Chapter 366 Harmonious and Joyful (End of Main Text)

When Xiao Yunheng was a child, he was unaware of his identity and was gentle and polite. One day, he climbed a tree and couldn't get down. Just when he didn't know what to do, he overheard Emperor Xuanzhao and his mother talking under the tree.

He finally learned his true identity.

The seeds of ambition were sown, and they took root and sprouted.

Xiao Xuanyou couldn't help but sigh.

In any case, with his greatest threat dead, he was now second only to the emperor, wielding immense power, and no one could stop him from ascending to the top.

Seeing the somewhat somber atmosphere, Jiang Zhi raised her teacup and said, "This is a good thing for us, and it's worth celebrating. I'll toast everyone with tea instead of wine."

Upon hearing this, everyone raised their wine cups and drank them down in one gulp.

“Oh, right, there’s one more thing,” Xiao Xuanyou added, “Lin Qiyun died of poisoning on the way out not long after he was expelled from the capital.”

Lin Qiyun was given the same poison as Shen Ci'an. There was no antidote, and no one spared any expense to save her. She died a tragic death.

Jiang Zhi then smiled and toasted everyone again.

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere was no longer as cold as it had been at the beginning.

Xiao Xuanyou suddenly asked her, "Well, Princess Qinghe, have you decided who you will spend your life with?"

Upon hearing this, the other three people who had been drinking immediately stopped what they were doing, and all of them turned their gazes toward her.

Jiang Zhi pursed her lips and looked at the four men present.

Xiao Xuanyou possessed an innate nobility, and his every move exuded the majesty of royalty and the composure and elegance of someone who had long held a high position.

Xie Qi was used to military life, so he was unconventional and had a carefree and unrestrained nature.

Shen Ci'an remained as aloof and handsome as ever, with a cool and detached air. Because he had been drinking, a faint light appeared in his eyes, shrouded in a mist that seemed to linger for a long time.

Lu Yuan was even colder and more ruthless, sharper and more intimidating, like a blade hidden in its sheath, ready to take someone's head at any time.

She gripped the teacup in her hand, feeling that it was the perfect opportunity to make things clear and understandable with everyone present.

“Your Highness, I enjoy my current solitary and free life. I will not remarry, nor do I wish to be confined to the inner quarters. Once I have recovered, and one day I tire of the capital, I would like to travel around and see the magnificent landscapes of Qi Dynasty. I will not choose anyone, and you do not need to... wait for me.”

After Jiang Zhi finished speaking, Shen Ci'an had the calmest expression among everyone.

"Yes, as long as Miss is happy."

He knew the young lady's personality from the beginning and never expected her to stay for him. As long as she was safe and sound, that was more important than anything else.

The fact that the young lady doesn't choose anyone is actually the easiest thing for him to accept.

Xie Qi and Shen Ci'an had similar thoughts.

Although he disliked others, he didn't have a strong possessive desire to monopolize Zhizhi. He was willing to make any concessions as long as Zhizhi was willing.

"I'm content to see Zhizhi often."

Xiao Xuanyou's temperament had been worn down by Jiang Zhi, and he no longer dared to use his power to force her.

"Alright, I respect your wishes."

He knew that Jiang Zhi harbored resentment towards him, making him the least likely among all the potential suitors.

If Jiang Zhi doesn't choose anyone, it would be a good thing for him.

The one who found it hardest to accept was Lu Yuan.

They were each other's first time. He had never been interested in any other woman; all his affections were reserved for Jiang Zhi.

The inability to spend his life with Jiang Zhi and grow old together was something he found hard to accept.

If Azhi leaves Kyoto in the future, I will definitely go with her.

However, he did not want others to know his plans.

As a court official, Shen Ci'an could not leave the capital. Xie Qi held military power and would certainly have to lead troops away from the capital in case of war. Xiao Xuanyou, as the future emperor, was even more so.

Only he could give up everything and leave with her.

Thus, the four people, each with their own thoughts, entered a brief period of peace, unlike their previous confrontational state.

They toasted each other and occasionally discussed the situation at court, appearing quite harmonious.

The temporary harmony numbed Jiang Zhi, and by the time she came to her senses, all four of them were already tipsy.

Shen Ci'an rested his chin on one hand, his eyelids half-closed as he leaned against the table, a faint blush creeping onto his pale face.

Taking advantage of his drunken state, Xie Qi leaned closer to Jiang Zhi and rested his heavy head on her shoulder. "Zhi Zhi, I'm a little dizzy. Let me lean on you for a bit."

Lu Yuan stepped forward to pull Xie Qi up from Jiang Zhi, but his steps were unsteady and he fell down next to Jiang Zhi. After Jiang Zhi helped him up, he took her hand and placed it on his burning cheek, refusing to let go.

Xiao Xuanyou remained seated at the head of the table, his phoenix eyes, tinged with wine, now flushed crimson at the corners, fixed intently on Jiang Zhi with an unconscious tenderness.

Jiang Zhi had a headache, so she could only call Ru Ying and An Yue and ask them to help Shen Ci'an back to the Shen residence.

Although Shen Ci'an was drunk, he refused to move an inch, only looking at Jiang Zhi with his clear eyes, seemingly lost in thought.

Qingxing tentatively asked, "Does Lord Shen intend to stay here tonight?"

Shen Ci'an's eyes flickered, and he nodded slightly.

Jiang Zhi chuckled and then had Ru Ying and An Yue help Shen Ci'an to a guest room in the mansion to rest.

Xie Qi and Lu Yuan were locked in a fierce standoff, neither willing to let go of Jiang Zhi first, let alone leave the mansion.

Qingxing understood immediately, and then tentatively asked, "General Xie and Lord Lu, would you like to stay at the mansion tonight as well?"

Xie Qi and Lu Yuan exchanged a glance, their drunken eyes seemingly veiled by a thin mist, and they nodded stiffly and reluctantly.

So after Ruying and Anyue settled Shen Ci'an and returned, Jiang Zhi had them help Xie Qi and Lu Yuan down as well.

In the end, only Xiao Xuanyou remained.

Jiang Zhi asked him, "Is Your Highness drunk?"

Xiao Xuanyou blinked, his usual domineering demeanor fading. "Not at all."

“It’s getting late, Your Highness, please return to the East Palace as soon as possible,” Jiang Zhi said.

Xiao Xuanyou nodded and stood up, leaning on the table for support.

But he quickly staggered and fell back down.

He chuckled dreamily, rubbing his forehead. "I don't wish to move around tonight. I wonder if there are any spare rooms in the manor?"

Jiang Zhi tugged at the corner of her lips, no longer having the intention to refuse.

Everyone else is staying here, so it won't make a difference if His Highness the Crown Prince stays here as well.

So when Ruying and Anyue returned, they took Xiao Xuanyou to rest.

Qingxing couldn't help but mutter to herself.

Fortunately, there were only four.

One more, there really aren't any extra guest rooms in the mansion.

Once everyone was settled, Jiang Zhi, accompanied by Qing Xing, returned to her main house.

The moonlight was clear and cold, the stars were few and far between, and the air was filled with only the crisp and tranquil feeling of a clear autumn day.

Jiang Zhi looked up at the lonely moon hanging high in the sky. The events of her past life seemed to be getting further and further away from her, scattered in the wind. Her heart felt clearer and more relaxed than ever before.

(End of text)