◇ Chapter 87 (87) Zhulan’s Life Story (Part 1)
"Beat and scold? You mean..." An Shi didn't dare to ask. He had thought that as long as he was happy, he could still be a shadow, a secret guard who could not see the light.
As long as one of them could find happiness, it would be fine. After all, what he did was the same from the beginning to the present. But now someone said that he was not living a good life. The person he loved deeply did not cherish him.
"You're mistaken." An Shi frowned, but Lian Zhi didn't give him any chance to escape, "I met An Shiyi.
An Shi's pupils shrank, and he completely lost the strength to refute.
"Do you think he can rest easy just because he's been appointed Imperial Concubine? What does Chen Fengke's appointment of him as Imperial Concubine have to do with him?" Lianzhi sneered. "Does he think he can learn from me just by staying with me for a long time?"
"He didn't!" An Shi suddenly stood up. Lianzhi looked at him in surprise. She hadn't expected him to be so anxious and stand up despite the pain. Her eyes turned cold. "Did I say anything wrong? Instead of speaking well of him in front of me, why not think about how to help him? If I were you, how could I bear to see him suffer?"
An Shi opened his mouth to refute, but had to admit that Lian Zhi was right. However, his identity meant that there was no chance for them to be together. An Shiyi could live in the sunshine, which was better than both of them living in the shadow of others, hiding from the light.
Whether it was being a guard or killing people, that was all he could do for An Shiyi. And from the moment he confirmed Lian Zhi's identity, he had no desire to continue living.
He couldn't betray Lianzhi, nor could he sell out An Shiyi. Only if he died would he not let these two people down.
While he was stunned, Lianzhi picked up the medicine bowl and fed him spoonful by spoonful. Before An Shi could come to his senses, the bitter medicine choked him and made him cough.
"How, how could you..."
Hearing An Shi's words about not daring to bother him again, Lian Zhi rolled her eyes inwardly, held An Shi's hands with her hot hands, and looked at him sincerely and affectionately.
"I'm here to help you, An Shi. Ask yourself, have I ever blamed you in the past? Even if you intended to assassinate me, I never hurt you or An Shiyi." Lian Zhi's voice was soft and beguiling, and she said earnestly, "I know you're in a difficult situation. Wouldn't it be better if An Shiyi just left that person? As long as he no longer likes that person, he won't go crazy for him. If you really want to do good for him, you should let him leave someone who doesn't deserve it. Now I'm just an ordinary person. You can leave. Not only will I not pursue the matter, I will also help you start a new life. Isn't that good?"
He finished speaking and observed An Shi's reaction. An Shi was clearly captivated by what he was saying and had fallen into deep thought. Lian Zhi was not in a hurry and continued to hold his hand.
After a while, An Shi muttered, "What should I do? Will he...really leave?"
"Why bother trying to persuade him?" Lianzhi said startlingly, "Wouldn't it be better if that person just disappeared? By then, even if An Shiyi doesn't want to, there won't be any reason for him to stay, right?"
An Shi looked at him in shock. After a moment, his breathing gradually became steady, his eyes regained their firmness, and he asked again, "What should my subordinates do?"
Lianzhi curled her lips, revealing a barely perceptible smile.
"Just obey me like before," Lianzhi promised, "I will arrange everything for you."
I don't know what their mistress said to the secret guard, but after the mistress returned, the secret guard was no longer lifeless, as if he had suddenly regained his will to live. The servants were also very relieved, no longer worried about failing to keep a good eye on the man and betraying the mistress and the master's trust.
Eunuch Wen was initially worried about what to do if the palace sent another decree. But Lianzhi paid no heed to her situation, spending the two days she spent in the villa sleeping and playing with the cat. Bai Kang had been busy lately, returning to the Shangshu Mansion every night, but he didn't question her. He even invited Yuyao to the villa, treating it like his own. Yuyao, restless by nature, knew she wouldn't stay in Daning for long, so she kept running around. Lianzhi had no choice but to tag along.
To avoid being conspicuous, they brought no attendants. But as they entered the restaurant, Lianzhi and Yuyao's appearance and attire still drew the innkeeper's frequent glances. They went up to the top floor and sat down by the window.
The capital is very busy today. It is still early and the shops and restaurants on both sides have just opened for business, but outside there is a lot of noise and the streets are crowded with people who are looking forward to it. Even many shop owners are standing outside waiting, and some have put their business on hold.
The guests in the restaurant across the street all leaned out of their windows and looked towards the city wall. From this angle, they could see the guards stationed on the city wall.
"Why is it so busy today?" Yu Yao flipped through the menu, which she hardly understood, and said in surprise, "I was right to ask you to go out."
"now……"
"The King of Longxi is entering the capital today. Many people want to see this great general who conquered several cities in Mobei, so they came to wait near the city gate early in the morning."
Before Lianzhi could say anything, a soft voice sounded from behind him. He was stunned, but Yuyao's eyes lit up and she waved, "Xi Niang, you're here too!"
