Who else could you love besides me

Chapter 13

Several hurried footsteps approached, which sounded like Tian Yong's.

Sure enough, the footsteps stopped at the door, and the figure was Tian Yong.

Outside the door, Tian Yong knocked lightly a few times and said respectfully, "Miss, a letter has arrived from the magistrate in the capital. Please read it yourself."

Xi Ri suddenly came to her senses and said, "Bring it in."

Tian Shuang opened the door, took the letter, and then closed the door again. Tian Yong remained standing outside the door.

Xi Ri received the letter and immediately opened it. After reading through its contents, her initial pleasure vanished, replaced by a mocking glint in her eyes. With a cold laugh, she crumpled the letter in her hand. "Another arranged marriage? Tian Shuang, Tian Yong, prepare yourselves, we're returning to the capital." Her tone was filled with barely concealed sarcasm and annoyance.

Tian Shuang was startled and lowered his head to reply, "Yes."

Tian Yong, standing outside the door, was also momentarily stunned before replying, "Yes."

Time was short; she was leaving tomorrow. Yet, for some reason, she found herself back on the streets of Suzhou, by the green willows and the riverbanks, boats gliding on the water, a stone arch bridge before her, bustling with people. But she didn't step onto the bridge. Not far beyond the bridge lay the Long Mansion. When she realized it, she was startled. She had unknowingly arrived at Canglang Garden, the largest and most famous Long Mansion in Suzhou. But the bridge before her made her stop in her tracks. She didn't know why she was here, or what her purpose was. Was she going to say goodbye to him? They had only met a few times, and each time they had been so difficult with each other. Although last night seemed different… but… what could it mean?

She turned away sadly.

For the past few days, Long Ming had been busy with various matters, but finally had some free time again. He thought of that night, and of her. And of her laughing heartily.

Actually, he could have avoided falling so miserably that night, but for some reason, after hearing her sigh on the boulder, he wanted to see her laughing heartily. He wasn't used to her sighs; he was more used to seeing her laughing wildly.

I remember that whenever she laughed or had a scheme, she was always so radiant and unique, as if nothing in the world could bother her.

Night fell again, and surprisingly, the night sky was once again filled with stars, creating the same dark blue hue.

He went up to her roof again. The lights were off inside, and it was quiet all around, as if the owner had not yet returned.

He returned to the spot where the bricks and tiles had been moved that day, and once again, as if familiar with the process, he lifted up those few pieces of rubble. Suddenly, a letter appeared from under the rubble.

He opened it curiously, instinctively holding his breath, fearing it was another of her tricks. But the words he saw suddenly made his heart clench.

"I don't know if you'll ever see this letter, haha, I'm just taking a gamble. Maybe you'll come back here again, tear up my rubble once more, and spy on me again. (Followed by a smiley face) ^_^"

Are you angry? Don't be angry anymore. I sincerely apologize for teasing you these past few days. Actually, I'm very happy to have met you in Suzhou. If you don't object, I already consider you a friend, and even if you object, it won't matter. Because from now on, we will never see each other again.

I'm back in Beijing. Take care.

Oh, I forgot to mention, this letter doesn't have the scent of lotus flowers, so you don't need to hold your breath.

Just as Long Ming relaxed, a faint fragrance of lotus blossoms wafted into his nostrils, causing him to sneeze uncontrollably. After that first sneeze, he couldn't stop. Wasn't he told there was no lotus scent? How come there is? That Tian Xiri, she lied to him again… Ugh…

A violent sneeze made his hand tremble, and he noticed there were words on the back of the letter. He flipped it over and almost died of anger. The envelope had several large characters on the back: "Just kidding! Wahahaha!"

Ahhh... Ahhh...

Prince Minglu

Ten days had passed since she returned to the capital. At first, she still had doubts and did not believe that she would be betrothed to Prince Minglu. But when she held the imperial edict in her hand, she realized that this time, she really had been betrothed.

Two years ago, Suoge's refusal to marry her turned her from the most beautiful woman in the capital into the object of ridicule overnight. The huge contrast made her depressed. But since her mother passed away, she has gradually changed. She has become indifferent, indifferent to everything, and perhaps even world-weary.

She began to hate everything she used to care about most, including her father's attention and pampering, other people's opinions and evaluations of her, and the special favor that her aunt, the Empress Dowager, showed her. She was disgusted by everything that she used to care about most.

For a time, she lived what she thought was a peaceful and quiet life, not listening, not looking, and not thinking. But at that time, she felt that life was so lonely and desolate, and that everything around her had lost its original color.

