The mansion that Ling Xiao acquired clearly had some history; the decorations were mostly worn, yet full of rustic charm. The mansion occupied a large area, much larger than the one Ling Xiao lived in in Tongcheng. Even though it was still winter, and the lush flowers and plants were absent, the pavilions, terraces, rockeries, and emerald lake still offered a unique kind of enjoyment.
There are two towering mimosa trees standing side by side in the mansion. It is said that they were planted by a loving couple who lived in the house after an argument, in an attempt to reconcile. They are decades old now, but the truth of this claim is hard to verify. In addition, the stewards and servants have all been selected, so Lingxiao does not need to worry about them.
After excitedly taking Ah Hao for a short stroll, Ling Xiao finally felt relieved. Even though she knew the emperor's reward was meant to keep her in check, and that the title of marquis likely had ulterior motives, and that she would have to continue serving the emperor, she knew she was now obligated to do so.
But for her now, it wasn't all bad. She could treat it as a new job, and she wouldn't need to go to the Imperial Hospital anymore. Considering the gifts and the house bestowed upon her, Ling Xiao felt that the Emperor's image in her heart had instantly risen eight levels! It had gone from negative to passing grade in an instant!
"Ah Hao, I'm getting really bored living here all by myself. Do you want to come with me?" Now that the Emperor is back, he'll definitely be returning to the palace, so Ling Xiao took the opportunity to urge Ah Hao on.
“If the two of us live together, we’ll have each other’s company and won’t be so bored.” She had heard Prince Ning mention that it would take some time before Ahao was officially crowned empress, because Zhang Yu had other preparations. So, it was acceptable for Ahao not to return to the palace for the time being.
If the emperor is so inclined, he might formally crown her empress as her wedding ceremony. In that case, she can't very well marry out of the palace! This isn't a particularly bad choice for her, and with Ahao around, she can avoid being alone with Prince Ning to a large extent! Who told him to always bully her like this? Being oppressed doesn't feel good at all.
While Ling Xiao was pondering this for a moment, A Hao had already given her reply, saying, "Okay." When Ling Xiao looked over, A Hao also looked at her, "It's not a good idea to go to Jingyun Nunnery for the time being. If I go back to the Song Mansion, I'll be all alone. It's better to come with you so we can look after each other, and it will be much more convenient. Then I won't stand on ceremony and bother you."
"What's the big deal? I'm overjoyed that you don't mind," Ling Xiao said with a smile. Then she asked, "However, shouldn't I go to the palace to express my gratitude now?" Most other meritorious officials receive and express their gratitude in person, but this time it's a little different for her. She doesn't know the specific rules very well, but A-Hao certainly does.
Ah Hao smiled and nodded, saying, "Go in your official robes; I'm sure they've been prepared."
Half an hour later, Ling Xiao emerged from the house wearing a crimson robe with embroidered peacocks and floral trim, a style of official robe that had been prepared in advance. It was somewhat different from the robes of ordinary officials; although the style was simple, it was both graceful and straightforward, without being overly rigid, making him appear very spirited and radiant.
After seeing Ling Xiao off, A-Hao didn't rest. She started leading people to help her tidy up and inspect the mansion. This wasn't because she was being difficult, but because it was something she had discussed with Zhang Yu beforehand, and she hadn't acted on her own initiative.
She no longer cares whether she returns to the palace or not. In the past, she often felt that something was not quite right, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it, so she would subtly avoid the issue and not make a decision.
But that time in Nanwan City, when she jumped from the city wall without any hope, Zhang Yu caught her safely, and she didn't want to care about anything anymore. She disappeared for so many days, and was even kidnapped by Inspector Zhao, yet Zhang Yu didn't ask her anything about what happened during that time.
She could clearly feel his love and respect for her, his pity and reluctance to part with her. She hadn't considered that Zhang Yu would rush up to her; no one knew if they could make it in time, and even if they did, would they both get hurt? Zhang Yu didn't even know if she had been assaulted or forced to do anything. It was as if he didn't care about anything, as long as she could go back.
At that moment, however, she did not share the same thoughts as Zhang Yu.
