn't he? And from the bottom of my heart, I want to protect you, understand?" He couldn't quite distinguish between the genuine feelings, the feigned intentions, the scheming, and the sincere intentions.
He felt sorry for her helplessness at first glance.
At first glance, she was enveloped in his endless tenderness.
From that moment on, their fates were intertwined, though their goals differed. Leng Yiqing wanted to live a peaceful life in the Crown Prince's residence, while Su Yunmo wanted far more.
Chapter Fourteen: Divorce
A new day, a new beginning. Since Su Yunmo's visit last night, Leng Yiqing felt a sense of clarity. In this unfamiliar dynasty, she was no longer alone; at least she had an imperial uncle she could trust. Therefore, she didn't want to heed Su Zhengyang's warning from the previous night.
She had only been going through the motions yesterday and hadn't really intended to apologize. But upon closer examination, if she were to actually apologize to Xue'er, wouldn't that disgrace her status as the Crown Princess? With that in mind, Leng Yiqing contentedly tended to her flowers and plants in the backyard.
That's how it was in ancient times; it was always hard to pass the time when you were bored. What else could you do besides pruning flowers and plants? Leng Yiqing really wanted to do something meaningful, but her status didn't allow her to show her face in public so easily. Otherwise, she really wanted to start her own small business.
"Sister Qing!" Xiao Xiang remembered the Crown Prince's warning from the previous night, but now she saw her mistress pruning the flower branches listlessly. She was worried that the Crown Prince would cause trouble again, so she reminded her mistress in time.
"I know you're going to bring up the matter of me going to Xue'er's again! I'm too lazy to go! Don't say it again, let's just water the flowers!" Thinking about this, Leng Yiqing's scalp tingled.
"Sister Qing, you've offended the Crown Prince, you..." Xiao Xiang wanted to continue persuading him.
"Stop talking! I told you to call me Sister Qing because I don't like the title 'Your Majesty.' Don't forget your place because of that!" Leng Yiqing scolded helplessly, really not wanting to hear anyone bring up that matter again.
He casually threw down the scissors in his hand and angrily walked towards the room.
Shen Jiaxue and Jiang Yuelin, two completely different women, kept appearing in her mind. She had only ever seen the drama of three women vying for one man in novels, but now she had to face it in reality. Leng Yiqing almost laughed.
This Su Zhengyang wasn't the one she loved, so she shouldn't have bothered with him. But the scenes in her dreams made it impossible for her to escape. In this small mansion, there was a woman who wanted her dead, and now, for a trivial matter, she was going to offend another person. Was it worth it for a little bit of face?
Leng Yiqing was extremely flustered at this moment; her leisurely mood from the morning had been completely ruined.
"Ah!" Xiao Xiang's reminder drove her crazy; this was a reaction she had never had before.
"Sister Qing..."
"I'm sorry, Xiao Xiang, let me have a moment to calm down!" She didn't want to be the kind of master who bullies others by virtue of her power. She regretted her words, as she didn't want a time bomb or spy by her side.
"Yiqing!" A familiar voice, warm and comforting.
“Royal Uncle!” Leng Yiqing subconsciously stood up and moved closer to Su Yunmo, as if this would bring her much comfort.
"Is it about apologizing to Xue'er? I overheard everything last night. I know you're troubled, that's why I came!" Su Yunmo said casually, as if it were no big deal. "I'll take you there, you can handle it however you want!"
Looking into Su Yunmo's determined eyes, Leng Yiqing felt greatly encouraged. Even though she understood that in this mansion, the Imperial Uncle was not her true backer, and that the person she should be currying favor with was Su Zhengyang, she still willingly relied on Su Yunmo.
Walking side-by-side with Su Yunmo down the corridor, Leng Yiqing was overwhelmed with mixed emotions. As shrewd as she was, she knew perfectly well that excessive dependence on someone was a dangerous sign, yet she was now deeply entangled in it. It wasn't just because of Su Yunmo's trust, but also because she was melted by his boundless tenderness.
Pavilions and waterside terraces, surrounded by blooming flowers. Compared to her own Qingxin Pavilion, Shen Jiaxue's Xueyuan Garden is in no way inferior! Judging by the scale of this courtyard, it's probably even larger than hers! This is enough to show how much Su Zhengyang dotes on her.
From afar, two figures could be seen leaning against each other, seemingly talking intimately. A gust of wind blew, ruffling Shen Jiaxue's long black hair. Su Zhengyang gently tidied her hair, smiling indulgently. He inadvertently caught a glimpse of Leng Yiqing and Su Yunmo's arrival out of the corner of his eye, but made no attempt to hide it, instead pulling her closer.
