After the banquet ended, Xiao Ziwu immediately followed Tianyun.
Finally, they found her by the Thousand Carp Pond, not far from the Taiji Hall.
The lake at night appears exceptionally serene and tranquil, its clear, cool waters shimmering and carrying a chilling, damp atmosphere.
When Xiao Ziwu found his precious baby, he happened to see her looking dazed, slowly squatting down, her jade-white fingers reaching into the cold lake water.
Because of his posture, his body trembled and leaned forward unsteadily.
They were about to fall into the lake!
Xiao Ziwu's heart nearly stopped when he saw this. He quickly flew over, grabbed her waist, and pulled her a few steps away from the lakeside.
"what are you up to?!"
Tianyun was also startled by his sudden appearance, and said in a trembling voice, still somewhat shaken, "I... I just wanted to feel how cold this pool water is."
I wonder... what His Highness's state of mind was when he was punished and forced to search for the wolf's hair in the Thousand Carp Pond?
He held the woman tightly in his arms, unable to move at all, but his tone of concern was evident in his voice.
Her sweet voice was muffled by his strong chest.
Upon learning the reason, Xiao Ziwu's previously cold and stern face instantly softened into one of tenderness.
He closed his eyes slightly and pulled the woman closer to his chest, feeling a soft, warm feeling in his heart.
“It’s all in the past, I don’t remember it anymore.” Xiao Ziwu stroked the soft ends of her hair.
That's true.
The baby had only been by his side for a few months, yet it seemed to soothe his decade-long torment. His mind was filled with her image, and those painful memories were fading further and further away from him.
Perhaps, my precious child was sent by God to redeem me.
Xiao Ziwu slowly curled the corners of his lips and hugged the woman even tighter.
"Hmm... But I won't forget that Your Highness was punished by being made to search the Thousand Carp Pond all night because you helped me out of a predicament."
This warm embrace felt so safe, like being a little cub nestled under his wings. The woman closed her eyes, peacefully absorbing the captivating scent of snow plum blossoms emanating from him.
At this moment, all she wanted to do was put all her worries behind her.
There was no one else in the world who could interfere between the two of them!
Unfortunately, such tender moments are always all too fleeting.
Lingqi, who had been sent away by her, soon returned.
In the darkness of night, Lingqi did not recognize that the person embracing her young lady was Xiao Ziwu. Thinking he was some drunken lecher, she immediately lost control and shouted, "You audacious scoundrel, let go of my young lady!"
After saying that, he picked up a handful of stones, ready to smash this shameless lecher's head until it bled!
Tianyun chuckled, finally feeling a bit relieved after a whole night of pent-up emotions.
She smiled lightly, "Take a good look at who he is."
"Three...Your Highness?"
After confirming it was Xiao Ziwu, a handful of pebbles fell from her hand. Lingqi was so frightened that she scurried behind her young lady to hide, afraid that she would be held accountable by Xiao Ziwu on the spot for an insult.
Xiao Ziwu didn't seem to mind; instead, he gave her an appreciative look.
Such a loyal servant should stay by the little treasure's side and protect her well. If he is not around in the future, this girl should be fearless and shout out loud!
"Alright, don't be afraid, His Highness won't blame you. You go out of the palace first and wait for me in the carriage." Tianyun patted her trembling hand reassuringly. "I have something I want to discuss with His Highness. Don't worry, with His Highness protecting me, nothing will happen to me."
Lingqi, like a rabbit being pulled by the tail, quickly jumped away from her side. "Yes, miss, but don't take too long. If the palace gates are locked, then...it won't be good."
He then gave her some more instructions, still worried.
Tianyun replied softly, "I know, I know."
I was both amused and exasperated by her actions.
※※※※
Tianyun had no idea what happened in the latter half of the banquet, and was afraid to know.
But it was something she had no choice but to face.
The night was cool and still. Clusters of white violets huddled together by the lake, their beauty dazzling. The weeping crabapple buds were about to bloom, delicate and graceful.
The woman paid no heed to the beautiful scenery. Her slender, white fingers twisted the embroidered patterns on the cloak's sash. Her voice was slightly strained, carrying a palpitation she herself was unaware of, as she asked, "Just now in the main hall, did His Majesty bestow a marriage upon you and Gu Beiye?"
"Never." Xiao Ziwu was somewhat disappointed when he said this. If he could, he would be eager to marry his precious baby.
Tianyun breathed a sigh of relief and then asked, "If His Majesty were to bestow a marriage upon you, would Your Highness be willing?"
The fingertips were slightly white from being tightly wrapped with ribbons.
"nature!"
Upon waking, he fiercely condemned himself, yet he couldn't resist the surging tide of emotion and his longing for his beloved...
When emotions run high, having such a dream is truly uncontrollable. If he could, he would want to marry his sweetheart right now.
Between the brows and in the heart, from now on, one love for life, one soulmate.
He did it willingly. The woman's face turned deathly pale as she lowered her eyes. Her arms, unable to support her any longer, fell limply to her sides. Her voice trembled slightly, "Is...is that so?"
Sensing something was off in her words, Xiao Ziwu gently lifted her face to examine her, his tone very tender. "What's wrong?"
"It's nothing, Your Highness, please escort me back to my residence."
The woman forced a faint smile, but the smile didn't reach her eyes, revealing a hint of bitterness. She pulled away from the prince's large hand that was holding her face, turned around, and hurriedly said, "Let's go!"
If I don't leave soon, I won't be able to hold back the tears welling up in my eyes.
It is a great joy that Your Highness has a capable minister to assist you, and it is even more wonderful that he is willing to accept this marriage!
She cannot disregard His Highness for her own selfish reasons...
In a daze, Tianyun remembered what Master Hongyi of Wanfo Temple had said to her—
"Do not dwell too much on the past and lose sight of your true self."
Her past is the basis for her current life experiences.
At this moment, she vaguely understood the profound meaning hidden in Master Hongyi's words.
Could it be a warning to her not to be too bound by the traditional one-man-one-woman system?
Her original intention, from beginning to end, was His Highness...
If he is well, that's good.
Tianyun's head was throbbing with pain, and she didn't want to think about it anymore—
"Are you really alright?" Xiao Ziwu didn't understand why she suddenly became so down, but he could only gently coax her and ask.
"It's alright!" The woman's voice suddenly became firm, as if she had made some difficult decision.
"No matter what, I will stay with Your Highness."
Since I can't escape this fate, and I can't let him go, then all I can do is stay by his side until he no longer needs me...
"I will always be with you."
Xiao Ziwu passionately placed a kiss on her forehead, his warm, thin lips landing on her fair skin with boundless affection.
That's enough. Tianyun nestled closer to him, closing her eyes as she thought this.
That's enough...
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