Chapter 60
"What do you want from me?"
In a quiet place in Prince Yu's mansion, Wei Yan asked Shi Wanwan directly the reason for their meeting.
Shi Wanwan saw Wei Zhen for no other reason than to want to know the extent of Wei Zhen's feelings for Chu Miaomiao.
Crown Prince Wei Zhen, in terms of status, is the heir to the throne, and if nothing unexpected happens, he will be the one who inherits the throne; in terms of appearance, he is handsome, like the moon in the clouds, the plum blossom in the snow, or a delicate orchid and a jade tree, with an elegant temperament.
Few women would be immune to admiration for such a man. Even Shi Wanwan, who was born into a noble family and had high standards, could not help but reveal the affectionate attitude of a young girl when she spoke of Wei Zhen.
So when the Empress Dowager in the palace took her hand affectionately and asked her what she thought of the Crown Prince, Shi Wanwan could hardly control her heart that was about to beat fast. She tried hard to maintain the reserve of a lady from a noble family and slowly expressed her opinion of the Crown Prince.
Although most of the words were compliments, Shi Wanwan's tone and expression still revealed her admiration for Wei Zhen, which made the empress dowager very happy. She kept praising the Duke of Yingguo's Mansion for educating her daughter, and later sent continuous rewards to the Duke of Yingguo's Mansion.
The Empress Dowager would often summon Shi Wanwan to the palace to talk, and she repeatedly revealed during the conversations that Shi Wanwan was her most valued candidate for the Crown Princess.
However, even with the support of the Queen Mother, it does not mean that Shi Wanwan can naturally become the Crown Princess.
Just when Shi Wanwan was immersed in the joy of getting married to Wei Zhen, she was soon poured a bucket of cold water.
Wei Zhen refused. He already had a lover and would not marry anyone else.
This news was like a bolt from the blue to Shi Wanwan. Shocked, she remembered the woman who had attracted Wei Zhen's excessive attention - Princess Pingyang Chu Miaomiao.
In terms of background, there was not much difference between the two of them; but in terms of reputation and character, she was clearly superior. But why did such a dandy and unruly woman win the favor of the prince?
It's impossible to say she didn't feel a bit jealous, but Shi Wanwan was a woman of pride, and she wouldn't let herself be consumed by jealousy and become like the scheming Jiang Qiyue and Cheng Sian. She also wouldn't allow herself to bow her head and settle for being Wei Zhen's concubine.
So she cheered herself up and comforted the Queen Mother, silently digesting all the negative emotions behind her back.
Just when she thought that this matter was hopeless, unexpectedly, the King of Chu rebelled against the court, and Princess Pingyang became a criminal.
The daughter of a criminal is absolutely not qualified to become the Crown Princess.
The Queen Mother once again brought up the marriage of Shi Wanwan and Wei Zhen. Her confident and sure look also infected Shi Wanwan, and the love for Wei Zhen that had been sealed deep in her heart was rekindled.
But even so, Wei Zhen still seemed unwilling to let go of Chu Miaomiao. The palace rules were strict, and although Shi Wanwan had difficulty getting any information from the palace servants around the empress dowager, she had guessed the general situation in her heart because she had not seen the decree granting the marriage.
Shi Wanwan, always known for her dignified and reserved conduct, had a bold idea for the first time: she wanted to meet the Crown Prince and personally inquire about his feelings. But before that, she had to meet Princess Yukang. After all, among all the noble ladies in the capital, Princess Yukang was the only one with a close relationship to the Crown Prince.
Shi Wanwan put away her chaotic thoughts and put on a gentle smile. "I shouldn't have bothered you with the banquet at Prince Yu's mansion today, but I really have a question that I'd like to ask you to answer."
Wei Yan nodded coldly, motioning her to continue.
Shi Wanwan hesitated to speak. Although she had already made up her mind to ask about Wei Zhen and Chu Miaomiao's relationship, she felt a sense of fear when it came to this point.
She seemed afraid to hear with her own ears the prince's affection for Chu Miaomiao.
Shi Wanwan was silent for a long time. Jiang Yingyue wanted to remind her, but Wei Yan shook his head to stop her.
