Now when I think back on it, I understand, that's not why Zhao Peng couldn't write well.

Obviously, she could have written it, but she did it on purpose to tease him.

He was angry when he was young, but now he wants it. The eunuch Wang Hai who led him in waited for a while, and saw Qin Shuhuai standing there holding Qin Peng's handkerchief, and whispered: "Prince, why don't you go in?"

"Um?"

Qin Shuhuai came back to his senses, pursed his lips, and said calmly: "I'm not going."

Originally I wanted to meet her again under the pretext of exchanging handkerchiefs.

But now I feel that it would be better not to see him.

Zhao Yi followed Qin Shuhuai and walked out with him, saying calmly, "Why didn't the prince stop it?"

“Do I qualify?”

Qin Shuhuai asked calmly, and Zhao Yi couldn't help laughing: "But Prince, if we keep talking about qualifications, what if the princess is married to Master Liu..."

Qin Shuhuai paused, squeezed the sachet tightly, thought for a moment, and turned back.

At this time, Liu Shuyan was commenting on Qin Ming's calligraphy. After the commentary, he invited Qin Peng to dinner.

The two of them have been eating and drinking to their heart's content these days, and sometimes Qin Peng even feels that their relationship has evolved into that of... drinking buddies.

Liu Shuyan is a man who knows how to have fun. He is considerate, caring, gentle, meticulous, romantic and sensible. In short, he is almost the type of man that all women desire most.

But after being together for a long time, everything was going smoothly, but I always felt like something was missing.

Tea tastes sweet only when it is bitter.

Liquor has to be strong to have a mellow flavor.

Qin Peng couldn't say what was wrong, but since she was the one who flirted with Liu Shuyan first, that was the good thing about her. She was a very responsible princess and would take responsibility if she flirted with him first. Although she felt that something was missing, Qin Peng still felt that at least she was comfortable when she was with him.

Getting married is different from falling in love. Qin Peng thinks it would be nice to marry someone like Liu Shuyan.

She turned her head and looked at Liu Shuyan. Liu Shuyan took the book and said gently, "Aren't you going to get up yet?"

Qin Peng raised his eyebrows, put one hand on the table, and used that hand to support his weight. He lay on the ground and raised his hand lazily: "I can't get up."

Liu Shuyan knew what she meant when she raised her hand, and said with a low laugh: "Stop making trouble, His Majesty is watching."

Qin Ming quickly covered his eyes with his hands: "I didn't see anything. I didn't see anything."

Qin Peng gave Qin Ming an encouraging look, and then looked at Liu Shuyan with a smile: "Your Majesty, I can't get up. Can you give me a hand, Master?"

As she was speaking, a hand suddenly held hers.

This hand came out of nowhere and looked as white as jade, but when I touched it, I felt it was covered with thick ropes.

His hand was steady. Liu Shuyan and Qin Peng stared at it in amazement. Then they heard Qin Shuhuai's cold voice: "Princess, can you get up now?"

Qin Peng was startled when he heard Qin Shuhuai's voice. He jumped up and pushed Qin Shuhuai's hand away. Then he blushed and said, "What are you doing, Prince Regent?"

"The princess is feeling unwell, I am here to help her."

Qin Shuhuai's tone was cold.

He was a little angry, but he couldn't let it out. He could only protect his inner thoughts with his usual indifference. Liu Shuyan didn't say anything. He turned to look at Qin Peng, pulled Qin Peng's hand over, and said softly: "Why do you hit someone with such great force? Does it hurt?"

Everyone present: "..."

If Qin Shuhuai hadn't been there, Zhao Yi almost wanted to applaud Liu Shuyan.

Qin Shuhuai was so choked up by these words that he stared at Liu Shuyan holding Qin Peng's hand, as if he was staring at him with anger. He felt that he must not fall behind Liu Shuyan in terms of being diligent, so he spoke stiffly: "You hit me so hard, it must be painful, right?"

Everyone present: "..."

Zhao Yi really wanted to cover his face and said, "Stop talking, master. Don't say any more about your emotional intelligence."

After Qin Shuhuai said this, he felt something was wrong. After thinking about it, he realized that he was indeed a little impatient and should not have said that.

How to say it?

