Perhaps Yan Qingli brought her here to make her realize this point. After all, only by realizing this point will she want to hold on to everything she has now, and the only one who can make her hold on to everything is Yan Qingli.
Qiu Lanxi was too lazy to delve into all of this. After all, no matter how thoroughly she thought about it, she couldn't change anything. So she wasn't nervous about it and lifted the carriage curtain to look at the scenery outside.
People crowded the sides of the road, leaving the middle space for the powerful and wealthy. Only at times like this did Qiu Lanxi truly realize what kind of place she was in.
From Yan Qingli's angle, all that could be seen was her beautifully curved chin, which appeared even whiter under the black curtains.
Qiu Lanxi didn't care about Yan Qingli's gaze. She had gotten used to this kind of stare. At first, she had to comfort herself in her heart, but now she was able to ignore it.
She watched the people coming and going outside, and envied their freedom. But Qiu Lanxi knew very well that if she were given such freedom, she would not be able to survive in this era.
The carriage seemed to have entered the bustling city, and the number of vendors gradually increased. Qiu Lanxi looked at the sugar paintings that the vendors handed to the children, and the old man selling candied hawthorns. These were the only two familiar things she saw in this era.
Qiu Lanxi couldn't help but tug at Yan Qingli's sleeve: "Your Highness..."
"What is it?"
I want to eat candied hawthorn.
A hint of longing flickered in her eyes, making it hard to refuse such a trivial request. However, Yan Qingli remained indifferent, frowning as she said, "Dirty."
"Your Highness..." Qiu Lanxi tugged at her sleeve and shook it, "Please."
She opened her misty eyes, her tone unusually soft. Yan Qingli's eyebrows twitched involuntarily. Strangely, she could easily refuse such a request, but for some reason, she couldn't bring herself to say it.
She tried several times, but it was still the same. However, when Qiu Lanxi saw that she did not respond, she had already moved closer and was no longer satisfied with just tugging at her sleeve. Instead, she reached out and wrapped her arms around her.
"What kind of behavior is this!" Yan Qingli couldn't help but rebuke.
If others knew that she could say such things, they would probably be shocked, because Princess Shaoguang, who was greatly favored in the Great Ning Dynasty, did the most things that were contrary to reason and morality.
"Your Highness..." Qiu Lanxi wasn't afraid of her anger, but rather of her lack of reaction. Seeing this, her voice softened even more, "Please, Your Highness~"
Yan Qingli felt as if her lips and tongue were no longer under her control, because she heard them say, as if possessed, "The outside is dirty. I'll have someone clean it up when we get back."
After saying that, Yan Qingli felt as if she were possessed, and an indescribable anger filled her heart. Few people could influence her thoughts after she made a decision, but now she seemed to be bewitched.
Qiu Lanxi blinked and smiled brightly: "Thank you, Your Highness!"
She reached out and, as if unable to control her emotions, couldn't help but hug her, pressing her soft cheek against her own. Yan Qingli unconsciously curled her fingers, and the anger strangely subsided, replaced by an even more indescribable feeling.
It's just a string of candied hawthorns...
Yan Qingli kept a straight face and slightly raised her chin, so no one could see the turmoil in her heart.
Qiu Lanxi lowered her eyes, concealing the smile in them. She always believed that no one is without weaknesses, and even if they are, they can create weaknesses in others.
Look, it'll be here soon!
The carriage soon returned to the princess's residence. After changing out of the clothes she wore when she entered the palace and into her everyday clothes, Qiu Lanxi saw Yan Qingli picking up a book and reading it again when she entered the room.
She looked around and understood, but couldn't help asking anxiously, "Your Highness, where are my candied hawthorns?"
Yan Qingli looked up from her book and said calmly, "Where would the princess's residence get such food?"
Qiu Lanxi was taken aback: "But...you promised me..."
Her voice gradually faded, and when Yan Qingli saw her with her head down, he felt a strange sense of pleasure. The anger that had been temporarily suppressed in the carriage seemed to have finally found an outlet and dissipated instantly.
But after waiting for a while, seeing Qiu Lanxi still standing there alone, neither speaking nor showing any sign of disappointment, Yan Qingli felt a little uneasy. She couldn't help but put down her book and lift her eyelids to look over: "Come here."
Qiu Lanxi didn't move for a while before walking over. When she got closer, even though she had her head down, Yan Qingli could see the tear stains on her face and felt a little confused.
It's just a candied hawthorn, why are you so upset?
Yan Qingli paused for a moment, her appearance making it seem as if she had committed some heinous crime.
This reaction was really boring, far from what Yan Qingli had initially expected. Most of the noble ladies and gentlemen she teased either slunk away and made harsh remarks or forced a smile at her while holding back their anger. How could they really be so angry that they cried?
Yan Qingli couldn't help but reach out and touch her. Qiu Lanxi looked thin, but her face was still fleshy. It felt delicate and soft to the touch. The dampness on her fingertips made her a little uncomfortable. She withdrew her hand without making a sound and said, "Call Chun Su in."
