Третий учёный династии Сун

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Si Junxing looked at her quietly without saying a word, and Lin Suyang also looked at him, waiting for him to speak.

After a long while, Si Junxing finally said to her, "You cried."

Lin Suyang reached out and touched her face in a daze, and sure enough, her hand was full of cool tears.

"Why...why am I crying?"

"Perhaps... it's because you were too deeply immersed in our story," Si Junxing said bitterly, lowering his head to hide the undisguised pain on his face.

No one spoke again; the only sound in the cell was the chirping of a few summer insects hidden in the corner.

"Master, it's time to go. The Emperor will be returning to the garden soon." Yanzi's soft call from outside broke the silence. Lin Suyang took out a handkerchief from her bosom and carefully wiped the traces from her face. She stood up and walked towards the door. When she was almost at the door, she turned back to look at Si Junxing, who was still bowing his head, and asked, "May I come to listen to your stories again tomorrow?"

"You can do it anytime you want."

Lin Suyang left the prison with a heavy heart. She didn't say a word the whole way. Yanzi followed behind, worried and afraid. She was worried that Emperor Hong would find out that Lin Suyang had secretly come to the prison to meet with prisoners today. She was also afraid that her master's mood had been very strange these past few days, and she had a premonition that something bad was going to happen.

When Lin Suyang returned to Hanzhu Garden and entered the room, she saw Qin Hao sitting on a stool by the window with a gloomy face. Upon seeing her enter, he first dismissed Yanzi, then stared at Lin Suyang and asked coldly, "Where did you go just now?"

Lin Suyang didn't understand why Qin Hao had this expression after just one day apart. It was just an instinct. But he didn't want to tell him that he had met that person in prison today.

"I...I went for a walk in the nearby underground palace today." As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized she had made a mistake.

"Is that so?" Qin Hao stood up and walked closer to her. His voice was even colder as he said, "In the nearby underground palace? I didn't know that the Ministry of Justice's prison was considered to be in the nearby palace. It seems I still need to familiarize myself with my palace more."

He changed his usual self-reference. His words were full of sarcasm. Lin Suyang's expression changed abruptly. He said in a trembling voice, "You actually sent someone to follow me?"

"If I hadn't sent someone to follow you, how would I have known you were so two-faced? I asked you that day if you wanted to see him. Didn't you say you wouldn't go then? Why have you changed your mind today?"

"You can see him. I told you. Just say the word and I'll send someone to take you. But why did you lie to me? Why?" Qin Hao kept questioning.

Lin Suyang suddenly felt that the person in front of her was a stranger, as if she had felt this way a long time ago. She knew that no matter what she said now, he wouldn't listen. In his eyes, going to see other people without telling him was deception, so she didn't plan to say anything more.

Pretending to ignore Qin Hao's anger, she turned and walked towards the bed behind the screen. She was tired; sleep would be good.

This action pained Qin Hao even more. Standing there, he watched her retreating figure through the screen. She didn't turn back even once, her expression resolute. The anger simmering within him erupted instantly; his face darkened, and he slammed the door shut as he left.

That night, Qin Hao did not return to Hanzhu Garden. Yanzi looked at Lin Suyang lying on the bed with worry. She had never seen the Emperor so angry before. Now that the Emperor had left, she wondered what would happen to her master. The little prince was about to be born. How could things have turned out like this?

Lin Suyang, however, had no time to think about anything else. Upon learning that Qin Hao had been sending people to follow and monitor her, a deep sense of fear and sadness welled up within her.

It turns out that her every move was under his control. Even her meeting with Xuan Ge and Consort Qi a few days ago was probably known to him, not to mention the day she took Si Junxing to her room for a private talk.

She realized she had been performing like a clown before him, while he remained a mere spectator, watching her struggle and bewilderment in her closed-off world, acting as a considerate and gentle "husband." He meticulously observed her every move, his eyes fixed beside her. Any transgression, however slight, would be an unforgivable mistake.

Was this the kind of life she willingly accepted in the first place?