Behind them, Yan Xi Niang smiled shyly, clutching her handkerchief as she walked over to them: "Can I sit at the same table with you?"
"Of course." Yu Yao nodded vigorously. The maid pulled out a chair for her. Yan Xi Niang sat by the window, looking toward the city gate. She said softly, "I also want to meet that prince."
Yuyao was a little confused as to why Xi Niang didn't sit next to her, but sat next to Lianzhi instead. But then she thought, that seat was more convenient for looking out the window, and she stopped worrying. Just as she picked up a piece of food with her chopsticks, a sudden shout erupted from downstairs, startling Yuyao so much that she almost threw her chopsticks away.
"Here they come! The army is coming!"
Outside the city gates, a striking crimson banner fluttered in the wind, gleaming in the morning sun. The sound of horse hooves and rutting wheels drifted closer, resonating like thunder, shaking even the weeds along the roadside. Several tall horses slowly emerged into view. The King of Longxi and his two lieutenants, clad in silver armor, wore solemn expressions, their faces etched with undisguised murderous intent.
The prisoner wagons following behind carried several Mobei prisoners of war, their ornaments still attached, revealing their Mobei royal family identities. The carriages behind them carried spoils of war seized from Mobei, presented as tribute.
The King of Longxi brought only a hundred men to the capital, yet the scene was still impressive. Wherever the carriages and horses passed, the common people on both sides cheered. The person next to her began breathing heavily. Lianzhi turned her head and saw Yan Xiniang staring intently at the person on the horse.
"Hey, you said the King of Longxi is really capable."
In the middle of the official road, the two leaders, each on horseback, gazed off into the distance. Hearing the Minister of War's words, Bai Kang remained silent. For some reason, his gaze remained fixed on the restaurant window. The Minister of War glanced over, seeing nothing amiss. Seeing Bai Kang ignore him, he added, "The Longxi King's army is quite impressive, rivaling the imperial guards."
Bai Kang knew the other party was trying to trick him into revealing something, so he snorted and chuckled, "It was you who suggested recruiting him to the capital. So, it seems you have a great admiration for the Prince of Longxi?"
The Minister of War's expression changed: "How could that be true?"
"I just feel that you seem to be happy to see the princes come to Beijing." Bai Kang said slowly.
Having been met with such dismay, the Minister of War stopped talking to him. The opposing troops gradually approached, finally stopping a few feet away from them. The two men bowed, and then the Minister of War spoke first: "The King of Longxi, accept the order—"
The people around did not disperse because of this sound. The King of Longxi was silent for a moment, then dismounted and led his men to kneel down. The Minister of War unfolded the imperial edict in his hand and said loudly:
"By the providence of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: The Prince of Longxi has pacified the frontier and has made meritorious military campaigns. I am deeply pleased and am therefore summoning him back to the capital. However, now that the border is secured, I hereby order the Prince of Longxi to immediately return the Tiger Tally, disarm, and return to the court. He will remain in the capital to await his reward. His troops, awaiting dispatch from the Ministry of War, will be stationed outside the capital and not allowed to enter without summons, to reassure the people. I decree this."
Everyone had anticipated this imperial edict. It was a consensus that vassal kings were not allowed to bring troops into the capital. The King of Longxi immediately removed his silver armor and took the imperial edict with both hands: "Your humble servant accepts the order."
The King of Longxi followed the officials of the Ministry of Rites into the palace for an audience, and the Minister of War ordered his subordinates to be settled. After seeing the true appearance of the King of Longxi, the people dispersed with satisfaction.
"Does Miss Yan care much about the King of Longxi?"
After the crowd dispersed, Lianzhi suddenly spoke. Yan Xi Niang shuddered and forced a smile, saying, "I just want to meet the man who pacified Mobei. My fiancé is Young Master Chang, so why would I care about other men?"
As soon as these words were spoken, Yu Yao, who had been preoccupied with her food, looked up, visibly disappointed. Yan Xi Niang didn't notice, and blushed as she said, "I'm not traveling today to see the King of Longxi... Young Master Chang's birthday is coming up soon, and I want to choose a gift for him."
"Master Chang, is it your birthday?" Yu Yao put down her chopsticks. "What do you want to give me? If you can't think of one, we can help you."
"I don't know either." Yan Xi Niang touched the hairpin on her head, her face full of happiness, "I want to give him a heart-shaped jade pendant as a return gift."
Yuyao's expression was already beginning to fray, but she still remembered Lianzhi's advice: Daning was different from the North Sea, and one shouldn't just fight over whoever she fancied. Despite feeling a little sad, Yuyao said, "We'll help you choose. I haven't even seen what Daning's heart knot looks like."
Yan Xi Niang nodded, and the three of them went to the jade jewelry store together. As soon as she got off the carriage, Yu Yao was attracted by the jewelry in the room. She immediately forgot her sadness and went shopping on her own. Lian Zhi followed Yan Xi Niang and asked in a low voice: "Why don't you tell Yu Yao directly?"
"I don't understand what the prince means." Yan Xi Niang said timidly.
