Chapter 58 Feeling

Zhuang Dongqing felt a mix of emotions after hearing this.

On the one hand, I felt that this was indeed the case; on the other hand, there were still some things that were not clearly explained.

Seeing that Liu Qi had already said enough about how distressing things were, Zhuang Dongqing didn't want to tell him about the Empress Dowager Tao's visits to him these past few days. After they finished speaking, they remained silent for a moment. Suddenly, Liu Qi said, "Young Master, haven't you thought about..."

Zhuang Dongqing: "?"

"Will you stay in the Prince's mansion forever?"

Why is it this question again? Zhuang Dongqing's heart skipped a beat for no reason.

His eyes darted around: "Why, why are you suddenly asking this?"

Liu Qi smiled at him and said, "With you here, the Prince's Mansion feels much more lively and welcoming."

"Ah? But, but I just live in the Prince's mansion, eating and drinking."

As she spoke, she subconsciously touched her nose, feeling a little embarrassed as she thought about the variety of foods she had prepared.

Liu Qi, however, replied calmly, "Yes, it's normal life."

Liu Qi left, leaving Zhuang Dongqing deep in thought.

Liu Fu muttered to himself, "So, when Consort Tao came to see you, young master, she didn't really want to ask about the prince's marriage?"

"One is a concubine, the other is Consort Tao... they both make the prince feel quite disheartened."

Zhuang Dongqing thought for a moment: "The Dowager Consort would be alright, right? Dowager Consort Tao... I'm afraid she'll be alright?"

The main reason is that the Dowager Consort raised Cen Yan for so many years, and Cen Yan has always regarded her as his birth mother since childhood. Hearing the Dowager Consort personally deny their relationship must have been a huge blow to him. As for Dowager Consort Tao...

The moment they recognized each other, their fate was severed, very quickly.

Changing ingrained perceptions and lifestyle habits is very difficult.

But losing something you've never had is actually not so bad.

As for the wedding date...

Zhuang Dongqing: "She probably genuinely wanted to ask that too."

"Her youngest son is about to come of age. If she is focused on him, she should be planning a marriage for him. If the prince doesn't arrange a marriage for him, given the order of seniority, it might be difficult for his younger brother to find a wife."

That's why I came to see him several times, I was anxious.

However, what was urgent was not Cen Yan's marriage.

Mentioning this, Zhuang Dongqing's mind wandered again, "You said..."

Liu Fu: "?"

Zhuang Dongqing hesitated and asked, "Isn't Your Highness quite good to me?"

Without a second thought, Liu Fu replied, "Yes."

Zhuang Dongqing: "That's not what I meant, it's..."

Eyelashes drooped, casting a shadow over the pupils.

It's a bit too good.

It seems that he's not just treating his child as another blood relative.

"I've never seen him treat anyone so kindly before..."

"He's a lot like his father; once he's made up his mind, that's it."

"How could that be? He wouldn't bring someone he doesn't like to us."

"He's been very disciplined since childhood, so he's not unaware of boundaries."

Compared to Consort Tao's probing, Zhuang Dongqing was actually more concerned about what she said about their relationship.

At once……

It seemed like Cen Yan really liked him.

favorite……

Zhuang Dongqing's mind went blank.

On one hand, she reminded herself that Cen Yan was a very powerful minister who was thriving in the political center of the book, and that she could not participate in the life of such a person.

But on the other hand,

In a small corner of my heart, I quietly questioned, "Did you really not participate?"

He waited for the other person to come back from their business trip every day so they could have a meal together.

Cen Yan would even eat late-night snacks with her, even if she didn't like them and ate very little, but... she would still eat them, as if it were just to keep him company...

He loved washing his hair, but washing hair in ancient times was particularly inconvenient, as long hair took a long time to dry. However, when he was drying his hair, he always told the other person not to wait, but Cen Yan never went to bed early. Was the book on his bedside table really that good?

Zhuang Dongqing abruptly closed her eyes. "Never mind."

Liu Fu is perplexed.

Zhuang Dongqing let out a long breath.

He silently told himself, "Stop thinking about it."

Regardless of other factors, it's definitely not suitable.