How could I bear to let you go? Even if I were to die, I would be content to have you by my side...

If you're really willing to let me go, then I will absolutely not look back at you again...

If that's the case, I'd rather you leave me and find your happiness. Everything I did was entirely of my own free will. Therefore, I don't need your repayment, never have...

Who whispered those words in my ear? They sounded so clear, so full of emotion, and I just wanted to cry.

Lin Suyang held the jade pendant, gently touching its patterns; it felt as warm as if it carried the body heat of another person.

The second night, Qin Hao still hadn't returned, and Yanzi was truly panicked. Even when they had disagreements before, the Emperor would always return early to apologize and appease his mistress, but now…

Yanzi glanced at the dark sky, then turned to find her mistress sitting by the window reading as if nothing had happened. She stamped her foot, went inside, and called softly, "Mistress..."

After a long while, Lin Suyang finally looked up from his book and asked her a questioning look.

Yanzi sighed and said, "Master, aren't you worried?"

What are you worried about?

"His Majesty... Oh, Your Majesty, aren't you worried that His Majesty will never come again?"

Never coming again? That's good, it saves me from feeling pressured just by seeing him.

Seeing her master lost in thought again, Yanzi felt a surge of frustration. Helpless, she turned and left, just as Shunzi returned from outside. She quickly went up to him and called out to him.

"Miss Yanzi, it's so late, what's the matter?" Shunzi asked. Yanzi glanced behind her, pulled Shunzi aside, and asked, "Hey, Shunzi, tell me, where has His Majesty been resting these past two days? Why hasn't he come back here?"

Shunzi hesitated and said, "Miss, this is the Emperor's business. We servants should refrain from asking about it."

Yanzi glared at him: "Whose side are you on now? Your master treats you so well, don't you ever think about your master? Look, it's been two days and the Emperor still hasn't come to see your master. How can this continue?"

Seeing that she was very excited, Shunzi quickly said, "Oh dear, you're exaggerating. Although I, Shunzi, am not a remarkable person, I know how to repay kindness."

Looking around, he approached Yanzi and whispered, "His Majesty rested in Mingchen Palace last night, but tonight he chose Consort Xuan and went to Quexing Palace!"

Upon hearing this, Yanzi couldn't help but let out a soft "Ah!" How could the Emperor...?

Shunzi continued, "Miss, you're close to the master, so find an opportunity to talk to him more. It's very difficult to get by in the palace without the Emperor's support!"

Yanzi brought the tea back into the room and saw Lin Suyang writing on a piece of paper. Relying on her ability to read a few words, she went closer to see what she was writing.

Geometry equals the moon over the green hills

Drawing eyebrows

The night is cold, yet I still yearn for a thousand autumns of peace.

Gong Wange

Frosty Snow

Lead-painted face with tears

With a bold stroke of the brush, I rewrite the stories of the old friends.

This love is but a fleeting glimpse of peach blossoms.

Yanzi repeated it several times, but still couldn't understand a word, so she asked, "Master, what does this mean?"

Lin Suyang stared blankly at her own handwriting. Another image flashed through her mind: a woman in white holding a piece of paper with a poem written on it, drying it in front of a simple window. She vaguely remembered two lines: "You are like a rock, I am like a reed. Hopeless, tears fall in vain."

"If you are a rock and I am a reed, we are hopeless and weep in vain... We are hopeless and weep in vain..." Lin Suyang murmured. Yanzi couldn't hear what she was saying, but thought it was her mistress venting her bad mood.

"My lady..." Should she tell her that the Emperor went to Quexing Palace tonight? Yanzi struggled inwardly. If she told him, she feared her mistress might become so angry that she would harm the baby; if she didn't tell him, she would feel she was being a negligent servant. Your Majesty, aren't you being too unfair to your mistress?

"Yanzi." Lin Suyang's sudden voice startled Yanzi. "Where has His Majesty spent the last two nights?"

Now there was no need to struggle anymore. Yanzi forced herself to tell the truth: "His Majesty was in Mingchen Palace last night, and tonight... tonight..."

