Just before boarding the carriage, Xu Lingqing gave her maid a wink, and the maid understood: "Oh dear, why is my princess missing a hairpin in her hair?"
"Hurry up and go find it!" Xu Lingqing whispered a reprimand.
The maidservant hurried inside.
I finally got back after waiting for a while.
Xuan Yuanche also came along.
Xu Lingqing was leaning against the carriage, one hand supporting her lower back, her face somewhat pale. When she suddenly saw Xuan Yuanche, she was surprised: "Why is Your Majesty here too, brother?"
"I heard from the maid that you were not feeling well. Is it serious?" Xuan Yuanche asked with concern.
Xu Lingqing pulled her clothes tighter: "Perhaps I caught a chill in the backyard and am feeling a little unwell."
Upon hearing this, Xuan Yuanche said, "You shouldn't have come to the banquet while you're pregnant. What if something happens to the baby?"
“But…but if I don’t come out and move around, the Eighth Prince’s Mansion will be gradually forgotten. What can I do?” Xu Lingqing’s eyes reddened, and she choked as she looked at the plaque of the Duke of Jing’s Mansion: “There are so many people attending the banquet in this huge Duke’s Mansion. What am I? I don’t belong here.”
Xuanyuan Che frowned slightly.
“Brother, I’m fine.” Xu Lingqing sniffed. “As long as the child won’t be looked down upon in the future, I’d be willing to risk my life for him.”
"You're overthinking it," Xuan Yuanche comforted him softly, and personally escorted him back to the Eighth Prince's residence.
This happened to coincide with Zhao Zhiyan, who was about to leave.
Xuan Yuanche helped Xu Lingqing down from the carriage, while Zhao Zhiyan stood on the steps with a gloomy face, coldly watching the scene.
"You're frail, so don't go. Just rest and recover. If you need anything, just send someone to find me," Xuan Yuanche said gently.
Xu Lingqing stood beside Xuan Yuanche like a little bird and nodded.
The two talked for a long time before Xu Lingqing belatedly noticed Zhao Zhiyan's presence: "Your Highness?"
Xuan Yuanche turned around and raised his chin as a greeting.
Zhao Zhiyan's breath hitched.
"It's so cold, don't let her go on a long trip," Xuan Yuanche said, his tone tinged with reproach.
Zhao Zhiyan pursed his lips tightly; he had no idea that Xu Lingqing had gone out.
“Brother, I will take care of myself.” Xu Lingqing said as she walked towards Zhao Zhiyan, rolled up his sleeve, and winked: “Is Your Highness going to find me?”
A smile crept onto his lips, and he wished he could pull his sleeves away, but he restrained himself from doing so and said, "There are some matters concerning the previous dynasty that require my presence in the palace."
"Enter the palace?" Xu Lingqing asked in surprise.
Upon reflection, he quickly realized that this was a conspiracy by the Crown Prince and his wife!
First, Song Yue appeared and lured him into the trap, then he timed it perfectly to find Zhao Zhiyan to enter the palace, deliberately letting him see this scene.
Zhao Zhiyan adjusted Xu Lingqing's clothes, and a fleeting hint of mockery flashed in his eyes as he looked at her adorned with jewels and dressed in fine clothes.
These clothes were all gifts from Xuan Yuanche and Xuan Yuanming.
"It's cold, let's go back first," he said.
Xu Lingqing did not notice Zhao Zhiyan's strange behavior. She nodded obediently and, with the help of her maid, turned around and entered the mansion.
Xuan Yuanche glanced at Zhao Zhiyan with disdain: "Why would the dignified Eighth Prince need a woman to maintain the reputation of the Eighth Prince's Mansion?"
Zhao Zhiyan only partially understood what he was saying.
"Qing'er has already suffered enough by marrying you and bearing your children. Don't let her down." After saying this, Xuan Yuanche turned around and got into the carriage.
Zhao Zhiyan's eyes flickered, a mocking smile appeared on his lips, and he clenched his fists for a long time before coming back to his senses.
...
Yikun Palace
Having nothing to do, Song Yue picked a few red plum blossoms and prepared to take them back: "The plum blossoms are blooming beautifully this year, but not as beautifully as those in Xingshan Village, where they bloom proudly on the cliffs."
Yun Dong smiled as she took the folded red plum blossom from Song Yue's arms, brought it close to her nose and sniffed it: "The one the Crown Princess folded is indeed excellent."
"You have such a sweet tongue!"
"I am telling the truth."
Jiang Ying watched the master and servant chatting and laughing. She glanced behind her, then stepped forward and said to Song Yue, "Why are you still reminiscing about Xingshan Village? Those hardships are all in the past. Don't let someone anger you to the point of madness."
Upon hearing this, Song Yue understood and her smile faded. She sighed deeply, "Sister-in-law, these days, whenever I close my eyes, all I can think about is my innocent child... How can I not hate him?"
“Ah Yue…”
"If I had known this would happen, I shouldn't have gotten involved in this mess. The child is innocent, sister-in-law. Have I done too many bad things, so God is punishing me?"
Jiang Ying stepped forward and hugged Song Yue: "Don't overthink it, we can have more children in the future."
The person behind him stopped in his tracks, his eyes dark and unsettling. He turned around and saw a girl under the red plum tree, her face pale and her eyes filled with tears. She was as delicate as a peony in the wind, battered by the storm and left without anyone to protect her.
He was used to Song Yue's arrogance, her haughtiness, and her ability to kill without shedding blood, but he had never seen her so delicate.
At this moment, Zhao Zhiyan's regret had reached its peak.
If he hadn't been swayed by gratitude back then and married Song Yue, he would never have let her suffer the slightest grievance today.
"Quickly help the Crown Princess back," Jiang Ying instructed.
The two men, one on each side, helped Song Yue walk further and further away.
Zhao Zhiyan's gaze lingered on the other person's back, and her fists clenched unconsciously, her heart heavy with unease.
With the red plum blossoms in the vase, Song Yue's face no longer held any trace of heartbreak. She gently brushed away the wrinkles and shook herself.
The remaining snow handed the small hand warmer to Yun Dong, sat down and poured two cups of tea. She handed one cup to Jiang Ying and told her about how Xu Lingqing had impersonated her and saved her life.
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