Meng Qi understood in her heart that the prince wanted to use Song Chengze's connection, but Song Chengze was not stupid. Although he made the arrangements, he did not tell too much about who was in the palace.
"Whether you believe the dream I told you or not, I just want to tell you that some things are better known to you yourself. Just like what I discovered in Hanyuan, who knows who it will benefit, or who knows who it will become a handle to threaten?"
Song Chengze looked into Meng Qi's eyes. The candlelight flickered in her bright pupils, like two balls of fire. "I know what you mean. Don't worry. I know the seriousness of this matter."
"I hope Your Highness doesn't blame me for being too talkative." Meng Qi said with a smile.
"How could that be? I know you're doing this for my own good. You've gained a lot from this trip to Hanyuan. I'm afraid you need to thoroughly investigate these things. Matters in the inner chambers, such as Ms. Zhang's situation, won't happen overnight, and since you still need to use her, there's no need to rush. Take your time and take a few days to rest."
Meng Qi hummed, "Although the Hanyuan is poor, it's not so bad. Going to the backyard every day to rummage around is quite interesting. The inner courtyard of the palace is naturally my responsibility. No matter when the agreement with the prince is fulfilled, I will fulfill my promise and do my best to take care of the inner courtyard so that the prince will not have to worry about it anymore."
Song Chengze had already stood up, but when he heard Meng Qi mention the agreement, he sat back down gently. He knew that Meng Qi was pointing at him and wanted to ask him whether he was willing to sign the agreement with her after this month.
Looking at Song Chengze's expression, Meng Qi said softly, "Your Highness has seen that you are not a supernatural being. No matter how detailed your thoughts are or how many people you have, there are always things that are difficult to reach. And as you said, many things have only slowly started to improve in recent years. There are disputes within the palace, the palace, and other princely mansions. I can't say I can help you, but at least I can help keep an eye on them and prevent them from learning more about the affairs of the Rui Palace. By the way, I can also help you solve some of your troubles."
Song Chengze looked at her, "Why are you leaving?"
Meng Qi was speaking when Song Chengze interrupted her. She was stunned for a moment, then smiled bitterly. "Of course I know I'm not worthy of this position. I took the position of Princess Rui and embarrassed you in front of everyone in the capital. Based on your virtue, you should have a daughter from a noble family with both ability and a good reputation."
The two stared at each other until the candlelight crackled, and Song Chengze finally averted his gaze. Meng Qi thought for a moment and continued, "Take my feigned illness in Hanyuan that day. It was such a coincidence that the next day was Hongzhe's wedding day. Even I heard that I came up with this plan to break my confinement early and attend his wedding. I'm afraid the rumors in the capital will be even worse. I dare not imagine how you endured it. I'm afraid Prince Duan, Prince Jing, and Prince Cheng wouldn't have a good word to say about it."
Song Chengze smiled faintly. It was true. As soon as he walked out of Dongning Gate that day, Prince Duan, in front of so many people, said he wanted to invite him to celebrate with Master Hong San, and told him not to refuse for Prince Jing's sake. He also said that since his sixth brother's wife had even tried to feign illness but failed, it was natural for him to help her fulfill her wish.
King Jing pretended to be embarrassed and asked him whether he needed him to ask the Boyanjue Mansion to send a separate invitation for him, or whether he wanted to go to the Huainan Marquis Mansion on behalf of Meng Qi to send Meng Juan off for marriage.
These people spoke with sincerity and the people around them were gloating. That day he was still struggling over whether or not to go to the palace to see Meng Qi. After all, Eunuch Wang had brought the Queen's message, saying that if he wanted to go, he could go and see her.
He had wanted to go at first, his heart aching. Meng Qi was a delicate girl, how could she have endured such hardships? But hearing these people's ridicule, he was genuinely angry. As he said before, although their marriage had become more like a transaction, he still felt that sometimes, some things made him lose face.
"Their mouths are on their bodies. If I cared, I would not be like this anymore."
"Although I know you will believe me, I am still very happy to hear you say this today. Thank you for trusting me." Meng Qi said softly.
Song Chengze looked at Meng Qi's self-deprecating expression, thought for a moment, and said, "Everyone makes mistakes. We can't deny the future just because of the immaturity of the past. And even though we've only been together for a little over three months, I'm willing to believe that your past behavior was partly due to your youthful nature, as you said, and partly due to your being seduced and deceived by them."
Meng Qi breathed a sigh of relief in her heart. Her efforts in the past three months, especially Han Yuan's efforts in the past month, were not in vain. Being able to get Song Chengze to understand these few words clearly was her greatest reward.
"Since you insist, I will agree to your request today. From now on, you and I will be partners. Have you thought about it?" Song Chengze stood up again.
Meng Qi was happy, but she didn't show it on her face. She stood up and said, "Thank you, Your Highness, for your help. I will wholeheartedly do my best to help Your Highness achieve his wish."
Seeing her straightforward reply, Song Chengze still felt a little disappointed. No, it should not be said to be disappointment but a sense of melancholy.
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