Chapter 63 Drinking Snow (Part 3) It's you, Wei Yuanzhan. ...
Before dawn, the sky was just beginning to show specks of blue.
The mansion of the Marquis of Yining was dimly lit, as if it were still dark. A breeze passed through the corridors, and the palace lanterns swayed gently, casting a silent shadow.
Chang Huai and his group stood respectfully outside the main hall. Since Wei Yuanzhan entered the room, there had been no sound for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.
"The Marquis is probably angry," Changhuai thought to himself.
Lan Ye turned his head and glanced into the hall, frowning as he asked, "Is Master serious?"
What status would one have if they joined the army in the Northwest? The title of Marquis was hereditary, and the master wouldn't reward them based on military merit. Why would they give up a life of luxury and go to that desolate place to suffer?
Changhuai exchanged a glance with him but did not reply.
Personally, he naturally didn't want his master to leave the capital. After all, Wei Yuanzhan had grown up in the capital, possessed a wealthy and noble demeanor, and the Marquis's mansion's foundation was largely there. If he went to the Northwest, far from the emperor's reach, who knew what kind of people and things he would encounter?
Having grown accustomed to his carefree lifestyle, Changhuai was unwilling to imagine the stark contrast in his character.
Inside the main hall, the water clock dripped slowly, its clear, melodious sound filling the air. Wei Jingfan sat upright at the head of the table, feeling only vexation in his heart.
Yuan Zhan knew that the Song family's child was about the same age as him and they were often by each other's side, sharing a deep bond. He also felt sorry for what had happened to the Song family, but out of love for his son, he absolutely did not want him to go north and leave his care.
If Yuan Zhan wants to gain experience, he can go to Jiangdong. Why should he join Zhang Jixiao's forces? There, he might not be respected for his status as the heir apparent, and soldiers might even point fingers at him.
This is probably how all fathers feel: they hope their sons will rise to great heights and be able to stand on their own, but they also fear that their sons will face many hardships and difficulties.
This complicated and contradictory situation left Wei Jingfan speechless for a long time.
"Father." Wei Yuanzhan had been waiting for a long time, and seeing that the expression on the emperor's face remained unchanged, he raised his voice and replied, "Please grant my request, Father."
Wei Jingfan looked at him for a while, and knew very well why he insisted on going to the border. He was not angry, but calmly said to him, "Do you think fighting is an easy thing? Some battles may not be resolved for several years."
Moreover, His Majesty has no intention of starting another war; otherwise, why would he seek peace with Beili through a marriage alliance?
Wei Yuanzhan knew that resisting Beili was not something that could be accomplished in a day, but no matter how long it took, he was determined to go.
The boy's shoulders were like a bamboo shoot; what he said was not a fit of anger, but rather the result of careful consideration.
“The small border states often invade our borders during the spring and autumn seasons. Even if it is not Beili, other tribes will disturb our territory. Why is it wrong for a subject to guard the border and serve his country? My grandfather gave me a long spear, not so that I would live a comfortable life in the capital as a pampered son of a noble family.”
He lifted his robe and bent his knees, looking at Wei Jingfan solemnly and said, "Father, I do not wish to inherit a title through favor. I will earn my own military merits and rewards. No matter how far the road or how many dangers I face, my will is made. I hope Father will grant my request."
Upon hearing this, Wei Jingfan looked at Wei Yuanzhan. He was almost the same as usual, still sharp and undiminished, but with a more resolute demeanor.
The golden wheel began to emerge, its faint light entering the room and captivating the man's eyes. Wei Jingfan half-closed his eyelids and waved his hand wearily: "You can go back now, I'll think about it some more."
Upon hearing this, Wei Yuanzhan rose, respectfully bowed again to the person above him, and then turned and stepped out of the main hall.
He did have ulterior motives in joining the army.
The imperial decree had already been issued, and no one could change it. The princess was escorted by General Qi on her way to the capital, stopping at Yuyang.
He will be able to accompany her on her journey to the Northwest.
