Princess Pingyang vs. Crown Prince Xiao Zhian 2

Go ahead and search, I'm just afraid you won't come.

Lin Huaiyin chuckled inwardly.

Yu Li brewed some new tea and called her over to drink it. The two, mistress and servant, sat down happily and drank their first bowl of tea after surviving the ordeal. Their eyes met, and they gradually stared blankly at each other.

Yu Li hid in the kitchen all day, while Lin Huaiyin fell into a coma at the crucial moment.

Without the crab claw, the two of them were completely clueless about what had happened today and couldn't even put together a complete drama.

Just then, the old servant woman came to report that Xie Ao, Aunt Huang, and the others had been brain-damaged by the thick smoke and had become disabled. They had been sent to a manor outside the city to be raised leisurely, doing some rough work, and would be sold off slowly.

Lin Huaiyin and Yu Li shed tears of heartache and asked what had happened that day. They had heard that His Highness the Crown Prince had come by and seemed to have a particular fondness for Shen Lanyan. They urged her to tell them the story.

The old servant woman stammered and remained tight-lipped, only saying that Chu Jiu had died and that she knew nothing else before hurriedly taking her leave.

Lin Huaiyin and Yu Li had no choice but to continue drinking tea, celebrating the departure of Xie Ao from the mansion and his passing away on the ninth day of the lunar month.

As she ate, Lin Huaiyin was surprised to find that the thin membrane covering her calluses had somehow peeled off and was now clearly visible.

"ah!"

She felt a chill and spilled tea on the back of her hand.

Just now, she was acting cute and asking Shen Congyun for a hug in the ancestral hall. Luckily, Shen Congyun ignored her, otherwise she would have been in trouble if he had found out.

Archery is one of the six arts of a gentleman, and Shen Congyun could definitely tell her skill at a glance. Lin Huaiyin was worried and immediately made a new application of glue with Yu Li.

——

study.

Shen Congyun is writing.

The guard reported: "Master, Yuan Jie'e has been sent back to the Yuan residence. There was nothing unusual at Qingyin Pavilion. The 800,000 taels of silver notes are hidden in a wooden box under Lin's bed."

"The wooden box under the bed?"

Shen Congyun frowned slightly, pondering: Lin Huaiyin has learned to hide things? This is not a good sign.

"What wooden box?" he asked.

"It's an unusually large wooden box, as long as a bed and half an arm's length wide, and it's locked." The guard reported carefully, "I've checked it carefully, and inside the box, besides silver notes, are Buddhist scriptures handwritten by the Lin family, mostly about praying for children."

Upon hearing this, Shen Congyun remained silent.

Hiding Buddhist scriptures under the bed to pray for a child is indeed a foolish thing that Lin Huaiyin, who has been ruined by him, would do. It seems that those silver notes were really promised to Guanyin Bodhisattva.

"Master," the guard asked in a low voice when he saw him remain silent, "would you like me to collect the silver notes?"

No rush.

Shen Congyun slowly put pen to paper, pondering silently.

All of this happened today. Pingyang was invited by her mother, Lanyan volunteered to dance, Chujiu died in place of Zaiyuan, and Su Jinggui was stopped by Lin Cuiyue.

Everything was handled cleanly and clearly, and had nothing to do with that vile Lin Huaiyin. The most direct evidence was that she was drugged and collapsed in the main hall. Her mother didn't care about her, the Crown Prince turned a blind eye, and even her personal maid was unaware of what was going on and didn't go to look for her.

Lin Huaiyin was still that worthless, unloved, lowly woman who made a living in the Shen family.

Since she didn't do it, let's keep her around for a few more days and use her to drain the Lin family's coffers; that's the real business.

Shen Congyun didn't even raise his head, and ordered, "From now on, you are Chu Jiu."

The guard was slightly taken aback, then removed his black veil and clasped his hands in thanks: "Thank you for your kindness, Master."

——

Princess Pingyang's Residence.

