Seeing Xie Yuancheng's cold gaze, I used a softer approach, saying, "Besides, it's difficult and dangerous for you to shoulder everything alone. If two people work together, it will simplify things. Although we escaped unscathed from the last raid, things can't always go as planned. There's plenty of time in the future; protecting your life is the only way to have a future." I leaned lightly on his shoulder, knowing he would eventually give in, given his affection for Ji Ying.
Sure enough, Xie Yuancheng agreed, but he actually asked to stay overnight in his main hall from time to time. I refused on the spot, and my reason was perfectly valid. What kind of prince consort stays overnight in the marquis's room? That would be an admission of guilt.
Xie Yuancheng rolled his eyes but didn't refute me. I couldn't figure out what he was thinking. As long as he didn't stop me, that was fine. There's plenty of time in the future. Who can predict what will happen?
Finally, I can change back into comfortable men's clothing, and I don't need to put on makeup anymore—it's so relaxing. I was tying my hair up in front of the bronze mirror, just as I was spacing out, when Xie Yuancheng pushed the door open and came in.
He went out early this morning and only showed up now. He walked over and looked at me in the mirror, then suddenly hugged me: "Ying'er, soon, I will give you a beautiful wedding."
I've gotten used to it; I'm neither disgusted nor delighted: "Hmm."
Xie Yuancheng took a small sachet and carefully hung it on my waist: "This is specially made. Don't wear those musk sachets anymore. I'll replace it for you every now and then."
I took a sniff, and the smell was very faint. It won't bother me if it's hanging there. If he wants to take responsibility, then let him do it.
Upon returning to the Marquis's residence, Wan'er and Xiren burst into tears the moment they saw me. Tears were truly worthless in ancient times, so I quickly comforted them. I simply made an excuse that I was too busy with important matters and could only leave them at the Marquis's residence for the time being.
Finally, I got to eat Xiren's signature dish. Although the food in the western suburbs was also delicious, Xiren's cooking skills were a step above.
I asked about recent events, and nothing seemed amiss. However, news came early this morning that Li Zhaole had arrived in Linyang half a month ahead of schedule and would likely be there in less than ten days.
Upon hearing this, I put on a smiling act: "Okay, the princess is coming. You all quickly prepare a room that she likes, so that she won't throw a tantrum when she arrives."
Xi Ren: "The prince consort is so good to the princess, but alas, the princess has a bad temper and doesn't know how to cherish it." I don't need her to cherish it. I can't even handle Xie Yuancheng, so don't send anyone else.
I comforted her, saying, "Perhaps we are just not meant to be. Don't overthink it. You should be happy every day so you won't get wrinkles and can stay young forever."
I made Xiren and Wan'er laugh, and then they went to prepare a room for Li Zhaole.
Fortunately, Xie Yuancheng was extremely busy afterward, and I was able to freely enter and leave the Marquis's mansion again. Since I had fewer opportunities to meet him, I was finally able to go out and stroll around in peace.
Anyway, he handles everything in Linyang, so whether it's superficial or not, it has nothing to do with me.
The weather was exceptionally nice that day. I took Wan'er and Xiren out of the manor, with Meng Anshi following behind at a leisurely pace. My mind was drawn to the things on the street, so I didn't bother with him and just treated him as an extra full-time bodyguard.
Wan'er and Xiren hadn't strolled around the streets in a long time, and they couldn't stop laughing when they saw something fun.
Wan'er kept staring at a piece of broken jade pendant. I had some loose silver in my bag, so I asked the price and bought it for her. Wan'er accepted it with profuse thanks, holding it in her hands like a precious treasure.
I pulled her out of the crowd: "Quickly put it away, jade is very fragile. If it breaks, you'll be heartbroken."
Just as Wan'er finished putting it away, Xiren came running over, breathless, "Prince Consort, Prince Consort, I've seen the princess."
I was taken aback for a moment: "Are you sure you didn't misread it? Her schedule is at least three more days away." Xiren nodded, and Wan'er and I followed behind her to a cool spot.
The wall was covered in wisteria blossoms, which looked quite beautiful, but I wasn't in the mood to admire them as I was leaving. If Li Zhaole really came, it would definitely cause a scene. I had just appeased Xie Yuancheng, and now this feisty Li Zhaole was showing up.
Xi Ren rolled her eyes. "I just saw the princess at this intersection. I've served her for many years, so I can't be mistaken."
I told her to stay calm, and the three of us split up to search. After they had gone some distance, I approached Meng Anshi at the corner and said, "Brother Meng, you heard what happened just now. If Li Zhaole sneaks into Linyang, things will get really complicated."
Meng Anshi bowed solemnly: "Madam, rest assured, I will do my best to search." I really wanted to correct him, but I could have just told Xie Yuancheng that I was dressed as a man, and he wasn't worried about being overheard. After all, I still have my pride.
After Meng Anshi left, I stood under the wisteria blossoms, leaning against the wall, desperately hoping that Xiren had misjudged me. If Li Zhaole came, I would have to find a way to make her dislike me so that we wouldn't have to live together.
I heard some voices, so I quickly hid in the gap opposite, which provided some cover.
A man's and a woman's voices came over, and the woman's voice was actually Li Zhaole's!
Li Zhaole's voice was light and cheerful: "Brother Lin Yu, I specially set off early this time for you, and even gave that Ji family brat the wrong information." I could tell from her words that she was in a good mood.
Lin Yu's voice was a little low: "Le'er, I, I have something to tell you."
I was secretly delighted. They must be a couple. I never imagined that the princess of the Great Zhao Kingdom would come up with such a perfect excuse to come to Linyang just to see her lover.
I knew it! Why would she be so kind as to come to Linyangcheng to find me?
Li Zhaole: "Wait a minute, this place is right in the middle of the city, let's go inside and talk." The two of them walked into the house with the wisteria flowers. Now that's good, I can go out.
As I was brushing the dust off my clothes, my hand was grabbed. Without even looking up, I knew it was Xie Yuancheng: "Yuancheng, what brings you here?" This man is so elusive, he walks without making a sound. If it weren't for the fact that he took such good care of me those past few days and even saved my life, I wouldn't be so polite to him.
Xie Yuancheng pulled me closer to him: "Ying'er has learned to eavesdrop. As soon as we got back to the manor, they said you went out with two maids. Luckily, you didn't go far."
I pointed to the courtyard with wisteria blossoms: "Shall we go in and take a look?"
Xie Yuancheng looked around the courtyard: "We'll wait at the gate. I'm afraid Li Zhaole will be disappointed this time."
I glanced around and saw that no one was around, so I let him grab my arm: "What do you mean?"
Xie Yuancheng leaned against the wall: "Lin Yu is the crown prince of Dongqin. He originally used Li Zhaole's identity to get close to her. Now that Dongqin has married him a crown princess with unparalleled beauty, he will definitely go back in order to inherit the throne."
I never expected him to be such a jerk. His voice was nice, though. You really can't trust a man's words.
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