Lin Yuqiao was a little taken aback when she heard that Liu Heng was going back to Kyoto.
How could it be so fast! She came all this way, and then went back without doing anything?
"Go back and draft a gift list later, and make a copy of the return gift for the Zhang family. It won't be in vain that they lent us their house."
Seeing that she was quite reluctant to go back, Liu Heng took her hand and gave her instructions.
"Oh, I see."
Lin Yuqiao restrained her emotions and nodded obediently, but her heart was still full of regret.
She was still thinking that she should try again, at least to get Liu Heng to have more feelings for her, and maybe then his heart would waver.
Although there was little entertainment in Yuanwu City and she was unwilling to socialize with the wives of local officials, she still lived a more relaxed and free life than in the royal palace. She didn't have to pay her respects, and no one made her feel oppressed.
She could see Liu Heng every morning and evening. Sometimes, when he was in a good mood, he would take a stroll in the garden with her, or play chess with her in the evening.
This kind of life brings her a greater sense of happiness and purpose. She no longer wants to return to the Prince's mansion, where she can live like a pet, waiting for her master's occasional care and affection.
"You should go back and pack up as soon as possible. I've already instructed Pengjian and the others to gather up the rest of the gift list and the local products and properties to be taken back."
Looking at Lin Yuqiao's lonely figure, Liu Heng sighed.
It's better to go back sooner; if things continue like this, he won't know how to get along with her anymore.
He had intended to give her the cold shoulder during this period, but she would cling to him whenever she had the chance. No matter how indifferent he was or how disappointed she was, she would still reappear in front of him the next day.
Over time, he wasn't made of steel, and naturally, he softened a bit. The fragile hope in her eyes made it impossible for him to bring himself to shatter it again.
After reviewing the gift list, Lin Yuqiao put down her pen and let out a long sigh of relief.
After they leave, the Zhang family will no longer be able to live in the main hall where Liu Heng once lived. The house will be empty forever. Lin Yuqiao thought to herself that they had a hard time, so she increased the value of the gifts by three points as usual.
Liu Heng is currently only a prince and doesn't yet have many rules. If the current emperor were to come, then the gates of the mansion he once lived in would never be opened again.
She had someone deliver the gift list, then sat on the couch by the window, silently gazing at the ginkgo trees in the courtyard. Behind her, the maids and servants were bustling about, packing luggage and organizing belongings.
Before the bed, a tall girl dressed in a plain velvet embroidered dress bit her lip, clenched her fists, hesitated for a moment, and then suddenly knelt down.
"Please, Consort, take September with you. September will serve you well."
Turning around, Lin Yuqiao looked at the fair-skinned and beautiful maid, a faint smile playing on her lips.
"You say you want to come back with me? Will the Zhang family release you?"
Hearing that she seemed to agree, Jiu Yue was overjoyed and quickly said, "Jiu Yue signed a contract with a fixed term. Over the years, I have saved enough money to redeem myself. As long as the concubine agrees, Madam cannot stop me."
"But why should I agree?"
“A concubine will always need someone to serve her closely on her journey. September is quite capable and will serve her well. Besides, I am now an orphan and have no relatives in Yuanwu City. The concubine is a good mistress, and I want to follow her forever.”
Lin Yuqiao raised an eyebrow, looking at the person in front of her with bright eyes. She couldn't figure out what Jiu Yue was thinking either, but she had been serving her quite diligently these past few days.
"Since you want to come, I don't care if there are one more or one less person. You must remember that the most important thing for a good maid is loyalty. If you are smart, you will naturally get benefits. If you keep thinking about things that don't matter, you will not have a good ending."
Upon hearing Lin Yuqiao's agreement in September, she quickly swore an oath to show her loyalty.
After packing everything, Liu Heng set off with his entourage. General Zang Gong, who was going to Yingchuan to continue quelling the rebellion, sent one hundred soldiers from the Liyang Camp to escort him.
On their escape from Yuanwu City, Shan Chen and his men gathered another group of bandits and joined the camp of the powerful clans of Yingchuan who had rebelled because of Du Tian.
The Yingchuan and Hongnong areas were in turmoil, and they would have to pass through these areas on their way back to the capital.
On the carriage, Liu Heng looked at the person dressed in men's clothing and was somewhat speechless.
Why are you dressed like this?
"It's more convenient when traveling this way, and it's also less conspicuous."
Lin Yuqiao always felt a sense of insecurity. She was worried when she arrived, and when she returned and heard that the powerful and corrupt officials in Yingchuan had colluded with each other and rebelled again, she became even more uneasy.
The situation is turbulent these days, so it's always better to be safe than sorry.
However, the biggest advantage of going back was that she could ride in a luxurious and spacious carriage with Liu Heng. Leaning against Liu Heng's chest and hugging the cushion she had brought with her, Lin Yuqiao stuffed a sweet pickled plum into her mouth, feeling that this was finally giving her a bit of a travel vibe.