After leaving the princess's marriage, Zhi Rou stayed at Longyue Pavilion for one night, and then stayed by Lin He's side for a long time, not moving no matter who called her.
For Yu Zhirou, her mother is the most important person in the world. She cannot bear to be separated from her mother and never see her again in this life.
Last night she cried all her tears. After much deliberation, she decided she wouldn't let herself be slaughtered and waste her remaining years. If there was a path to Beili, there would surely be a way back.
Seeing Lin He's haggard face, Zhi Rou put down the book in her hand and served her a cup of tea: "Mother, don't worry."
The girl's voice, like the warm spring sunshine, cascaded down, "I've heard that the northern plains are vast and the sky hangs low; I want to see such a sight."
Lin He glanced at her, and before even taking a sip of tea, her voice was already tinged with a hint of moisture: "And who told you this?"
Zhi Rou smiled as she held up the book: "It's written in poems and essays."
Lin He felt a pang of grief in her heart, and fearing that Zhi Rou's presence would only deepen her sorrow, she suppressed her emotions and gently touched Zhi Rou's cheek.
To say that I have no regrets would be a lie.
When Song Congzhao first found them and wanted to take them to the capital, Lin He hesitated. Although they had a hard time in Jiangnan, at least they were not separated. But she couldn't help but think that the capital was where Zhi Rou should belong, her home.
She shouldn't have the surname Lin, nor should she only have the nickname "Xiao," but should have the surname "Chang" and the name her father chose for her before she was born.
One wrong move, and the whole game is lost.
Lin He blamed herself, slowly withdrawing her hand from Zhi Rou's face. Zhi Rou seemed to sense this and quickly grasped her hand, calling out helplessly, "Mother?"
Just then, someone outside announced that the Third Miss had arrived. Lin He turned and beckoned her in, then said to Zhi Rou, "Your sister has come to see you. Go ahead and have a good talk with her."
He patted her waist, as if to urge her on. Zhi Rou frowned and remained silent. After a short while, she turned and left the inner room.
The moment Song Hanjin saw her, her eyes welled up with tears. She forced herself to look her over for a while and asked gently, "How is Fourth Sister?"
Zhi Rou smiled and sat down with her on the chair: "Sister, it's not like I'm not coming back."
Song Hanjin neither confirmed nor denied it.
Since ancient times, parting has been painful, and marriage to someone far away has been a source of sorrow. How many people have been separated by distance, with no hope of reunion? She couldn't understand why His Majesty had issued such an edict. She asked her father, but he simply didn't answer. Never before had she felt the Song family was so insignificant as she did now.
Birds chirped outside the window, and the osmanthus trees in the garden quietly bloomed overnight, bringing in a delicate fragrance.
Song Hanjin composed herself slightly: "Do you know who the Emperor has appointed as Princess Huaixian?"
Zhi Rou shook her head.
Song Hanjin only found out this morning, and her voice was hesitant: "It's Princess Jiayang."
When I accompanied her to the Prince You's Mansion earlier, I vaguely felt that there was something strange between Jia Yang and my fourth sister, but upon closer examination, I couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was.
Upon hearing this, Zhi Rou's gaze paused slightly, but before anyone could notice, her expression returned to normal: "So it was her."
Seeing that she was quiet, Song Hanjin didn't know what to say, fearing that the sadness of parting would rise again as they talked. After a short while, she made an excuse to let her talk with Aunt Lin.
...
On the 23rd of July, Lin He fell ill due to excessive worry. Zhi Rou stayed by her bedside day and night, not stepping out of Xixiang Garden even once.
On the 29th of July, Princess Huaixian sent someone to summon Zhirou, but Zhirou did not obey. Although Princess Huaixian was angry, she did not know why and did not punish her.
On the first day of the eighth month, the sky was cloudless. The Crown Prince and General Qi escorted Princess Huaixian to her wedding. The procession, which stretched as far as the eye could see, led northwards.