Crown Prince Xiao Zhian personally escorted Princess Pingyang back to her residence.

Just before getting off the carriage, Xiao Zhian took Princess Pingyang's hand and said softly, "I have summoned the Imperial Observatory. Once Yuan Butian divines an auspicious day for the southern expedition, I will appoint you as the Grand General Who Pacifies the South. You and Lin Shifeng can go to the southern frontier to take a look."

Upon hearing this, Princess Pingyang's expression stiffened, suspecting that Xiao Zhian still couldn't withstand the situation at the Erwang Temple and wanted to expel her from the capital.

"I'm not going."

She turned her head away in a huff, refusing to look at Xiao Zhian.

Xiao Zhian thought she was afraid of the long journey to the southern border and didn't want to suffer. Although he felt sorry for her, he didn't change his mind.

On this journey to the southern frontier, Pingyang represents the imperial family, which can both deter the enemy and boost morale.

Pingyang's reputation has been damaged by the Erwang Temple incident, but if she can pacify the southern border, sweep away the evil forces, and return to the capital in triumph, the situation will be completely different.

The most crucial element is that after destroying the Japanese kingdom, Xiao Zhian wants to build a brand new empire. Pingyang is his only younger sister, so why not make her an empress?

He had planned everything in advance, paving the way for Pingyang.

Lin Shifeng is the second son of the Lin family. He is skilled in both literature and martial arts and is still unmarried. If Pingyang is interested in him, he would be happy to see it happen.

The southern expedition was no easy task, as swords and spears are indiscriminate on the battlefield. However, some hardships had to be endured by Pingyang himself, otherwise it would be difficult to gain the respect of the people.

With this in mind, Xiao Zhian patiently and firmly persuaded, "The southern Japanese have repeatedly invaded our borders, ambushing and killing our merchants and people in Daxing. I am determined to eradicate them completely and eliminate this threat forever. With Lin Shifeng protecting you, I trust you to go. I hope you can see for yourself and take over that territory with your own hands. In the future, that will be—"

"I'm not going."

Princess Pingyang interrupted Xiao Zhian, withdrew her hand, and looked at him deeply: "Your Majesty, you can speak frankly if you can't suppress the matter of the Erwang Temple. Punish those who should be punished. Now, just seal up my princess residence. I will never make things difficult for you."

With that, she turned her face away and jumped out of the carriage. Xiao Zhian caught her around the waist and continued to explain helplessly, "This has nothing to do with the Erwang Temple. Pingyang, I've said that what I have, you must also have. You must experience to—"

"Brother, please stop talking. Since it has nothing to do with the Temple of the Two Kings, I don't want to go anywhere."

Princess Pingyang gently placed her hand on Xiao Zhi'an's hand and said, "My mother is gone, and my father has abandoned me. In all the world, I only have you, my brother, as my family. I cannot leave you."

Princess Pingyang gazed at Xiao Zhian, her eyes filled with a hundred kinds of longing and a thousand kinds of sorrow.

Xiao Zhian felt extremely uncomfortable.

The mistake of what happened back then was his father's fault. He longed to take revenge on his father and avenge Pingyang and his mother, but his father was bedridden. Xiao Zhian wanted to take action, but he didn't know what to do with a dying man.

Xiao Zhian carried the entire Daxing Empire on his shoulders, but in his heart, there was only one younger sister.

His younger sister clung to him, unwilling to grow up, wanting only to hide behind him and enjoy peace and quiet, but he was unwilling to live like that forever.

As a prince, Xiao Zhian had witnessed too much infighting and struggle for survival among the women in the harem, and the early death of his mother was an eternal pain in his heart.

He didn't want his Pingyang to be subservient to men and live a life devoid of humanity.

Princesses are ultimately just ornaments for royalty, their lives not being their own.

Rather than simply protecting her for life, Xiao Zhian wanted to give Pingyang solid and stable power. He hoped she would grow up quickly, build her own empire, and stand shoulder to shoulder with him.

