Chapter 617 This isn't unexpected...
Upon hearing this, Pei Xingyuan immediately looked up and thought for a moment, but before he could recall anything, he came to his senses and exclaimed with delight, "That's really true!"
Seeing him like this, Shen Wuzheng pursed his lips.
But the next moment, after thinking about it again, Pei Xingyuan frowned and said with a bitter face, "But even if that's the case, what exactly is going on? It's impossible for there to be a book that tells her everything that might happen in the future, right? Wouldn't that be a divine book? Wouldn't she be a god? That would be terrible!"
Shen Wuzheng smiled and shook his head: "How could that be?"
As he spoke, a cold yet sharp glint flashed in his eyes, and he said, "Even if they really are gods—"
Pei Xingyuan didn't hear clearly, he just looked at him and asked, "What?"
Shen Wuzheng waved his hand gently, thought for a moment, and then said seriously, "What I just said was just an example. I don't believe there is any real ability or any celestial book in this world that can know five hundred years into the past and five hundred years into the future. Everything is done by people."
"..."
"Although I haven't figured out exactly how she knows these things yet, I'm certain of one thing: she didn't predict what would happen in the future. She just has a very vague understanding of some things. But if those things change, or if she can't remember them, then she'll be helpless."
"..."
"That is what Yuwen Ye said: knowledge and wisdom are two different things."
"Knowledge, or wisdom?"
Pei Xingyuan thought he understood some of it, but the last sentence confused him again. Shen Wuzheng turned to look at him and said with a smile, "To be precise, things are controllable, but people are not."
"..."
“When she can’t remember, she doesn’t have the ability to ‘predict the future’; when events don’t go according to her memory, her ability is not very useful.”
Hearing him say that, Pei Xingyuan gradually came to his senses.
He said, "So, in the final analysis, it all comes down to human effort."
Shen Wuzheng said, "That's right, it all depends on human effort."
"..."
"The fall of Taiyuan this time is more complicated than we had anticipated. So, as we said before, if the enemy thinks deeply, we must think even deeper; if the enemy takes ten steps, we must take eleven. Only in this way can we win."
"...That's true."
Pei Xingyuan chuckled as he spoke, and said, "For example, this time, it seems that neither the Prince of Han nor Yu Mingyue expected that Feng Chen would set them up on the matter of the emperor's abdication. So the position of crown prince is still up for grabs."
"..."
Mentioning this, Shen Wuzheng's eyes dimmed slightly.
Although he usually showed joy and anger on his face, he rarely revealed his true thoughts. But this time, Pei Xingyuan clearly sensed his displeasure, and upon further reflection, he understood somewhat.
He said softly, "What's wrong? Are you angry about this?"
"..."
"But, Feng Chen now—"
"No need to say anything more,"
Shen Wuzheng waved his hand dismissively, interrupting him. He then turned back to look at the towering shadows of the nine-tiered palace under the moonlight, remained silent for a long while, and finally said, "Let's go..."
After saying that, he turned and left.
Pei Xingyuan also glanced back at him. Although they were already some distance away from the palace, he inexplicably felt that the direction Shen Wuzheng had been looking must have been Qianqiu Palace. He just wondered what the scene was like there now.
To be honest, no one expected that Yuwen Ye would use that method to gamble on one last time.
However, while having a virtuous wife and beautiful concubines is considered a blessing in life, judging from the subtle, somewhat cold atmosphere between Yuwen Ye and Shang Ruyi today, Pei Xingyuan vaguely felt that perhaps it was not necessarily a blessing.
but--
Even if it wasn't a blessing, that other person already had both wives and concubines. Looking back at himself, he had nothing, not even someone to share his longing for. Pei Xingyuan couldn't help but give a bitter laugh, then felt he was being too sentimental. After all, the most important matter at hand hadn't been resolved yet; he had no time to think about that. So he immediately turned and chased after him—
"Wu Zheng, wait for me!"
The lively, bustling atmosphere, like the ebb tide, vanished with the departure of the two people, disappearing into the towering shadows of the nine-tiered palace, leaving only a deep silence.
Only inside the brightly lit Qianqiu Hall could one still hear some noise.
After seeing Su Qinglan off, Shang Ruyi returned directly to Qianqiu Palace as instructed by Yuwen Yuan. However, even after returning, she could not rest immediately. After all, based on the current situation of the Battle of Taiyuan, the battle situation deduced from this situation, and even her inexplicable palpitations, this battle was not easy to fight and could not end so easily.
