Chapter 91 The Abandoned Eldest Daughter Makes a Comeback (15 chapters)
Xiao Chengze called softly again, "Yunzhen?"
Shen Yunzhen came to her senses: "Didn't you say you would compensate me for everything you had? Bring it to me now."
As a prince, Xiao Chengze's possessions were almost all made in the imperial palace or bestowed by the emperor. They were exquisitely crafted and made of superior materials, far superior to the items circulating in the market.
Shen Yunzhen wasn't after their priceless value, but rather she felt that since she had such high-quality items to use, why settle for ordinary things?
Moreover, this was compensation promised by Xiao Chengze himself. No matter how much or how little there was, it was all hers. If she didn't get it back, Shen Yunzhen would feel like she was being taken advantage of.
Xiao Chengze agreed without the slightest hesitation.
"Okay, Yunzhen, I'll have someone bring it to you right now."
Shen Yunzhen didn't forget to add, "I don't want anything you've used, I want something new."
"I know."
Xiao Chengze gazed at Shen Yunzhen, a smile playing on his lips, his eyes filled with doting affection.
How could he possibly give Yunzhen something he had used?
However, his treasury was indeed quite depleted, so he would go to the palace later to borrow some from his mother.
Shen Yunzhen waved her hand: "Go quickly."
Xiao Chengze wanted to refuse to leave, but he didn't want to leave a bad impression on Shen Yunzhen, so he had no choice but to leave reluctantly.
Unable to take Xiao Chengze away, Xiao Chengxu had no choice but to arrange for people to keep a close watch on him, not missing a single move, and naturally discovered his unusual behavior.
When he saw that he was actually moving his belongings from his residence into Shen Yunzhen's house, Xiao Chengxu's face darkened instantly.
What are they doing? Are they really planning to stay at Yunzhen's residence for a long time?
We also need to ask him if he agrees!
Xiao Chengxu instinctively tried to stop him, but just as he lifted his leg, a servant informed him that Xiao Chengze was moving things from his storeroom.
Xiao Chengxu paused, then realized what was happening.
So it was all just a ploy to win Yunzhen's favor?
Xiao Chengxu curled his lip in disdain.
"Someone, go to the storeroom and get some more things out."
He returned to the East Palace intending to select some useful items to send to Yunzhen, but seeing Xiao Chengze acting as if he were moving out of the storeroom, Xiao Chengze naturally refused to be outdone.
Compared to a prince who has not yet established his own residence, he, as the crown prince of the country, would only have more and more precious items in his treasury.
It can only be said that when faced with a love rival, even the smartest person can be blinded by jealousy and their IQ will plummet.
Even Xiao Chengxu, with his usually composed nature, couldn't help but make such a childish move.
Shen Yunzhen was happy to see this happen and accepted all offers.
For a time, the Crown Prince and the Third Prince were vying to move things into Shen Yunzhen's residence, all coming from the direction of the palace.
Although the two did not make a big fuss, the path they took was too conspicuous. They were already the subject of much discussion, and everyone was secretly watching them. Now, any slight movement they made immediately attracted everyone's attention.
The eldest prince, Xiao Chengjin, couldn't help but laugh heartily in the palace.
Is this still the crown prince he knows?
It's ridiculous that he would do something so immature over a woman, and even argue with his third brother.
Xiao Chengjin never expected that this woman who suddenly appeared would have such great abilities, managing to throw the two princes into chaos in such a short time.
He had never seen the woman, only heard that she was as beautiful as a fairy, and that she could captivate many people with just a stroll down the street. Now, many people in the city were curious about her appearance and hoped to catch a glimpse of her.
But Xiao Chengjin was not interested in this.
To him, even the most beautiful woman was nothing more than a pink skull. His concubines and maids were all exceptionally beautiful women.
But in the end, none of these can compare to the tangible benefits of power.
In Xiao Chengjin's eyes, the actions of the second and third sons were simply due to their lack of experience.
Having never been with a woman before, he suddenly met an outstanding one and was captivated and bewildered.
Of course, he wouldn't remind them.
The second son has performed almost perfectly in front of his father over the years, handling everything properly and without a single fault, leaving the emperor with no opportunity to take advantage of him.
But now, just one woman has easily thrown him off balance and made him do such an absurd thing; even heaven is helping him.
Xiao Chengjin tapped his fingers lightly on the table, beginning to calculate.
Xiao Yuheng was reviewing memorials when he heard the news. He paused, his brows furrowing slightly.
"Summon the Crown Prince."
After giving the instructions in a low voice, Xiao Yuheng picked up his brush again.
