After the engagement was called off, Song Yue locked herself in her room and slept for a day and a night.
She was awakened by the lively sound of gongs and drums coming from the courtyard. She rubbed her tired eyes, propped herself up, and called for Yun Dong.
"Miss, you're awake." Yun Dong quickly lifted the curtain and helped Song Yue up, explaining, "The neighboring courtyard is holding auspicious rites today, and we can move in tomorrow."
Song Yue suddenly realized.
After washing up and having breakfast, Princess Jiahua went to the neighboring courtyard to decorate the bridal chamber. Princess Jiahua had put a lot of effort into preparing for her marriage to Jiang Ying.
"Young lady, there's one more thing. Your wedding date has also been set for the eighth day of next month."
"So soon?" she asked in surprise.
“The Eighth Prince’s wedding date is the 28th of this month,” Yun Dong said, glancing at Song Yue’s expression.
Song Yue smiled. Princess Lian'an's belly was almost impossible to hide, so the wedding must be in a hurry. Suddenly remembering something, she opened the box: "Find a beautiful brocade box, put this in, and send it to the Eighth Prince's residence, saying it's a wedding gift from me."
After returning it, we will owe each other nothing more.
At this moment, eunuchs from the Imperial Household Department were coming and going from the Eighth Prince's Mansion, decorating the mansion. Rows of bright red lanterns hung under the eaves, creating a very festive atmosphere.
The huge garden also transplanted peonies, which were Princess Lian'an's favorite.
It was dazzlingly red.
After returning from the celebration banquet, Zhao Zhiyan sat in the pavilion in a daze, listening to the servant talking about Song Yue over the past three years.
He rarely went out and seldom attended banquets in Kyoto. The place he visited most often was the Imperial Palace.
Whenever Song Yue enters the palace, she encounters Prince Guangjia at least five out of ten times.
Zhao Zhiyan gripped the teacup tightly in his hand, his eyes flashing with coldness.
He trusted Zhao Yunke so much, yet he took advantage of the situation and bewitched the young girl while he was away!
"Your Highness, the third young lady of the Duke of Jingguo's mansion has sent someone to deliver congratulatory gifts," the steward hurriedly reported.
Upon hearing "Third Miss," Zhao Zhiyan glanced at the brocade box in the steward's hand, a vague sense of unease creeping over him: "Give it to me!"
Upon opening the brocade box, a stack of silver notes was revealed.
Count them, there are thirty-three thousand taels.
Upon seeing the silver note, Zhao Zhiyan's heart nearly skipped a beat. He recalled how, three years ago, the little girl had smiled and asked him for money, her eyes shining with an astonishing light.
He borrowed 30,000 taels.
The extra three thousand taels will be considered as interest.
Zhao Zhiyan stood up, clutching three thousand taels of silver: "To the Duke of Jingguo's residence."
Before they had taken two steps, Su Jing, Princess Lian'an's personal maid, rushed over and bowed to Zhao Zhiyan: "Your Highness, the princess wishes to invite you to the palace."
He stopped and frowned: "What's wrong with her?"
Su Jing glanced around.
Zhao Zhiyan gave a wink, and everyone around stepped back. Su Jing then said, "The princess has bled again today and found something dirty on the peony flowers in the room. The princess is very frightened and would like to ask you to come to the palace."
The three thousand taels of silver notes clutched in his hand suddenly felt quite heavy.
Seeing his hesitation, Su Jing knelt on the ground: "Your Highness, you are the only family the princess has left. If something happens to her again, she will not survive."
"Nonsense!" Zhao Zhiyan raised his foot and coldly ordered, "Prepare the horses and enter the palace!"
Princess Lian'an leaned against the couch, her lips pale, her small face filled with fear and anxiety. When she saw Zhao Zhiyan arrive, she rushed to him, saying, "Brother Zhiyan, I...I'm scared."
Zhao Zhiyan gently patted her shoulder to calm her down before asking in detail, "What exactly happened?"
Su Jing pointed to the empty vase: "Princess likes peonies, and I collect some new flowers to insert every day. Today, for some reason, the princess started bleeding shortly after smelling the flowers. I then discovered that the flowers were coated with a very faint fragrance of cold condensation. The princess is prone to coldness and cannot tolerate such a strong and domineering medicine."
Princess Lian'an nestled in Zhao Zhiyan's arms, tilting her head back as tears streamed down her face. "Brother Zhiyan, I... I want to go back to the palace."
Zhao Zhiyan agreed without hesitation.
"Before I leave, I will thoroughly investigate Leng Ningxiang."
“Brother Zhiyan!” Princess Lian’an stopped him and shook her head: “We have just returned to the capital and it is not advisable to make a big fuss about this. I am already very lucky that I found out. Let it go.”
Su Jing said, "Princess, you are just too kind-hearted. This cold incense costs tens of thousands of gold coins and is extremely precious. Ordinary people simply cannot afford it. It's just that someone is jealous of you for stealing the marriage."
"Su Jing, shut up!" Princess Lian'an said softly.
Zhao Zhiyan's eyes darkened slightly.
Thinking of Song Yue's delicate and pretty face.
Suddenly recalling her methods when she first returned to the manor, it would not be an exaggeration to describe her as ruthless, vicious, unforgiving, and utterly indifferent to human life.
“Brother Zhiyan, perhaps there is a mistake. I am fine for now.” Princess Lian’an held Zhao Zhiyan’s sleeve with one hand, her eyes gentle and expectant: “I am sorry for her. I don’t blame anyone.”
Zhao Zhiyan took a deep breath, bent down and hugged Princess Lian'an in his arms. Su Jing quickly brought a cloak and put it on, and even packed her luggage before following closely behind.
Princess Lian'an leaned weakly against his chest, a fleeting smile playing on her lips as she looked down.
Before taking the person away, someone was sent to inform the Emperor of Northern Chu. Soon, the Emperor sent word and bestowed some tonics upon Princess Lian'an.
Princess Lian'an was drowsy throughout the journey.
Suddenly, Su Jing pointed at Princess Lian'an's dress: "Blood..."
Zhao Zhiyan looked down and indeed saw bloodstains on Princess Lian'an's dress. He said in a deep voice, "Quickly summon the imperial physician."
They carried the person into the palace and settled them in.
The imperial physician arrived quickly and, after examining the fetus, said, "The princess's health is deteriorating day by day, and the fetus is extremely unstable. She must not be subjected to any further stimulation, otherwise it is highly likely that both she and her unborn child will die."
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