"I know, today isn't Chang Yuzhu's birthday." Lianzhi said calmly, "She likes you very much, and you don't hate her, right? Otherwise, you wouldn't be associating with her. She doesn't understand the rules of Daning, and she doesn't mean to steal Chang Yuzhu from you. She just... hasn't met many people from Daning."
From Yan Xi Niang's words, combined with Yu Yao's previous mention that Yan Xi Niang liked to talk to her about Chang Yu Zhu, Lian Zhi simply assumed that Yan Xi Niang had noticed Yu Yao's fondness for Chang Yu Zhu and, feeling unhappy, had deliberately told Yu Yao about it. Yan Xi Niang laughed after hearing this and muttered to herself, "You really do care about her. If she had liked Lord Bai, would you still be indifferent?"
"What did you say?" Lianzhi frowned.
Yan Xi Niang shook her head. "I do think you care about Princess Yuyao. That's great! If only someone had cared about my brother back then. You know, today is my brother's birthday. Unfortunately, my brother wasn't so lucky. No one cares about him, not even his good brothers."
"…My condolences." This was all Lianzhi could say. Yan Xi Niang's eyes were red, and she shook her head again: "Except for the princess and Master Chang, no one cares about me. I can only say this to her. Please don't blame me, Prince."
Lianzhi didn't know how to answer. Yan Xiniang quickly wiped away her tears and went to find Yuyao. She selected several jade pendants with heart knots and also selected several jade pendants with intricate patterns for Yuyao. She smiled and said, "This pattern is the same as the pendant Prince Zhulan wears."
Hearing this, the owner of the jade jewelry store who was taking out the box looked over and exclaimed, "Didn't Lord Bai buy this one?"
Lianzhi subconsciously clutched the pendant at her chest. The shopkeeper smiled and said, "Another customer also liked this pendant, but Master Bai insisted on buying it. I didn't expect it to be a gift for you, young master. It's truly a perfect match. The pendant we carved is truly worthy of being worn by a beauty like you."
Lianzhi was very pleased to hear this. He cleared his throat and pointed to the heart-knot jade pendant on the table: "Give me one of these, too."
After the purchase, Lianzhi felt something was wrong. It was understandable that Yan Xiniang bought the heart-shaped jade pendant for Chang Yuzhu, but why did he buy it for Bai Kang?
But now that the item was in her hands, Lianzhi began to regret her shrewdness. After leaving the jade jewelry store, Yan Xi Niang and the others separated and headed for the Chang residence. After Lianzhi and Yu Yao boarded the carriage, Lianzhi said solemnly, "Be more careful when you speak to Miss Yan. Especially, don't ask her about Chang Yuzhu anymore."
That Miss Yan looked weak, but she was very good at talking. Especially when she mentioned her brother to him... Yuyao nodded very humbly and promised repeatedly that she would never like Chang Yuzhu again, and Lianzhi gave up.
On the way, they bought two small yellow croakers. Back at the villa, Lianzhi placed the gift box on the table, carried the fish, and hugged the little white cat to the pond. Bai Kang happened to be at the villa today, having just returned from the Ministry of Rites. He had listened to the Emperor Jianguang and the Prince of Longxi flirting for hours, and he felt exhausted. He wanted to hug Lianzhi and give her a few kisses to soothe him.
He entered the house but saw no one. He hadn't expected Lianzhi to be napping at this hour. The servants were also gone, having followed Lianzhi to the courtyard to serve. On the table sat an exquisite box of familiar design. Thinking Lianzhi was putting away her jewelry, Bo Kang opened it and took a look.
It didn't matter when he took a look. Inside the box was a brand new jade pendant with a heart knot. Bai Kang held it up and looked at it again and again against the light. Just then, Lian Zhi came back with the little white cat. Seeing Bai Kang, she pounced on him like a little firecracker and threw herself into his arms: "Brother Kang, you're here!"
Bai Kang first hugged the person tightly and took two deep breaths before asking, "Baby, did you give me a jade pendant?"
How did you guess that? Lianzhi blushed and hesitated, not wanting to answer. Just as she was about to ask Baikang to tie it, she heard Baikang say with deep sorrow, "Why didn't you wait until I came back to give it to me?"
Um?
Lianzhi blinked, not understanding what he meant. Bo Kang said, "Who did you ask to deliver it? You sent it to the wrong person. I saw Chang Yuzhu wearing it today!"
Knowing that he had misunderstood, Lianzhi laughed so hard that she fell backwards, hanging on Bo Kang's shoulder: "That was a gift from Miss Yan! It's just the same style. Even if I want to give something as a gift, I want to give it to you, Brother Kang, right?"
Bai Kang blushed, and Lianzhi hung the jade pendant on his waist, saying with satisfaction, "Not bad. You must wear it when you go to court from now on. No, what if Chang Yuzhu wears it too? Forget it."
He was about to take it off when he finished speaking. Bo Kang immediately grabbed his hand, afraid that Lianzhi would take the gift back, and changed the subject: "Baby, the King of Longxi is coming to the palace today. Do you know what I heard?"
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