Until her encounter with Long Ming in Suzhou, whether it was fate or not, from the moment she met him, her entire life began to go off track. Even she herself changed, becoming more cheerful and outgoing. She no longer found the morning sunlight too bright, forgot her original loneliness and solitude, and it seemed as if the whole world had begun to come alive with color.

Even if he returns to Beijing and faces the merciless ridicule and sarcasm of his closest siblings, he can remain calm. It's not the forbearance and deliberate concealment of the past, but genuine indifference.

Since her return, she has learned that the arranged marriage was her aunt's idea, and her father also liked the marriage.

Prince Minglu is another favored son of the emperor among the younger generation of officials, besides Suoge, and is also a member of the imperial family. In terms of status, the Tian family has undoubtedly climbed a notch this time. Judging from her father's tone, he seems to admire Minglu's conduct in officialdom even more. In fact, as soon as she received the imperial decree, her father had already begun to instruct her to do everything she could to win Prince Minglu's favor.

Regardless, this marriage is more suitable for the Tian family. And she should rightfully like it.

Yes, why wouldn't she like it? She had no reason not to. So, at the moment she received the imperial edict, her voice of gratitude was very loud, so loud that she wanted to hear it deep within her own heart. She couldn't object; she could only accept it. Her kowtow was loud and abrupt, so loud that it hurt her. The more it hurt, the better, so that she would be more certain that this was not a dream, that this was all reality, a reality she had to accept.

She held her head high in front of everyone, seemingly accepting the imperial decree with immense pride, but inwardly she couldn't help but sneer.

If her mother were still alive at this moment, she would have acted even more convincingly, because her mother would have been happy for her, proud of her and able to wipe away her shame.

Now, however, she has to face everything alone. She must act, not giving the lurking wolves any opportunity to take advantage. She must hide her unwillingness, her vulnerability and helplessness. She must be strong; only in this way can she live with pride.

Tian Xiyun, the daughter of the third concubine, couldn't help but sneer at her for kowtowing so loudly just now. Was she just too happy and carried away?

This earned him a displeased snort from his father.

She simply smiled calmly. Holding the imperial edict high in her hands, she went into the ancestral hall in the back to offer it up.

The group had no choice but to follow behind. Some flattered her, some were jealous, some spoke with veiled sarcasm that she had finally married, and others waited to see her make a fool of herself. Every gaze in the room was like a needle piercing her, but she endured it all with fortitude, bowing deeply before the imperial edict held high above. Her mind was clear. Yes, everyone in the capital knew that Prince Minglu was as famous as Suoge, and if Suoge didn't want it, would he like it? Perhaps all that awaited her was a humiliating ordeal.

In the past, she might have just accepted her fate, but now she suddenly wants to rebel and resist this marriage from the bottom of her heart.

There was a way, and even if there truly was, she was determined to try. She would fight against fate and never again be controlled by it. A spirit of rebellion gathered within her, fermented, and then swelled…

A few days ago, she secretly sent Tian Yong to investigate Minglu.

Perhaps Minglu was indeed a celebrity, for within a day, his basic information was in her hands. Among it was a portrait. Whether it was the painter's superb skill or intentional, the portrait of Prince Minglu was remarkably handsome, with captivating phoenix eyes, exuding a touch of wickedness and allure. In the portrait, he stood alone under a peach tree, with blossoms falling in the wind, displaying an indescribable air of dashing elegance. After inquiring, she learned that the portrait had been obtained from a brothel, and was actually painted by Su Yingying, the most beautiful courtesan of the Wan Hua Lou.

Like Suoge, Prince Minglu was a young man of exceptional talent in both literature and martial arts. At the age of fifteen, he participated in both the civil and military examinations and won the title of top scholar in both, causing a sensation throughout the capital. Later, he not only gained the emperor's favor but also inherited his ancestors' title at a young age, becoming even more ambitious and spirited. In the officialdom, these two were the most favored by the emperor among the younger generation, but it was said that they were often at odds and always suppressed each other, both openly and secretly.

Prince Minglu was a well-known playboy. He was famous for his womanizing ways and frequented brothels. People in the capital would say of him: "Prince Minglu is the most dashing playboy in the capital."

At this time, he already had three concubines and four mistresses, truly deserving the title of having three wives and four concubines, enjoying the blessings of having multiple wives.

Some say that Prince Minglu is a spoiled brat who bullies others and spends money recklessly, while others say that he is a warm-hearted man who is cold on the outside but warm on the inside, enjoys making friends, and is a true gentleman despite his romantic nature.