"Ha! Do you only come if your uncle invites you?" Su Zhengyang said coldly.
Although Leng Yiqing had told herself countless times that this Su Zhengyang was not the same Su Zhengyang, when she saw them being affectionate, she still subconsciously mistook him for him, after all, they had the same face. Leng Yiqing tried her best to calm herself down.
“Zhengyang, you’ve misunderstood Yiqing. She was just about to come over when I arrived,” Su Yunmo hurriedly explained to Su Zhengyang, while secretly tugging at Leng Yiqing’s sleeve.
Leng Yiqing glanced silently at Su Yunmo beside her and saw his encouraging look. Just as she was about to say something apologetic, she suddenly heard Su Zhengyang say, "It should have been done a long time ago. Xue'er didn't do anything to you, so why do you have to make things difficult for her?"
"Zhengyang, Sister Yiqing didn't do it on purpose, and besides, I didn't really do anything wrong!" That sweet, coquettish voice was enough to make ten thousand ants swoon, let alone Su Zhengyang, who was already completely mesmerized.
"Look how sensible Xue'er is. Who would be like you, so willful, capricious, and misbehaving!" Faced with such a stark contrast between the two, Su Zhengyang was even more furious.
"Enough!" Originally intending to tolerate it, but seeing how much Su Zhengyang disliked her, Leng Yiqing, relying on her uncle's protection, spoke her mind without restraint.
She calmly looked at the two intimate figures before her and said righteously, "I am no longer the Leng Yiqing of the past, so I disdain competing with you for favor. Of course, I no longer care about you, Su Zhengyang! Even my father doesn't trust you and has asked my uncle to take good care of me. As a man, my man, how can you bear this? What will your father think of you?"
Su Zhengyang clenched his fists, nearly bursting into rage, but Leng Yiqing remained unfazed and continued, "How loving you two are is none of my business. I will absolutely not disturb your happy life, so please don't bother me in the future. I have my freedom!"
"Freedom? I'll give you your freedom!" Hearing that she had voluntarily requested her freedom, Su Zhengyang breathed a sigh of relief. He simply couldn't tolerate someone who had hurt the woman he loved. "I'll petition for your divorce tomorrow!"
These words struck Leng Yiqing like a bolt from the blue. In ancient times, a woman abandoned by her husband would be ridiculed wherever she went. Having read much history, Leng Yiqing was quite aware of this; she hadn't realized she was so hated.
"Zhengyang, you'd better think it through before making a decision, or you'll regret it later!" Su Yunmo gave Su Zhengyang a deep look, then turned and left gracefully with Leng Yiqing in her hand.
---Aside---
Thank you all for your support! Please add this to your favorites! Leave lots of comments, and I'll reward you handsomely!
Chapter Fifteen: A Sudden Turn of Events
Under the sycamore tree by the west wall, Su Yunmo sat quietly with Leng Yiqing at a white marble table. She slumped weakly on the table, the coldness seeping into her heart. She tried to let the coldness settle, to slowly adapt to the temperature, and to gradually get used to being hurt.
From childhood to adulthood, Leng Yiqing had almost never suffered such humiliation. Even Su Zhengyang had never insulted her like this. There hadn't been any unfaithful behavior on her part, so to be forced to leave like this was an unbearable disgrace! How was she supposed to face people here afterward?
Su Yunmo frowned, seeing her so dejected, he couldn't help but comfort her: "Yiqing, what's wrong? Are you reluctant to part with him? He treated you so well, what is there to be reluctant about? If you want a peaceful life, your royal uncle will provide it for you!"
"Royal Uncle!" At this moment, Leng Yiqing's mind was in turmoil. Perhaps he didn't understand her feelings at all, so these words of persuasion made Leng Yiqing quite conflicted. "I'm not reluctant!"
“But your expression makes it clear that you’re reluctant to let go. Yiqing, this kind of person doesn’t deserve your love! Your royal uncle will seek justice for you!” Su Yunmo continued to persuade her.
Speaking of love, Leng Yiqing couldn't help but think of Su Zhengyang, who had once deeply loved her, and her mother. She didn't know if Su Zhengyang was alive or dead, or how her mother would cope with the news of her disappearance. Having just arrived in this unfamiliar environment, although she hadn't suffered the same abuse as other female protagonists, the pressure was still considerable.