Visit the Prince
The only good thing about Pei Songsheng becoming a horse slave for Cheng Yayin was that he was not as noisy as the previous two times and almost obeyed her every word.
But there was one bad thing, which was that he would always keep a distance from her. No matter what Cheng Yayin was doing, he would watch her from afar, but he didn't dare to get close to her. The way he looked at her was like looking at an unattainable cloud.
Cheng Yayin couldn't stand him huddling in a corner that she couldn't see, like an unnoticed shadow. She insisted on pulling him to her side, eating together, reading together, and sleeping together.
At first, Pei Songsheng was terrified, feeling he'd offended her and wanting to stay away. Cheng Yayin had to act like a spoiled brat, commanding him not to disobey, only for him to stay by her side. Even though they were doing the same things as before, he always looked as if he were in a dream, cautious, afraid he'd wake up the next moment.
Cheng Yayin had never seen Pei Songsheng like this, nor did she want to see him like this. Previously, when he transformed into Yang Zhilan and Lu Xingyuan, she felt a headache, but she also found this Pei Songsheng very refreshing and wanted to take the opportunity to tease him. But this time, she was in no mood for that.
She would often stare at Pei Songsheng for a long time until he blushed and coughed unnaturally, then she would come to her senses, and then she would realize with regret that she seemed to miss Pei Songsheng a little, even though he was right in front of her.
She didn't know why she was in such a strange mood.
As a result, when she faced Pei Songsheng again, she looked at his familiar dark eyes, which were filled with completely different emotions from before, and it always felt a little unnatural.
After a while, she became the one who dodged.
Three days later, Cheng Yayin heard that the emperor had returned to the capital from Xiling Mountain, and she assumed that Prince Jin'an had also returned to Shengjing. Having not yet properly thanked him for saving her life that day, she decided to prepare a generous gift and visit him in person to express her gratitude.
This was her first time to visit the Prince of Jin'an's Palace. She was deeply shocked by the magnificent steep eaves and buildings. After entering, she was dazzled. The palace was decorated with gorgeous decorations everywhere, which showed the great favor His Majesty had for Prince of Jin'an.
The maid led Cheng Yayin all the way to the inner courtyard, opened the door of a room and said to her, "The prince has something to ask. Please wait here for a moment, madam."
Cheng Yayin entered the room and couldn't help but look around curiously. Unlike the ornately carved beams and painted buildings she had seen along the way, the furnishings were rather simple. Although there were tables and chairs, it didn't look like a study, nor did it look like a main room for entertaining guests. A faint, fresh soapy scent lingered in the air, further fueling her suspicions.
However, she didn't understand the layout of the palace, and perhaps there were some special requirements. When visiting a noble place, she should not be too curious.
Cheng Yayin wanted to find a place to sit and wait for Prince Jin'an. Before she even sat down on the chair, she heard a strange noise, which seemed to come from behind the screen on the right.
The screen was large and heavy, completely blocking out the scene behind it. Cheng Yayin initially suspected she had misheard, but then she heard a noise, perhaps mixed with the sound of water.
Could it be that a servant was sweeping over there? Cheng Yayin felt that the sound was not right, and she could not suppress her curiosity, so she walked behind the screen.
This sight was shocking. She saw Prince Jin'an with his upper body naked, putting on his clothes. There was a steaming bathtub next to him. The noise just now was actually him taking a bath.
There was a layer of moisture on Prince Jin'an's fair skin. The sleeves of his shirt were pulled up to his elbows, revealing most of his muscular chest. He looked at Cheng Yayin in surprise.
Cheng Yayin felt the blood in her body rushing to her head with a "boom". She quickly turned her back and apologized incoherently: "Your Highness, please forgive me. I, I didn't know you were here. I didn't mean to offend you..."
What was wrong with the maid in the palace? She actually took her to the bathroom of Prince Jin'an. Cheng Yayin was at a loss. She had come here to thank him for saving her life that day. What if she didn't thank him and instead gave him the impression that she was rude and disrespectful and offended him?
In contrast, Prince Jin'an was much calmer. Cheng Yayin heard him laughing behind her and saying, "It's okay. I was the one who met the guest in dishevel. I should apologize to my wife. Please wait outside for a moment. Once I'm dressed properly, I'll apologize to you."
Cheng Yayin followed his instructions and walked outside, saying, "Your Highness, what are you talking about? I was the one who offended you first."
At least Prince Jin'an had no intention of blaming her. She breathed a sigh of relief. She heard the rustling of clothes behind the screen and Prince Jin'an's clear and melodious voice: "I practiced swordplay early this morning and felt sweaty, so I came to wash. I didn't know Madam would be visiting, otherwise I wouldn't have been so inconsiderate."
Cheng Yayin said, "I am sorry for coming here and disturbing the prince's peace." But she was confused in her heart. Didn't she send the invitation in advance?
Soon, Prince Jin'an came out, neatly dressed, and answered her question: "I haven't lived in Shengjing for a long time, and the servants in the palace are usually poorly disciplined and have no knowledge of etiquette. They delivered your invitation while I was practicing swordsmanship. I wanted to tidy up before meeting you, but I didn't expect this ignorant servant to bring you here directly. If they offend my lady, I will punish them severely later."
Cheng Yayin quickly said, "It's my fault for looking around. It's not the servants' fault."
As he spoke, Meng Yu led her to the flower hall outside the courtyard. After she sat down, he personally poured her tea.
Cheng Yayin was flattered and covered the rim of her cup. She said, "How dare I trouble Your Majesty? I can do it myself."