Princess Shaoguang's maids were all skilled in martial arts, and they walked almost silently. Qiu Lanxi didn't hear anyone coming in at all. She only saw Yan Qingli raise his hand, and a brightly colored candied hawthorn appeared in front of her.
Seeing that she didn't move, Yan Qingli glanced at her and said, "Do you want me to feed you?"
Qiu Lanxi then accepted it.
Yan Qingli sipped her tea slowly, as if nothing had happened, and watched Qiu Lanxi take small bites. She couldn't help but say, "It's just a candied hawthorn, is it worth all this trouble?"
Qiu Lanxi blinked lightly, thinking to herself that the candied hawthorns weren't worth it, but you were. She didn't argue, but gently apologized, "It's my fault, please forgive me, Your Highness."
For some reason, Yan Qingli felt increasingly suffocated, as if she were being unreasonable. She glanced at Qiu Lanxi and felt that this anger was completely irrational, but she just couldn't help feeling stifled.
Qiu Lanxi knew when to stop, and tugged at her sleeve almost imperceptibly: "Good Your Highness, please don't tease me next time. I'm stupid, I'll take it seriously."
Her eyes were still misty and wet. Yan Qingli's eyebrows twitched slightly. She knew that she did it on purpose, and that she had easily erased everything. She had unconsciously crossed the line. Even though she knew it, she was still helpless. She had fallen into the trap without even realizing it.
Yan Qingli didn't want to admit it, so she changed the subject, saying, "You really like candied hawthorns?"
Qiu Lanxi blinked lightly: "I don't really like it, I just suddenly wanted to try the candied hawthorns here and see how they differ from the ones at home."
Yan Qingli glanced at her: "What's the difference?"
"I can't taste it," Qiu Lanxi said with a hint of disappointment. "I haven't had it in a long time, I've forgotten about it."
Like a flower exposed to the scorching sun, she looked somewhat listless. Yan Qingli thought that she probably didn't like any of this.
When Yan Qingli gave her gorgeous clothes and treasures, apart from her amazement at them, she never showed any desire. Only when she held the candied hawthorn did she reveal a bit of satisfaction. Not everyone pursues wealth and glory; many people also pursue ordinariness and peace. Yan Qingli was well aware of this.
She casually looked away, but this was the one thing they could never have.
After a moment of silence, Yan Qingli raised his hand and pressed it against his chest, making Qiu Lanxi feel breathless. Struggling to no avail, she could only ask blankly, "Your Highness?"
Yan Qingli's eyes flickered slightly: "It's nothing."
Then let me go!
Neuropathy!
Qiu Lanxi pouted slightly; she hadn't finished eating her candied hawthorns yet!
Afraid of getting candied hawthorns on her clothes, Qiu Lanxi could only raise her hand, which made her curse Yan Qingli in her heart again. Although she knew very well that someone like Yan Qingli would never consider other people's thoughts and always expect others to cooperate with her, so some of Yan Qingli's behaviors always seemed inexplicable to Qiu Lanxi.
Yan Qingli looked at Qiu Lanxi in her arms. Such a fragile and delicate flower could easily have its life ended in the hands of people like them, leaving it helpless... However, this fragility gave it a stronger will to survive than any other creature. Even when growing among rubble, it could find a chance to bury its roots and bloom into a flower that would captivate the heart.
Compared to those who lose all sense of proportion when they fall into a disadvantageous situation, such people are undoubtedly resilient at heart.
Although she didn't actually need these qualities, they were just a shield.
Qiu Lanxi had no idea what she was thinking, because she quickly let go of her hand.
Yan Qingli's intimacy always stopped short of being overtly affectionate. Even after repeated probing, Qiu Lanxi still couldn't figure out whether Yan Qingli was gay or not. After all, Yan Qingli didn't seem very straight, but she didn't seem very gay either. This left Qiu Lanxi still unsure of her own position: should she be a close confidante, a caring younger sister, or a gentle lover?
Beauty is fleeting, and Qiu Lanxi needs Yan Qingli's affection, whether it be love or friendship. Although Yan Qingli's current behavior seems to meet her expectations, she knows it's not enough. At least for now, Yan Qingli is not willing to give up his interests for her. Between the two, she will only choose the latter.
Now, everything is just a trivial sacrifice to the other party, which can be easily taken back or ruthlessly discarded.
After Qiu Lanxi finally finished eating and fell asleep, Yan Qingli calmly looked at her. After staring at her for a moment, she looked down at her fingertips, put them in her mouth, and seemed to vaguely taste the sweetness of the candied hawthorn.
Chapter 10
With Emperor Qinghe's golden words, the matter was quickly and completely settled. The next day, two imperial edicts were issued, not only announcing the marriage but also scolding the family behind the prince consort, saying that their family conduct was improper.
At the same time, all sorts of gorgeous clothes and precious treasures were sent to the princess's residence by Emperor Qinghe to comfort her wounded heart.
Emperor Qinghe was always lenient in his treatment of his children. If the princess intended to settle things peacefully, Emperor Qinghe would not say anything. However, once she showed strong dissatisfaction, the matter could not be easily resolved. And how many families that Emperor Qinghe had named and criticized for their improper family style and moral failings would dare to get close to him?