Not long after leaving Wuhua Gate, the princess's personal maid came to summon her and led Zhirou to Princess Huaixian's carriage.
Zhi Rou bowed and entered. Unlike the others who only lowered their eyelashes, her gaze lingered on Huai Xian's face for a moment before she bowed and said, "Your subject, Song Zhi Rou, greets Your Highness."
Huai Xian tilted his chin up, his gaze fixed on the girl's high shoulder blades, and a slight smile played on his lips: "You won't kneel before me."
Knowing that gentleness prevents one from being moved.
Seeing this, the other maids in the carriage were about to reprimand her, but Huai Xian raised her hand and dismissed them all. Then she looked at Zhi Rou with great interest.
Huai Xian stared at me for a long time before changing her words, saying, "Miss Song is not surprised to see me."
Zhi Rou had no intention of lingering there, and her tone was even less respectful than before: "Your Highness summoned me here just to say this?"
Her brows furrowed slightly, as if she felt disgusted, and she didn't want to say a word more.
This almost naive nature suited the princess's taste very well. Huai Xian's lips twitched slightly: "The journey is long and it's the height of summer. I can't bear to leave such a delicate girl like you out here."
A soft laugh seemed to come from inside the car, but it was difficult to make out due to the surrounding noise.
Huai Xian frowned: "What are you laughing at?"
"This humble woman dares not." Zhi Rou looked away, her hands hanging down as she stood quietly, revealing a hint of cunning.
Perhaps because he had taken Song Zhirou into his life, Huai Xian was filled with a mixture of curiosity and a little guilt. After a moment of silence, he deliberately asked her in a joking tone.
"Why don't you complain to Her Majesty the Empress? Since the imperial decree was issued, you have been confined to your home. Has Her Majesty abandoned you?"
His eyes were fixed on Zhi Rou, not wanting to miss a single detail.
A hint of suspicion flashed across her face as she raised her eyes: "What does Your Highness mean?"
She had never had any connection with the palace, yet Huai Xian suddenly mentioned it... Zhi Rou pressed, "Was it because of a misunderstanding between noblemen that I was added here?"
She slightly tightened her fingers and slowly clenched them.
Huai Xian gazed at her quietly, his expression seemingly genuine.
Suddenly, I felt a chill, as if something troublesome was pressing on my chest, and I quickly looked away.
In the end, he didn't answer Zhi Rou's question, but instead said coldly, "Get out."
The interior of the car was dimly lit, but once outside, a blinding white light shone down. Zhi Rou shielded her eyes with her hand and continued walking towards the end of the line without stopping.
Lin He's illness had not yet improved, and Zhi Rou was filled with worry. Even the anger that had been ignited in the carriage just now was extinguished in an instant. She only wanted to find a way out as soon as possible and return to her mother's side.
So, throughout the journey, she carefully observed everything. When she reached the very end, someone suddenly called out, "Song Zhirou."
The voice was familiar to her. She looked up and saw Wei Yuanzhan sitting astride his horse, staring intently at her. His features were obscured by the glaring sunlight, but his gaze seemed to pierce through her from afar, meeting hers in a tangible way.
Zhi Rou's heart skipped a beat.
She has not seen Wei Yuanzhan since the 20th of last month.
She wanted to say goodbye to him, but her mother's illness came on too suddenly, and Zhi Rou had no time to care for him. By the time she realized her regret, it was too late to make amends.
Wei Yuanzhan held the reins, and the horse's hooves pounded forward, always keeping a distance from the marriage procession.
Zhi Rou could only doubt that she was seeing things. How could Wei Yuanzhan, who was in the capital, be here?
A moment later, a palace maid gently touched her, and she regained her composure and followed the others.
Unsure of what she was feeling, she glanced back.
That figure is still there.
He subtly smiled at her, a slight upturn at the corner of his mouth.
In that one glance, his appearance became clear in her mind.
Zhi Rou turned her head back, her eyes burning with desire.
It's you, Wei Yuanzhan.
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