Despite the bumpy ride, the table had magnets, and the specially made cups, plates, and teacups were placed in the iron tray and firmly attached to the table, without spilling a single drop.
Turning around to look at the person holding the book, Lin Yuqiao shook his arm. "The carriage ride was too bumpy, Your Highness, you shouldn't read. It'll hurt your eyes. Why don't you come and talk to me?"
Liu Heng was somewhat displeased with her unladylike behavior. Moreover, her attire, coupled with her leisurely expression, made her look more like a young, handsome boy who had not yet grown up, and her closeness to him made him feel very awkward.
“Sit still, you’re getting more and more unruly.”
With a pout, Lin Yuqiao sat up straight. She cared about him, but he talked about rules with her, which instantly dampened her spirits.
Let him read if he wants to; he'll become nearsighted, and there are no glasses for this day and age.
"You start giving me attitude again after I say a few words to you. You think I won't hold it against you? What can I say about you?"
Seeing that she was angry again, Liu Heng put down the book in his hand and gently pinched her cheek.
With a snort, Lin Yuqiao threw herself back into his arms.
Sometimes she felt she should be content. Compared to others who married the wrong person, she was actually quite lucky.
Liu Heng is a very cultured and kind person. He is always gentle and warm, close to nature, and he is as tolerant of her as possible, giving her everything she deserves.
That's why she dared to make her move without hesitation. She even used drugs to prank him before, because she was sure he wouldn't get angry with her.
But it is precisely this kind of person who, if you remain rational and clear-headed, will cause you increasing pain as you come to know them better.
He's good to you, and he's good to others too. You're not the only one, and you won't get the best. He'll never give you what you truly want, and he won't indulge in your tenderness. He might be happy with you today, but he could forget about you again tomorrow.
She couldn't console herself that living as Liu Heng had designed for her was happiness. Her life was mundane and hopeless, without expectation or future, forever locked in her own little world, waiting day after day.
She was suppressed by the princess, looked down upon, and always had to be mindful of others' opinions and accept their arrangements. Her brothers and Li Shi had to worry about her, she couldn't be a support for her family, couldn't help them in times of helplessness, and might not even be the strongest support for her children in the future.
If she cannot carve out her own path, all the grievances she suffered before will have been in vain, and she will have to continue to face various pains and repressions. Faced with a foreseeable future, she only has two paths to choose from: to overthrow or to accept.
She could accept her fate, but she couldn't accept living a life of obscurity without trying.
Therefore, Lin Yuqiao felt that it was better not to think about Liu Heng; if she did, she would feel like she had a split personality.
But regardless of whether she felt affection or resentment, she had to keep pushing forward and clinging to Liu Heng. As for what backbone was, it was of no use to her, so she pretended not to know.
"Would Your Highness like some plum cakes?"
After hugging for a while, Liu Heng pushed her away; he wasn't one to enjoy clingy people. Lin Yuqiao straightened up, picked up a plum cake, and fed it to him.
Liu Heng wasn't one to crave snacks, so he pushed her hand away to refuse and looked out the window. His slender, well-proportioned fingers curled up and unconsciously tapped the table.
Lin Yuqiao ate the plum cake herself and then took out the osmanthus sugar she always carried with her.
That was the one that Granny Fang had put in her purse before she went to Yuanwu City; it was her favorite flavor.
With a piece of candy in her mouth, Lin Yuqiao went over and turned Liu Heng's face towards her.
As Liu Heng looked at her, she suddenly leaned over and kissed him. Just as he opened his mouth to say something, she used the tip of her tongue to put the candy in his mouth.
With a frown and a candy in his mouth, Liu Heng, who always valued his manners and upbringing, knew that spitting it out would be impolite, so he could only try to let it dissolve as quickly as possible.
The person in front of him was beaming with joy because his prank had succeeded, completely unaware that he had caused trouble, and playfully stuck his tongue out at him.
"If Your Highness doesn't like osmanthus sugar, you can spit it out to me."
Liu Heng gave her a disgusted look, finally managing to swallow the candy. He glared at Lin Yuqiao warningly, "From now on, you'd better sit quietly across from me. If you cause any more trouble, you'll have to go sit in the car behind."
Knowing that he was upset, Lin Yuqiao didn't dare to cause any more trouble and obediently sat down opposite him.
The car stopped near dusk, and as soon as the curtain was lifted, September slipped inside.
"Your Highness, your medicine is ready."
Carefully placing the medicine bowl in front of Liu Heng, Jiu Yue lowered her eyes and head, her profile still beautiful and captivating. With the movement, her slender neck was revealed, her skin fair and delicate, and even her kneeling posture was graceful and composed.
Lin Yuqiao glanced out the window and saw one of Liu Heng's trusted men standing a few steps outside the car, holding a tray and a bottle of ink. It was obvious that Jiu Yue had taken the medicine from him, trying to make herself known to Liu Heng.
She was secretly annoyed. What did September take her for?
How could someone be so self-righteous, thinking they are truly a good-natured person?
