Just like the first time he met her.

She was also wearing a red dress, holding a winter plum blossom in her hand, and dancing gracefully in the snow.

One glance was enough to make his heart pound, and from that moment on, he could never take his eyes off her again.

But at that time, her gaze never fell on him, and she never danced for him.

Just like now.

When Jiang Xianhao finished her song, the palace maids around her cheered, but when they looked up, they saw Emperor Rongcheng standing at the door, staring blankly.

The palace maids were startled and immediately knelt down to pay their respects.

Jiang Xianhao also turned around, but when she saw Emperor Rongcheng, she paused for a moment, and the joyful smile on her face vanished instantly, leaving her with a blank expression.

Her gaze seemed to be through a veil of mist; she merely glanced at him before lowering her head in disgust and bowing:

"May Your Majesty be well."

Emperor Rongcheng nodded in agreement.

Jiang Xianhao stood up and stopped talking, only looking down ahead, his gaze not falling on Emperor Rongcheng at all.

Helpless, Emperor Rongcheng spoke first.

"Today, I had nothing to do, so I just took a stroll and came across your place. I saw that your door was open, so I came over to take a look."

As he spoke, he took a step forward, his gaze falling on Jiang Xianhao, and he unconsciously became more apprehensive.

"It has been a long time since I have seen you dance. Seeing you today, your skill is as good as ever. How about you dance for me again?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xianhao calmly took a step back, curtsied, and said:

"Your Majesty flatters me. I am old and was just stretching my muscles when I had nothing else to do."

"I'm so tired now, I'm probably too exhausted to jump anymore. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Rongcheng's expression changed several times, and the tenderness in his eyes was gone.

"After all these years, do you still want to speak to me like this?"

Jiang Xianhao remained calm, seemingly unaware of Emperor Rongcheng's anger, and bowed again, saying:

"Your Majesty misunderstands. I have always spoken this way and have no other intention. If Your Majesty does not like it, I can change it."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Rongcheng couldn't help but sigh.

"That's enough!"

"I brought this trouble upon myself!"

With that, he snorted coldly, flicked his long sleeves, turned around, and strode away.

Jiang Xianhao stared at Emperor Rongcheng's retreating figure with a calm and lingering gaze. After a long while, she turned her attention to the palace maid beside her.

"It's getting late, let's take a rest."

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Palace...

After returning from Wanhe Palace, Shen Hechuan went straight to the courtyard where Gu Jingchun was.

Gu Jingchun has been locked in this room ever since he was captured by Shen Hechuan that day.

Gu Jingchun tried every possible method, but he still couldn't get out of the room.

Finally, she simply started to feign illness, and the palace maid guarding the gate saw this and came in to check on her.

Taking advantage of this opening, Gu Jingchun quickly ran out.

However, he was caught and brought back as soon as he ran out the door.

After that day, Shen Hechuan learned the news and ordered people to make a pair of golden shackles to lock Gu Jingchun to the bed.

After that day, Gu Jingchun became well-behaved.

Those who understand the times are wise.

She has seen it clearly.

She was now like a fish on a chopping board; if Shen Hechuan wanted, he had countless ways to torture her.

Even if she escapes this courtyard, she cannot escape the palace.

Since that's the case, she might as well be honest, preserve her strength, lower Shen Hechuan's guard, and then find a way to leave.

To be honest, Shen Hechuan's reaction was completely unexpected.

She thought Shen Hechuan would kill her, but she never expected him to imprison her.

After all, he seemed like such a refined and upright person, but unexpectedly he was so crazy at heart.

She was lying listlessly in bed when the locked door was suddenly pushed open.

Gu Jingchun had one hand locked to the bed. Upon seeing this, he immediately got up and saw Shen Hechuan walk in.

His face was grim, his eyes fixed on her as if filled with boundless rage, and he charged straight at her.

What are you going to do?

Gu Jingchun instinctively thought of backing away, but Shen Hechuan grabbed him.

Immediately afterwards, Shen Hechuan buried his head in the crook of her neck.

Gu Jingchun: ...

She slowly breathed a sigh of relief, and then began to feel puzzled.

What happened to Shen Hechuan?

Feeling warmth spreading across her shoulder, she cautiously asked:

"Your Highness, what... what's wrong?"

Shen Hechuan, however, remained holding her in silence and did not say a word.

After a moment, Gu Jingchun felt a tingling and numbness in his shoulder, and then slowly opened his mouth.

"Your Highness, my shoulder... is numb."

Upon hearing this, Shen Hechuan, who had been burying his head in his shoulder, raised his head and stared at Gu Jingchun with a pair of scarlet eyes.

"Don't call me Your Highness!"

He said, his eyes swirling with emotion.

"Call me... Mu Qian..."

Gu Jingchun paused for a moment, feeling a tightness in his heart.

Back then, she liked to call him Mu Qian the most.

Each sentence, in a different tone, is melodious and pleasant to listen to.

But now...

Gu Jingchun looked at Shen Hechuan, his eyes deep and dark, as if the mist in his eyes had dissipated, revealing a hint of pity and pleas in his eyes.

Seeing this, Gu Jingchun's heart softened, and he couldn't help but sigh inwardly before slowly calling out to him.

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