When she first met Zhang Yu, she didn't know his identity; at the time, she simply thought he was excessively handsome. But not long after, a family tragedy struck, and she forgot all about it. Later, when they met again, she learned that he was actually the ruler of the court.
At the time, it wasn't clear why Zhang Yu was at Jingyun Nunnery that early morning, but Ahao always remembered him jumping down from the wall with a graceful and swift movement, landing steadily. As he walked towards her step by step, his bright eyes were more delightful than the morning dew.
But after learning his identity, she vaguely realized that she should eradicate any inappropriate thoughts as soon as possible, and she kept her distance from him without making a sound or attracting his attention. At that time, she was simply thinking that she must guard her heart and not fall into vain feelings.
Ah Hao remembered what Zhang Yu had said when he accompanied her to fly the kite: "Once it flies away, don't bother with it anymore; if it falls, you can let it fly again." He was perceptive and had probably always sensed the thoughts hidden in her heart.
So he subtly reminded her several times. He wouldn't abandon her if she encountered trouble, but if she tried to run away, he wouldn't take her back. The man who had said those words ultimately didn't let her go. She had previously thought she only had a slight liking for him, but it turned out she didn't.
Even now, Ahao still doesn't quite understand why Zhang Yu suddenly treated her differently at the beginning. Perhaps there was an element of exploitation involved, but it was definitely not just that. Step by step, they've come to this point, and the past has become less important. One must look forward.
But he's doing well now...
When Ahao turned her head to look at Zhang Yu, he had just lowered his head. Their eyes met for a moment; they were no longer the same as before, but filled with determination and tenderness, and a smile welled up in Ahao's eyes.
"When Father was still alive, he knew Mother was bored at home, so he would often find different things to amuse her. Every day when he came back from the government office, he would bring Mother her favorite pastries. During his days off, he would take Mother to the outskirts of the city to enjoy the scenery."
"Although our family wasn't particularly wealthy, Father was willing to give Mother everything he could. I wasn't very sensible back then, but I thought it was all very good... I may not have much to give, but I'm willing to give you everything I have and cherish you always. Your Majesty, I may not be able to do much either, but..."
Zhang Yu simply smiled and interrupted Ahao, but his tightly clasped hands changed position, their fingers intertwined even more intimately. Strangers who had also come to pay their respects to the graves cast glances their way, but Ahao didn't mind, nor did Zhang Yu. He even put his arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer to him.
Finally, he said, "No, there's a lot you can do. I'll teach you when we get back."
Ah Hao hadn't intended to think anything inappropriate, but Zhang Yu's expression was so improper that she couldn't help but feel a flush on her face. She secretly glanced at the person next to her, which only made him smile more.
...
Because it was the Ghost Festival, Ahao and Zhang Yu had dinner in Lin'an City, then went to the bustling market to buy river lanterns, and slowly walked to the riverbank with the crowd. The lit river lanterns were gently placed on the river, and with a slight push, they floated downstream.
On the Ghost Festival, releasing river lanterns is a way to express remembrance for relatives and friends. Therefore, the riverbank is quite lively at this time, with many men and women, and it's rather noisy. Ah-hao quietly watches the river lanterns drift away, silently wishing her father and mother a blessed and peaceful next life.
A round, jade-like moon shone brightly in the sky, its light gleaming. On the ground, lanterns illuminated the dark river, creating shimmering ripples. For some reason, a commotion broke out around them. Zhang Yu pulled Ahao into his arms, shielding her from the crowd to prevent her from being bumped or knocked over.
With Zhang Yu by her side, Ahao felt constantly surrounded by tenderness, and the warmth in her heart lingered. Day after day, their companionship grew, and she began to think that it didn't matter where she was with him. Because there wasn't much she could do either; she couldn't just let him sacrifice everything.
Zhang Yu stood out in the crowd. He was already extremely handsome, and having lived in Jingyun Nunnery for some time, he exuded a refined and elegant air. As he walked through the long street, many young girls frequently glanced in his direction.
Perhaps because the Qixi Festival had just passed, some bolder girls even tried to throw handkerchiefs or purses at him to show their affection. Ah Hao turned her head and saw his stern face, and couldn't help but chuckle.
When Zhang Yu saw this, he leaned close to her ear and threatened, "You can still laugh? Are you trying to force me to do something in the street to let them know that I'm taken?" To others, it seemed like they were already very close.
"If you say that, the ladies won't be happy..." Ah Hao suppressed a laugh and said in a low voice without looking at Zhang Yu. Although it was a joke, she knew Zhang Yu would pretend to be angry. She quickly went to a nearby stall, picked up a hairpin, and pretended to look at it. She even turned to look at him and asked, "Is this pretty?"
Zhang Yu was indeed annoyed by her mischievousness. He knew that Ahao was saying those things on purpose, but it seemed that she was using this method to tell him... she didn't take it to heart.
He did indeed put on a stern face, and immediately took the things from A-Hao's hands and returned them. Zhang Yu looked down at A-Hao, seemingly gritting his teeth, and said, "You can have all these things you want, but you'd better come over here and talk things over first..." He then dragged A-Hao away.
While still on her way back to Jingyun Nunnery, Ahao paid the price for her words. She was severely tormented by Zhang Yu until she promised never to say such things again and begged for mercy before she was finally let go.
