Xiao Zhian was heartbroken.
Lin Huaiyin and Xiao Zhian were each busy with their own things.
She rubbed herself against Xiao Zhian's chest, feeling completely satisfied and comfortable, and couldn't help but moan and pant.
After a hearty meal, Lin Huaiyin felt refreshed and full of energy. He wanted nothing more than to carry the jujube wood bow out, kill Shen Congyun, shoot Princess Pingyang, and wait for the White Lotus rebels to come up the mountain so he could unleash a barrage of arrows and fight until the sky darkened.
Xiao Zhian remained calm and quiet, letting her take what she wanted. He responded in every way she could, giving Lin Huaiyin whatever she asked for. He enjoyed and indulged in it, but his hands were not idle. He focused on peeling off Lin Huaiyin's clothes, piece by piece. What he cared about most was the wound on her back.
After he finished peeling her skin, he opened his eyes, expecting the clingy little kitten in his arms to be panting and clinging to him to sit still. Unexpectedly, Lin Huaiyin stood upright with a burning flame in her eyes, her gaze as resolute as a general about to go to war.
Seeing her murderous aura, Xiao Zhian immediately realized that he hadn't been involved enough, spending his hands taking off her clothes instead of satisfying her, and the little kitten was being temperamental and unhappy.
Actually, it's not impossible for her to continue and see things through to the end.
Xiao Zhian thought: She will be his sooner or later, he wasn't being mean by withholding her food.
He doted on her, wrapping his arms around her slender waist, cradling the back of her head, and leaning down to kiss her back.
But Lin Huaiyin was full and unwilling to cooperate at all. She broke free from his embrace, clutched her clothes, and smiled as she looked toward the small door, saying, "Xuan Ge has been sending medicine day and night, and the wound is healing very well. Your Highness should not stay any longer and can go back now."
She chased him away.
But how could a dignified Crown Prince, with such a supreme position, be ordered around by others?
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhian's face stiffened, and he could hardly believe it.
He was being intimate with her, his breathing erratic, his heart pounding, when she actually told him to leave so politely. Seeing her nonchalant attitude and complete lack of lingering affection, Xiao Zhian felt a fire ignite in his chest, which then exploded with a bang.
What did she take him for?
He hadn't seen her for five whole days, and he missed her so much that he couldn't concentrate on anything.
He sat there all day, waiting for her, hoping and longing to see her.
He worried about her suffering and her wounds. He held her bow and arrows, tossing and turning every night, unable to sleep. He felt sorry for her being harmed by villains and feared that she would be involved in trouble and face danger alone. He thought about her constantly.
Above Crane Cry Mountain, every cloud resembles her. He wanted to share every drink and bite with her. He never stopped thinking about her. He thought that there would always be a place for him in her clever and mischievous mind. Unexpectedly, she climbed on him, rubbed against him, and then turned on him, kicking him out.
What did she take him for?
Is it a tool to comfort her body, satisfy her needs, and then throw her away?
“Madam Shen.” Xiao Zhian stood up, looked down at Lin Huaiyin, and asked, word by word, “If you opened the door and the man in the room wasn’t me, not me, Xiao Zhian, would you still let him hug you, let him take off your clothes, climb on top of him, and be intimate with him?”
He asked, his fist clenched, his knuckles turning blue, his eyes icy.
Unable to withstand his piercing gaze, Lin Huaiyin lowered her head, thinking: This is hard to say. She had even thought about finding male prostitutes before. She was a free spirit, and it didn't matter who she ate, as long as she was full. It was just that she remembered his taste, so she couldn't control herself and always missed him.
Of course, such words should not be said.
Lin Huaiyin timidly raised her eyelids. Xiao Zhian's gloomy face looked like it was about to strike her on the head at any moment.
He seems angry.
Lin Huaiyin bit her lower lip, somewhat puzzled.
He asked to come and see her wound, and she responded warmly, expressing her longing for him, telling him that the wound was doing well, thanking him for bringing medicine and taking care of her day and night, and reminding him to avoid suspicion and leave. She was very considerate and thoughtful.
What exactly is wrong?
Moreover, he used to be incredibly obedient and would do whatever I asked if I climbed into his arms or snuggled against his chest. Why did he suddenly explode?
Lin Huaiyin didn't like his stiff, unsmiling demeanor. She felt uneasy and wanted to comfort him, to say that she hadn't eaten anyone else's food and that he was the only food she cared about right now, and that she only liked him. But then she suddenly thought—it might not be so bad to completely offend him like this.
Sooner or later, he will grow tired of her, or even hate her. He is kind to her because he doesn't understand her, doesn't know what kind of monster she is, and rather than continue to be entangled and fear that day coming, he might as well take this opportunity to cut ties cleanly.
He doesn't come looking for her; both sides are safe.
Moreover, even without him watching over them, they won't feel constrained in their actions.
Yes. Let's just completely offend him.
