Why did you bring me here?
Shen Jintang's voice was exceptionally clear in the quiet night, carrying a hint of doubt and wariness.
She looked around and found herself in a corner of the back garden, with an ancient rockery in front of her. There was no one around, only her and Gu Zhixing's figures casting long shadows in the moonlight.
Gu Zhixing did not answer, but simply took Shen Jintang's hand and walked steadily to the rockery.
He gently pressed a hidden mechanism, and with a muffled "thump," the artificial hill slowly moved to both sides, revealing a deep, dark passage.
The dim light shone from the depths of the dark passage, adding a touch of mystery to the tranquil night.
"Come with me."
Gu Zhixing's voice was deep and gentle. He stepped into the secret passage and reached out his hand to Shen Jintang.
Shen Jintang couldn't see his expression clearly, but she could feel the light shining in his eyes, which seemed brighter than the stars in the sky.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she involuntarily offered her hand.
Gu Zhixing held her hand, warm and strong, as if giving her a silent promise.
A complex emotion welled up in Shen Jintang's heart, uncontrollable yet not repulsive.
The two walked into the secret passage, and the candles on both sides lit up automatically, illuminating the passage.
At the end of the secret passage was a hidden room. When the door slowly opened, Shen Jintang's breath hitched slightly.
Before me was a room full of gold and silver jewelry, dazzling and overwhelming.
Even though she was used to seeing luxury, she couldn't help but widen her eyes, a hint of amazement flashing in them.
"Here, take this."
Gu Zhixing's voice rang in her ears, carrying an undeniable firmness.
He led Shen Jintang into the secret room, gently held her hand, and guided her to touch the jewels.
His movements were gentle and natural, as if it were all perfectly natural.
But Chen Jintang just shook her head slightly and sighed: "There are many things in the world that money can't solve."
No amount of wealth could help her with what she was going through.
Gu Zhixing simply smiled slightly, as if he had already expected it.
He released her hand, turned around and walked to the other side of the secret room, where he gently pressed a hidden mechanism.
With a slight mechanical sound, an exquisite sandalwood shelf slowly rose.
The stand is made of agarwood and is covered with a layer of fine gold leaf, which is carved with intricate and delicate cloud patterns, as if the flowing clouds in the sky are frozen on it.
On the sandalwood stand was a precious sword.
A perfectly round luminous pearl is inlaid at the hilt of the sword, emitting a soft glow, like the most dazzling star in the night sky.
The dragon pattern winds its way up from the hilt and wraps around the blade. The dragon scales are outlined with gold thread, and the dragon eyes are inlaid with rubies, making them lifelike, as if they are about to break free from their sheath and soar into the heavens.
Shen Jintang's eyes instantly turned sharp. She seemed to have thought of something, but she couldn't believe her eyes.
Gu Zhixing gently picked up the sword, turned around and walked to Shen Jintang's side, handing the sword to her.
His voice was deep and solemn: "The late emperor personally bestowed upon me the Imperial Sword, which can be used to behead tyrannical rulers and punish rebellious ministers."
Shen Jintang's hand trembled slightly; she knew the weight of this sword.
This was a birthday gift given to Gu Zhixing by the late emperor at his first birthday banquet, symbolizing supreme power and protection.
Gu Zhixing gazed at her intently, his eyes full of seriousness: "It was originally bestowed upon me by the late emperor, who said it would protect me throughout my life. Today, I give it to you to protect you and keep you safe."
Shen Jintang's heart skipped a beat. She raised her head and met Gu Zhixing's gaze.
His gaze was firm and deep, as if he could see right through her.
A complex emotion welled up in her heart.
Shock, emotion, and a touch of indescribable excitement.
"From now on, you can do whatever you want, and I will be your support."
Gu Zhixing's voice echoed in the secret room, each word striking Shen Jintang's heart heavily.
Shen Jintang lowered her eyes slightly to conceal the emotion within them.
She knew the weight of Gu Zhixing's words and understood the significance of the sword.
He was revered as the most untouchable tyrant in the capital, not only because his mother was the ruling princess, but also because he held the precious sword bestowed upon him by the late emperor.
No matter what he does, this sword will always be there for him.
She raised her head, her gaze returning to Gu Zhixing.
His figure appeared exceptionally tall in the candlelight, like an indestructible mountain.
A warm feeling welled up in Shen Jintang's heart, but she forcibly suppressed it.
She smiled slightly, her tone tinged with a hint of teasing: "Your Highness, this is a precious sword bestowed upon you by the late Emperor. Aren't you afraid I'll use it to cause trouble?"
Gu Zhixing simply smiled slightly, his eyes full of doting: "I know you know what you're doing. I'm not afraid of you causing trouble; I'm only afraid of you being bullied."
Shen Jintang's heart stirred, but she said nothing more.
She gripped the sword in her hand and turned to look at Gu Zhixing.
Candlelight filtered through the cracks, casting a soft glow on them and adding a touch of gentleness to the tranquil space.
Although Shen Jintang was still torn, she knew that she could not easily refuse Gu Zhixing's feelings.
The two stared at each other for a moment in the secret room. Shen Jintang lowered her head slightly and said softly, "Thank you, Your Highness."
The voice was soft, yet it carried a hint of determination.
Gu Zhixing smiled slightly, reached out, and gently took her hand: "Let's go, it's late."
Shen Jintang followed Gu Zhixing's steps and slowly climbed the steps.
As the stone gate of the artificial hill quietly closed, the surroundings fell into a tranquil darkness. If it weren't for the gleaming sword in her hand, she would have almost thought she had stumbled into a dream.
Gu Zhixing walked steadily and calmly, while Shen Jintang followed closely behind him, the two of them walking side by side toward the bedroom.
"Your Highness has given me so many gifts, how can I possibly repay you?"
Shen Jintang suddenly stopped, raised her head, and looked at Gu Zhixing with eyes as clear as water.
Her voice was soft, with a hint of probing, as she awaited his response.
Gu Zhixing's heart skipped a beat. He had never thought of asking for anything in return. These gifts were simply out of his joy and affection, and were something he was willing to give.
He paused for a moment, his gaze involuntarily falling on Shen Jintang's face.
The moonlight, like a thin veil, fell silently, outlining her silhouette.
The surrounding night grew deeper, as if shutting out all the noise, leaving only the two of them in this tranquility.
Shen Jintang's expression appeared exceptionally serene in the light and shadow, her slightly upturned face carrying a faint composure, as if she herself were a part of the moonlight, tranquil and natural.
She stood there, her clothes swaying gently in the wind, as if even the air itself had softened, carrying a faint, almost imperceptible coolness.
Under the moonlight, her figure intertwined with the night, as if gently frozen by time, making it impossible to tell whether she was dancing in the moonlight or the moonlight was draping her in a light veil.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