·
Not two days after the Ghost Festival, Xia Mingzhe came to Jingyun Nunnery to find Zhang Yu. He knelt on one knee, solemnly and without avoiding Ahao, and said frankly, "Your Majesty, I wish to marry the little princess."
Ah Hao was somewhat taken aback by Xia Mingzhe's words and looked at him. Regardless, it was quite surprising that he had come alone without any prior warning to request a marriage decree from His Majesty. However, Xia Mingzhe wasn't joking at all; he must have made up his mind, and since he was the one who brought it up, it meant he was interested in Zhang Xin.
For a moment, Ah Hao turned her head to look at Zhang Yu, whose expression seemed indifferent, as if he had known this would happen beforehand. They had just finished breakfast, and Zhang Yu was drinking the osmanthus tea that Ah Hao had brewed. After a while, he asked, "She agreed too?" The "she" he was referring to was naturally Zhang Xin.
Xia Mingzhe's face immediately showed difficulty, indicating that the little princess had not yet agreed. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "If Your Majesty agrees now and begins preparations, there will be enough time until March next year, which is enough before Your Majesty leaves Lin'an." If things could not be settled before Zhang Yu left, then it would take even longer, and he did not want to wait that long.
Ah Hao thought to herself, "So he knew all this, and he certainly should have known." Perhaps this was why Zhang Yu was so busy… The preparations needed before leaving were undoubtedly numerous and involved many aspects. Not everyone could be like her, simply packing a few things and leaving.
Zhang Yu smiled, and his smile made Xia Mingzhe less confident. But he couldn't reason with Zhang Xin. She was a willful person by nature and sometimes very stubborn. She would only do this because she had no other choice. Otherwise, he would definitely have to get her to agree first.
She held a grudge after that kiss, always saying she was bullied and was angry. She'd tell him to get his revenge, then pout and tell him not to try and take advantage of her again. That silly, naive little girl from before is becoming increasingly difficult to fool.
"If I help you, how do you plan to thank me?"
Xia Mingzhe, who had thought it was hopeless, was surprised that Zhang Yu agreed so readily. It seemed that Zhang Yu shared the same idea as him, wanting to settle the little princess's marriage before leaving... With Zhang Yu's words, Xia Mingzhe felt relieved. He lowered his head and said, "Your Majesty, please give your orders."
"There is an urgent matter that requires someone to go to Leping County."
Leping County is the fiefdom of the Prince of Lu. Traveling from Lin'an City, without delay, a round trip by fast horse would take about half a month. Adding the time for official business, it shouldn't take more than a month. That's not too difficult.
Hearing this, Xia Mingzhe knew that Zhang Yu had probably already planned to appoint him to handle this matter, but he just happened to walk into it, making it easier to ask for his consent. Xia Mingzhe readily agreed to Zhang Yu's request, as he had no other choice. In return, Zhang Yu agreed to his relationship with Zhang Xin, and for only a month, which he didn't think was a waste.
Two days after Xia Mingzhe's visit, Prince Ning arrived alone, also proposing marriage, undoubtedly to Ling Xiao. Zhang Yu, like Xia Mingzhe, gave a prompt reply this time, but Prince Ning wasn't as lucky as Xia Mingzhe, as Zhang Yu gave a negative answer.
"Why?" Thinking that he would definitely get Zhang Yu's approval as long as he asked, Prince Ning frowned and looked at his sixth brother, and immediately asked a question.
“She can’t right now,” Zhang Yu replied, without offering further explanation. He added, “You can refuse to listen to me, but you’ll have to bear the consequences.” Even these words clearly carried a hint of coercion.
Prince Ning was unaware of the consequences, but he knew they wouldn't be good. However, Zhang Yu didn't completely rule out the possibility, only saying it wasn't possible now. Therefore, not getting the answer he wanted, Prince Ning had no choice but to ask Zhang Yu, "If not now, then when?"
"About three years."
"..."
Prince Ning left Jingyun Nunnery in anger.
Ah Hao was curious about Zhang Yu's reason for not agreeing to Prince Ning's request. The little princess and Lord Xia had readily agreed, but with Prince Ning, it seemed like there would be a chance within three years. Ah Hao couldn't help but think about going to the border. If Ling Xiao was going to go with them, it seemed to make sense.
"Is Aunt Ling also going to the border?" Zhang Yu didn't tell Prince Ning, but he didn't hide it from Ahao, nodding slightly to indicate that was the case. Ahao suddenly understood and asked him again, "So it's for three years?"
Zhang Yu neither nodded nor shook his head. He pulled Ah Hao to sit down next to him and said, "If things go smoothly, he might be back in two years." He added, "Two or three years isn't too long. Xiao Shi can just hang in there."
Ah Hao smiled to herself. No wonder he didn't inform Prince Ning beforehand; if he had, how could he have agreed? Thinking about it again, keeping her by his side while separating Prince Ning from Ling Xiao—such behavior... However, he probably wouldn't have done it without a valid reason.
Although she had other thoughts in her mind, Ahao didn't pursue the matter further. She simply recalled the incident between the little princess and Xia Mingzhe, and seeing that Zhang Yu hadn't made any move, Ahao turned to ask, "What about the little princess's matter?"