Zhao Jing looked at the portrait. The woman looked somewhat similar to Jiang Tian, ​​but she appeared graceful, sweet, and romantic, quite different from Jiang Tian's temperament.

Jiang Tian has a stubborn and unyielding temper, and her words are extremely sharp, as if she wants to stab people until they bleed.

Zhao Jing was somewhat dazed when he thought of her.

The transaction between the two was over, and Jiang Tian had left the place. He seemed to have no need to think about her anymore.

Even now, thinking back on it, Zhao Jing still felt a sense of resentment and restlessness.

His expression changed from calm to somewhat irritable, and he eventually pushed the small statue aside.

That night, he dreamed of Jiang Tian.

The next day, he summoned his most trusted confidant, who was most skilled at finding people, to the imperial study.

The trusted confidant, kneeling on the ground, was somewhat stunned upon hearing Zhao Jing's decree.

"...Your Majesty, do you mean to bring Lady Jiang back?"

Zhao Jing's expression was somewhat inscrutable, with a hint of madness and restlessness surging within him.

"Yes, find her within a month and bring her back to me, or don't come back either."

The confidant's face instantly tightened: "Yes!"

The talent show has been postponed. Zhao Jing said he is busy with state affairs and will have to wait a while to deal with important matters concerning people's livelihood before making a decision.

The officials had many objections, but dared not utter a single word of dissent.

Zhao Jing attended and left court as usual. He was a born monarch and handled political affairs with ease.

Pei Ziye and Jiang Yuqin were also entrusted with important tasks by him, and they carried out his will to improve the people's livelihood.

As the people's lives improved, they loved and respected Zhao Jing even more.

After more than twenty days of peaceful living, Zhao Jing received a secret letter from his confidant.

Jiang Tian has been found. They are currently outside the city and will enter the palace tomorrow.

Zhao Jing burned the letter and rode out of the capital overnight.

A torrential downpour began outside, and Zhao Jing arrived at the place mentioned in the letter, completely soaked.

When his confidant saw him arrive in person, he was startled and immediately knelt down.

Where is she?

"...The lady is in the east wing, she..."

Zhao Jing's eyes flashed like swords: "What happened to her?"

The confidant's head nearly touched the ground: "When I found her, she didn't want to come back. In order to bring her back as soon as possible, I gave her some medicine to make her lose her strength. This medicine is harmless to the human body, but its effects will not wear off until tomorrow..."

Zhao Jing gave him a cold look and strode towards the east wing.

He pushed open the door and the first thing he saw was Jiang Tian.

She was lying on the bed, her eyes clear, staring at him expressionlessly.

The rain outside was pouring down, and Zhao Jing's figure appeared extremely tall against the backdrop of the darkness.

He looked at Jiang Tian, ​​and Jiang Tian looked at him.

He could clearly see the contempt and resentment in Jiang Tian's eyes.

She had already escaped from the cage, but he broke his promise and brought her back. No one could help but hate the culprit.

The air was completely silent, even the sound of rain was amplified countless times.

Zhao Jing walked to the bedside, looked at Jiang Tian who was leaning against the wall with her long hair draped over her shoulders, and was somewhat thin and frail. He bent down and asked her, "Is there anything you want to say?"

He gave the order, and his subordinates brought the person back; she should understand his meaning.

Jiang Tian laughed coldly: "What else can I say?"

Her "what's the use" attitude undoubtedly angered Zhao Jing.

His eyes were deep and unfathomable as he stared intently at her face: "You've asked me many times if I have romantic feelings for you, but I don't understand what that is. After you left, I felt incredibly bitter and couldn't sleep at night. So, I've figured it out. What does it matter if I understand romantic feelings? I need you, and you must come back."

Jiang Tian finally looked up at him and said coldly, "Do the people know that they revere an emperor who goes back on his word?"

Zhao Jing's eyes deepened: "I never break my word, except when it comes to you."

Jiang Tian remained silent.

Zhao Jing reached out to stroke her hair, but she avoided him.

He withdrew his hand and calmly stated his plan: "Your identity is no longer valid. I will give you a new one. You will participate in the imperial concubine selection as a distant relative of the Jiang family and enter the palace as one of my concubines."

Jiang Tian smiled disdainfully: "Don't you think I'm dirty? I've been a servant girl and been with more than one man, and those two men still can't forget me."

Zhao Jing's expression remained unchanged: "Those were just things forced upon us by circumstances. Once you change your name and enter the palace, no one will mention those things anymore. By then, Jiang Tian will no longer be alive."

Jiang Tian's smile faded: "I will never be your woman again, unless I die."

Zhao Jing's pupils contracted: "Why?"

"From the moment you abandoned me, it became impossible for me to be your woman again."

Zhao Jing said, "I knew it all along; you still can't let go of that matter."

"That incident was a lesson, and it constantly reminds me that if I entrust my life to a man, I will not have a good end."

Zhao Jing's expression turned somewhat irritated: "Back then, you and I were like strangers, so why would I care about a stranger!"

"I told you, I don't blame you, but I won't fall for someone who doesn't care whether I live or die."

Zhao Jing's expression grew even more agitated. He said coldly, "I am the ruler of the world. You have no power or influence. How do you intend to contend with me?"

"die?"

"You don't want to die! Otherwise, you wouldn't have gone to such lengths to live! And you wouldn't be negotiating with me at this moment." Zhao Jing hated hearing these words come out of her mouth.

“You’re very perceptive, but I just don’t want to die right now. Who knows when you might drive me crazy and I won’t be able to live anymore?” Jiang Tian said.

Zhao Jing took a deep breath and stared intently at her. "What exactly do you want?"

"You've taken everything away from me, so what do you want from me now? That's ridiculous. Get out of here and don't say another word."

This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!