Zhao Jian once said that she would be kidnapped, her reputation ruined, and she would never be able to return to Zhang Yu's side. At the time, she did indeed have similar thoughts, yet she was unable to escape Zhao Jian's control. Even though she still wanted to see Zhang Yu again, she held little hope.
Actually, she could have thought that what outsiders said didn't matter to her, but it wasn't that simple. Now, however, she didn't care anymore; Zhang Yu's every action told her it didn't matter. He always seemed to be like this, saying very little but doing a lot, making people feel reliable and at ease.
Although Zhang Yu hadn't made any promises about what would happen next, Ahao felt that all she wanted to do now was trust him. She believed that Zhang Yu wouldn't wrong herself, and that he would handle everything properly and not put her in a difficult position. Therefore, she didn't need to worry unnecessarily.
Ah Hao thought that Prince Ning had put a lot of thought into Ling Xiao's residence. After looking around, she found that some parts had been newly renovated, and all kinds of utensils were readily available, even the newly made clothes for all four seasons were packed in several large boxes.
But judging from Ling Xiao's expression... it seemed that Prince Ning would need some more time to negotiate, and it might be a pleasure for both of them. Meanwhile, the little princess was going to be a mother before them all; counting down the days, she would give birth next April, ahead of them all.
It was past mid-afternoon. Calculating the time, she estimated Ling Xiao would be returning soon, and guessed that Zhang Yu and Prince Ning would also arrive. Ahao devised a menu and reported it to the steward, instructing him to prepare the meal. Afterwards, she asked the steward for teaware, selected Da Hong Pao tea, and began brewing tea in advance, awaiting their arrival.
When Ling Xiao appeared, bouncing and skipping, A-Hao had just finished brewing the tea. She reached out, picked up a cup, and drank it down. The hot tea seemed to instantly refresh her and make her feel relaxed and comfortable. She looked quite pleased, but had no interest in appreciating the tea. Prince Ning followed behind her with a smile, while Zhang Yu lagged a step behind.
They didn't send anyone to inform them beforehand.
Ah Hao looked at Zhang Yu, blinked, and stood up. Seeing that he didn't seem inclined to drink the tea, she turned and walked outside, so she followed him. Outside, Zhang Yu was already waiting for her. Ah Hao caught up, and the two walked side-by-side along the corridor, talking as they went.
"Why don't you drink the freshly brewed tea? It'll warm you up. The food has already been prepared by the kitchen, but it will probably take a little while. They made Buddha's Hand Rolls, Lotus Leaf Chicken, and Ginger Fish Fillets, some of your usual dishes. They also made a bird's nest and chicken soup to nourish you. Remember to drink some later."
Zhang Yu turned to look at Ahao, a slight smile playing on his lips. It wasn't as warm outside as inside, and seeing that she wasn't dressed warmly enough, Zhang Yu took off his cloak and carefully wrapped it around Ahao before leading her by the hand to another empty room.
He had been exhausted all day, having not rested since early morning and having met many people. To say he wasn't tired at all was an understatement; after all, he wasn't made of iron. But seeing her and hearing her heartwarming words made him realize that none of that mattered.
After entering the room and closing the door, Ahao was immediately pinned against it by Zhang Yu. Seeing his intense gaze fixed on her, Ahao tiptoed, reached out and hugged Zhang Yu, smiling as she said, "Your Majesty, you've worked hard." Zhang Yu smiled back, but he didn't speak. Instead, he lowered his head and kissed her, until Ahao was breathless.
"I've had everything delivered. You can stay at Lingxiao's place for a while, and I'll come pick you up later." Zhang Yu kissed Song Shuhao's forehead and said softly, then sighed, "We won't be able to see each other all the time."
“Your Majesty, please go ahead with your work. I’ll find something to do too,” Ah Hao said with a smile. “When you have some free time, Your Majesty can come to see me. I’ll also visit Your Majesty in the palace when it’s convenient. The New Year isn’t far off, so Your Majesty can rest then and we can be together again. In a few months, the little princess will give birth, so I need to prepare gifts in advance. I don’t know if it will be a girl or a boy, so I might as well prepare two in advance…”
"You only care about others, what about us?" Zhang Yu looked down at her. Ahao pretended to be stupid, lowered her eyes, and muttered with a slightly red face, "We what?"
