The interaction between the two made Prince An feel very uncomfortable.
"By the way, Brother Da Niu, could you come with me to the village chief's house? I have something I'd like to discuss with him." Meng Zhelan decided to bring this up with them first.
The two walked out of the courtyard side by side, with Prince An silently following behind them.
Da Niu seemed to sense the presence of Prince An, but he didn't say anything, only quickened his pace.
When Meng Zhelan and her group approached the village chief about planting medicinal herbs, the village chief agreed without much hesitation.
After all, he knew that the villagers' living conditions were not very good, so it would be best if they could have a way to make money.
Therefore, the village chief decided to gather several elders in the village to discuss the matter together.
Everyone sat around the old locust tree in the village and began to discuss the relevant matters.
As Prince An watched Meng Zhelan speak eloquently, his thoughts drifted away.
This boundless life seemed more suited to her, while he...
The moon was bright and the stars were few; the country lanes were exceptionally quiet and bright.
The rice paddies on both sides of the road were filled with the croaking of frogs.
In the distance, a few lights flickered, the light coming from the villagers' homes.
"Your Highness, I didn't expect you to be so approachable." Meng Zhelan couldn't help but tease him as she watched him offer advice to the villagers.
Prince An smiled slightly, but his gaze was somewhat profound: "Life has many facets, and each has its own way. Although I am a prince, I also understand the hardships of the common people and their needs."
Meng Zhelan nodded: "In the past, I followed my father and hid everywhere to survive. We encountered a lot of things and witnessed all walks of life. Although this kind of life was tough, it made me understand more about what true happiness is."
The simplest happiness is being able to live peacefully with family, to see the sunrise every day, and to feel the warmth and beauty of the world. Meng Zhelan gazed at the distant lights, a gentle tenderness shimmering in her eyes.
Prince An was silent for a moment, then said softly, "You're right. In this bustling world, we often pursue too much, but we neglect the simplest and purest happiness. Perhaps, true happiness is being able to spend every ordinary yet real moment with the one you love."
The two walked side by side in the night, a gentle breeze bringing a refreshing coolness.
Everything around seemed to be immersed in tranquility and harmony, with only the distant lights and the chirping of insects nearby adding a touch of life to the peaceful night.
"Your Highness, what kind of life do you want to live?" Meng Zhelan suddenly asked.
As soon as the words left her mouth, Meng Zhelan realized that she had been too talkative.
Of course, the lives of nobles are different from those of ordinary people, and that's not something she should pry into.
Prince An was stunned by her question.
But seeing Meng Zhelan so serene under the moonlight.
He suddenly understood what he wanted: "As a member of the royal family, my life seems predetermined, bound by countless rules and constraints. But if I were to talk about the life I truly desire..."
He paused, his gaze seemingly piercing through the night, looking towards the distant starry sky.
"What I want is to be able to walk side by side with my loved one like tonight, without worrying about the troubles of the world, just enjoying this moment of peace and freedom."
After he finished speaking, he looked at Meng Zhelan with deep affection in his eyes.
Meng Zhelan was touched by his words, and a strange emotion welled up in her heart.
She lowered her head slightly, avoiding Prince An's burning gaze, and said softly, "Your Highness is of noble status; isn't such a wish easily within your grasp?"
The moonlight, like water, poured down, reflecting on Meng Zhelan's silky hair, adding a touch of mystery and gentleness to her appearance.
Prince An gazed quietly at the person before him with downcast eyes and slightly flushed cheeks, a ripple of emotion stirring within him.
He slowly reached out and gently stroked Meng Zhelan's hair, carefully feeling its soft texture.
Meng Zhelan looked up in surprise, seemingly puzzled by his action.
Their eyes met, and time seemed to stand still.
Suddenly, he took her hand, his eyes firm and earnest, and said, "So, would you like to be the one by my side?"
Meng Zhelan's heart was pounding like a drumbeat, as if she could hear her own heart pounding wildly in her chest.
She gazed into Prince An's deeply affectionate eyes, overwhelmed by a surge of emotions that left her at a loss.
For a brief moment, she was lost in confusion.
She pondered her feelings for Prince An and when these emotions had quietly begun to grow.
Perhaps it started when they went to Jingcheng to treat the epidemic.
They were attacked by wolves at that time, and Prince An was injured while saving her.
Perhaps her heart began to change that night in the cave...
At this moment, facing Prince An's confession, she took a deep breath and slowly said, "I..."
Before she could speak, she suddenly felt a warm force pull her tightly into a hug.
Prince An did not give her a chance to speak, but instead showed her his answer through his actions.
He held her tightly, as if trying to meld her into his own body.
Prince An's voice whispered in her ear: "No need to say anything, I understand. Whatever your answer is, I will respect your choice."
Meng Zhelan was enveloped by his gentleness, and the unease in her heart gradually dissipated.
She closed her eyes, feeling the warmth and security of his embrace.
After a long silence, she finally spoke, her voice trembling but firm: "I do."
These three words seemed to possess boundless power, binding their hearts tightly together. Prince An released her, looking into her bright eyes and slightly flushed cheeks, and joy welled up in his heart like a spring.
He held her hand tightly again, his eyes sparkling with happiness: "Lan'er, thank you for giving me this opportunity. I swear, I will never let you down in this life."
The two looked at each other and smiled, as if time had frozen at that moment.
Everything around them became blurry, only their figures were clearly visible to each other.
Back in her room, Meng Zhelan remained shy, a blush creeping onto her face.
"Miss, what's wrong? Are you too tired? Why is your face so red?" Sweetie was a little surprised to see her like this.
Perhaps the young lady had been tired these past few days. So, without thinking much of it, Tian Tian went to fetch water for her to wash up.
After staying in Huangshi Village for two more days, Meng Zhelan directed everyone to take the medicinal herbs back to the capital.
This time, Da Niu and two other villagers went back to Kyoto with them.
The matter of the medicinal herb field still needs further discussion, so I took a few capable villagers to Kyoto to discuss the specifics.
Meanwhile, Li Xi in Kyoto resumed his relentless manhunt.
The night in Kyoto is like thick ink, so deep that it cannot be dissolved.
She hid in a dark corner, staring intently at the Ruying Tower ahead.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com