Zhang Chang scratched his head, still not quite understanding. The people were suffering, shouldn't the silver be given to them? Why insist on manufacturing firearms? He really didn't understand. Did the marshal want to expand the territory? Thinking of the vast lands beyond Zhuzhou, his blood boiled. He'd heard that a few hundred miles from Zhuzhou was famous for its Akhal-Teke horses. If he could bring that small country under Dayong's control, wouldn't he be able to get his hands on an Akhal-Teke horse…

He had a beautiful plan, but unfortunately, Wei Tingsi was not interested in expanding territory. He only took a few personal guards, concealed his true identity, and returned to the capital in less than half a month. His subordinates went to find the Crown Prince, while he went directly to find Zhao Shu.

Zhao Shu was surprised to see people who should have been fighting thousands of miles away suddenly appear in front of her. She was stunned for a moment before she realized what was happening when she was pulled into someone's arms. "You stink."

Wei Tingsi released her and smoothed her messy hair. He wanted to touch her face again, but then he remembered that she hadn't bathed for many days, so he stopped. Zhao Shu looked at his silly expression and said, "Silly boy, I was just kidding."

Her words were laced with undisguised sweetness, and then, unusually for her, she threw herself into his arms, saying, "You really smell bad, go take a bath."

"You still hugged her even though she stinks?" This time when he saw Zhao Shu, he felt that Zhao Shu was obviously different from before. She seemed to have become closer to him, as if their hearts had become much closer.

Sensing this subtle change, the frustration in his heart instantly vanished. Although he was not in the capital, he was well aware of what was happening there. As for Guan Yurong and Liuli, it seemed that she hadn't done anything. At first, he was disappointed, thinking that she wouldn't fight like the other women in the inner quarters and be jealous of him.

But now, it doesn't matter whether she has schemed against him or harmed others for him, because he can feel that both of their hearts still belong to each other.

Previously, he had never felt that she cared about him, and he thought that she was only with him because she was moved and because he was a marshal.

Zhao Shu looked up and saw him gazing at her with doting eyes. His gentle gaze seemed to have a magical power that deeply attracted her. She remembered what Sun Yun had said: "I will revolve around you."

She thought that this was the kind of man she wanted in this life, someone who would revolve around her and make her the center of his world. For some reason, she felt like she had the whole world, and she felt incredibly at ease. With him around, she had nothing to worry about.

The difference between unrequited love and mutual love is that unrequited love makes one feel that the world is vast but there is nowhere to place one's affections, leaving one feeling vulnerable and alone, while mutual love provides shelter and protection from the elements.

"Green Ivy, go prepare hot water, someone wants to take a bath." The two looked at each other, and she suddenly gave the order.

Wei Tingsi released her, turned around and went behind the screen. He clearly did not intend for anyone to know that he was there, and he only showed himself when no one was around.

Green Ivy and Summer were outside discussing the Xinwei incident. As Zhao Shu's head maids, they naturally knew more than others. They didn't dare to go outside, but they did discuss it with each other.

Upon hearing this, the two entered. "Princess, who wishes to take a bath?"

"I'm going now." She waved her hand lazily, appearing extremely impatient. Whenever she showed impatience, the servants, even if they didn't understand, dared not ask any more questions.

Green Ivy and Summer exchanged a glance. Green Ivy went to prepare, but Zhao Shu noticed that Summer hadn't left. Her eyes flickered, and she ordered, "Go find a set of Father's clothes."

"Princess, what do you need the prince's clothes for?" Sheng Xia couldn't help but ask.

Zhao Shu glanced at her sideways, "Just go when I tell you to. Why are you making so many demands?"

Sheng Xia choked and left with suspicion.

After the two maids left, Wei Tingsi emerged from behind the screen. Zhao Shu looked over and said, "Go back to hiding. Once Xiao Guozi sees you, you won't be able to hide anymore."

Wei Tingsi sat down next to her, but as if considering that he did smell of dust from traveling for more than ten days, he did not get close. "Han Ying by your side has already noticed, it's nothing."

Zhao Shu remained silent, then gestured for him to pour the tea himself.

"Why didn't you pour me some tea? How could there be such an arrogant wife in the world?" he said with a half-smile.

Zhao Shu leaned back on the chaise lounge. "Are you even being reasonable? You actually made me, the princess, serve you and pour you tea. I'm already being lenient by not kicking you out. Trespassing into my boudoir is a crime punishable by imprisonment."

"Alright, I'll serve you, Princess, have some tea." He poured two cups of tea, handing one to Zhao Shu and drinking the other himself, still looking at her with a half-smile, finding her beautiful no matter how he looked at her.

Zhao Shu blushed under his gaze and awkwardly turned her head away. "What are you going back to the capital for?"

"I missed you, and I wanted to see you." He said it seriously, as if he wasn't faking it. "I also want to take care of something."

Zhao Shu rolled her eyes at him, annoyed. "Getting things done is the priority. Seeing me is just a side thing."

"No, if it weren't for seeing you, I could have just sent any of my men to the capital. I do miss you, and seeing you is the most important thing."

The words touched Zhao Shu's heart like honey, and a smile unconsciously appeared on her lips. Her eyes were also full of joy. She realized that opening her heart was such a blessing. Her heart was filled to the brim, and a single sentence could make her smile foolishly for a long time.

Thinking back to her past life, when she was husband and wife with Gu Chongxuan, she had never felt so sweet. All she had was anxiety and sadness from being neglected.

As the saying goes, comparing people is a recipe for disaster, and comparing goods is a recipe for disaster—it's absolutely true.

She died at the South Gate not many seasons later. Looking back now, I realize that she never had any clear-headed days in that life, only a dazed and confused state, which was truly regrettable.

Five years have passed since she returned to Dayong, and she rarely thinks about those days anymore. Now, when she does, all she wants to say is: 'You've finally come. I've waited so long for you, and thankfully, you've finally arrived.'

Thinking this way, she said, "I have been waiting for you for so long, and you have finally come. Fortunately, God has not treated me unfairly again. I have waited for you. I hope you will never make me regret saying these words."

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