It doesn't really hurt when you hit me, do you want to do it a few more times?

This won’t work, it will seem too intimate and too purposeful, and I’m afraid Qin Peng will be scared.

After thinking it over, Qin Shuhuai decided to change the subject. He turned to look at Liu Shuyan and said, "I have something to discuss with you, Master."

Liu Shuyan pulled Qin Peng and raised his head to decline: "I have an appointment with the princess today, let's do it another day..."

"Important."

If the Regent King said it was important, it must not be too simple. Liu Shuyan knew the importance of things. After thinking for a while, he said to Qin Peng: "Princess, let's make an appointment tomorrow."

"good."

Qin Peng smiled and nodded, not really minding.

Liu Shuyan followed Qin Shuhuai.

Qin Shuhuai took Liu Shuyan on the carriage and headed to the suburbs. Liu Shuyan felt a little uneasy: "What exactly does the prince want to tell me?"

"Just be patient."

Qin Shuhuai spoke seriously, so Liu Shuyan followed Qin Shuhuai out of the city and climbed up the mountain in the middle of the night. Qin Shuhuai confirmed that it was curfew and Liu Shuyan couldn't shamelessly go to Qin Peng even if he went back. Then he finally said, "This is what I want to say."

"Um?"

Liu Shuyan and Qin Shuhuai stood on the top of the mountain. Seeing Qin Shuhuai said seriously, "Someone told me that you are very accurate in observing the stars. I would like to ask you to take a look at the destiny of Qi."

Liu Shuyan: “…”

After a while, Liu Shuyan finally resisted the urge to hit him and said slowly, "Prince, is this the important matter you mentioned?"

"Um."

"Are you serious?"

"It concerns the fate of the country!"

Liu Shuyan took a deep breath, bowed and turned around: "Goodbye."

After walking two steps, Liu Shuyan couldn't help but stop and advised: "Prince, you are the regent after all. I know you have deep feelings for Zhao Peng, but the dead will not come back to life. Don't be so superstitious about these things. Observing the stars and the fate of the country is not reliable!"

After saying that, Liu Shuyan turned around and left.

After Liu Shuyan left, Zhao Yi came up and sighed, "Prince, come up with a better reason next time."

"In no mood."

Qin Shuhuai looked at the lights of Xuanjing Lushan in the distance. Zhao Yi couldn't help but say, "You are too obvious. Liu Shuyan will soon realize it."

"Then let him know."

Qin Shuhuai looked indifferent: "I treat my wife well, why would I be afraid of others knowing?!"

"The princess will know."

Upon hearing this, Qin Shuhuai fell silent.

Zhao Peng seemed to be his soft spot. Once poked, he would immediately surrender without any reason.

He turned his head away, and after a long while, he finally said, "I understand."

On the second morning, the court suddenly discussed the issue of military defense of the southern city.

The Nancheng Army was built by Liu Shuyan. Although Liu Shuyan is now in the position of Taifu, the Nancheng Army nominally has a new leader, but those who are sensible know that the real person in charge of the Nancheng Army is still Liu Shuyan.

Someone reported in the morning that the management of the Southern City Army was in disarray. When Liu Shuyan heard this, he realized that this matter was directed at him.

He didn't say anything, but argued with the master. Qin Shuhuai finally spoke: "In this case, why not let Master Liu go back and take care of it."

As he spoke, Qin Shuhuai raised his head and looked at Liu Shuyan: "Even though you are a tutor, you can't forget your roots."

Liu Shuyan couldn't say anything and could only bow his head and agree.

After the court session, Qin Peng was about to go to the waterside pavilion as usual, but Qin Shuhuai suddenly stopped her and said, "Your Highness, I have something to discuss with you."

Qin Peng was a little confused. Everyone knew that she was just a leisurely princess in name only, and she didn't care about any memorials. But Qin Shuhuai suddenly said he wanted to discuss it?

What to discuss?

Qin Peng didn't understand for a moment, but still asked Bai Zhi to tell Liu Shuyan, and then followed Qin Shuhuai to his office.

Qin Shuhuai took out a bunch of memorials, including local water conservancy, fiscal expenditure, and foreign diplomacy...

