Zhao Zhi burst into laughter, pointing at the two of them and saying, "Look at you two, so glib-tongued! This tea of mine is just a token of my appreciation; it's nothing like the magical things you make it out to be." Then, she changed the subject, "However, since you two are so kind as to give me face, how about we all have a lively breakfast together at Hanfeng Palace today?"
Lin Wanqing and Zhu Sanniang exchanged a glance, both overjoyed, and said in unison, "If Your Majesty is in such a good mood, we will certainly accompany you."
A short while later, the maids filed in carrying breakfast. The four of them sat around a table, eating and chatting.
Zhao Zhi suddenly mentioned the Lantern Festival a few days later, her eyes sparkling with anticipation: "Speaking of the Lantern Festival, the most lively one is still the folk festival."
I have an idea. Why don't we disguise ourselves as ordinary people, travel incognito, and experience the charming, dimly lit scenery of the countryside?
Upon hearing this, Zhu Sanniang's eyes lit up immediately, and she clapped her hands and exclaimed, "Oh, Your Majesty's plan is brilliant! I'll go prepare a few sets of coarse cloth clothes right away. Once we change into them, I guarantee that even the dogs won't recognize us when we walk down the street!"
Lin Wanqing wasn't to be outdone, and added with a smile, "That's right, let's learn some of the shouts and cries of street vendors, and I guarantee that when we go, we'll become the most down-to-earth 'big stars' at the Lantern Festival!"
Zhao Zhi couldn't help but laugh at their whimsical ideas and readily agreed, "Okay, okay, we'll do as you say."
After saying this, she glanced thoughtfully at Zhu Sanniang, thinking to herself: "Brother, this is all I can do for you. Now it's up to you whether you can win back the beauty's heart."
On the second day after Zhu Sanniang arrived in Chunsheng County, Zhao Yi hurried to the Princess's residence.
On the day he arrived, he sent a letter to the Empress of Cuiwei Palace in the name of Shen Zhi, the son-in-law of the Emperor Xuan.
Zhao Zhi knew that Zhao Yi's real intentions were not what they seemed, but he didn't expect him to be in such a hurry. He was even using Shen Hanshan's name.
She politely declined, explaining that the Imperial Noble Consort needed to rest and recuperate, and that she herself was heavily pregnant and feared she might not be able to provide adequate hospitality.
Zhao Yi's face immediately darkened when he saw Zhao Zhi's reply.
Shen Hanshan took the reply from his hand, suddenly smiled, and pointed to a line of text, saying, "Here, they are going to the Lantern Festival."
Zhao Yi suddenly realized what was happening and said with a smile, "As expected, blood is thicker than water. The child still sides with his elder brother, the Emperor."
"Your Majesty, I have a question." Shen Hanshan returned the invitation to Zhao Yi. Zhao Yi frowned slightly. "What is it?"
"If you care, why let go? And after letting go, why... still think about it?" He didn't want to say "endlessly pursuing," but he was afraid of offending Zhao Yi, so he changed his words to "think about it."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Yi lowered his gaze, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes—a mixture of helplessness and deep affection. He spoke slowly, his voice low and firm: "What Hanshan said is a pain in my heart. The Great Xuan royal family has indeed weathered many storms, with few heirs. The hardships they endured are difficult for those who haven't experienced them to understand. As for myself, the regret of having no descendants is an even more agonizing pain, but fate is fickle and destiny is hard to defy."
He sighed softly and continued, "Sheng'er is the love of my life and my greatest regret. Although I am a prince, I have failed to give her a complete family and have made her bear too many burdens and pressures that she should not have had to bear."
Her smile, once the warmest sunshine in my heart, can now only be found in memories. I want her to be able to laugh freely and live carefree for the rest of her life, rather than remain trapped in this glittering cage.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com