"Where are we tonight?" Lin Suyang asked, frowning.

"At Quexing Palace." After saying this, Yanzi immediately retreated far away, afraid that her master would get angry and throw things to the side.

Unexpectedly, Lin Suyang's reaction was just a simple "Oh, I see," and that was it. She still nonchalantly picked up the book and flipped through it.

Yanzi looked at her strangely and asked, "Master, aren't you angry?"

"Angry?" Lin Suyang was taken aback. Yes, why wouldn't she be angry? He was her husband. Seeing him seek out other women while she was pregnant, she felt no anger whatsoever. His concubines passed by her without a trace of jealousy. Why was that?

Could it be that she didn't love him at all? Didn't love him! This thought made Lin Suyang's mind go blank for a moment. If she didn't love him, why did she have a child for him? Why did she stay with him? Why was she trapped here without any complaints?

A multitude of "whys" immediately made her head throb with pain, completely inexplicable. But then she remembered her conversation with Si Junxing yesterday.

For her, I would give up everything. I'm willing to do what she loves with her, to travel with her to every corner of the world. Even if she no longer needs me, as long as she's happy, I can still watch over her from afar, sharing her loneliness, her smiles, and her sorrows. In my life, only she remains…

Who exactly is Lin Suyang, that he could receive such a vow?

Xuan Ge is beautiful, and her dance is beautiful too. A simple, unadorned dance costume and a plain ink-painted fan are enough to make her perform the song of prosperity and joy so captivating.

Her eyes sparkled with allure, her red lips parted slightly to utter a warbling cry, her hair entwined with a seductive invitation, her slender and captivating figure was faintly visible through the semi-transparent gauze, and the dancing fragrance, mixed with a hint of desire, filled the entire room.

As her graceful dance came to a halt, she ripped off the hairpin from her head, letting her long black hair cascade down her shoulders and back, and then walked gracefully towards Qin Hao, who was already half-drunk.

Volume Four, Palace Absolute, Chapter 109: Lost on the Path (Part Two)

Although his eyes were already blurry with drunkenness, Qin Hao still sat upright, as if the rare infatuation in his eyes was just a dangerous disguise.

Xuan Ge had warned herself never to get close to this man, but the more she tried to avoid him, the more she became hopelessly addicted. Just like now, she could gently step forward and say, "Your Majesty, you are drunk," and then, like a considerate wife, help him to bed. After that, she could sit beside him, watching his sleeping face, quietly waiting for his needs after his hangover.

But she couldn't do it. At this moment, she became a true prostitute, a venomous snake with a scarlet forked tongue, wanting to devour the man before her. She wanted revenge for being neglected, used, and ignored. She wanted to tell him that she was not lowly, that she disdained the high and mighty position beside him; she simply wanted to be his true woman.

She would be content if he gave her even a third of the kindness he showed that person, even if it meant she would betray her country and master.

Thinking this, she smiled and used all her charm to sway her waist and tentatively entwine herself around Qin Hao. Qin Hao did not scold or refuse her, but only frowned slightly and let her grope his body. This reaction made Xuan Ge feel happy, thinking that he was finally going to accept her. So she boldly put her hand on his waist. Just as she was about to loosen the belt, she was suddenly pushed away.

Xuan Ge, who was sitting on Qin Hao's lap, was pushed to the ground by this action. She stared at the person standing next to her with her seductive eyes that were still not awake from lust, her face full of confusion.

"I have other matters to attend to, my beloved consort, please rest first," Qin Hao said calmly, his expression and tone showing no trace of drunkenness.

Xuan Ge watched helplessly as the tall, slender figure disappeared outside the door. After a long while, she came to her senses, slumped to the ground with a bitter laugh, and her laughter gradually turned into low sobs. She looked dejectedly at the wine on the table, got up and rushed over to gulp it down her throat. The spicy taste of the wine made her cough incessantly, and tears streamed down her face.

Why are you all treating me like this? What did I do wrong? Can anyone tell me what I did wrong...?