Zhang Yu gave a light hum, but Ahao just smiled and quickly coaxed him, "Ling Xiao said that my body still needs to be recuperated for a while, so staying here with her is very convenient, isn't it? I'm still waiting for His Majesty to come and pick me up."
She's indeed too thin right now, and childbirth is a life-threatening experience, so Zhang Yu doesn't dare take the risk and can only try to fatten her up first. But Zhang Yu isn't in a particular hurry. Once they have a child, A-Hao's attention won't be solely on him... Well, it's okay to wait a little longer.
Knowing that Zhang Yu and A Hao must have gone to Waini, Ling Xiao was hungry but not in a hurry. Prince Ning served her tea, water, and snacks, keeping a smile on his face and busy with his tasks.
Recalling his first meeting with Ling Xiao earlier that day, when she had arrogantly and defiantly threatened him that she was only interested in building her career and had no interest in settling down, Prince Ning chuckled inwardly. However, having ascertained her intentions, he was no longer in a hurry.
I wasn't sure what she was thinking at first, so I was always uneasy. But now that I understand she has a kind heart and wouldn't abandon me, things are different. Since she's willing to play along, I'll just play along. After all, my wife is quite capable!
"Lord Ling, if I perform well, may I have the opportunity to propose marriage?" Prince Ning asked pitifully, sitting next to Ling Xiao and handing him a plate of jade bean cakes.
“I can consider it,” Ling Xiao replied with a smile, picking up a piece of pastry. Prince Ning pressed on, deliberately lowering his voice, “Then could you give me a chance to perform tonight?”
Ling Xiao immediately glanced sideways. "No way." She hadn't forgotten the horrific experience of being tormented in bed a while ago, her back aching and unable to get out of bed. She had finally escaped his clutches; was she really going to take him in and wait to be devoured?! She wasn't that stupid!
Prince Ning silently shrank to the side, nodded, and said, "Lord Ling, I will continue to work hard." Ling Xiao reached out and patted his head with satisfaction, still smiling, and said, "Good boy."
...
After dinner, Zhang Yu and Prince Ning left together. Ahao and Lingxiao saw them off to the second gate, and only went back to wash up and rest after watching them get into their carriages.
Ling Xiao received the imperial decree and was to "take office" starting tomorrow, continuing to contribute her efforts to the construction of Daqi. Without Prince Ning's meddling, she hummed a little tune and went to bed early, thinking she would have a good night's sleep, but she tossed and turned in bed for half an hour without falling asleep, and couldn't help but curse herself for being so weak.
The window was opened from the outside. Ling Xiao wanted to sit up, but then suppressed her thoughts. In the middle of the night, sneaking around like this, who else could it be but Zhang Ye? She smiled slightly, realizing she was actually a little happy, and quickly put on a straight face and continued to pretend to be asleep, but her ears perked up.
She sensed Prince Ning tiptoeing closer to the bed, sneaking around as if he wanted to take off his shoes and crawl under the covers—how utterly shameless! Ling Xiao deliberately turned over, and when she opened her eyes again, she saw Prince Ning giving her a smiling face in the darkness.
"I knew it, you can't sleep without me," Prince Ning said seriously. Then, he quickly threw off the quilt, squeezed onto the bed, and embraced Ling Xiao, saying, "Lord Ling, I've come to warm your bed! Don't refuse my kind offer!"
First, he covered his mouth with his hand so he couldn't speak, and then in an instant he was pressed against his chest, his whole face was forced to be buried in it, and Ling Xiao, who was almost suffocating, was speechless: "..." Have you no shame?
After tidying up her things, Song Shuhao realized the charcoal brazier in the room was burning too brightly, and she had sweated a lot. By the time she took a shower, it was already quite late. Just as she was about to lie down, she heard someone knocking on the window. She smiled and went over to open the window, and Zhang Yu's face unsurprisingly came into view.
"Didn't Your Majesty return to the palace?" Ah Hao asked with a smile, but turned aside to avoid her and whispered, "It's terribly cold outside, Your Majesty, please come in quickly." But instead of going through the main gate, she sneaked in, which seemed like an affair.