Now, the Fourteenth Prince could no longer bear the torment in his heart. No matter how he tried to distract himself during the day, his mind was filled with the cries for help from his two legitimate sons and the disappointed rebukes from Emperor Kangxi. So the Fourteenth Prince decided to give Zhu Wanqing a try.
Because of the Fourteenth Prince's strange behavior and mood, Zhu Wanqing had already become suspicious. She suddenly began to secretly investigate who the Fourteenth Prince had been in contact with in the past few days. In order to dispel Zhu Wanqing's doubts, the Fourteenth Prince began to treat her with the same care and consideration as always.
Whenever Zhu Wanqing made a request, the Fourteenth Prince would accompany her for walks, meals, and even stay by her side during his lunch break. He even fulfilled Zhu Wanqing's repeated requests for him to practice swordsmanship and cultivate his character.
Gradually, Zhu Wanqing let go of her suspicions and genuinely believed that the Fourteenth Prince was simply tired. Half of the people guarding Cangyue Tower were also withdrawn. The Fourteenth Prince then began his next plan.
That day, after dinner, Zhu Wanqing and the Fourteenth Prince rested together in each other's arms. The moonlight was bright, and a gentle breeze was blowing. Zhu Wanqing nestled happily and contentedly in the Fourteenth Prince's embrace, gently stroking her belly, and said coquettishly, "My lord, these past few days have been the happiest time of my life, because you've been by my side all the time." Then she looked up, her eyes sparkling, and asked, "My lord, will you continue to treat me this well in the future?"
The Fourteenth Prince shifted his gaze, his heart as still as water, and said softly, "Yes..."
Zhu Wanqing, lost in her sweet bliss, failed to notice the Fourteenth Prince's distraction. She shyly moved closer to him, beaming, "As long as Your Highness perseveres, I believe that in the near future, Your Highness will surely reclaim what is rightfully yours." Zhu Wanqing grew increasingly excited, her eyes brimming with desire. She exclaimed joyfully, "The capital, the throne, and even the entire Qing Dynasty will belong to Your Highness! Only then will our children be respected and valued..."
The Fourteenth Prince's heart sank, and he felt a tremor run through his body. He looked coldly at Zhu Wanqing in his arms and slowly said, "You really want me to ascend the throne?"
Zhu Wanqing was taken aback, then turned wary, saying, "My lord, it's not that I want you to ascend the throne, but your fourth brother, the current emperor, cannot tolerate you and our child..." Zhu Wanqing sat up straight and said seriously, "The world is so vast, where can we escape to? You know that even if we hide on a small island in the deep sea, the emperor's men will find us. And..." Zhu Wanqing's eyes darted away, and she said urgently, "And what about the Prince's mansion? Have you forgotten, my lord? The emperor will not let us live. Only if you ascend the throne will we have a way to survive, and only then can our child live openly and honestly..."
The Fourteenth Prince was a clever man. He knew that if the conversation continued, Zhu Wanqing's previous doubts would resurface, so he immediately smiled and said easily, "I was just asking. Why are you getting so agitated again? Be careful not to upset the baby..."
Zhu Wanqing breathed a sigh of relief, playfully punching him with her small fists, saying coquettishly, "Your Highness, you're so naughty! You scared me again!" After saying that, she leaned back into the Fourteenth Prince's arms and said leisurely, "Didn't Your Highness promise me that you would keep fighting?" The Fourteenth Prince patted Zhu Wanqing to comfort her, saying, "Hmm... I remember..." In fact, his thoughts had already drifted far away.
After a while, the Fourteenth Prince suddenly stood up, picked up his sword, and was about to walk outside. Zhu Wanqing was shocked and grabbed the Fourteenth Prince, saying fearfully, "Master, where are you going?"
The Fourteenth Prince brandished his sword and chuckled, "Don't worry, I promised you I wouldn't disappear without a trace, and I'll keep my word. I just want to go out and practice my swordsmanship. With a great battle imminent, I hope to protect you and your child..." After saying that, the Fourteenth Prince even kissed Zhu Wanqing's forehead.
Zhu Wanqing then released her grip, allowing the Fourteenth Prince to leave Cangyue Tower.
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