Wei Luan and Shi Wanwan hadn't had much in common, but now that Shi Wanwan had approached her alone, coupled with the rumors that she would become the Crown Princess, she had a rough idea of Shi Wanwan's intentions. And facing Shi Wanwan's silence, Wei Luan could understand a little.
Some people already have an answer in mind before asking a question. But this answer isn't the one they crave. Their hesitation and silence are actually a passive resistance to facing the answer in their heart.
Time slipped away in silence until the maidservant of Princess Yu came to find her. Shi Wanwan finally woke up from her dream and looked at Wei Yan. She mustered up the courage to speak, "Princess, what exactly are the feelings of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince towards Chu Miaomiao... No..."
Shi Wanwan's voice trembled a little: "Prince, how deep are your feelings for Chu Miaomiao?"
Wei Xuan's eyes were filled with pity as she looked at Shi Wanwan, who lowered her head. She couldn't bring herself to answer. She carefully considered her words in silence before replying, "Miss Shi, you are very good. Many people will admire and love you, but the Crown Prince won't be among them."
The words are subtle, but the meaning is clear.
——In the prince’s eyes, there is no trace of Shi Wanwan.
Now His Royal Highness the Crown Prince can only see Chu Miaomiao in his eyes.
In a quiet courtyard, under the dense shade of trees, Wei Zhen sat down beside Chu Miaomiao at the stone table. Chu Miaomiao had become quite accustomed to Wei Zhen's closeness during the journey back to Beijing, so she didn't distance herself from him, but just glanced at him helplessly.
Wei Zhen's index finger gently twisted a strand of Chu Miaomiao's black hair, and the black hair gently wrapped around his jade finger, revealing a lingering and ambiguous feeling. At the same time, he recounted the situation of the Chu family in prison, pausing slightly when mentioning Chu Canglang and his wife.
Chu Miaomiao noticed this subtlety and asked nervously, "What happened to my brother and sister-in-law?"
Wei Zhen loosened his hair and placed his palm on Chu Miaomiao's hand, speaking softly, "Ever since the King of Chu rebelled, your brother and his wife have been living in constant fear. First, they traveled all the way, and then were imprisoned awaiting judgment. Everything they went through was too much for a frail pregnant woman."
"Ah." Wei Zhen didn't say it explicitly, but Chu Miaomiao immediately understood what had happened to her brother and sister-in-law.
"Child." Chu Miaomiao's voice was tense, "Is the child gone?"
Wei Zhen nodded gravely. He consoled her, "Though it's regrettable that the child is gone, it can't be considered a completely bad thing at this critical juncture."
Chu Miaomiao smiled bitterly: "That's true. Even if the child is fine, I'm afraid it won't be born smoothly. Leaving early may be a blessing. Is the adult okay?"
"I've asked the imperial physician to take care of your brother and sister-in-law, but there's something else you might need to know."
"What?"
Wei Zhen sighed, "Your brother was already weak, and after all this trouble, he's had a high fever for days, making him even weaker. Your sister-in-law has been worried day and night, and after the miscarriage, she was severely weakened. She's practically walked back from the gates of hell."
The more Chu Miaomiao listened to Wei Zhen's words, the more her hands trembled and her heart ached. Wei Zhen quickly hugged her in his arms, gently stroking her back to comfort her.
"Although your brother and his wife have saved their lives, I'm afraid they will never have children again."
With Wei Zhen's comfort, Chu Miaomiao gradually calmed down. Hearing that his brother and sister-in-law were temporarily fine, Chu Miaomiao also breathed a sigh of relief. As for the issue of future offspring, that was not something they should consider at the moment.
"If your brother and sister-in-law are unable to produce children in the future, the lineage of the King of Chu will be extinct and will pose no threat to the Sage or the imperial court."
Chu Miaomiao finally reacted: "That's why you said this is not entirely a bad thing."
Wei Zhen nodded: "That's right. This way I will be more confident in continuing to persuade the Saint."
Hearing Wei Zhen say this, Chu Miaomiao felt even more guilty. Because of her, Wei Zhen had angered the Saint many times, and now, in order to protect her family, she was risking the Saint's disdain.