Pingyang was just too spoiled and pampered by him.

Never mind, Pingyang is still young, let's spoil her for a few more years.

With Lin Shifeng ready to lead the southern expedition, the overall situation can be stabilized.

Xiao Zhian sighed helplessly and said, "Alright, I'll stay by my brother's side and won't go anywhere else."

"Um."

Princess Pingyang's worry turned to joy, and she slowly got out of the carriage, holding Xiao Zhi'an's arm.

As she turned to ascend the steps, her eyes darkened, and she decided to add an extra group of assassins in addition to the nine high monks.

On the Buddha's Birthday seven days later, she would make Xiao Zhian shut up forever, so that he would never again utter the words to drive her away.

She wanted to keep Xiao Zhi'an by her side, just like he treated her—spoiling him when she was happy and neglecting him when she was unhappy. She wanted Xiao Zhi'an to be mindful of her moods and beg for her affection.

——

Qingyin Pavilion.

Lin Huaiyin and Yu Li stayed up late into the night, but still couldn't piece together the whole picture of the day.

The two waited and waited, but the crab claw did not return to report that everything was alright, so they each went to sleep.

Lying on the bed, by the moonlight, Lin Huaiyin counted on her fingers from one to seven.

There are only seven days left until Buddha's Birthday. In the blink of an eye, it will be six days tomorrow morning.

She remembered that in her previous life, the crown prince was assassinated while she was praying for the emperor.

The assassins were nine eminent monks from the common people.

The crown prince must be protected.

The problem is that Lin Huaiyin only has a bow and a crab claw, and she can't beat her opponent.

It's time.

Lin Huaiyin read the address aloud: “Zhenjiangfang West Alley, Zenghua Bookstore”.

In the imperial prison, His Highness the Crown Prince pinched her ear until it hurt, and pointed her in the right direction: "Go find Wan Songshanren and Mu Zhanjuan. The code is: Wild Deer Carrying Flowers."

A bookstore; who knows what secrets His Highness the Crown Prince is hiding there.

Lin Huaiyin decided to go and take a look.

As for the excuse, it was of course for the sake of the child in her womb, and for her dear husband.

Having made up her mind, Lin Huaiyin did not hesitate and closed her eyes to rest.

When Lin Huaiyin woke up the next day, the mansion was deathly still. Knowing that the turmoil of the previous day had not subsided, she decided to live quietly.

Three days later at midnight, the crab finally sneaked back and crept to Lin Huaiyin's bedside.

It turned out that she and Aunt Huang and the others were sent to the manor. For the first three days, they were still under strict guard. After confirming that they were really crazy and would still throw wild punches, the manor owner stopped bothering them and let them fend for themselves.

Upon hearing this, Lin Huaiyin took out the silver she had prepared beforehand and instructed Xie'ao to oversee the relief and resettlement of those in need, keeping any useful individuals among them.

Crab Ao said that the group of people now obeyed her orders, and she would stay at Shengshui Temple as planned. The bows and arrows that had been hidden outside had also been moved there.

So Lin Huaiyin took out the jade hairpin and asked Xie Ao to take it to offer to the Three Saints of the West.

In her previous life, the Crown Prince gave her an address and a code, placing high hopes on her. However, she confronted Shen Congyun, completely disregarding the Crown Prince's entrustment.

Lin Huaiyin felt a little guilty towards His Highness the Crown Prince, so she offered him the hairpin that he had taken away as a token of her gratitude.

The hairpin was handed to Lin Huaiyin without explanation, and Xie Ao didn't ask any more questions. The two of them snuggled together in the quilt all night. The next morning, after seeing Yu Li, Xie Ao prepared to leave.

Before leaving, Lin Huaiyin painted a picture—a family of three, parents and daughter, carrying lotus lanterns.

“They live near Xiangguo Temple.” Lin Huaiyin instructed Xie Ao, “You must find them.”

