Chapter 1265 Parting Gift

Over the next few days, the weather grew hotter and hotter. The scorching sun transformed into a giant fireball hanging over Chang'an, baking the parched land and drying up the hearts of everyone.

Similarly, some things are also going on in full swing.

For example, Shang Ruyi, as the Princess Consort of Qin who was about to leave Chang'an, naturally wanted to say goodbye to the noble ladies who had befriended her here. So, like the Prince of Qin who was busy settling people in the army and starting to prepare for his trip to Luoyang, she was also running around every day and was almost never at home.

On this day, she entered the palace.

The scenery in the inner court was even better than what they had seen on Yuwen Cheng's birthday last time. Flowers were in full bloom, and bees and butterflies were flying around. As Shang Ruyi walked along, she felt as if she were walking through an old painting.

Then, following the familiar path, she arrived at the Shicui Palace.

As soon as the two eunuchs guarding the gate saw her arrive, one immediately went inside to report, while the other led Shang Ruyi slowly inside. Shang Ruyi smiled as she looked at the simple and clean palace. Compared to the beautiful scenery of blooming flowers she had seen along the way, the scenery here was much simpler. There were only a few trees in the courtyard, but in the height of summer, the shady trees were more useful than the flowers, and the large expanse of shade made people feel a refreshing coolness as soon as they entered.

As Shang Ruyi walked under a willow tree, watching the green willow branches flutter in the wind, the main gate of the palace in front of her opened, and Tao Wanyin came out to greet her.

"Princess Consort of Qin".

"Tao Jieyu".

Upon meeting, Tao Wanyin smiled and welcomed her into the Shicui Palace.

It was cooler here than outside. A huge ice platter sat in the corner, probably because Tao Wanyin was delicate and couldn't stand the cold. Some fruits were laid out on the table, and the air was filled with a faint fruity fragrance, which was more refreshing than the fragrance of flowers.

Shang Ruyi said, "Jieyu, this place has a beautiful view."

"What beautiful scenery?"

Tao Wanyin led her to sit down and said indifferently, "No one appreciates it."

Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi's heart skipped a beat. Looking at the woman's lowered and indifferent eyes, she seemed to understand something. However, she did not speak immediately. Instead, she turned to Tu She'er behind her and placed the boxes of gifts she had brought with her on the table. She smiled and said, "As you know, Consort Jieyu, we are about to go to Luoyang. We don't have much to give you before we leave. Please don't find these boxes too offensive."

Tao Wanyin frowned slightly.

Shang Ruyi, however, seemed oblivious to her expression, pointing to one of the boxes and saying, "This is top-quality bird's nest, best for women... Father often stays up late reviewing memorials, so it would be most nourishing if it were cooked with rock sugar; and this box of Sichuan lovage, I heard a recipe when I was young, that soaking Sichuan lovage in wine can relieve headaches, Father, if you suffer from headaches again, you might want to try it..."

Tao Wanyin listened quietly to what she was saying, without uttering a word, but her eyes kept flickering.

Finally, she had Qiaoshu put away all the gifts and said softly, "Thank you, Princess Qin."

"where."

After Qiaoshu finished packing the gifts, she brought two cups of tea for the two of them. The tea was brewing slowly, and wisps of steam rose from the cups, gradually dispersing between their bright eyes, but their gazes were incredibly clear.

Finally, Tao Wanyin spoke first: "Your Highness, are you really going to Luoyang?"

Shang Ruyi smiled faintly.

Seeing her like this, Tao Wanyin's heart sank.

Although she had always been on good terms with Shang Ruyi, having received favors from him and secretly helped him in return, the two sides had always maintained a clear distinction between gratitude and resentment, and their bond was not very deep. Therefore, she rarely directly inquired about the Qin King's actions in court, and she would never discuss such important matters with Shang Ruyi.

However, ever since the last time, in order to help the King of Qin keep Shen Tu Tai and Pei Xingyuan, her cousin Tao He took advantage of his illness to apply for a transfer to Luoyang in exchange for Pei Xingyuan's retention. This was almost a clear indication that he was siding with the King of Qin. Originally, it was thought that the King of Qin could continue to expand his power in the court through that victory after overpowering the emperor. Once he achieved his great cause, the Tao family, who had participated in this matter, would naturally be able to get the corresponding reward.

But now, Yuwen Ye is also going to be "driven out" of Chang'an.

In this way, the Tao family's previous sacrifices were almost entirely in vain. In fact, Shang Ruyi had already guessed that when Tao Wanyin said "no one appreciates it," she meant that Yuwen Yuan was unhappy with Tao He's involvement in this matter and had subsequently become distant from her for some time.

Now, looking at Shang Ruyi's silent smile, Tao Wanyin felt heavy-hearted, yet still somewhat incredulous, and asked softly, "Is His Highness Prince Qin really going to Luoyang?"

Shang Ruyi said, "We don't actually want to leave either."

"..."

"However, the imperial decree has been issued. If the Prince of Qin and I do not leave, it will be considered disobeying the decree. That is a crime of deceiving the emperor, and even if he is the emperor's own son, he would not dare to do so."

Tao Wanyin frowned slightly, but said nothing.

Just then, a whooshing sound came from outside. Shang Ruyi turned her head and saw a gust of wind blowing in the courtyard, causing the green branches of the tree to flutter and swirl in the air, much like the troubled emotions in everyone's hearts. Tao Wanyin was about to say something when the wind suddenly slammed the door shut with a bang.

Tao Wanyin waved her hand, and Qiaoshu immediately pushed open the door.

Shang Ruyi suddenly laughed and said, "There hasn't been a breeze these past few days, why is it suddenly windy today?"

Tao Wanyin didn't know why she had changed the subject to the weather again, and said lightly, "It would be nice if it rained."

Shang Ruyi smiled and said, "It is indeed a good thing that the rain came after a long drought. By the way, I have to go back after sitting for a while. Yuangan is always running around outside while I'm not home. If he gets caught in the wind or rain, he might catch a cold."

"..."

"His Majesty dotes on this grandson the most. If he gets sick, I'll be scolded."

Tao Wanyin looked silently into her smiling eyes and said, "Yes."

Afterwards, the two talked briefly, and Shang Ruyi got up and left. Tao Wanyin only saw her to the door and then returned. She immediately asked Qiaoshu to open the box of bird's nest that Shang Ruyi had just brought, take a piece to the kitchen to boil with rock sugar, and then send it to the emperor.

Qiaoshu said with some difficulty, "Jieyu, the Emperor hasn't come here for several days. Would sending a bowl of bird's nest soup be of any use?"

Tao Wanyin smiled faintly and said, "I just dare not enjoy such a good thing all by myself."

"..."

"By the way, if the Emperor asks who came here today when you send it over, there's no need to hide it. Just say that Princess Qin came to say goodbye to me today."

Qiaoshu blinked, as if she sensed something, and said, "This servant understands."