Once the seed of doubt is planted, many things become traceable.
The day I was forced to drink at the Third Prince's residence, with a muscle-relaxing drug laced in the wine, must have been Empress Yan's idea. Empress Yan hasn't touched me in the past three years.
It was simply because he couldn't explain things to the Seventh Prince after returning.
The timing was set just before the Seventh Prince's return; if something happened to her, it wouldn't be Empress Yan's fault.
There must be a lover waiting for her behind the scenes of the "soft bone powder".
If Xiangzhu hadn't reminded her... Princess Jiahua dared not think any deeper, she was utterly terrified.
As for the Third Prince's wife, it was entirely profitable for her.
She knelt for two whole hours. When a palace maid came in to pay her respects, Empress Yan waved her hand before letting Princess Jiahua stand up.
The Third Prince's Consort pulled Princess Jia Hua to sit down and gently poured her a glass of water, handing it to her: "You're just idling around in the mansion anyway. Starting tomorrow, let's come and keep the Empress company together. I'm quite good at embroidery and I'm planning to embroider some little clothes for the children. You can give me your advice."
As they spoke, they heard footsteps behind them.
A familiar scent wafted into my nose.
Seeing the harmonious atmosphere, the Seventh Prince's expression softened. After bowing to Empress Yan, he left with Princess Jiahua. Princess Jiahua endured the discomfort in her knees and followed closely behind the Seventh Prince.
Only after they boarded the carriage did the Seventh Prince ask, "If you don't feel comfortable in the palace, you don't have to come. Her Majesty is kind-hearted and won't hold it against you."
Soft-hearted?
A mocking glint flashed in Princess Jiahua's eyes. She feared that the Seventh Prince had no idea how much blood was on Empress Yan's hands.
She shook her head: "It's alright, I'm free anyway, and besides, we've already made an appointment, so it wouldn't be right not to go."
Seeing that she didn't object, the Seventh Prince didn't object either.
After the carriage had been traveling for a while, she suddenly asked about Miss Xu. The Seventh Prince explained, "Five years ago, Father Emperor was interested in betrothing Miss Xu to me, but I don't know why it was suddenly put on hold. Then I went to the battlefield, and the matter was delayed. If Your Majesty hadn't mentioned it today, I wouldn't have known that Miss Xu is still unmarried."
Miss Xu was just a prelude, merely a test of her and the Seventh Prince's attitudes. How could Empress Yan possibly allow her to marry into the Seventh Prince's household?
"Are you really willing for me to take a concubine?" the Seventh Prince mustered his courage and asked.
Princess Jia Hua looked at the Seventh Prince: "Your Highness has no interest in Miss Xu. She will only waste her life if she marries into this family. Your Highness deserves a better girl."
Miss Xu has been dragging her feet on marriage for over twenty years, which shows that her intentions are not pure.
"At my age..." The Seventh Prince coughed lightly, his fist pressed to his lips, his ears turning red, and said in a low voice, "I have never thought of taking a concubine, I only want to stay with one person."
Princess Jia Hua stared blankly at the Seventh Prince, suddenly realizing an unusual atmosphere. She quickly explained, "Your Highness, I will return to Northern Chu sooner or later."
These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over the Seventh Prince's head.
His face stiffened, and he asked awkwardly, "Is it because of those two children?"
She nodded emphatically.
The Seventh Prince's expression softened considerably afterward. Princess Jia Hua, still preoccupied with something, asked when no one was around, "Does Your Highness still remember our bet?"
The Seventh Prince's expression also turned serious, and he nodded: "It has been arranged. The three armies have left Jincheng for their fiefdoms, and no one knows about it yet."
Princess Jia Hua breathed a sigh of relief.
“These days, many ministers have proposed to establish a new emperor.” The seventh prince said solemnly. Only after this period of time did he realize that the princes were not as harmonious and simple as they appeared on the surface.
They're all competing with each other behind the scenes.
The carriage stopped, and the Seventh Prince changed the subject, helping Princess Jia Hua down from the carriage. Taking advantage of the early hour, he suggested accompanying her shopping: "You've been in Southern Xinjiang for so long, but you've never been to the streets of Southern Xinjiang before, have you?"
Princess Jia Hua was not interested, but the Seventh Prince's good intentions piqued her interest, so she couldn't object and nodded, following behind him.
The streets of southern Xinjiang were bustling, and the things sold were strange and unusual, many of which she had never seen before. She glanced at them briefly and then looked away.
She's long past the age of curiosity, and besides, she's got a lot on her mind right now.
"The food at Mingji Restaurant is very famous. Would you like to try it?"
"Alright."
The shopkeeper recognized the Seventh Prince at a glance and bowed respectfully. The Seventh Prince waved his hand and said, "Just make the arrangements as usual. There's no need for outsiders to disturb us."
"yes."
They led the people to a private room upstairs.
Soon a table of delicious food was served. Princess Jiahua had no appetite, but not wanting to spoil the fun, she pretended to have a hearty appetite.
"good!"
"It truly lives up to its reputation."
The Seventh Prince was in a good mood. He was never picky about food, and he ate with the same expression, his movements as elegant as flowing water.
Princess Jia Hua rubbed her stomach, let out a satisfied burp, and drank a cup of tea: "Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness. The meal was excellent today."
"I'm glad you like it."
After eating and drinking her fill, she was eager to go back and rest, but her legs were sore and swollen, it was truly unbearable.
As the two descended the stairs, before Princess Jia Hua could even see clearly, a beautiful figure rushed straight up and deliberately entered the Seventh Prince's arms.
"Ouch!" she cried out softly.
The seventh prince retreated repeatedly, and only after regaining his footing could he see who it was.
The young woman wore a light green dress and had exquisite makeup on her face. She looked at the newcomer with a shy and timid expression, her almond-shaped eyes blinking as she stared at the Seventh Prince with a frightened look.
"Seventh...Your Highness, what a coincidence."
The Seventh Prince looked at Princess Jia Hua first: "Are you alright?"
Princess Jiahua could almost immediately tell that the girl in front of her must be Miss Xu. She shook her head and said, "I'm fine. Is this young lady alright?"
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