He didn't have that many schemes, like the original owner of this body, who tried to mediate between several princes, the male lead, and Cen Yan.

he……

"I'll take a nap."

He shook his head, trying to shake away the jumbled thoughts in his mind.

Even if he did like her, someone like Cen Yan would probably prefer someone as exceptionally intelligent as the original owner.

In this respect, he does not meet the requirements at all.

Sleep, sleep.

I think I'll take a nap.

Once I woke up, the strange thoughts had dissipated.

*

The carriage of the Prince of Dingxi's mansion stopped at the palace gate.

A palace maid came to escort the Dowager Consort away.

Before long, the person who was there to greet Consort Tao arrived; it was none other than Eunuch Feng, the chief steward of His Majesty.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and Eunuch Feng said, "Please, Your Highness, alight from the carriage."

When Consort Tao saw Eunuch Feng, she instinctively flinched, but forced herself to remain calm and got off the carriage.

When she was led into the study, Consort Tao smelled an extremely strong medicinal odor. Her fist clenched at her side for a moment, then she forcibly relaxed it.

"Cough, cough cough, cough cough."

Consort Tao bowed and called for him to rise, but before she could speak, Emperor Shengwu coughed repeatedly.

After Eunuch Feng helped Emperor Shengwu catch his breath, he looked at Consort Tao, and Emperor Shengwu slowly revealed a strange smile.

"Unexpectedly, when we met again, Cen Gong was no longer there."

"By the way, what's your name again?"

"Look at my memory!"

Eunuch Feng whispered a few words in Emperor Shengwu's ear, and Emperor Shengwu suddenly realized, "Oh right, Tao Hui, it was Cen Gong who gave you that name, as a cousin of the Tao family."

Consort Tao lowered her eyelashes and remained silent.

Looking you over, Emperor Shengwu slowly said, "Now you look quite respectable in our clothes."

"I'm curious, can you still speak the language of the Jurchens?"

Consort Tao slowly uttered a few syllables, not in Mandarin.

When Emperor Shengwu was young, he fought in the north and south, and was also very intelligent. He could learn the basics of the languages ​​of many tribes after listening to them for a while.

If it's a golden man.

The translation is "Yes".

Emperor Shengwu continued, "If I hadn't seen your face again, I would have forgotten how much you look like a Han Chinese. As long as you don't speak, you can't tell at all. Speaking of which... Ayan's features, especially her eyes, are more like those of your tribe."

Consort Tao replied numbly, "I no longer have a tribe."

It is still a foreign language.

Emperor Shengwu laughed heartily, "Of course I know, I personally led the troops to besiege them back then."

Even Tao Hui's life was spared at his own request.

After laughing, Empress Dowager Tao showed no change in expression. Emperor Shengwu said with a hint of nostalgia, "It seems you've changed a lot over the years, Anigu."

*

As the sun began to set, Consort Tao left the palace, wearing the imperial robes bestowed upon her by the emperor, and boarded the carriage of the Prince's residence.

When the carriage curtain was lifted, Consort Tao was startled, and then she entered the carriage.

After the wheels rolled a distance, Consort Tao looked at Cen Yan, who had appeared in her carriage, and asked, "Is there something you want to ask me?"

Cen Yan: "It would be best if the Dowager Consort didn't speak any strange words in the capital, as it wouldn't be good if someone overheard."

After a moment of silence, Consort Tao switched to somewhat broken Mandarin.

Cen Yan: "Nothing, I just wanted to ask what His Majesty said to you?"

Consort Tao was not surprised and dutifully repeated the story word for word.

Cen Yan listened and nodded, which was considered as his approval of her response.

Cen Yan: "Third brother, isn't it time for your coming-of-age ceremony? Have you already set your sights on a few girls?"

Consort Tao: "...Yes."

"You've been going to the east wing these past few days just for this?"

"right."

Cen Yan calmly said, "Go back and make your own preparations. There's no need to worry about seniority. If you're unsure, ask Cen Fan. Don't ask those bookish retainers anymore. The rules of the Great Sheng aren't set in stone."

Consort Tao breathed a sigh of relief, and a hint of joy appeared on her face.

