Chapter 99 The Abandoned Eldest Daughter Makes a Comeback (23 chapters)
Shen Yunzhen was also a little confused: "I don't know."
She really didn't understand what Xiao Yuheng was up to. Was it really just as he said, that he simply wanted to get to know her?
Well, since we don't know the reason, let's just leave it at that. We'll find out eventually.
Shen Yunzhen tapped the jade pendant on the table with her chin.
"Bihe, put it away."
Bihe then noticed the dragon-patterned jade pendant on the table and was immediately shocked.
"Isn't this His Majesty's personal jade pendant?"
His Majesty is not a person of extravagance and debauchery. On the contrary, his life is quite simple and unpretentious. He usually carries only a few accessories with him. Bihe almost always sees His Majesty wearing this jade pendant.
Everyone knew that this was something His Majesty had carried with him for many years, but no one expected that His Majesty would give it to the girl.
For some reason, Bihe felt a vague unease in her heart.
"Okay." Shen Yunzhen nodded. "Put it away."
"yes."
Bihe respectfully agreed, carefully putting away the jade pendant. After hesitating for a moment, she added:
"Miss, Eunuch Li instructed us not to tell anyone about this. Do you think we should tell His Highness the Crown Prince?"
Shen Yunzhen said without much hesitation, "Since it's that person's idea, there's no need to say anything more."
If Xiao Chengxu finds out, some unexpected trouble is inevitable. He and Xiao Chengze are already bickering fiercely in the mansion. If Xiao Yuheng is added to the mix, Shen Yunzhen doesn't know how chaotic things will become.
She didn't want to get involved in these messy things.
"Yes, young lady."
Although she felt a little guilty towards His Highness the Crown Prince, Bihe agreed without hesitation.
She knew very well that her only master was Miss Shen, and she should only be loyal to Miss Shen.
"Go and remind the others not to let anything slip."
"Yes, I'll go right away."
Bihe made a trip and learned that Xiao Yuheng had already sent someone to warn them.
Shen Yunzhen immediately understood that the other party had no intention of letting Xiao Chengxu know about this matter.
It seemed that her life would not change, and Shen Yunzhen became satisfied.
However, from this day forward, Xiao Chengxu became increasingly busy, and Xiao Yuheng even entrusted him with the task of thoroughly investigating Shen Zhengde. Since it concerned Shen Yunzhen, Xiao Chengxu couldn't refuse.
As a result, Xiao Chengxu's free time was greatly reduced, and the time he could spend looking for Shen Yunzhen decreased sharply. Sometimes he even had to stay in the palace at night.
Xiao Chengze was summoned to the palace by Consort Xu and was kept there from then on, never allowed to leave the palace again.
After observing for some time, Shen Yunzhen was almost certain that the plot had already deviated from its original course, Xiao Chengze's subjective consciousness was not strong, and he did not take any initiative to do anything. The possibility of the plot returning to its original track was extremely slim.
Since that's the case, Shen Yunzhen doesn't care about him as much anymore. It's better that he's locked up in the palace now, so that he won't cause her any trouble with Xiao Chengxu.
As long as he doesn't get involved with Shen Zhengde and marry Shen Yunshu, she won't interfere.
Xiao Chengxu and Xiao Yuheng were both too busy to be seen, and Xiao Yuheng was not allowed to leave the palace. However, when Shen Yunzhen went out to play, Xiao Yuheng would always appear out of nowhere to have a cup of tea or a meal with her, or chat with her for a few words after she had finished playing.
He never said anything about Shen Yunzhen's somewhat absurd behavior, nor did he make things difficult for the geishas and performers. In fact, he could even discuss certain artistic skills with them.
Shen Yunzhen had clearly refused, but he just smiled and remained silent, and appeared again as before.
It was only at this point that he revealed a hint of domineering power, but his demeanor was too gentle and did not provoke Shen Yunzhen's dislike.
Shen Yunzhen simply let him be. After all, he was the emperor, and no one could stop him from doing what he wanted.
The two continued to live together in this way, neither too close nor too distant.
It must be said that Xiao Yuheng is a very comfortable person to be around.
He speaks with a gentle, warm touch, always showing consideration and understanding. He is always attentive to her preferences and habits, revealing his meticulousness and care in every little detail.
His gentleness was like an invisible net, silently enveloping her, and Shen Yunzhen couldn't help but feel an invisible sense of relaxation and ease.
In comparison, although Xiao Chengxu was sincere and enthusiastic, he was still a bit immature and lacked the composure and calmness that comes with age.
Of course, that's all. No matter how understanding and gentle he is, Shen Yunzhen can't have a deeper connection with him, even though she has already sensed his hidden feelings.