After drinking the medicine, Liu Heng waved for Jiu Yue to leave.
In September, she gave a crisp farewell and left, leaving behind a sweet smile before turning and departing. Lin Yuqiao vaguely caught a faint fragrance in her nostrils.
After resting for a while, the guards set off to find lodging before nightfall.
The wheels started rolling, and Lin Yuqiao chuckled, a strange light flashing in her eyes. "Regardless of one's background, people will always strive to climb higher in order to live a better life. Even if they know there is no way forward, they will still try."
Picking up the teapot, Lin Yuqiao poured Liu Heng a cup of freshly brewed Yunwu tea. Looking at Liu Heng's expressionless face, she added, "September is like this, and so is I."
Sighing inwardly at Lin's stubbornness, Liu Heng said calmly, "As long as you behave yourself, you'll get what you deserve. What more could you want?"
This has always been a question that puzzled him: why is Lin so stubborn and unwilling to accept what he has given her?
"What I want is nothing more than Your Highness's heart, that you truly care about me. The Princess has already enjoyed your love and favor for over a decade, and you have such fine sons as the Heir Apparent and the Eldest Miss. What do I have? Even though my status is inferior to the Princess's, I dare not compare myself to her. But Your Highness should at least give me some hope."
"If Your Highness has no feelings for me, there is no need to back down. As long as Your Highness stays where you are, I will always get closer and closer to you."
Thinking of the bamboo flute Liu Heng had given her before, Lin Yuqiao felt a pang of sadness. For every step she took forward, he would take two steps back. This constant chase seemed endless to her.
"What is due, I will give you."
Don't force yourself to accept what you shouldn't get.
Liu Heng didn't look at her again and continued reading his book.
Lin Yuqiao silently shed tears, and after a long while, she suddenly said, "I will not give up."
If there were no hope, how could she have endured such a long second half of her life?
It was completely dark when they finally arrived at the nearest inn.
Because the Hongnong Post Station had been looted by bandits composed of refugees, the officials who had guarded the station and those responsible for receiving guests had all fled. Half of the courtyard wall had even been pushed down, and the roof had been torn off. Unable to stay at the post station any longer, they had to stay at an inn.
The people who came ahead had booked the entire inn in advance. When Lin Yuqiao and Liu Heng got off the carriage, the innkeeper and his team had already prepared all the rooms.
The accompanying nanny and maidservant went to the kitchen to prepare their meal. After bringing it to the room, Liu Heng ate only a couple of bites before stopping. Lin Yuqiao also had no appetite for a big meal, and the two of them went to bed early.
In the middle of the night, Lin Yuqiao was awakened by an urgent knocking on the door. When she opened her eyes, Liu Heng was already standing in front of the door.
She hadn't taken off her undergarments, so she quickly changed into the men's clothes she'd worn during the day, casually tied her hair up, and asked Liu Heng to call someone in to give her an answer.
"Most of us are suffering from severe diarrhea tonight, probably because of a problem with dinner. I have detained the manager and others, and we await Your Highness's instructions."
Liu Heng's brow twitched a few times, a bad feeling creeping into his heart.
"Lock up the shopkeeper and the others and interrogate them one by one. The rest of you should find a doctor to come and get medicine as soon as possible, and those who are not sick should be on guard more closely."
After making some simple arrangements, Liu Heng went out with Peng Mo, leaving Lin Yuqiao alone in the room, feeling her whole body trembling.
Less than an hour later, she heard a sudden commotion outside, and upon closer listening, she could even hear screams and roars.
Feeling her legs go weak, Lin Yuqiao stumbled and rushed to the window, only to see flames shooting into the sky and chaotic figures outside.
Without bothering to pack anything else, she quickly opened the door and ran outside. In such a dangerous situation, she had to stay close to Liu Heng. Otherwise, she definitely wouldn't survive alone.
As Lin Yuqiao was going downstairs, she happened to see Liu Heng running over from the side.
"Let's go quickly."
Upon seeing her, Liu Heng quickly pulled her downstairs and ran towards the back door. It seemed that Liu Heng had come specifically to find her and hadn't abandoned her, which brought Lin Yuqiao some comfort.
At that moment, she was incredibly grateful that she was wearing men's clothing. If she had been wearing a skirt, she definitely wouldn't have been able to walk more than a few steps before she fell over.
Knowing that the only thing she could do at this moment was to avoid being a burden, Lin Yuqiao ran forward while tugging at Liu Heng and whispering, "Your Highness, quickly change out of your outer robe and put on Pengmo's clothes."
Upon hearing Lin Yuqiao's reminder, Pengmo immediately took off her clothes and exchanged them with Liu Heng. When they reached the back door, Liu Heng changed into Pengmo's clothes and blended into the crowd of guards, becoming inconspicuous in the figures.
There were quite a few people gathered outside the back door, but fewer than at the front door.
Mounting his horse and placing Lin Yuqiao in front of him, Liu Heng brandished his sword and, along with his dozens of elite guards, launched a surprise attack.
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