Meng Yu smiled and said, "Madam is a guest, so I should do this."
It was not convenient to ask him to hold the teapot all the time, so Cheng Yayin had to put down her hand. She felt more and more that this prince really did not have any royal airs at all.
After a few pleasantries, Cheng Yayin explained the purpose of her visit today: "I'm here today to thank the prince for saving my husband and I's lives a few days ago. The thank-you gift has been given to the housekeeper. It's a heartfelt token of my gratitude, and I hope the prince will not despise it. My husband is unwell and can't go out today, otherwise I would definitely come to thank you in person."
"Since it's such a kind gesture from Madam, I'll accept it." Meng Yu suddenly asked, "I wonder how Madam's hand injury is doing?"
Thinking of this, Cheng Yayin felt that the Prince of Jin'an was truly meticulous, even remembering this matter, which made her feel a little guilty. She covered her wrist and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. Doctor Wang is a master doctor. After he gave me the medicine, I'm already well again."
Meng Yu nodded, a look of dejection suddenly appearing on his face: "It's because I came too late, otherwise Madam wouldn't have to suffer so much."
Cheng Yayin: "Your Highness, please don't say that. I am already grateful that you came to rescue me."
"Actually, I'm the one who should be grateful."
Cheng Yayin was puzzled: "What does your Highness mean?"
Meng Yu raised his eyes and looked straight at her: "Of course it's because of - Song Lingjun."
"..." Cheng Yayin was stunned. "Your Majesty, you even know this?"
Meng Yu just smiled without saying anything, stood up and motioned Cheng Yayin to follow him.
Cheng Yayin followed him without knowing why. Before she could recover from the shock that even the royal family had heard of this matter, she followed him into his study. He moved aside, and the spines of books that occupied an entire row of shelves suddenly caught her eye.
"Locking Hairpin and Ring", "Hidden Tower", "Dream of Swords and Knives", "The Story of the Red Tassel"... every book is neatly placed on the shelf in order, without any missing.
Cheng Yayin stared blankly at her book. Meng Yu looked at her and said, "Actually, ever since Song Lingjun appeared three years ago, I've been deeply in love with her books. I've read every one of her books, and I'm always curious about what kind of person could write such profound and moving texts. I think she must have a careful understanding of the world and a heart that tolerates everything. She must be a person with a clever mind, boldness, and a gentleness."
"After I had the honor of meeting her, I knew," he looked at Cheng Yayin deeply, speaking every word seriously, "she really lived up to my expectations."
Cheng Yayin turned to look at him, not knowing what to say for a moment.
"Actually, I didn't come back to Shengjing specifically for the Xiling Mountain hunt," Meng Yu continued. "I heard what happened to you, and I couldn't stand seeing someone I considered a celebrity being trampled upon and mocked by a bunch of ignorant people. I wanted to rush back immediately. Although you don't know me, I want to support you. I want you to know that there is someone in this world who, no matter what happens, will always appreciate and respect you, and who treasures your writings."
His resolute voice echoed in Cheng Yayin's ears, intertwined with the mockery of the world and the questioning of her father in her memories. Both voices carried the same weight to Cheng Yayin. One pushed her toward the abyss, while the other steadily supported her, giving her a sense of security.
Cheng Yayin was filled with emotion and said, "It's just a casual writing. It's a blessing for Lord Songling to be so appreciated by His Majesty."
"I'm truly fortunate to have the opportunity to save you from this difficult time," Meng Yu said. "But I also have a cherished wish. This happened so suddenly, and The Red Tassel hasn't been completed yet. I wonder if I'll be able to see you continue writing in my lifetime."
This was also Cheng Yayin's regret, but she shook her head: "I'm afraid I will disappoint His Majesty. I have decided to stop writing."
This decision was made after careful consideration. It wasn't that she took the gossip of outsiders seriously. Cheng Yayin still didn't feel she had done anything outrageous. She simply wrote what she wanted to write. Those people, knowing she was a woman, attacked her harshly, initially respectful but then arrogant. The literary world was truly disheartening.
She didn't say these words out loud, but Prince Jin'an seemed to be able to see through her thoughts. He concealed his regret and smiled gently, saying, "I understand what you mean. I'm not saying this today to burden you. If this matter can no longer make you happy, then it's better not to touch it. I just want you to know my feelings for you. If I can bring you some comfort, it will be the best thing for me."
Cheng Yayin was momentarily distracted by his words. After she came to her senses, she bowed her head solemnly and said, "Thank you, Your Highness, for your kindness to Lord Song Ling."
She had come here to express her gratitude, but unexpectedly received an unexpected surprise. When Cheng Yayin walked out of the palace gate, she was still in a daze.
Meng Yu personally escorted her out and said, "I am not a talented person, but I have always loved writing since I was a child. If you want to learn from me in the future, I hope you will not refuse."
Cheng Yayin: "Your Highness is too modest. I dare not show off my humble work in front of you."
"You're being too modest. I can recite the poems and essays you wrote in your storybook by heart. They're not clumsy at all. If you keep making excuses like this, I'll think you despise the vulgarity of my poems and essays, Xiao Die'er."
This name made Cheng Yayin startled, and then she said, "Your Highness is mistaken. Xiao Die'er is the nickname of Rong Yu in The Story of the Red Tassel, not mine."
"So what's your nickname?"
Cheng Yayin's heart skipped a beat, she pursed her lips and said nothing.
Suddenly, a voice came from behind: "A Zheng."
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