These are all important matters. Qin Shuhuai pushed the memorial in front of Qin Peng and said seriously: "These are the important matters to be discussed today. Princess, please take a look first."

Upon hearing this, Qin Peng's face changed. She frowned and said, "My Lord, you are sure you want me to see these."

"You are the eldest princess of Zhen State," Qin Shuhuai said calmly, "This is the power you should have."

Qin Peng was speechless for a moment.

Qin Shuhuai couldn't be unaware of what these memorials meant, but now he was willing to let her handle these key matters together.

What does it mean to handle these things? It means that she has the power to make decisions, the capital to exchange resources with others, and the possibility to arrange staff for herself.

For most people, choosing a side is often because that person can give him a better future prospect. A princess without real power will always be looked down upon, even if she is the eldest princess of the state, but Qin Peng believes that even girls from ordinary noble families will look down on her.

She pursed her lips and finally said, "Can you tell me why you changed your mind?"

Qin Shuhuai said nothing. He couldn't tell the truth. He picked up a letter and said with his eyes downcast, "Let's start with the flood in Jiangzhou this year."

Seeing that Qin Shuhuai was not going to say anything, Qin Peng did not want to press him.

She is a person who will try her best to grab opportunities. Since Qin Shuhuai gave her the opportunity, she will naturally try her best to join in.

So Qin Peng raised his hand and immediately said, "Please pick out the important memorials. If they are all similar, I will read them tonight and we will discuss them in detail in the next few days."

"You can't take the folding paper with you."

"I know that." Qin Peng nodded: "If you don't mind, I would like to set up a clerk's office here."

Qin Shuhuai was a little excited in his heart, but he didn't show it on his face. He nodded and said, "As you wish."

Although this was where Qin Shuhuai worked, it was still in the palace. Qin Peng called the palace maid in and placed the table next to Qin Shuhuai.

Then Qin Peng had someone bring all her memorials over, and she sat next to Qin Shuhuai and began to look down at the memorials.

She was very efficient in her work. She would basically skim through the material first, then classify it according to its importance, and then continue reading. However, even so, Qin Shuhuai gave her too many memorials, so even with her efficiency, she still finished her work until the evening.

Since she was there, Qin Shuhuai naturally didn't leave and stayed with her in the palace.

Jiang Chun was waiting outside. When it was time to eat, he was about to remind Qin Shuhuai, who never forgot when to eat. However, before he opened his mouth, he heard Qin Shuhuai say, "Princess, it's time to eat."

"It's okay." Qin Peng waved his hand: "I'll finish reading..."

Before she finished speaking, the memorial in her hand was taken away. She raised her head and saw Qin Shuhuai standing in front of her, holding the memorial in his hand. He said in a tone that did not allow for rebuttal, "Have dinner."

Qin Peng was stunned for a moment, then realized that perhaps his hard-working state affected Qin Shuhuai's appetite?

She felt a little embarrassed and decided to go have dinner with Qin Shuhuai.

There was only one table for dining, and Qin Peng and Qin Shuhuai sat on either side. After the dishes came, Qin Peng realized that they were all her favorite dishes.

She held back, wanting to ask Qin Shuhuai if he had found out something and was deliberately trying to please her.

However, before she asked, she heard Qin Shuhuai say, "This is the food of Northern Yan. My wife likes it very much, so I eat it too. After eating it for many years, I am used to it. If the princess is not used to it, ask the chef to make something else."

Habit!

How can you not get used to it!

Qin Peng admitted that Qi's food was good. She had eaten all over the world and there was no cuisine that she thought was not delicious. But people always like the food from their hometown the best.

In Qin Peng's mind, Qi's food tastes good occasionally, but after a long time, it is never as good as Northern Yan's.

But she couldn't show too much enthusiasm for Beiyan's food. Today, she finally had the chance, so she quickly seized it and said, "It's okay. I'll just try it."

Qin Shuhuai nodded and didn't take it seriously.

Qin Peng ate the meal he had prepared before. The two of them seemed like an ordinary couple, sitting together for dinner after a hard day's work.

In fact, Qin Shuhuai likes to eat Qi cuisine, but he eats so much Northern Yan cuisine. It is self-evident why.

Qin Peng looked at the calm face of the man opposite him and suddenly felt that perhaps it had not been easy for him over the years.