Wei Zhen had gone from being an ordinary heir, through many trials and tribulations, to his current position as Crown Prince. But now, he had gambled away his years of hard work and his boundless future, all for her.
If he fails, Wei Zhen will really have nothing.
Without a second's hesitation, Chu Miaomiao followed her heart and put her arms around Wei Zhen, burying her head in his chest. The faint scent of agarwood lingered around her nose as she whispered, "Thank you."
Wei Zhen's lips curved slightly as he accepted it calmly: "Well, I do deserve your thanks."
Chu Miaomiao was no longer surprised by Wei Zhen's sometimes shameless behavior. Instead, she hugged Wei Zhen a little tighter, which made Wei Zhen feel very happy but also a little worried about her mood.
"What's wrong? Are you feeling uneasy?"
"Uneasy is already the norm, it doesn't matter." Chu Miaomiao sighed softly, "I just can't help but wonder if it's worth it for you to do all this for me, and what can I give you in return?"
Hearing Chu Miaomiao say this, Wei Zhen's smile became more relieved, and his voice became more gentle: "Your words are a great reward for me."
Chu Miaomiao laughed and let go of Wei Zhen: "When did you become so easy to fool?"
Wei Zhen smiled and said, "You avoided me before, but now you are willing to accept me and sincerely thank me. I am already very satisfied. But you don't have to worry about whether it is worth it. I do these things from the bottom of my heart."
Wei Zhen looked deeply at Chu Miaomiao. He seemed to be able to see her soul through those bright black eyes. "You are willing to accept me and believe in me. That's enough."
As Wei Zhen finished speaking, Chu Miaomiao leaned forward and pecked Wei Zhen lightly on the lips.
When they felt the warmth and softness on their lips, they were both stunned.
Chu Miaomiao was stunned because she did not think about her action at all. Her body moved before her brain could react.
Wei Zhen was also stunned there. This was the first time Chu Miaomiao took the initiative to get close to him.
When Chu Miaomiao realized that something was wrong and was about to withdraw, Wei Zhen reached out and put his arms around her waist, holding her in his arms to prevent her from escaping. He lowered his head slightly and grabbed her scarlet lips, deepening the kiss without saying a word.
This was not the first kiss between them, but it was the first time that it was Chu Miaomiao's own wish.
Although she was surprised, Chu Miaomiao did not run away. She closed her eyes slightly, and opened her lips slightly, trying to cooperate with Wei Zhen.
Wei Zhen could clearly feel her change. Although he was ecstatic, his movements became gentler, as if he was afraid of scaring her away.
Ambiguity and warmth flow between this pair of lovers, as if there is nothing else in this world except the two of them.
"I said..."
A voice coming from outside the courtyard gate suddenly woke them up. Looking up, they saw Jiang Weiqiu sticking his head out.
"I didn't want to disturb you two from your lovemaking." Jiang Weiqiu looked helpless, but his tone was filled with sarcasm. "But His Highness has been away from the banquet for a while. It's about time for him to go back."
Wei Zhen reluctantly kissed Chu Miaomiao on the lips again, and whispered in a voice that only the two of them could hear: "Wait for me."
"Okay." Chu Miaomiao blushed and nodded slightly.
"Hey, let's go!"
Jiang Weiqiu urged him, looking as if he couldn't bear to watch any more. When Wei Zhen slowly walked out of the yard, he couldn't help but complain, "Your Highness, don't let your love for a man and a woman really get you carried away."
This was presumptuous, but Wei Zhen was extremely happy now, and even had the mood to refute Jiang Weiqiu: "Don't say the grapes are sour if you can't eat them."
Jiang Weiqiu shook his head speechlessly.
As they were talking, they walked towards the banquet hall in the front yard. After turning around a clump of banana trees, they ran into Shi Wanwan, who was alone and sad.
Wei Zhenyuan didn't notice her, and when he passed by her, Shi Wanwan called out to him -
"Your Highness, wait a minute."
Wei Zhen stopped and slowly turned to look at Shi Wanwan with a cold and distant gaze.
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