Qin Hao staggered out of Quexing Palace and headed towards Mingchen Palace. When he reached the fork in the road leading to Qingxiang Palace, he paused, turned a corner, and finally walked towards Hanzhu Garden.

Lin Suyang had already fallen asleep, and Yanzi had turned off the light and was also preparing to go to bed when she suddenly heard footsteps in the garden. She quickly put on her clothes and came out, only to find Emperor Hong standing unsteadily in front of his master's door. She hurried forward to help him, but Qin Hao waved his hand, telling her to go to sleep by herself, and then quietly opened the door and went inside.

Yanzi stood outside for a while before returning to her room. A great weight was finally lifted from her heart. The Emperor hadn't forgotten his master.

He lit a lamp and walked around the screen. Qin Hao immediately saw Lin Suyang lying on the bed, facing inwards. It seemed to be too hot. She wasn't covered with a blanket. The sheer fabric revealed her slightly flushed skin. Her curvaceous body was laid out before him.

Qin Hao felt a dryness in his throat. He shook his head, turned around, and went outside to drink several cups of cold tea in large gulps. Only after the surging fire in his chest gradually subsided did he bend down, blow out the candle, and return to the bedside.

He quietly slipped off his clothes and climbed into bed. He dared not make too much noise, lest he wake Lin Suyang, who was fast asleep. He slowly moved closer to her. A cool breath wafted from beside him. His head, which had been throbbing from drunkenness, cleared up for a moment.

As if bewitched, Qin Hao placed his hand on Lin Suyang's waist, his large palm tracing her curves. It's said that pregnant women are prone to sleepiness, and it seems that even this much movement didn't wake her. Qin Hao sighed helplessly. His hand, which had been roaming over her body, quickly slid down to her abdomen, where their most tangible connection was being nurtured.

He lifted his head and moved closer, biting her bare neck. He saw Lin Suyang stir restlessly in her sleep. Only then, as if venting his frustration, did the perpetrator embrace her and fall into a deep sleep.

The next day, when Lin Suyang woke up, she felt something strange on her neck, as if a large mosquito had bitten her the night before. She asked Yanzi to take a look, and Yanzi chuckled and said it really was a huge mosquito. Lin Suyang didn't think much of it and asked Yanzi to help her with her hair and makeup before going out.

When Yanzi learned that she was going to the prison again, her face immediately turned grim. She pleaded with Lin Suyang, saying that if the Emperor found out again, who knew what terrible things might happen? Lin Suyang dismissed it, saying that since the Emperor hadn't spoken to her for the past few days, he certainly wouldn't know this time. Yanzi sighed inwardly, realizing that her mistress truly didn't know the Emperor had come last night. She wanted to tell him, but felt that since even the Emperor hadn't said anything, what right did a lowly palace maid like herself have to speak out?

After Lin Suyang's counter-persuasion and enticement, Yanzi finally agreed to go to prison with her.

Meanwhile, on Si Junxing's side, Lin Suyang had clearly said that she would come to listen to his stories the next day, so he had been eagerly waiting from morning till night. However, what he received was not joy but disappointment. Although he comforted himself that she had just lost her memory, he still felt endless loneliness and pain in his heart.

On the third day, though he didn't want to wait aimlessly with such hope, he couldn't help but look towards the door again and again. He didn't know how many times he'd looked, but when he finally caught sight of a familiar figure, a relieved smile appeared on his lips. "You've finally come."

Lin Suyang looked at him apologetically and said, "I'm sorry, I had something to do yesterday so..."

“It’s alright,” Si Junxing interrupted her, “as long as you can come.”

Looking at Si Junxing's joyful face, Lin Suyang's heart suddenly started pounding.

"Where did we leave off last time?" Si Junxing asked.

After thinking for a moment, Lin Suyang replied, "You mean, you finally faced each other honestly, but then you were forced to separate again."

Si Junxing nodded and said, "Yes, she and I were having a happy time, but it was cruelly destroyed by the arrival of another person..."