Upon hearing his father's summons, Xiao Chengxu's feverish mind finally calmed down, and he realized what foolish things he had done.
He was so easily swayed by jealousy, losing his composure so readily.
He wanted to be good to Yun Zhen, but he didn't have to do it this way. Instead, he acted so ostentatiously just because of a momentary argument.
Just by thinking about it, Xiao Chengxu could guess how exaggerated the rumors outside had become.
It's one thing to talk about him, but I'm afraid many people will also spread rumors about Yunzhen.
This is something he absolutely cannot tolerate.
Xiao Chengxu planned that after obtaining Yunzhen's consent, he would go to his mother and ask her to host a banquet.
At that time, he will introduce Yunzhen to everyone, so that everyone will understand how much he values Yunzhen.
They will also know just how stunningly beautiful Yun Zhen is, and it's only natural that he would pursue her relentlessly.
Having made up his mind, Xiao Chengxu composed himself before heading towards the Qian Yuan Hall.
Xiao Chengxu bowed respectfully to Xiao Yuheng, who was seated at the head of the table.
"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."
Xiao Yuheng put down his brush and said calmly, "Get up."
"Thank you, Father Emperor."
Xiao Yuheng cut to the chase: "Do you know why I summoned you here?"
He has always been like this; even when facing his own son, he shows no tenderness or affection.
Of course, it wasn't particularly indifferent, just especially bland.
Xiao Chengxu was silent for a moment, then said, "I know."
"Since that's the case, stop fooling around and take the person back to the East Palace."
Xiao Yuheng knew everything about Shen Yunzhen's background. Although in the eyes of the world, she was the culprit, Xiao Yuheng did not make things difficult for her.
He had never experienced love and couldn't understand what it meant to like someone, but since his son had found someone he liked, he was willing to let him have his way.
Of course, that's all.
Xiao Chengxu knew that his father was somewhat dissatisfied with this farce, but he couldn't just bring the person back to the Eastern Palace without any explanation.
“Father, I do not intend to bring her back to the East Palace like this. I want to marry her as my Crown Princess.”
A hint of surprise flashed in Xiao Yuheng's eyes.
"Is her father Shen Zhengde?"
If you want to marry someone to be your crown princess, why impeach her father?
"Yes, Father."
Xiao Yuheng said unhurriedly, "You should know that if Shen Zhengde falls, she will have even less chance of becoming the Crown Princess."
Even if Shen Zhengde hadn't fallen from power, he would have been nothing more than a Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and it would have been highly unlikely that his eldest daughter would have become the Crown Princess.
The selection of the Crown Prince's principal wife has attracted not only the attention of the civil service, but also the covetous eyes of the nobility.
Xiao Chengxu met Xiao Yuheng's gaze. "Father, I want to marry Yun Zhen simply because I want her to be my wife. It has nothing to do with family power or social status. I simply love her."
Xiao Chengxu understood his father very well. In his father's eyes, the beauties in the harem were merely there to perpetuate the royal bloodline, and offspring were only there to maintain the royal lineage.
He never even considered him, the crown prince, as a threat to power, and rarely made harsh demands on him.
However, Xiao Chengxu knew that all the tolerance and care he showed was simply because he didn't care much about it.
It is precisely this indifference that makes everything seem tolerant and peaceful.
Xiao Chengxu also knew that his father was not a person who would stick to the old ways or follow the old ways.
In the eyes of his father, the stability of the court and the prosperity of the nation were of paramount importance.
As for other matters, as long as they do not touch the foundation of the court, affect the dignity of the royal family, or the overall situation of the country, he can make his own choice.
That is why Xiao Chengxu had the confidence to express his feelings so frankly.
As expected. Xiao Yuheng did not object, but simply asked, "Have you thought it through?"
Xiao Chengxu solemnly said, "Your subject has made up his mind."
Xiao Yuheng nodded slightly: "If the officials in the court agree, then I will naturally agree as well."
Xiao Chengxu bowed deeply: "Thank you, Father Emperor!"
It was naturally up to him to work on marrying Yunzhen.
"Although I will not object, such a farce must not be allowed to happen again."
"Your subject obeys the decree."
He was definitely out of his mind today and did something stupid.
Xiao Yuheng waved his hand: "Step down."
"Your subject takes his leave."
Watching Xiao Chengxu leave excitedly, a hint of confusion flashed in Xiao Yuheng's eyes.
Of his three sons, this son was the most like him, but at this moment, those indifferent eyes were filled with an unfamiliar, burning passion, with an unwavering determination, completely different from the calm and self-possessed son he remembered.
That was a deep affection for a woman.