Cen Yan added, "Since I promised you, don't come to the east wing to test me again."

Realizing something, Consort Tao asked, "You care about him that much?"

“No,” she retorted quickly, “you are protecting him.”

She was about to have an audience with the Emperor, and Emperor Shengwu would definitely test her. That's why he hadn't warned her before, so that she could handle the situation calmly and not give herself away, so that Emperor Shengwu would notice something was wrong.

Cen Yan retorted, "Didn't Father protect you well?"

Consort Tao remained silent.

The carriage stopped at some point. Cen Yan said, "Just pretend you never saw me today."

Just as she was about to get out of the carriage, Consort Tao suddenly said, "He's old."

She spoke a foreign language quickly, and her accent was completely different from her Mandarin accent; it was very fluent.

“I have seen my father grow old.”

"The weaker they are, the stronger their desire for power becomes."

"If you're hiding something, hide it well and don't let him find out."

Cen Yan paused, "I am not my father."

"Has the Dowager Princess heard the story of 'making an exception for someone'? You can ask your third brother to tell you about it when you get back."

Emperor Shengwu's control over the Prince of Dingxi's residence has gone too far. If he doesn't leave even the slightest gap... ha.

*

After Zhuang Dongqing took a nap, she got up and was waking up in the courtyard when she heard the Empress Dowager's carriage return. After packing her things, she went to the Princess's residence.

I don’t know if it counts as saying goodbye to a great figure. Although we don’t meet anymore, Zhuang Dongqing’s first reaction was still to breathe a sigh of relief.

Following Consort Tao and Cen Yan, they returned to their residence one after another.

Holding Cen Yan's official hat, Zhuang Dongqing watched Liu Fu help him wash his face and hands, and asked curiously, "Why are you back so early today?"

Cen Yan smiled at him, while Zhuang Dongqing was puzzled.

Then, remembering the matter she had asked about Consort Tao earlier that day, she cautiously stole another glance at Liu Qi.

Surely they wouldn't find out so quickly?

Cen Yan noticed all these little actions, but didn't point them out. He simply said, "I'll take you out to play."

Um?

Zhuang Dongqing's eyes lit up at the mention of going out, and she asked incredulously, "Really? Where are we going?"

She paused, realizing she might have been too overjoyed, and then restrained herself, saying, "Did you come back specifically for this today...? Is that... not a good idea?"

"With the Emperor's birthday approaching, the streets are bustling, but there's not much going on in the government offices, and not many people are just sitting around inside."

Cen Yan smiled and said, "Besides, you really don't want to go out?"

That's absolutely right... I want to!

Seeing Zhuang Dongqing's expectant eyes, Cen Yan's smile widened, and he said gently, "Go ahead, you must be feeling cooped up at home lately, let's go out for a walk together."

"Then, when, I..."

Cen Yan: "No rush, there's still plenty of time."

"It's just the two of us, take your time."

Zhuang Dongqing nodded vigorously, "Okay!"

Zhuang Dongqing tidied up and changed her clothes. Cen Yan was worried that it would be cold at night, so he asked Liu Fu to bring a cloak in case Zhuang Dongqing needed to put on more clothes.

As the carriage rumbled out of the Prince of Dingxi's residence, Zhuang Dongqing leaned his head against the curtain, gazing at the outside world.

He was so suffocated.

The Dowager Consort arrived first, followed by Dowager Consort Tao. Unable to discern their personalities, and fearing that either of them might remember her, Zhuang Dongqing felt awkward about running outside, so…

Suddenly realizing something, Zhuang Dongqing couldn't help but look at Cen Yan.

After staring at it for a while, the person who had been resting with their eyes closed opened them and asked, "What's on my face?"

Zhuang Dongqing shook her head again.

She thought about giving up, but for some reason, she was struggling with herself, and Zhuang Dongqing still asked, "Did you... specifically take me out to play?"

Cen Yan: "Otherwise, why would I bring Liufu on purpose?"

"..."

"That's not what I meant, I..." Zhuang Dongqing couldn't explain clearly, and was at a loss for words, so she thought she should just give up.

Cen Yan nodded. "Yes."

