The two, one a prince and the other a street vendor, managed to get along harmoniously even after leaving the palace.
Upon hearing that she was moving, Xiao Zijue said he wanted to give her a gift.
When Jiang Tian opened it, she saw that it was a calligraphy piece written by his own hand.
Jiang Tian was naturally delighted that a prince was willing to write an inscription for her, and she readily accepted it, also sending several boxes of pastries as a return gift.
Despite their vastly different social statuses, the sentiment was enough. Jiang Tian wouldn't spend a fortune on gifts, but in the eyes of those high-ranking officials and nobles, even the most expensive gifts wouldn't amount to much.
Good things kept happening one after another, and Jiang Tian was full of energy every day.
Unfortunately, excessive joy can easily turn into sorrow.
After a busy day, Jiang Tian had just closed her shop and was about to go home when a carriage suddenly appeared. Before she could react, the carriage grabbed her, shoved her inside, and sped away.
Even the guards who were following her in the shadows could only make out Ma Qing's insignia; they wanted to catch up but couldn't.
They exchanged a few glances, then had no choice but to go back and consult Mo Chenyuan for a decision.
On the other side, Jiang Tian was kneeling in front of Old Madam Xiao.
Her hair was already a bit messy, which made her face look even less attractive.
Those people were rude, and Jiang Tian still had a scar on her forehead.
"Aunt Jiang, it's been quite a while since we last met."
The old lady took the tea served by the maid, took a sip, and then slowly said.
Jiang Tian's face was extremely pale. She said in a low voice, "Greetings, Madam."
“I came here for you, and there’s nothing else to it. The prince was wrong to kick you out that night. Now he goes to your place every day, so he must have changed his mind. I can’t watch my son’s bloodline end. You should go back to the palace.”
Her tone wasn't one of discussion, it was one of command.
"Madam, the Prince has returned the indenture to me. I am now free and do not wish to return to the Prince's mansion."
Jiang Tian said calmly.
Madam Xiao remained unperturbed. She clapped her hands, and dragged two people in through the side door.
Jiang Tian's pupils constricted. One was her mother, and the other was her good-for-nothing younger brother.
“Your brother went to that gambling den every day, losing all your money and selling you along the way. I thought we had some connection, so I bought you back.”
Jiang Tian's face turned deathly pale: "How could I not know?"
"Now you know. Your father is gone, and your brother is the head of the family. When he sold you, you happened to have regained your freedom, so the indenture was useful. So, you should just obediently go back to the Prince's mansion."
Her brother cried out, "Sister, someone lied to me! Someone tricked me into going in!"
Jiang Tian was trembling all over.
Now is there anything you don't understand?
It was all the old lady's scheme.
Setting down her tea, Madam Xiao said slowly, "Your mother's health hasn't been good lately. I was planning to give that house in the villa to Aunt Wang's stepmother. If you insist on being stubborn, your mother might die at your hands."
“Aunt Jiang, it is your good fortune that the Prince can see you. You should cherish this blessing.”
Jiang Tian returned to the small courtyard, and nothing inside had changed.
The old lady intended to dampen Jiang Tian's arrogance and planned to have her stay here for the time being.
Xiao Zijue was sent out on official business and hasn't returned yet. When he comes back, Jiang Tianzhen will have won his favor, and it won't be too late to change her residence then.
The news that Aunt Jiang had gone out and returned quickly spread among the concubines, and people came to visit her all day long.
Many of the concubines were incredibly envious. Jiang Tian, who was so much older than them, had actually won the prince's heart. They were so young and beautiful, yet the prince disdained them. It was truly infuriating.
The old lady had already made her plans.
Let Jiang Tian accompany the prince first. If she can give birth to a son or daughter, she will be treated well. If she cannot give birth, after the prince has experienced the wonders of the relationship between men and women, we can find more young women similar to Jiang Tian. Maybe then we can succeed.
Jiang Tian responded to all the other people's probing with a smile.
She was exhausted, both physically and mentally. After those people left, she closed the door and lay down on the couch that the maids had not yet tidied, feeling desolate.
Meanwhile, Mo Chenyuan received this news as soon as he finished court.
He sent people to investigate before reporting to him.
Mo Chenyuan's face was so gloomy it seemed like it was about to drip water. Xiao Zijue was still outside. He was the emperor, and he couldn't call him back for personal matters.
After much deliberation, Mo Chenyuan decided to go there in person.
Jiang Tian did not eat or drink anything that night.
She had finally looked forward to a new beginning, only to be dragged back into her old cage. Even though she was naturally open-minded, she found it hard to accept.
It's better to end it sooner rather than later if you're stuck in a well for your whole life.
Just as Jiang Tian was feeling utterly hopeless, the window suddenly moved, and a person quietly landed on the ground.
She subconsciously looked over there, and just then the person turned around. The two looked at each other, and Jiang Tian's eyes widened!
"Why are you here?" This scene seemed familiar, and Jiang Tian's expression changed. "Was it you that rainy night too?"
Mo Chenyuan really didn't know whether this woman was clever or stupid, but at this moment she finally thought of him.
“It’s me, you finally remembered.”
Jiang Tian was stunned for a long time, not knowing what to say. It turned out that the two of them had formed their bond in this small courtyard.
Seeing that Jiang Tian still had tear stains on her face and her eyes were red and swollen, Mo Chenyuan's expression grew even worse. He asked, "Given the current situation, what do you want to do? Do you want me to take you away?"
Jiang Tian glanced at him: "Where are you taking me?"
Mo Chenyuan frowned: "Your brother sold you to the Prince's Mansion, and all the property you had now belonged to the Prince's Mansion. If you go back, they will immediately receive the news and arrest you again."
Her pastry shop will not be able to continue operating.
Jiang Tian was naturally aware of this.
Otherwise, why would she be so utterly despondent?
Jiang Tian was heartbroken that all her hard work had benefited others.
After a moment of silence, Mo Chenyuan looked at her quietly and said, "I want to take you back to my residence."
This time, Jiang Tian did not immediately refuse. The Prince's mansion had many people, and even if she ran to the ends of the earth, they could bring her back.
If they went to Mo Chenyuan's place, it would be a safe haven.
"To become your concubine?" Jiang Tian asked him.
Mo Chenyuan paused for a moment, then nodded: "Yes."
"I've already said, I won't be a concubine. If I had to be, why wouldn't I stay here?"
Mo Chenyuan frowned, feeling a tightness in his chest: "If you stay here, you'll never be able to leave this courtyard for the rest of your life!"
At this moment, Jiang Tian smiled slightly, and even tiptoed to kiss Mo Chenyuan's lips.
Mo Chenyuan, who was already furious, suddenly stiffened: "What are you doing?"
Jiang Tian took advantage of the situation and wrapped her arms around his neck: "Young master, of course I want to go back with you, but if you make me a concubine, I'd rather end it all."
The two were of very different heights. Seeing her standing on tiptoe and struggling to reach his neck, Mo Chenyuan hugged her and lifted her up a little.
He was enveloped by warmth and fragrance, and Mo Chenyuan's tone softened unconsciously: "Then what exactly do you mean?"
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