Even though he killed her, he still felt guilty.

"It's been six years," Qin Peng sighed, "Has the prince not forgotten the princess yet?"

Qin Shuhuai paused for a moment while holding the vegetables. He raised his head and stared at her: "Do you think I should forget about her?"

Qin Peng lowered her eyes and remained silent. She was unable to answer.

She didn't know why she felt that she should forget, but she felt a little unwilling to do so.

She gave her life to him, but he just forgot about it.

I can say that I haven't forgotten it, but I also feel a little bit reluctant.

“I’m especially afraid that I’ll forget her.”

Qin Shuhuai spoke hoarsely, holding his chopsticks tightly and staring at her: "So I kept all her things, and I live every day as if she is still alive. I am especially afraid that if she comes back one day, I will not love her."

Qin Peng listened and looked up at Qin Shuhuai.

His hand holding the chopsticks trembled slightly, as if he was suppressing some surging emotions. At this moment, Qin Peng felt that there was nothing wrong with him killing her.

He has been tortured by guilt and pain to this point, the debt between them should be written off.

"Qin Shuhuai," she called him by his full name, just like when they were young, but now her tone was softer, as if she had experienced the vicissitudes of time, with wisdom and a bit of Buddha nature: "In this life, there are many things that people don't cling to or force. If you don't love me anymore, you don't love me anymore, there's no need to force it."

"Will she forgive me? She doesn't care? I stayed with her, but she fell in love with someone else."

"It's all fate." Qin Peng said gently: "If I don't love you anymore, I just don't love you anymore."

If I don’t love you anymore, I just don’t love you anymore.

Qin Shuhuai held the chopsticks, breathing a little rapidly.

This is probably what Qin Peng thought.

She will not feel guilty or have any regrets.

Qin Shuhuai closed his eyes. Qin Peng was a little surprised: "Prince?"

"It's OK."

After a long time, Qin Shuhuai calmed down, lowered his eyes and said, "Nothing, just remembered some past events, let's eat."

Qin Peng didn't dare to talk nonsense anymore. After the two of them finished eating, they returned to their seats and began to look at their own memorials.

I don't know how much time had passed, but when Qin Shuhuai raised his head again, he found that Qin Peng had fallen asleep at the table.

The memorial was the last one. She probably finished reading the last one and couldn't hold on any longer, so she fell down.

Qin Shuhuai stood up and stopped beside her. The person under the light was defenseless and looked just like the woman who slept beside him every morning when he opened his eyes in the past years.

He wanted to wake her up, but when he reached out his hand, he couldn't help but press her sleeping point.

After ordering, he sat next to her, thought for a moment, then lowered his head and gently kissed her cheek.

"I'm sorry," he said, looking at the lively face of the person in front of him, "This time, I will protect you well."

Qin Shuhuai gave Qin Peng many memorials, and Liu Shuyan was sent to the Nancheng Army.

The South City Army had some problems every day, which was not a big deal, but Yu Shitai seemed to be angry and kept looking for trouble with the South City Army every day. Liu Shuyan was so exhausted that he could not squeeze out to see Qin Peng.

The only time they could meet was during the one hour class for Qin Ming, but during this time Qin Peng was basically held back by Qin Shuhuai.

Qin Peng's office was forced to become Qin Shuhuai's palace. Qin Peng never understood why Qin Shuhuai could always find so many things.

However, she couldn't complain about having too many things to do, because...

There are really so many things to do!

After a few days, Qin Peng counted on his fingers and found that he hadn't seen Liu Shuyan for nearly ten days.

She had originally counted on Liu Shuyan to find a place for her to hold the banquet, but now she had to rely on herself. She looked everywhere for a long time but couldn't find a suitable place. She had no choice but to think of the place Qin Shuhuai mentioned, and went there with the mentality of trying her best.

The peach blossom forest on the outskirts of the city is located at the foot of the West Mountain. From the foot of the mountain to the mountainside, peach blossoms are everywhere.

Qin Peng walked all the way up, and halfway through, he felt that the scene was a little familiar.

Along the bluestone road, there was a round gate at the entrance. A young girl in green clothes saw Qin Peng and stood up. "What can I do for you, young lady?"