"...What is it?" He hadn't even asked the question yet.

Cen Yan looked into his eyes and said seriously, word by word, "It's because we saw that our young master was feeling wronged and bored in the mansion, so we specially brought you out for a stroll to clear your mind."

Zhuang Dongqing was speechless for a moment.

His gaze began to wander.

She retorted softly, "Yes, I'm not wronged."

Cen Yan nodded again, "Well, it's not that I feel wronged, it's just that I'm not as carefree as before. I have to be more careful in the Prince's mansion, so I'm not feeling at ease."

"..."

After a long pause, Zhuang Dongqing asked, "Are you a tapeworm in my stomach?"

Cen Yan laughed, "If you want, I can be one too, but I'm not very good-looking. I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't mind, young master."

With high eyebrows and deep-set eyes, her light-colored pupils looked like two pools of honey in the twilight. Zhuang Dongqing turned her head to look out the car window and muttered, "Nonsense, what's wrong with her looks?"

She clearly knows she's good-looking, yet she's still laughing like that.

Zhuang Dongqing clenched his left hand into his right, and then remained silent.

We first went to a nice restaurant and had dinner there.

When the food was served, he reminded Zhuang Dongqing not to eat too much, as they would be going to the night market later, where the whole street was full of snacks, and he didn't want to miss out on a treat later.

Zhuang Dongqing listened and only ate until she was about 70% full.

I usually go out during the day.

Few people go out at night.

When I was still with the dealer, I thought I was going to die. I would go out for walks in the evening, but the dealer had an early curfew and I had to be on time, so I couldn't stay outside for long.

Therefore, when Zhuang Dongqing saw the brightly lit street and the painted boats on the moat, his mouth opened into an "O" shape.

Having arrived in ancient times, he has adopted their lifestyle, and he hasn't experienced this kind of decadent nightlife for a long time.

Cen Yan turned his head and saw Zhuang Dongqing's interest and delight, and also smiled slightly.

First, we visited the night market. Although it didn't have as many items as modern markets, the bustling atmosphere with its throngs of people was still fantastic.

Zhuang Dongqing bought several lanterns, but Liu Fu couldn't carry them all, so he asked the guards to put them on the carriage.

Passing by a riverbank, they saw many people releasing water lanterns and making wishes. Zhuang Dongqing looked at Cen Yan, and soon he and Liu Fu each had several lanterns. The riverbank was slippery, so after he made a wish, Cen Yan released the lanterns for him.

Watching Cen Yan's clean boots stepping on the riverbank, bending down to present a lantern, with weeds brushing against his cheek, Zhuang Dongqing suddenly realized that these things could also be done by guards, and he didn't need to do them himself.

When Cen Yan returned and told him what she had said, he tapped her on the forehead.

"Making a wish to a deity and asking someone to release it on your behalf is not sincere enough. If you also ask a servant, do you think the deity will agree?"

Zhuang Dongqing: "Is there such a custom?"

"That's a saying, but..."

"but?"

Cen Yan: "I also have a selfish reason; I hope all your wishes can come true."

Zhuang Dongqing was stunned. He looked at Cen Yan, only to see Cen Yan smiling at him.

What's the meaning?

I hope all his wishes come true, so I humbly help him place the lamp?

Even with guards right beside you, why are you unwilling to entrust your work to others?

Zhuang Dongqing opened his mouth, but Cen Yan leaned close to his ear, his breath hot against his earlobe, and said, "Actually, I prepared something for you. Shall we go take a look?"

"Gift?"

Cen Yan shook his head.

Zhuang Dongqing's curiosity was piqued.

Cen Yan kept him in suspense, only taking him to the riverbank. When the painted boat docked, he helped him onto the boat.

They changed boats twice, and there was constant singing and dancing on board, making it very lively.

When they were about to lead the person there, Cen Yan said, "I think you want to see him. If I'm wrong, come out and we'll go listen to some music."

Zhuang Dongqing nodded.

When he pushed open the door and saw who was sitting inside, his throat tightened.

Yes, Li Yang.

And this is Li Yang, who looks much better now.

...

