"Brother, have a drink of water."
Mu Jingyan poured a cup of tea for his brother, and Xiao Yujue and Mu Jingrui sat down face to face.
"You are the first person to come visit me."
Although the Black Bamboo Forest is very large, it is still an inescapable cage and a huge prison for Xiao Yujue.
"Your Highness, don't be sad. There are still many people out there who are willing to continue to serve you. It's just that during this extraordinary period, they can't come in."
"I understand." Xiao Yujue smiled and nodded.
At this time, his life had fallen to the lowest point.
There were people guarding him inside and outside the Mozhu Forest, and those people were always keeping a close eye on his every move.
Everything he said and did was done with extreme caution, fearing that someone would catch him and bring him death.
"Sister, are you back?"
When Mu Jingyan saw You Zhenzhen come in, he immediately stepped forward and took the basket and small hoe from her hands.
You Zhenzhen was sweating profusely, her hair was disheveled, and she was still in shock.
She really wanted to tell Xiao Yujue what had just happened and seek comfort from her husband, but she was worried that her husband would doubt her chastity.
Several times, the words came to my lips but I swallowed them back.
You Zhenzhen looked up and her eyes met Mu Jingrui's. Her heart trembled inexplicably.
"Meet the Crown Princess."
“No…no need to be polite.”
You Zhenzhen avoided Mu Jingrui's gaze. She began to suspect that the person who saved her just now was Mu Jingrui; she was even more worried that Mu Jingrui would tell Xiao Yujue what had just happened.
"Jing Rui, there are no delicacies here, but the bamboo shoots we just dug are fresh and delicious. If you don't mind, stay for a meal."
"Yes, brother, I'll go cook now." Mu Jingyan looked at You Zhenzhen and said with a smile, "Sister, you've worked hard, go and have a rest."
You Zhenzhen didn't say anything and went back to her room alone in silence.
The meal was simple, but Mu Jingrui could see Xiao Yujue's predicament at the moment.
It was obvious that the Ministry of Internal Affairs had not sent enough daily necessities to Xiao Yujue as per regulations. It was sad to see a crown prince of a country fall to this state.
After dinner, Mu Jingrui and Xiao Yujue talked alone for a while. When he was about to leave, he just stepped out of the door and saw You Zhenzhen passing by him.
"Thank you." You Zhenzhen said softly, but did not even look at Mu Jingrui.
"Xiaoyan, give me a passage."
"Um."
Mu Jingyan held his brother's hand, and the two siblings walked in the bamboo forest full of fallen leaves. The gentle breeze brushed their cheeks, and the bamboo leaves rustled.
"Brother, do you have something to say to me?"
"Xiao Yan, I know you and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince have a very good relationship. But... after all, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has more than one woman. You should also consider the feelings of others."
Mu Jingyan was stunned for a moment, then lowered his head sadly. "Brother, aren't you happy that His Highness dotes on me?"
"Of course I hope that you and your husband have a harmonious relationship, but...some things you have to be realistic about. You knew his identity and situation when you married him."
"I see."
Mu Jingyan felt sad, but couldn't refute.
In fact, most of the time, she also sympathized and understood You Zhenzhen.
Ever since she married Xiao Yujue, Xiao Yujue gave most of his favor to her, and You Zhenzhen's Prince's Mansion became a decoration.
This time when Xiao Yujue was in trouble, Mu Jingrui was not implicated because of his military achievements and, perhaps, the support of Shangguan Yue.
But the You family was not so lucky.
Mu Jingyan also wanted Xiao Yujue to be nicer to You Zhenzhen, but every time she saw Xiao Yujue getting close to You Zhenzhen, she couldn't help feeling sad.
"Xiaoyan, I also know that this will be difficult for you and make you feel wronged. However, this is the path you chose." Mu Jingrui patted his sister's head gently, "Silly girl, don't be sad, as long as His Highness has you in his heart, it is enough."
Mu Jingyan's nose felt sour, but he still nodded heavily.
After Mu Jingrui left, she returned to her residence with a heavy heart and saw You Zhenzhen struggling to draw water from the well.
She was about to step forward to help, but Xiao Yujue walked over before her, picked up the water and poured it into the water tank next to her.
"Your Highness, how can you do such rough work? I can do it..."
Xiao Yujue looked at You Zhenzhen and reached out to tidy up her scattered hair. "I'm sorry that you have to suffer with me. I'm just a commoner now. I know that in the common people, men should do the heavy work at home."
Tears welled up in You Zhenzhen's eyes. Xiao Yujue felt warm in his heart and reached out to hold her in his arms.
"I'm sorry to have wronged you..."
You Zhenzhen suddenly burst into tears and leaned on Xiao Yujue's chest, crying like rain.
Mu Jingyan quickly hid behind a haystack. She felt very uncomfortable, but thinking of what her brother had just said, she tried her best to suppress the sadness in her heart.
She waited until Xiao Yujue and You Zhenzhen separated before she adjusted herself and walked in as if nothing had happened.
"Sister, let me wash the clothes."
Mu Jingyan sat down on a small stool, forced a smile, and said, "His Highness hasn't finished his painting yet, so you should accompany him to finish it. I know that my sister is the best at painting."
Mu Jingyan's sudden change surprised You Zhenzhen. Only Xiao Yujue guessed that Mu Jingrui had said something to her.
At night, Mu Jingyan lay alone in bed, tossing and turning but unable to fall asleep.
This was the first time she stayed alone in an empty room after they came to the Black Bamboo Forest. She began to understand You Zhenzhen's loneliness and desolation.
She couldn't help crying, and in a daze, she felt someone hugging her from behind.
"Xiaoyan, don't cry, I'm back."
When Mu Jingyan heard the familiar voice, the grievances in his heart burst out like a flood. He turned around and snuggled into Xiao Yujue's arms, clutching his clothes tightly, tears streaming down his face.
Xiao Yujue gently stroked Mu Jingyan's face and sighed deeply.
"You, if you don't want to, why are you pretending to be generous?"
"My brother said..." Mu Jingyan cried so hard that she could hardly breathe, "Besides, I also understand...my sister really needs you. Your Highness, I...I'm fine. I really hope that my sister can be happy too. I...I won't cry when I get used to it."
Xiao Yujue smiled bitterly.
I'm afraid no one can adapt to this kind of thing.
He patted Mu Jingyan's back gently, soothing her sad mood.
Outside the bamboo house, You Zhenzhen turned around silently, biting her lips tightly, tears falling silently.
She wanted to escape from this place so much that she stumbled through the bamboo forest and slipped and fell to the ground.
A dark shadow blocked the moonlight in front of her.
She looked up and saw a broad hand stretched out in front of her.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