The crab claws ensured the mission was accomplished, and the bird quietly slipped away.

Lin Huaiyin and Yu Li got ready and went to find Old Madam Shen.

The Buddha's Birthday Festival emphasizes giving alms and forming connections.

Lin Huaiyin spoke earnestly, expressing her determination to personally select and purchase the finest black beans. Guanyin Bodhisattva was moved by her sincerity, which is why she sent down a Qilin to deliver a child.

Old Madam Shen knew this trick: all women who wanted children had to go to the Buddha's Birthday Festival to suffer and cleanse themselves of their past sins.

She couldn't refuse, and also wanted to ask Jin Sun to assign two guards to accompany her, which fulfilled Lin Huaiyin's wish.

As a result, Lin Huaiyin immediately abandoned her idea of ​​visiting Su Jinggui on the way.

They still traveled by oxcart, with guards following on foot.

Lin Huaiyin and Yu Li both put on veils.

To show their respect, they did not go to the marketplace, but went straight to the Si Nong Temple.

Yu Li took out two waist tokens from the Shen family and the Lin family and easily obtained the permits.

Holding the permits, they went to the Ever-Normal Granary of the Imperial Treasury and carefully selected the finest "Red Sandalwood Black Beans," one by one.

After all this back and forth, working so hard, the sun gradually set in the west, and the guards grew increasingly lazy.

As they boarded the carriage to turn back, Lin Huaiyin suddenly instructed the driver: "Go to Zhenjiangfang West Alley."

The coachman obeyed orders.

Before long, Lin Huaiyin saw Zenghua Bookstore bathed in the glow of the setting sun.

This bookstore is unique.

While other homes are filled with bookshelves and cabinets, this house is surrounded by a dense array of tables and chairs, where men, women, and children are engrossed in writing.

Lin Huaiyin and Yu Li stepped inside.

The bookstore spanned five rooms and occupied a considerable area. However, there were no bookshelves or cabinets throughout the entire store, nor were there any books. Instead, the walls were covered with red paper scraps.

Upon closer inspection, the paper slips are categorized into classics, history, philosophy, and literature, with book titles written in different styles. A single book often has several red sheets of paper with vastly different handwriting.

Lin Huaiyin immediately realized that the people writing in the room were "book sellers" who copied and sold books.

Nowadays, most books sold are printed using woodblock printing. This old-fashioned book-copying profession, which is time-consuming, laborious, and unrewarding, has somehow managed to survive in the capital.

Of course, if this were His Highness the Crown Prince's bookstore, that would be a different story.

Lin Huaiyin could tell that the men, women, and children in the room were all dressed in faded clothes with layers of patches, indicating that they were all commoners struggling to make ends meet.

Perhaps this was a way of making a living that His Highness the Crown Prince had specially left for them.

For no apparent reason, Lin Huaiyin thought of the Crown Prince telling her in the imperial prison, "You must live."

It seems that no matter when or where, the Crown Prince Regent always likes to leave people a way out.

Lin Huaiyin thought of Xiao Zhian, looked around the study, a smile bloomed on her face, and her gaze softened.

She didn't make a sound, and the scribe, engrossed in his writing, didn't notice her at all.

The bookstore clerk waited quietly to the side.

Their shop didn't have much business, and most of the customers were regulars. He was often worried about where his wages would come from, and every time the shopkeeper came to him, he felt like he had to pack his bags and leave.

Seeing Lin Huaiyin and her companion enter, the waiter's eyes lit up, and he started calculating—he had a plan to deal with the rich young lady.

For some reason, Master Shen's storybooks are currently not selling well, and there is a lot of unsold stock in the warehouse.

These two ladies wearing veils look like they rarely go out; why not try to fool them and sell to them?

Although I have a lot of books in stock, besides reading them myself, I can also give them to my girlfriends so we can eat fruit and read them together. That would be so much fun.

The waiter, all smiles, approached Lin Huaiyin and Yu Li, eager to clear out the inventory.