After making up his mind, the Fourteenth Prince spent two days in quiet contemplation, but he was depressed and unable to eat or sleep.
Although Zhu Wanqing came every day, she would only sit for a short while before the two had nothing more to say. Seeing the Fourteenth Prince like this, Zhu Wanqing tried everything she could to make him happy.
Zhu Wanqing had the most beautiful woman on the island dance for the Fourteenth Prince and even specially sent him all sorts of delicious food, but the Fourteenth Prince ignored her completely.
Finally, one day, the Fourteenth Prince casually mentioned, "I'm getting a little bored staying cooped up in the room all day!" Zhu Wanqing was startled, knowing that the Fourteenth Prince was unhappy, so she comforted him, "Your Highness, once everything is over, I'll accompany you on a trip to see the sights!"
Fourteen casually gazed at the trees outside the window. A small blue-headed bird flew to a branch, and with lightning speed, he picked up a chess piece and shot it away. The bird crashed to the ground, prompting Zhu Wanqing to exclaim in amazement, "Master, what skill! You haven't practiced for so many days and you still hit the bullseye every time. You're truly amazing!"
The Fourteenth Prince looked at his hands and sighed, "Really? I remember when I was with the late Emperor, we often went hunting, and I always won!" He then shook his head dejectedly and said helplessly, "But now there's no such opportunity!"
Zhu Wanqing's eyes flashed with excitement as she exclaimed, "How could there be no opportunity? Has Your Highness forgotten that there is a forest on our island? All the meat our White Lotus Sect obtains comes from that forest... Your Highness has even visited it with me several times before!"
The Fourteenth Prince was taken aback, then exclaimed with delight, "That's right, I'd forgotten!"
Finally seeing the Fourteenth Prince's smiling face, Zhu Wanqing suggested without thinking, "Why don't I accompany Your Highness on another hunt? Firstly, Your Highness can relax, and secondly, we can hunt some meat for the residents of the island!"
The Fourteenth Prince glanced at Zhu Wanqing and reluctantly agreed, but when the maid brought the bow and arrows, he hesitated and did not go out.
Zhu Wanqing asked, "Master, why aren't we leaving?"
The Fourteenth Prince turned around, smiled at Zhu Wanqing, put down his bow and arrow, and swayed away. He gently took Zhu Wanqing's hand and said softly, "It's alright if you don't go. Your belly is already quite big, and it's really inconvenient for you to accompany me..."
Zhu Wanqing felt a warmth in her heart and said urgently, "Master, I'm alright!"
The Fourteenth Prince smiled and covered Zhu Wanqing's mouth, saying gently, "I understand your feelings. You're worried about me going out alone, but I can't let you suffer just for my own pleasure. Since I've already promised you, I won't do anything to upset you!"
Zhu Wanqing was deeply moved by the Fourteenth Prince's words, almost to tears. With reddened eyes, she picked up the bow and arrows from the table and offered them to him, urging him to leave. She smiled and said, "My lord, I won't go… Seeing how gloomy you've been these past few days makes me sad too. Today is a perfect day for hunting; as long as you're happy…" Touching her increasingly prominent belly, Zhu Wanqing softly said, "My health isn't good; going would only cause you trouble. I'll just wait for you to return at home!"
Half-heartedly, the Fourteenth Prince reluctantly took his bow and arrows and left the Hidden Moon Tower.
After the Fourteenth Prince had walked away, several women darted out from behind the house and knelt before Zhu Wanqing. Zhu Wanqing, expressionless, watched the Fourteenth Prince's retreating figure and slowly said, "Go and follow him. Remember to pay close attention to his every move..."
"Yes!" After saying that, the women jumped out and disappeared in front of Zhu Wanqing.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