Lin Huaiyin clutched Xiao Zhian's torn clothes, curled up like a shrimp, and let her heart feel like it was growing wildly with wet cotton wool. She could barely hear her heartbeat, but she reassured herself that it was okay. It was bound to happen sooner or later, and she could bear it.
She made a decision, acted decisively, lowered her eyelids like an ostrich, buried her head in the sand, and remained silent.
When Xiao Zhian looked at her just now, it was like searching for a needle in a haystack. He caught a glimpse of her slight surprise and tenderness. He thought she hadn't done it on purpose, that she knew she was wrong, and he was looking forward to her saying something.
It doesn't matter what, anything is fine, as long as she says it, even if she just calls his name, gives him a look, or extends a hand, he will forgive her.
But she just lowered her head and didn't say anything.
Is that the default?
So you admit it?
Xiao Zhian scoffed, laughing at his own stupidity.
From the very beginning, she was only attracted to his hand. She was so confused that she didn't even know whose hand it was. She didn't care at all; she had no heart.
In her heart, Xiao Zhian was as thin as paper, nothing at all.
Xiao Zhian raised his chin and looked away. He would never lower his eyes again, never look down again, and never see her again.
He turned and left.
The sound of fabric rubbing together, the footsteps fading into the distance, and the lingering scent of Xiao Zhian's breath on his lips and fingers transformed into ants, biting through Lin Huaiyin's eardrums, burrowing into her skull, and slowly, gnawing at her brain and scraping her scalp.
Lin Huaiyin hugged her clothes tightly, covered her ears, and ran her fingers through her hair. She told herself it was okay; she was too busy to think about His Highness the Crown Prince. The grand ceremony was the day after tomorrow, and her mind had to be on Princess Pingyang. She also had to keep a close eye on Shen Congyun's movements. As for her eldest brother, she had to seize the opportunity of the troop rotation. Once Xie'ao and her second brother led their troops over, the White Lotus Sect would be trapped like turtles in a jar.
One thing after another, Lin Huaiyin's head was pounding, and the trivial matters left her with no time to spare.
Looking at her empty hands and around the empty bedroom, she couldn't quite remember what had just happened. She just felt very tired and sleepy, and couldn't lift her eyelids.
When Yu Li came in, Lin Huaiyin was already asleep.
That evening, Xuan Ge unusually did not deliver the medicine.
The next morning, a stranger, a guard, knocked on Lin Huaiyin's courtyard gate.
The courtyard fence was only half a person high. The attire of the Eastern Palace guards was different from that of the Imperial Guards. When the officials' wives and concubines in the left and right courtyards saw them, they all craned their necks to look.
Yu Li opened the door, and the smell of medicine was still there. Xuan Ge was nowhere to be seen. She looked around, somewhat surprised.
"This is the medicine His Highness bestowed upon Lady Shen." The guard said matter-of-factly, with a cold attitude.
Yu Li was even more surprised. Considering the attention of the officials and their families around her, she knelt down to accept the medicine bowl and said, "This servant thanks Your Highness for your great kindness on behalf of Madam."
After thanking him for his kindness, she hesitated to ask what had happened, but the guard turned and left without giving her any chance.
Madam Liang lived in the courtyard on the right. Her husband was a Grand Secretary who served alongside Shen Congyun.
The mountain scenery was extremely beautiful in the morning. Madam Liang was painting in the courtyard with paper and brush. At this moment, she held the wolf-hair brush horizontally and asked Yu Li, "Girl, His Highness is either summoning you or bestowing medicine. He seems to be showing your lady extra favor. What is the reason for this?"
When the officials' wives asked questions, Yu Li, holding the bowl of medicine, dared not leave and did not know how to answer.
In the left courtyard, the wife of Imperial Censor Liu Cang, Lady Liu, also came to join in the fun.
Previously, her granddaughter Liu Yinjun exposed Lin Huaiyin for selling her dowry, which offended Shen Congyun. She thought of taking the opportunity to show goodwill and make amends, so she took the initiative to speak up: "His Highness values Lord Shen and has bestowed favors on the Shen family. It just so happens that Madam Shen is pregnant, and he ordered the accompanying imperial physician to prepare a bowl of medicine to prevent miscarriage. It was only a matter of a word. Why should Madam Liang make up such rumors and frighten the child?"
Upon hearing this, Madam Liang shook her head repeatedly, saying, "It's strange that only Madam Liu would say such a thing. Lord Liu is the head of the censorate, and he doesn't submit a memorial to remonstrate against His Highness's inappropriate behavior. Why is he even helping to defend and cover it up?"
"The imperial court is the imperial court, and you and I are you and I. How can we treat each other the same?" Madam Liu suddenly became a little angry: "You are saying these things now, which may frighten Madam Shen's pregnancy. You should have Lord Liang apologize to Lord Shen!"
As she spoke, Madam Liu urged Yu Li to hurry up and not to pass on the message to Lin Huaiyin.
