Zuan gave an awkward laugh: "You don't need to do that. I helped you only because of our past friendship and my own principles. If I were to take advantage of this to blackmail you, what would that be like?"
“This isn’t blackmail, it’s my own choice,” Bai Rouxue hurriedly explained, “and it’s not out of gratitude, but… but…”
Seeing her stammering, her fair face now flushed, Zu An was taken aback and subconsciously asked, "And what is it?"
Bai Rouxue finally mustered up her courage and looked up at him: "From the time I can remember, I was a tool trained by the Demonic Sect, and later I became the Holy Maiden of the Shadow Pavilion. Everything I did was to complete the mission. I have never lived for myself for a single moment."
“I didn’t like the silly prince back then at all, but I married him to complete my mission. It’s just that he was too silly and didn’t understand anything about men and women.”
"At that time, Zhao Hao could only fight against the Prince of Qi by insisting on the principle of primogeniture, since the Prince of Qi also had the right to inherit the throne. Therefore, he could not change the crown prince. However, the crown prince was so stupid that he was destined not to leave any descendants. Zhao Hao also wanted to have a smart grandson to appease the officials, so he set his sights on me."
At this point, Bai Rouxue's face revealed a trace of pain and disgust, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.
Zuan sighed: "It's all in the past now, don't think about it anymore."
Bai Rouxue sobbed as she recalled the events of the past: "Actually, the most suitable candidate at the time was clearly Sister Linglong. She was the rightful Crown Princess, and it would have been most legitimate for her to give birth to the Crown Prince. But during those days, she suddenly left the Eastern Palace and returned to her parents' home..."
At this point, she couldn't help but smile sadly: "I suppose she comes from a prestigious family, and even Zhao Hao has to take care of the Bi family. As for me, who has no power, influence, or background, I am naturally the easiest to be bullied."
Zuan heard the resentment in her words: "I suppose you think Linglong knew about this, or even that she was one of the masterminds, which is why your relationship has never been very good over the years."
"I dare not think that way, and it's been so long since then, there's no point in me thinking about it anymore." Having been a spy infiltrating the palace for many years, Bai Rouxue was afraid of making a mistake at every step. She had never dared to express her emotions before, and this was the first time she had spoken out about what she had kept in her heart.
“You’ve probably misunderstood her. Actually, you’re not the only sacrifice. Linglong is also a sacrifice.” That’s why Zu’an left a wisp of Zhao Hao’s soul in Zhao Ruizhi’s body, preparing for him to be reborn after the Five Signs of Decay of Heaven and Man. Bi Linglong is the next empress she has chosen.
After hearing this, Bai Rouxue was shocked: "Zhao Hao is a scumbag!"
Thinking about Zhao Hao's actions, Zu'an also deeply agreed: "He really is scum."
"So it turns out I've been misunderstanding Sister Linglong all these years." Bai Rouxue felt even more guilty when she thought about how Bi Linglong had just pleaded for her and her son without holding a grudge.
“This matter is over, you don’t need to dwell on it anymore. It’s good that you two can make peace in the future.” Zu’an was a little curious. “If that’s the case, you should hate Zhao Hao, so why are you so concerned about that child?”
Bai Rouxue smiled sadly: "I have been born in darkness all these years. At first, I didn't like this child either, but after all, he was born after I carried him for ten months. As we got to know each other, he became the only person I could confide in, and gradually became the only motivation that kept me going all these years."
Zuan roughly understood her feelings. Putting aside being a mother, even if it was an adopted child, the years of raising and living together with him had brought her a ray of light in the darkness, and that feeling was hard to forget.
“But now I have another motivation,” Bai Rouxue looked at Zu An, a blush creeping onto her face, “Actually, from the very first time I saw you, I felt you were very special. But I never expected that when Zhao Hao wanted to secretly execute me, you would take such a great risk to save me…”
She already had a strong liking for Zuan, and that incident made her fall completely in love with him. If she hadn't been controlled by Youyinglou later, she probably would have confessed her love to him long ago.
Of course, so many things happened afterward, and those words could no longer be spoken.
"I was completely fooled by you two back then." Zu An smiled bitterly. Zhao Yuan had been causing trouble for him all the time, and had almost exposed his hiding of Bai Rouxue several times. Only now did he realize that they were in cahoots.
Bai Rouxue also looked apologetic: "Actually, Zhao Yuan didn't want to take such a big risk to save me at the time. Anyway, as long as he had the grandson of the emperor, he would have leverage. He just didn't expect you to save me, so he simply went with the flow and performed a show of being dutiful. You know, at that time, Zhao Hao felt that he was approaching the Five Signs of Decay of Heaven and Man, and he also knew that the Master of Youying Tower might be hiding in the palace, so he was always suspicious. Zhao Yuan's actions only made Zhao Hao trust him more."
Zuan was also somewhat impressed. Zhao Hao was cunning and had truly manipulated everyone back then. It was indeed impressive that Zhao Yuan was able to deceive him.
Bai Rouxue's face showed a hint of sadness: "Brother Zu, you have countless beautiful women around you. I know that I am plain-looking and have already had children. You would definitely not be interested in me."
As she spoke, tears streamed down her face again. Although there were signs of acting at first, she was genuinely heartbroken as she cried.
Why didn't I meet him first...?
At the same time, she thought about how she and Bi Linglong were both Crown Princesses and had met Zu An around the same time. At first, she and he had a better relationship, so why was Bi Linglong able to live happily ever after with him, while she ended up in such a state?
In the past, she would have inevitably felt jealous, but knowing that what happened back then had nothing to do with Bi Linglong, and now that Bi Linglong had pleaded for her, how could she possibly hate her? The only thing she hated was that she was unlucky.
Seeing her crying with tears streaming down her face, Zu'an wanted to wipe away her tears, but then realized that it would be too ambiguous. So he said, "Don't belittle yourself. You are just as beautiful. Everyone in the capital says that you and Linglong are the two beauties of the Crown Prince's Palace."
“But you don’t like it.” His words made Bai Rouxue cry even harder.
“Who said I don’t like her…” Zuan blurted out, but immediately realized it was inappropriate. He actually meant to say that he also thought she was beautiful, but it sounded ambiguous.
Bai Rouxue's eyes lit up: "Really?"
Seeing her joyful expression and the sparkle in her beautiful eyes, Zuan couldn't bring himself to explain.
Bai Rouxue smiled sweetly: "Brother Zu, you don't need to worry too much. I don't crave any titles or honors. I will always wait for you. Whenever you miss me, just come and keep me company, and I will be content."
Just then, a guard announced something outside. Bai Rouxue blushed and ran out after speaking.
When Murong Qinghe entered, he saw Zu An's flushed and flustered appearance and looked at her strangely.
Zu An knew she had misunderstood, but it was difficult to explain such things, so he simply coughed lightly and asked, "Qinghe, what do you need me for?"
Murong Qinghe hesitated for a long time before finally mustering up his courage: "Brother-in-law, can I hug you?"
Zuan: "???"
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