041
Inside the palace, the once powerful young emperor is now old and frail.
With dark circles under his eyes and a face full of wrinkles, the years have brought this emperor not only power, beauty, and wealth, but also the inevitable patricide and fratricide that he would have to endure in his old age.
"You...reverse..."
Even lifting his withered, sickly hands was difficult.
The second prince gently tucked his father's hand back into the blanket, and smiled, "Father, you don't need to worry about state affairs. Just focus on recovering."
The eunuchs inside the palace held their breath and listened intently to the sound. In such a large palace, not a single loyal servant could be found at this moment.
Being imprisoned by the son he despises most is undoubtedly a great humiliation for a monarch who has held power his entire life.
"Serve His Majesty and let him rest well."
Ignoring the person struggling on the bed, the second prince forcibly fed him a pill. The struggles on the bed gradually subsided until they subsided.
He slowly surveyed the hall, his tone enigmatic, "Take good care of him. If anything happens to Father, I will hold you all accountable!"
The eunuchs in the shop were so frightened that their legs went weak and they knelt down: "Yes."
The second prince walked to the back window, muttering the two words, "This Prince... This Prince..."
If it were me calling out right now...
A slight smile appeared on his lips. "It'll be quick."
Looking out the window, the autumn air is crisp and cool, and the fallen leaves are golden.
Autumn is a season of harvest.
"Clean it up properly, you, you, and you!" The steward, leaning on his cane, directed the servants of the prince's residence: "The persimmons in the backyard are all ripe, go and pick them right away. And remember to be careful, our lady especially loves dried persimmons, only the big, juicy, and sweet ones will do."
"And you guys, oh dear, you'd better clean up those weeds, otherwise they'll grow back in the spring, which will be a waste of time and effort."
A retainer looked out the study window at the people bustling about in and out of the courtyard and raised a smile: "Is Your Highness planning another banquet?"
"Not so," the Second Prince chuckled and teased, "Perhaps the Princess Consort is going to hold some flower-viewing banquet again. I really don't know what flowers are worth admiring in this season of autumn when everything is withering."
The retainer smiled and said, "The mistress has refined tastes, and His Highness is tolerant and loving. This is truly a beautiful story."
The Second Prince smiled and did not deny it. "Has the letter from the Prefect of Yunzhou been sent? When will the person arrive?"
The retainer snapped out of his daze and straightened his expression: "Two letters have been sent. Governor Wang's carrier pigeon arrived yesterday. Judging by the time, it should arrive in the capital in a few days."
The Second Prince nodded: "My lady loves flowers, especially peonies. I've heard that autumn peonies have been cultivated in the flower market in the west of the city. I would be grateful if you could send someone to find a few pots for me."
The retainer bowed and said, "Yes."
*
On the soft couch, the woman lay languidly reading a book, while the maid beside her diligently massaged her legs. Upon seeing their master enter, the maids tactfully withdrew.
The pressure on her leg suddenly increased, and the woman lifted her leg slightly in discomfort, her eyes still fixed on the book: "Take it easy, why are you being so unsteady today?"
But the force was too light.
The woman frowned, about to look up and reprimand him, when she was suddenly pulled into his arms. A hint of panic flashed in her voice as she asked, "Your Highness?"
"What book are you reading, Qingqing, that you're so engrossed in it? Bring it over for your husband to see."
"What brings Your Highness here?" The woman sneered, snatching the book back. "Perhaps one of your younger sisters has annoyed you again and is now seeking refuge here for some peace and quiet?"
"My dear, you know that I love you the only one, so why do you have to be so sarcastic?" The Second Prince kissed her forehead affectionately. "I have to go to the palace tonight to take care of some things, so I can't stay with you. Get some rest early."
"Your Highness should take better care of yourself." The woman's eyes revealed just the right amount of tenderness and affection. "I know Your Highness has grand ambitions, and the marriage alliance cannot be stopped or refused. But I'm always afraid that once new people enter Your Highness's household, you'll forget about the old ones."
“You shouldn’t think like that,” the Second Prince said, holding her tightly in his arms. “You know I have no choice, but my heart is with you.”
"Hmm..." The woman's voice was a little muffled, "This concubine will certainly take good care of the inner courtyard for Your Highness, so as not to trouble Your Highness."
The second prince, a smile playing on his lips, planted a kiss on hers, and the woman's face instantly flushed red. "You're so irresponsible..."
"Hahaha... Qingqing still has a lot to learn."
She smiled as she watched her husband leave, and even after his figure disappeared from sight, the smile on her lips remained, but the emotion in her eyes had faded, and she had returned to calm.
Marrying into the royal family is far from carefree. You must love your husband wholeheartedly, yet be generous and not jealous. You must love, but not possess. You must be generous, but not devoid of affection.
I have to remind myself every moment to wear the mask properly; everyone's watching. I wonder if I'll go crazy one day.
The princess shook her head, went into the room, and instructed the maid, "Go and find me another book."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
