Xie Yuancheng got up and put the book on the shelf: "The manor will have everything ready by tomorrow morning, so you can stay here and not go out."
I... I really couldn't think of anything to say, so I sat down at the table next to me and leaned on it, staring at the tea set in front of me. Xie Yuancheng sat down beside me; he must have been exhausted, yet he was still forcing himself to stay awake.
I deliberately yawned, "I can't take it anymore, I'm going to sleep again." Then I walked to the bed, lay down directly on it, and covered myself with the blanket. Xie Yuancheng also came over, and I quickly sat up, "You, you should rest here too."
He nodded matter-of-factly: "Yes, I only come here occasionally, so there aren't any extra rooms. You can sleep in a little further in, and we'll squeeze in for the next few days. Anyway, we'll be getting married soon, and you're already dressed as a man, so don't worry about these little things."
I refused: "No, I'm not feeling well right now. You have the best ideas, don't try to compete with me."
Xie Yuancheng was already getting sleepy: "Ying'er, the Empress's assassins could appear at any time. You are weak now, and I have to stay by your side. If something happens and I can't save you in time, I will regret it for the rest of my life."
He had already placed his coat on the shelf next to him, lay down outside, covered himself with another blanket, and fallen asleep with his eyes closed.
I was going to ask him why the Empress sent assassins, but he seemed too tired. Anyway, I figured I could ask him tomorrow.
When I woke up in the morning, a young maid I didn't recognize was waiting beside me. She diligently helped me change and wash up. I didn't know when a bronze mirror had appeared. When I sat down on the stool, I realized that I was dressed in women's clothing, a light green outer garment with a dark green inner lining. No wonder it took me a while to put it on.
Anyway, I'm like a fish on a chopping board now, so I can do whatever I want with her. The maid is named Bizhu. She's lively and has a sweet voice. I liked her as soon as we met.
Bizhu applied something to my face: "Madam, you are feeling weak right now, so I'll just lightly brush your eyebrows and apply some makeup. I've brought all the things you need for the next few days and a change of clothes, so I'll make you look beautiful every day from now on."
I chuckled, too lazy to correct her perception. It must have been Xie Yuancheng's doing; there was no point in resisting anyway. I should just conserve my energy.
The painting was finished quickly. Bizhu exclaimed in amazement and then helped me out.
The bronze mirror's bright orange surface was something I, used to glass mirrors, couldn't appreciate; as long as she thought it looked good, that was fine with me. As soon as I pushed open the door, Xie Yuancheng was standing outside. Seeing me come out, he turned and smiled brightly again. I wondered if he had forgotten the aloof, unsmiling Marquis Anle. The guards on both sides bowed to me in unison, adding "Madam" as a greeting.
I think they all suffer from amnesia, or perhaps under Xie Yuancheng's pressure, they treat themselves as emotionless beings.
Xie Yuancheng and I walked side by side, with Bizhu following behind. I saw that the spot where I had burned my clothes last night had been restored to its original state. Ancient women's clothing was so cumbersome; I felt like I was wearing more than three layers of clothing, and the upright belt wasn't as comfortable as men's clothing.
I suddenly remembered something: "Xie Yuancheng, you lied to me yesterday." Xie Yuancheng looked innocent. I reminded him, deliberately lowering my voice: "You said you were worried about assassins sent by the Empress, but look at me now. Even if I stood in front of her, she wouldn't recognize me. How could there be assassins?"
Xie Yuancheng was about to speak when he spun me around in his arms. When I turned around, I saw a hidden arrow lying on the ground. I had such a bad mouth; there was actually an assassin among us.
Soon, some men in black climbed over the wall; it seems those involved in this kind of organization all prefer to be dressed entirely in black. The guards began to fight back. I glanced back at Bizhu; she knew how to dodge. Xie Yuancheng shielded me beside him. Although I had learned some swordsmanship, these people were highly skilled, and I was no match for them. It was best to stay put and not cause any trouble.
The man in black quickly lost ground and hurriedly retreated. When the surroundings returned to calm, I realized that I had been holding his hand tightly the whole time.
Xie Yuancheng arranged for increased security and reinforcements. Bizhu must have been frightened, so I told her to go back to her room and rest to calm down. Now, it's just the two of us again.
I want to apologize for what I just said. He really has been protecting me, but I didn't know how to say it.
Xie Yuancheng spoke first: "Ying'er, you weren't scared just now, were you?"
I shook my head, clutching his sleeve: "I'm sorry, I will never doubt your words again. If it weren't for you today, I would have gone to have tea with Wuchang."
Xie Yuancheng gently stroked the back of my head: "Ying'er always speaks wittily. They came for me today. You said it yourself, if you go out in women's clothing, no one will recognize you."
Me: "Who are they?"
Xie Yuancheng said casually, "Judging from their moves, they must have been sent by the Empress. She has always been at odds with Consort Ji and the General's Mansion. As the General's 'son,' you forced her to marry her daughter, and she has wanted to get rid of you for a long time. It would be easy to be exposed in the palace, so when they heard that I took you out instead of the Marquis's Mansion, they couldn't help but take action."
I've seen scenes like that before, but those were all weaklings whose fighting skills weren't much higher than mine. The ones who came today are all determined to die, and their fighting skills are several levels higher. I would definitely be annihilated without a trace.
Xie Yuancheng thought I was scared, so he quickly pulled me into his arms: "Ying'er, don't be afraid. I said I would protect you to the end. Besides, we're not married yet, so I won't let anything happen to you." Although I still didn't like Xie Yuancheng, his embrace was very warm, so I let him lean on me a little longer.
In the following days, after Bizhu saw that everything was normal, she started dressing me up again, and each time she could come up with a different style. I hadn't dressed up properly in a long time, and looking at my face in the bronze mirror, I actually started to like it.
After that surprise attack, everything was peaceful. Xie Yuancheng would discuss matters with different people in his study every day, while Bizhu and I would go to the backyard to play. Meng Anshi would always follow us, but thinking about the last surprise attack, the more I looked at him, the more adorable he seemed.
Time flew by, and dinner had just ended. I took the liberty of inviting him for a walk in the backyard. Standing in the pavilion, I told Xie Yuancheng that I would return to the Marquis's mansion tomorrow, change back into men's clothing, and resume my role as the imperial son-in-law. Upon hearing this, his brows furrowed again.
Xie Yuancheng remained expressionless, making it impossible to guess his thoughts: "Ying'er, you really like being a prince consort? That's just an empty title. You can't be with Li Zhaole."
I really admire his thinking: "What are you thinking? I came to Linyang as the son-in-law of the emperor. If I don't show my face for a long time, there will be a lot of bad news."
Xie Yuancheng: "Then let them spread it, I don't care."
I used my silver tongue to say, "But I care. Whether it's the General's Mansion or Consort Ji, if I suddenly leave, my conscience will be very uneasy." Especially when I thought of Consort Ji's mother's unstoppable tears, I was convinced.
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