Yu Li returned to her room and taught Lin Huaiyin the phrases one by one.
Lin Huaiyin drank the medicine sip by sip, her face contorted in bitterness, her tongue felt numb, and her stomach twitched.
"Ugh." Lin Huaiyin felt nauseous.
Yu Li quickly fed her candied fruit, "What's wrong? Is today's medicine particularly hard to swallow?"
"Maybe so." Lin Huaiyin remained noncommittal. Feeling more comfortable after swallowing the candied fruit, she told Yu Li, "Madam Liang is a good person. With her status, she could easily stay out of this mess. The fact that she called you over is a reminder for us to be careful and to ask you to say something to appease us, so that the rumors outside won't get worse."
"I see." Yu Li nodded.
“That Madam Liu is not bad either.” Lin Huaiyin took a sip of medicine, her brows furrowed. Seeing that Yu Li was puzzled, she added, “Judging by actions rather than intentions, she helped us out of a predicament. That medicine to prevent miscarriage was an excellent excuse. I really benefited from it, so it’s not bad to do her a favor.”
Lin Huaiyin pondered to herself: Imperial Censor Liu Cang is Princess Pingyang's man. When Mu Zhanjuan returns to the capital, Liu Cang will surely die. Husband and wife are one, and when the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact. This favor is not easy to repay.
She had no immediate thoughts on the matter. With her mind preoccupied, the medicine didn't seem so bitter. After finishing the medicine, she put down the bowl, picked up a candied fruit, and prepared to go find Lin Cuiyue.
Yu Li's leg injury had not fully recovered, so Lin Huaiyin did not take her with her. She told Yu Li to eat and drink well and rest on her own. After changing into some light clothes, she set off for the Imperial Guard camp.
The entire summit of Heming Mountain is bordered by Wanxian Peak to the left, Xiandu Peak to the right, the Royal Palace and a large altar in the center, and the Imperial Guard Camp in the northwest corner.
Lin Huaiyin saw the golden roof of Xiao Zhian's palace in the distance, and the sound of his footsteps when he left last night echoed in her mind.
She frowned, telling herself that this was good; no one was watching her, she could move freely, and the rumors would quickly subside because of his cold and distant attitude.
Everything happens for a reason; there's no need to overthink it.
Lin Huaiyin entered the Imperial Guard camp and found Lin Cuiyue catching up on sleep.
Lin Cuiyue looked extremely haggard. Upon waking, he ate cold tea and cold pancakes. Before Lin Huaiyin could even mention the White Lotus Sect, he dropped a bombshell—
"The Imperial Censor Liu Cang submitted a memorial impeaching His Highness the Crown Prince for allowing Princess Pingyang to preside over the sacrificial ceremony, accusing him of turning the world upside down and ruining the dynasty. His words were very harsh. Now the court officials are divided, and there is a huge commotion at Wanxianding. My brother-in-law's Secretariat is also busy with its operations."
Upon hearing this, Lin Huaiyin felt a tickle in her throat, so she grabbed the teapot and served him a cup of cold tea.
Oh no, Princess Pingyang has made her move.
Holding the teacup, Lin Huaiyin's gaze was deep as she thought of her past life.
The Battle of Crane Cry Mountain in the previous life occurred when His Highness the Crown Prince was being treated for his injuries after an assassination attempt, and Shen Congyun held absolute power.
Princess Pingyang then took charge of the sacrificial ceremony. By then, they had already identified which ministers refused to submit, so they could easily slaughter them at Heming Mountain.
This time, His Highness the Crown Prince was unharmed and even came along. Princess Pingyang and Shen Congyun, lacking the opportunity to win over court officials like they had in their previous lives, devised this underhanded scheme to force out those officials who would not submit.
After all, a group of ministers who would not allow the princess to sacrifice to heaven and earth in place of the crown prince would never support the princess to become emperor. These people were the thorn in Princess Pingyang's side, and she wanted to get rid of them as soon as possible.
Princess Pingyang instigated Liu Cang to stir up trouble in order to force these court officials to step forward. Their memorials would all pass through the Secretariat, which was controlled by Shen Congyun. Once Shen Congyun had read the memorials, he could naturally distinguish which people would not submit, and then mark them and throw them to the White Lotus Sect to devour.
What a ruthless person! In such a short time, Princess Pingyang came up with this desperate solution.
On the surface, it's a dispute over etiquette and law, but in reality, it's about compiling a death list and taking advantage of the situation to undermine His Highness the Crown Prince. If His Highness insists that Princess Pingyang preside over the ceremony, it's a reversal of yin and yang, and he'll lose the hearts of the people; if he backs down, his authority will be damaged, and he'll be caught in a dilemma.
Princess Pingyang has such ruthless methods and such a cunning mind.
Lin Huaiyin felt a chill run down her spine at the thought of having such a person as an opponent.
Now, how do we break this deadlock?
Lin Huaiyin's half-face rested on the teacup.
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