However, with so many people admiring her, she naturally wouldn't take everyone's feelings to heart.
Moreover, Xiao Yuheng is not alone. He has a family and a harem. In addition, his status and position are destined to be filled with complicated power struggles and conflicts. How could she be so foolish as to want such a man?
Rather than getting caught up in those pointless entanglements, it's better to maintain the status quo and let him be a leisurely person who drinks tea and chats, which would be quite relaxing and carefree.
Xiao Yuheng naturally noticed her attitude, but he did not force her. He continued to appear in her life as usual, accompanying her to enjoy tea and scenery, and occasionally chatting about trivial topics.
His gentleness remained, but he made no attempt to take things further.
However, this is ultimately just an illusion, and the balance will always be broken by unexpected events.
That day, Shen Yunzhen was watching a dance performance. The music was melodious and the dance was graceful.
Xiao Yuheng suddenly appeared, his expression different from usual, his face pale, and his brows revealing a hint of fatigue and solemnity.
He sat quietly opposite Shen Yunzhen, his gaze fixed on the dancer, but he didn't seem to truly appreciate her; his eyes were empty, filled with a hint of bewilderment.
Only when the dance ended and the music gradually faded did he slowly speak, his voice low and calm: "Yunzhen, would you be willing to live somewhere else?"
This statement came abruptly, yet it seemed to have been brewing for a long time.
Shen Yunzhen was slightly taken aback, and looked up at him with a hint of doubt and inquiry in her eyes.
Xiao Yuheng did not look at Shen Yunzhen. As if avoiding her gaze, he lowered his eyes and looked at the teacup in his hand, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the rim of the cup.
After a moment of silence, he said in a low voice, "I plan to take you to live in the palace."
His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable firmness: "Don't worry, I've arranged everything. After entering the palace, you can still live as you do now, free and unrestrained, and no one has the right to interfere with you. You can also bring any of these actors you like into the palace."
As Xiao Yuheng finished speaking, the air seemed to freeze for a moment.
This was the first time he had so clearly stated his identity, yet he had directly made such an unexpected proposal.
Shen Yunzhen looked up at him, her eyes showing a hint of surprise.
Seeing his ostrich-like behavior, she couldn't help but chuckle, her tone tinged with a hint of sarcasm: "I don't want to. Entering that square palace and calling it freedom and unrestraint? Your Majesty, you must be joking."
As Shen Yunzhen finished speaking, Xiao Yuheng's fingertips paused slightly, and the water in the teacup rippled gently, reflecting a hint of sadness in his eyes.
He remained silent for a moment, but ultimately did not look up. He simply said in a low voice, "Yunzhen, I know you don't like being restricted, but the palace may not be as oppressive as you imagine. I will give you the greatest freedom. You don't need to worry about what you want to do. Your life in the palace will be the same as outside the palace."
Shen Yunzhen looked at him, instinctively feeling that something must have happened, otherwise Xiao Yuheng would not have suddenly asked her to enter the palace.
Or rather, something happened to Xiao Yuheng.
Shen Yunzhen's gaze fell on Xiao Yuheng, and a faint aura of decline was visible on his face.
Thinking of his untimely death in the original text, a look of understanding flashed in Shen Yunzhen's eyes.
"Do you really insist that I go to the palace?"
Xiao Yuheng nodded silently. Usually eloquent and quick-witted, he was unusually quiet at this moment.
Shen Yunzhen stood up: "In that case, let's go."
Xiao Yuheng suddenly raised his head: "You agreed?!"
"yes."
Shen Yunzhen responded casually, her expression languid and her attitude exceptionally nonchalant.
"This, you, I..." Xiao Yuheng was so shocked that he was incoherent, his surprise mixed with disbelief, which made his expression slightly distorted.
He originally thought Shen Yunzhen would firmly refuse. Shen Yunzhen had never hidden anything from him, so he knew very well that she possessed an incredibly free soul.
Therefore, he was prepared to make Yunzhen hate him.
Yes, even if Yunzhen dislikes him, he will still bring her back to the palace.
Throughout his life, he worked tirelessly day and night for the sake of the Great Zhou Dynasty and its people, never slacking off in the slightest.
Now, he suddenly didn't want to suppress himself anymore, and wanted to let go of all his worries and indulge his inner desires this once.
He knew that forcing her would upset her. But the thought of keeping her by his side, even if only for a short time, made him willing to take the risk.
To his surprise, things went much more smoothly than he had imagined.
Actually, the reason why Shen Yunzhen changed her mind was quite simple.
She travels to various small worlds not only because she doesn't want to be confined to one world, but more importantly to hone her skills. Therefore, Shen Yunzhen doesn't intend to use her own power at the slightest inconvenience.