Not long after, Zhuang Dongqing finished catching up with Li Yang and came out of the room, saying to Cen Yan, "Thank you."

Cen Yan helped her change boats again, and once she was sure she could speak, Zhuang Dongqing finally asked, "How did you know I wanted to know about his recent situation?"

Standing on the deck of the large ship, gripping the railing, with the night breeze blowing gently, Cen Yan smiled and said, "I don't know."

"I don't know if you want to see him, but I guess you do."

“When we met at the teahouse last time, I saw you sighing for a long time. Knowing your personality, I figured you must be worried about something.”

"They just don't say it because they're afraid of causing me trouble."

"It was a chance encounter today. I noticed he looked much better, and since he was willing to meet, we arranged to meet somewhere."

"Of course, as you know, the third prince used this against me before, so I can't openly associate with the princes. That's why I can only secretly introduce you to him."

He spoke slowly and deliberately, his eyes always smiling.

Zhuang Dongqing could no longer suppress the strange feeling in her heart and stared fixedly at Cen Yan.

Cen Yan noticed something was wrong with him, raised his eyebrows, and then quickly lowered his head.

Cen Yan... wasn't I being a little too nice to him?

Why would I let something so trivial get to me?

Besides... it's been a long time since he last saw Li Yang.

"you……"

Zhuang Dongqing took a deep breath and raised her head again.

"Um?"

Zhuang Dongqing's eyes were complicated. Gradually, Cen Yan also realized something. The smile on his lips faded, but his gaze remained gentle as he silently watched Zhuang Dongqing.

Zhuang Dongqing asked him, "Don't you like smart people?"

That shouldn't be the case.

He should like intelligent people.

Cen Yan smiled. "Good question."

The answer was given quickly: "I don't like it."

Zhuang Dongqing's eyelashes trembled, and she scratched her right hand with her left, "W-why?"

"There are many reasons, but they all boil down to one thing: it's too much trouble. Dealing with smart people is exhausting. I just like to dress well, and I prefer someone a little less smart..."

"most?"

With his gaze meeting Zhuang Dongqing's in the air, Cen Yan slowly said, "Ideally, it would be someone whose thoughts I can see right through at a glance."

"!"

Zhuang Dongqing panicked and unconsciously tightened her grip, but Cen Yan grabbed her fingertips.

He scratched the tip of the finger on the back of his hand.

Zhuang Dongqing didn't know why, but her heart was beating very fast.

But my mind is a mess.

Something felt like it was about to emerge, but he, he…

"Don't be afraid, Qingqing."

Cen Yan approached, his voice still gentle.

"It's okay, don't be afraid."

Yes, he was a little scared.

He feared the conversation would escalate into a situation he couldn't handle.

He hadn't even considered... what if...

This was not the life he had planned.

"If you want to keep asking, then go ahead."

"If you don't want to, just leave it for later and ask again when you've thought it through. That's fine too."

Cen Yan put his arm around him, drew closer, and gently patted his back, coaxing, "It's okay."

“I’m always here.”

Zhuang Dongqing closed his eyes, his Adam's apple bobbing.

After a long pause, she whispered, "Will you... kiss me?"

He seemed to understand Cen Yan's desire for kisses.

But Cen Yan asked with a smile, "Here? Are you sure?"

Zhuang Dongqing paused, then realized they were on the deck. Just as she was about to refuse, she heard Cen Yan say, "Okay, no one's here."

The guards cleared away all the loiterers; the pleasure boat had originally been chartered by them.

Zhuang Dongqing was still trembling a little when the kiss landed.

But it was a very gentle kiss.

It carries more of a sense of appeasement than anything else.

After their lips parted, Zhuang Dongqing buried her face in Cen Yan's shoulder and said in a muffled voice, "You seem to smell better."

Cen Yan was surprised. They had been together for some time, the last time being just a few days ago, so it couldn't possibly be a case of poisoning...

Wait, is the mechanism of the love poison...?

Realizing something, Cen Yan laughed and whispered in Zhuang Dongqing's ear, "Should we find a room on the pleasure boat, or go back to the Prince's mansion?"

Zhuang Dongqing buried her face again: "Go...go home."