Everyone knows that the Bai family is doomed. In fact, everything that is happening now may just be a minor incident. The Emperor will not allow the Bai family to be in the capital and get in his way.
Sure enough, within a few days, someone impeached the Bai family for bullying men and women and deceiving their superiors. Soon, a flood of memorials were presented to the emperor, who was furious and demoted the Bai family members again and again. In the end, the patriarch of the Bai family had no choice but to resign from his post, and the whole family retired to their hometowns. Only then was the matter considered closed.
As Qiu Lanxi listened to Chun Su's vivid description, she learned that Yan Qingli was not the only one who requested a divorce from Emperor Qinghe. However, while the Bai family had completely left the capital, the other princess's husband simply became a coward, and his family was not affected at all.
Such a clear difference, even if there are political considerations involved, is bound to make people feel resentful. Despite Yan Qingli's previous act of requesting an official title for the other party's offspring, how much gratitude will the other party feel towards Yan Qingli afterward?
This is probably the perfect example of adding fuel to a fire.
Qiu Lanxi couldn't help but wonder, did Emperor Qinghe really like Yan Qingli?
Yan Qingli no longer cared about these things. Emperor Qinghe finally gave her a real post, but the more this was the case, the more cautious she had to be. She couldn't show her desire, but at the same time, she couldn't mess things up. For this reason, she simply had Qiu Lanxi accompany her to court. Every time she went to do something, Qiu Lanxi was there to add fragrance to her life.
If any other prince had done this, he would have been relentlessly criticized by the censors. But with Yan Qingli, all the critical memorials were suppressed and not issued, as if no one was dissatisfied with it.
Every day when Qiu Lanxi woke up, she couldn't help but touch her neck, feeling as if she were getting closer and closer to death, after all, even an emperor's patience has its limits.
As a result, Qiu Lanxi's face, which had gained some weight from being well-fed, became thinner again. Yan Qingli could not possibly change his plans because of this, but he did not say anything either. In his spare time, he would take Qiu Lanxi out for a walk to relax.
In the capital, riding horses was forbidden, but people were not prohibited from riding them. However, most families preferred to walk rather than ride horses to avoid trouble. Yan Qingli, on the other hand, did not need to worry about such things and rode a tall white horse with Qiu Lanxi.
Qiu Lanxi was not a homebody in her previous life; she often traveled to various places during holidays. Now that she can go out with Yan Qingli, she is naturally much more relaxed.
Ultimately, when you can't fight back, the only thing you can adjust is your mindset.
Yan Qingli was dressed in a robe today, looking neat and dashing. Qiu Lanxi, wearing a veiled hat, leaned against her and unconsciously grabbed her arm before daring to look down. In her previous life, Qiu Lanxi had walked across glass bridges and the like, but now, riding on horseback, she felt afraid of heights.
This forced her to get extremely close to Yan Qingli. Yan Qingli's eyes darkened slightly. The white horse galloped along the wide road for a while before reining in and stopping when there were many people around. It then slowly walked towards the crowd.
Qiu Lanxi asked curiously, "Where is this?"
“Nine Markets.” Yan Qingli glanced at the passersby, her expression somewhat gloomy.
The so-called Nine Markets also had another well-known name: the place where "you buy fine horses in the East Market and saddles in the West Market." All the merchants and workshops in the capital were located in these Nine Markets.
"When my father entrusted me with the seals of the Nine Markets, he hoped that I could manage them well."
"Then His Highness must have succeeded, right?" Qiu Lanxi looked at the bustling streets and didn't think the other party could fail at this matter.
Although she could already foresee the difficulties involved, with Chun Su constantly gossiping in front of her about the customs and culture of the capital, Qiu Lanxi knew very well what the Ninth Market was. Most of the spoiled young masters in the capital would inevitably appear in the Ninth Market if they were to bully men or women.
In addition, the powerful and influential families behind these businessmen allow some unscrupulous merchants to run rampant, while the poor suffer greatly from oppression. The power base is deeply entrenched, and rashly intervening can easily lead to trouble.
"No." Yan Qingli forced a smile.
As the economic center of the capital, the Nine Markets were so well-managed that it was said that most of the problems in the capital could be solved. Therefore, when Emperor Qinghe handed over the seals of the Nine Markets to Yan Qingli, she was more surprised than frightened.
However, when she finally managed to govern the nine cities well, she encountered even greater difficulties and realized that Emperor Qinghe actually wanted her to give up. So, she later began to use the excuse of learning to ask Emperor Qinghe to find her a chief official to assist her, pretending that she was just having a passing interest and didn't want to deal with these things anymore.
She treated herself like royalty.
After that, there were indeed no more troubles in Kyushu. No one secretly plotted a rebellion or hid weapons in the city, and there were no more street killings...
Yan Qingli told Qiu Lanxi everything without any hesitation, leaving her speechless. She knew the other didn't need comforting, and not knowing what to say, she changed the subject, asking, "And Your Highness now? Are you still going to be a mascot?"
"This isn't something I begged for," Yan Qingli said with a faint smile.