Qin Peng looked at the arched door for a long time before he came to his senses: "This is my post. I wonder if I can meet the owner?"

The girl took the note and saw the words "Qin Peng" on it, and smiled: "Are you here to see the house?"

"How do you know?"

Qin Peng was a little surprised.

"The master said so." The girl put down her broom, walked forward to open the door, and said briskly: "A princess named Qin Peng will come here in the next few days. If the princess wants to buy it, I will sell it to her."

Qin Peng was slightly stunned: "Who is your master?"

"He is a hermit," the girl said with pride. "But the master said that he would not tell the princess his name. This house was originally intended to be used as the princess's residence. Since you came early, I will give it to you in advance."

Forced to...

Qin Peng felt a little embarrassed and said quickly: "This must be a misunderstanding. I don't intend to force anyone..."

"That's fine." The girl waved her hands. "The master said that he would be willing to give the princess such a beauty. Anyway, he has many houses and the court gives him a lot of money."

Qin Peng: “…”

It turned out that he was a hermit who almost believed in his ghost because he had paid enough compensation.

While talking, Qin Peng was wandering in the courtyard.

She was actually very surprised, as every scene and object here seemed to have appeared in her dream.

In the past, she and Qin Shuhuai lay in the quilt and talked about their future together.

She said she wanted a big house with an arched door and willow trees surrounding the door to form a natural arch, with willow branches hanging down to serve as a door curtain.

The house was to be built halfway up a mountain, with a large garden. She wanted to plant a lot of peach trees, maple trees, pear trees, and osmanthus trees in the forest. There was also to be a pond with lotus flowers.

On the balcony on the second floor, a hot spring pool was built. From the pool, one could see a stream flowing across the pond. In autumn, maple leaves fell into the water. In spring, peach blossoms fell into the water. She could lie in the pool, take a cup of warm wine, and watch the changing scenery.

Watch peaches and plums in spring, lotus in summer, red leaves in autumn and splendid plum blossoms in winter.

All the details she had described were met here one by one, and many more that she did not have were added, making the entire garden look more harmonious and natural.

It seems as if the house was built by the forest itself. This house was not built by humans, but is a part of the scenery of the forest.

After walking around, Qin Peng felt a little excited and wanted to buy this house.

At this time, the girl came around the corner, holding a box in her hand.

"Girl, your master..."

"Here are the property deeds, the title deed and the key." The girl came forward and handed the box to Qin Peng. Qin Peng was slightly stunned. The girl patted the dirt and said, "I have been waiting for you. I will leave after giving you the things."

"The money..."

"The court has given it."

After saying this, the girl put on her shoes and left, dressed in a green shirt, as if she was not from here.

Qin Peng took a long time to recover, and turned to Bai Zhi and said, "Qin Shuhuai knew that this was my princess's mansion a long time ago, right? But when I asked the Ministry of Rites, they didn't say a word. Isn't this bullying?!"

Bai Zhi didn't say anything. She looked up and around. After a long time, her voice became hoarse.

"If the princess were here," she said, seeming a little sad, "she would definitely be very happy."

Qin Peng said nothing. She watched Bai Zhi quietly looking at the flowers blooming not far away. She raised her hand, pulled Bai Zhi into her arms, stroked her back and said, "Don't be sad. Just think of me as your princess."

This was the first time Bai Zhi did not mock her. When she was held by Qin Peng, for a moment, she felt as if it was really Zhao Peng who was holding her.

Tears welled up in her eyes, and after a long time, she finally said, "Okay."

After deciding on the location, Qin Peng prepared quickly, and before long, it was time for the Spring Banquet to begin.

This is just around the time when the peach blossoms are about to bloom. This is the best time to bloom, and the whole mountain is full of peach blossoms.

Qin Shuhuai had been waiting for Qin Peng's post, and he would ask Jiang Chun almost every day, "Has the princess' post arrived?"

Jiang Chun wanted to remind Qin Shuhuai several times, maybe... the other party didn't plan to send it anymore?

Qin Peng really didn't intend to send Qin Shuhuai away.

She thought that the purpose of the Spring Banquet was to take the first step in building her personal relationships in Xuanjing. Everyone knew that she and Qin Shuhuai were political enemies, so she didn't need to rely on Qin Shuhuai's influence. It might be better if Qin Shuhuai didn't come. After all, everyone was less reserved.