While feeling unfamiliar with the place, Xiao Yuheng couldn't help but become increasingly curious.
Is the word "love" truly so mysterious?
Xiao Chengxu left the Qianyuan Hall, glanced at the sky, and finally returned to the East Palace. He didn't go to see Shen Yunzhen again until after the court session the next day.
At this moment, Shen Yunzhen was leaning against the chaise longue, having her maid apply rouge, while Xiao Chengze was massaging her shoulders.
Xiao Chengxu's eyes darkened, and anger burned within him.
He tried to ignore the smug look Xiao Chengze gave him and looked at Shen Yunzhen.
"Yunzhen, I have something I want to say to you."
Shen Yunzhen glanced at him, and seeing his solemn expression, she waved to the others, "You can all go out first."
Xiao Chengze was somewhat reluctant, "Yunzhen."
Xiao Chengxu is cunning and scheming; who knows what he and Yun Zhen will say together?
He wanted to sabotage every opportunity he could get close to Yunzhen!
Shen Yunzhen's tone became stern: "Get out."
Forget it, next time. Next time he'll just have people stop them outside the mansion!
Xiao Chengze obediently shut his mouth and left looking dejected.
"Okay, what do you want to say?"
Shen Yunzhen remained languidly leaning back, her hair simply tied in a loose bun, with a few strands falling around her fair neck, resembling an impressionistic ink painting, adding a touch of lazy and casual charm to her.
Xiao Chengxu took a deep breath, suppressing the various emotions in his heart, and whispered:
"Yunzhen, I'm sorry, there's something I've been keeping from you."
Shen Yunzhen was a little puzzled: "Are you hiding something from me? What is it?"
Xiao Chengxu's hands, hanging at his sides, clenched involuntarily, and he became visibly tense.
Even so, he still chose to speak the words he had been preparing since yesterday.
“Yunzhen, actually, I am not only a member of the imperial family but also the current crown prince. I'm sorry I didn't introduce my identity to you when we first met. But I didn't mean to hide it from you; I just... didn't want this identity to become a shackle and affect our friendship.”
As he spoke, Xiao Chengxu's palms were sweating profusely, and his heart was racing.
Shen Yunzhen raised an eyebrow slightly: "Then why are you saying it now?"
“I feel I shouldn’t have hidden it from you. I was being selfish, wanting to enjoy more of the pure time we spend together. But it’s not right. I don’t want this relationship to be eroded by lies, and I don’t want you to eventually hear my identity from other people.”
As Xiao Chengxu spoke, his voice trembled slightly, his eyes filled with earnestness and unease.
He was sincere. He had realized how outrageous and petty his previous thoughts were, and how he had underestimated Yun Zhen.
But there was another reason, which he was too despicable to admit.
Having witnessed yesterday's grand spectacle, Xiao Chengxu was filled with a sense of crisis.
Yunzhen is like the bright moon in the sky, destined to attract everyone's attention and admiration.
Just like Xiao Chengze, who knew that Yun Zhen was in love with him, but still insisted on interfering.
Therefore, what he should do most is to marry her first, so as to prevent others from coveting her.
Shen Yunzhen replied perfunctorily, "Okay, I understand."
Compared to Xiao Chengxu's deep inner conflict, Shen Yunzhen was quite casual and didn't take it to heart at all.
Xiao Chengxu bowed deeply: "Yunzhen, I'm sorry. Are you willing to forgive me? I'll do anything for you."
Shen Yunzhen said lightly, "No need, I forgive you."
She didn't take it to heart at all; she already knew about it.
Moreover, Xiao Chengxu didn't really hide anything; he just didn't say it out loud.
Everyone witnessed Xiao Chengxu having lunch with Shen Yunzhen yesterday, as well as the gifts he brought yesterday, plus what was already in the house—it's unknown how many imperial gifts he received.
How could an ordinary member of the imperial clan possess such things?
Anyone with a little attention would immediately notice something amiss and discover his true identity.
However, Shen Yunzhen never asked.
When facing Shen Yunzhen, Xiao Chengxu's mind was basically blank, and he didn't even think of these things.
Xiao Chengxu's feelings were mixed when he heard Shen Yunzhen's words, but in the end, he was mostly happy.
Yunzhen's behavior suggests that she has no other feelings for him.
Because I don't care, I don't mind.
But in the end, she forgave him, and there were no more secrets between them.
Having realized this, Xiao Chengxu felt an even greater sense of urgency.
He could see very clearly that Yun Zhen did not value power or status; his status as crown prince was no different from that of an ordinary man.
This also indicates that other people also have a high chance of winning Yunzhen's favor.
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