Although she was not afraid of Xiao Yuheng's power, she did not intend to end her journey in this world so soon.
Moreover, this was her first time in such an ancient world, and she was still somewhat curious about life in the palace.
Since you're curious, go check it out.
Shen Yunzhen has always been so simple and straightforward.
Xiao Yuheng forcibly suppressed the joy surging in his heart, hurriedly got up, as if afraid she would change her mind, and quickly walked to her side, his tone tinged with urgency:
"Yunzhen, since you've agreed, let's set off now. I've arranged everything in the palace, so you can just settle in comfortably."
Shen Yunzhen glanced at him, a slight smile playing on her lips: "What, afraid I'll change my mind?"
Xiao Yuheng felt no embarrassment at her words that revealed his thoughts.
He nodded generously, his smile brighter and more radiant than ever before.
"I was indeed afraid you would change your mind, so your agreement to come back to the palace with me was a real surprise and delight."
At this moment, in this instant, even though he was always calm and composed, when faced with the woman he had been longing for, the love that had been locked deep in his heart for so long still surged out like a bursting dam.
Shen Yunzhen nodded noncommittally. "Let's go."
"Alright, let's head back to the palace now."
Xiao Yuheng's voice was incredibly gentle.
Bihe, standing in the corner, was so anxious that she almost tore her handkerchief to shreds, but she dared not speak rashly.
During this time, His Majesty has frequently come to see the young lady. Due to Eunuch Li's warning and the young lady's instructions, she dared not tell His Highness the Crown Prince. Who knew that His Majesty would now want to bring the young lady into the palace.
This won't do!
In Bihe's heart, His Highness the Crown Prince and the young lady were the most well-matched. Although His Majesty was also a man of great talent and extraordinary martial prowess, he was ultimately too old...
Yes, Bihe knew how outrageous her thoughts were, yet she still couldn't help but have such thoughts.
As the figure gradually disappeared in front of her, Bihe's heart stirred with desire. She gritted her teeth and lifted her foot to run to the side.
She had only run a few steps when Li Degui, who had been hiding somewhere, suddenly appeared, reached out and stopped Bihe, and said with a forced smile, "Miss Bihe, where are you going?"
Bihe was sweating profusely with anxiety: "I..."
"Miss Bihe, don't run around. It would be bad if you got lost. Hurry up and follow Miss Chen."
Bihe's heart sank further. "Yes, Eunuch Li."
The two walked out of the theater together, where a carriage had been waiting for a long time.
Xiao Yuheng personally lifted the carriage curtain for Shen Yunzhen, his eyes and brows full of smiles.
"Yunzhen, come here, let me help you."
Shen Yunzhen took his hand and sat down directly inside, with Xiao Yuheng following closely behind, sitting opposite her.
The carriage started slowly, its wheels rolling over the bluestone pavement with a soft sound.
The carriage fell silent for a moment, with only the occasional hustle and bustle of the city outside the window.
Only then did Xiao Yuheng finally calm down a bit. He hesitated for a moment before saying, "Yunzhen, if you feel uncomfortable in the palace, just tell me, and I will make sure you feel comfortable and at ease."
Shen Yunzhen looked up at him. "Of course. If you haven't made the arrangements, then send me back."
Xiao Yuheng naturally understood what she meant. His heart tightened, and he solemnly said, "Don't worry, I will definitely not let anyone unimportant disturb you."
Shen Yunzhen smiled, not taking it to heart.
She had no intention of staying in the palace for long; her words were merely to avoid unnecessary trouble.
The carriage drove towards the palace. The palace gates slowly opened, and the guards bowed and made way for Xiao Yuheng's carriage.
Shen Yunzhen looked at the towering palace walls through the carriage window, a hint of interest flashing in her eyes.
"This is the palace..."
It felt even more majestic than the Forbidden City she had seen before.
Hearing her whisper, Xiao Yuheng's heart stirred, and he said softly, "Yunzhen, if you like, I can take you around in the future. Although the palace is large, there are many interesting places."
Shen Yunzhen withdrew her gaze and smiled faintly: "Okay, then I'll trouble you."
Xiao Yuheng was overjoyed to see her agree, and was about to say something more when the carriage stopped. The guards outside respectfully reported, "Your Majesty, we have arrived."
Xiao Yuheng nodded, got off the carriage first, then turned around and reached out his hand to help Shen Yunzhen down.
Shen Yunzhen glanced at him, but did not take his hand. She jumped down lightly on her own.
Xiao Yuheng's hand froze in mid-air, then he casually withdrew it and smiled, "Let's go, I'll take you to your place."
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