So although she thought about whether it would be bad not to post something since Qin Shuhuai had been in a good mood recently, she finally felt that Qin Shuhuai probably wouldn't care whether she posted something or not, so she didn't post anything.

Qin Shuhuai always felt that Qin Peng would send him a message, so he was always ready to receive one. Until the night before the banquet, he almost stayed up all night, waiting for Qin Peng to send him a message.

Although he knew in his heart that Qin Peng might not come to see him off.

By the next morning, which was a day off, most of the children of the princes and nobles in Xuanjing had rushed there.

The Spring Banquet usually invites young people under the age of 30. Everyone wears silk and satin, dresses up carefully, and then rides in carriages with their family emblems to the place chosen by Qin Peng.

Xuanwu Lane, where Qin Shuhuai lived, was full of dignitaries. Qin Shuhuai had long known about the hustle and bustle outside. He sat in the main hall, wiping his sword without saying a word.

Jiang Chun was a little worried, so he stepped forward, thought for a moment and said, "Prince, how about... we go?"

"No post," Qin Shuhuai said coldly, "How do I get there?"

"We don't have a post," Jiang Chun blurted out the heartbreaking words, "but other adults do!"

Zhao Yi, who was wiping the pillar with his head down, said: "..."

So heartbreaking.

Qin Shuhuai said nothing, and the pressure dropped a little.

Zhao sighed and finally said, "In fact, several important ministers have not received the invitation. I guess the princess is afraid that even if she invites them, they will not come. The prince can take the ministers to walk around nearby, and I will keep an eye on the situation of the Spring Banquet. If something goes wrong, I will call the prince."

Qin Shuhuai still didn't say anything. Jiang Chun was helpless and said anxiously: "Master, what do you want to do? Give me a number!"

"I want to go to the Spring Banquet."

Qin Shuhuai spoke every word very seriously.

Jiang Chun gritted his teeth and said directly: "Forget it, let's just go all out and go to her house. I don't believe that the princess will chase us out!"

"I think..." Zhao Yi touched his nose: "If you say so, the princess might really do it. It's better to bring a few ministers with her for insurance."

Qin Shuhuai felt that what Zhao Yi said made sense, so he immediately called over several of his confidants who had not received the invitation, and said with some sympathy: "You all haven't received the princess' invitation, I will take you to the Spring Banquet together."

After hearing this, Zhou Yu, the Minister of Justice, was a little curious: "Did you receive the post?"

Qin Shuhuai glanced at Zhou Yu calmly and said, "Given my relationship with the princess, there is no need for such a vulgar thing as an invitation. Let's go."

Ministers: "..."

They didn't receive the invitation, and they don't want to go. Prince, if you want to go, just say so!

With people brought along, Qin Shuhuai finally felt more at ease.

I brought with me two chancellors from six ministries, the head of the Historic Bureau, two dukes, and three nobles. So... there should be no problem, right?

After thinking it over for a while, Qin Shuhuai led his men and set off with great confidence.

Qin Peng set up the venue and welcomed her first guest.

【Small Theater】

Qin Shuhuai's Diary: The first day of waiting for Pengpeng's post

Qin Shuhuai: "Jiang Chun, where is the post my wife sent me?"

Jiang Chun: “It hasn’t been delivered.”

Qin Shuhuai: "Oh, I am of a more noble status, so she must be the last one to be sent."

Qin Shuhuai's Diary: The fifth day of waiting for Pengpeng's post

Qin Shuhuai: "Jiang Chun, where is the post my wife sent me?"

Jiang Chun: “No.”

Qin Shuhuai: "Have everyone else delivered their gifts?"

Jiang Chun: "It's all delivered."

Qin Shuhuai: "I am so important to her. She must be planning to send me a very beautiful and thoughtful post."

Qin Shuhuai's Diary: The last day of waiting for Pengpeng's post

Qin Shuhuai: "Has my wife's post arrived?"

Jiang Chun: “No…”

Qin Shuhuai: "Oh, she and I have a very good relationship, so I don't need a post. Let's go to her house."

Jiang Chun: “…”