Therefore, the luggage you bring cannot be too simple.
Upon returning to Qianqiu Palace, she immediately instructed Tushe'er and the others to pack their clothes. Seeing that the weather was about to turn cold, she even took out some thick clothes that she had previously kept at the bottom of her trunk.
But there is still a big problem, namely Tusheer.
As Shang Ruyi's personal maid, she naturally followed Shang Ruyi wherever she went. Last time, she stayed in the Battle of Fufeng because Shang Ruyi gave her another task. But this time, without any other instructions, she insisted on going to Taiyuan. However, Shang Ruyi only planned to take Wo Xue with her.
Regardless of their feelings, she couldn't feel at ease taking Tushe'er to the battlefield. Although Woxue was also young, she had such skills, and she might be able to come in handy if necessary.
So, after much earnest persuasion, Tushe'er, seeing that there was really no other way, could only reluctantly agree again.
Not satisfied with what he had done, he took Wo Xue aside and nagged her for a long time.
Listening to them packing their luggage and talking in the inner hall, giving and receiving orders, Shang Ruyi sat outside, shaking her head with a smile. Then she saw Chang Wan bring in some more tea and snacks. Although she had just attended a banquet, she had only drunk one cup of wine and hadn't had time to eat a single bite of the food and drinks on the table when the news came. By the time she finished discussing those matters and returned, she realized that she was starving.
Shang Ruyi then sat down and began to eat.
As she ate, she listened to Tu She'er's chattering outside and couldn't help but smile as she said to Chang Wan, "After we leave, you guys will be left here. Keep an eye on She'er and make sure she doesn't go out and cause trouble."
Chang Wan smiled and said, "Please rest assured, Your Highness. Actually, I am usually very steady in my words and actions. It's just that when I'm by Your Highness's side, I worry about you and get flustered, which is why I sometimes say things I shouldn't."
Shang Ruyi glanced at her and smiled, "You seem to understand her quite well."
Chang Wan was taken aback, then smiled and lowered her head.
Shang Ruyi smiled and ate another pastry with her tea. Although she wasn't completely full, it was late at night, and if she ate too much, she wouldn't be able to sleep. So she took another sip of tea and went to wash her hands.
Seeing that there were still two pastries left on the plate, Changwan said, "Should I put these away?"
Shang Ruyi immediately replied, "No need."
"ah?"
"We'll eat later, after he—after the King of Qin—returns."
Upon hearing this, Chang Wan immediately understood.
Even the Queen Consort of Qin wasn't full, so the King of Qin, with his enormous appetite, must have been even more hungry. No wonder he ordered so much food from the imperial kitchen—enough for two people—it was intentionally for the King of Qin.
Chang Wan pursed her lips and said softly, "This servant understands."
Although she didn't laugh, Shang Ruyi was still a little embarrassed, so she could only pretend not to care, turn around and walk to the window, push open the window and look outside.
The surroundings were completely dark.
But looking further west, the dark sky was faintly illuminated by lights. Could it be that they were still discussing the expedition in the Hundred Blessings Hall?
No, Baifu Hall is much farther away.
Over there, it seems to be—
As Shang Ruyi was thinking, she suddenly heard footsteps outside, as if someone had come to Qianqiu Palace. Shang Ruyi immediately turned around and glanced at Chang Wan. Chang Wan did not dare to be negligent and hurriedly went out to greet them.
In the darkness, the sound of her walking to the gate could be heard, as if she were whispering something to the person who came in.
At this moment, Tushe'er had finished explaining things to Woxue and had almost packed her luggage. She came out of the inner palace, looked at the sky outside, and said softly, "Your Highness, it's so late. Why hasn't the Prince returned yet? You're leaving at dawn tomorrow, so you won't be able to get any sleep tonight."
"..."
Shang Ruyi didn't speak, but leaned against the window, listening to the sounds outside.
For some reason, she had a vague feeling that it must be news about Yuwen Ye...
Just then, Changwan walked in from outside.
The hall was dimly lit by only two lamps. As she walked in, her face seemed to take on the shadows of the night, and even her eyes held a hint of sadness. She lowered her head and whispered, "Your Highness..."
Tushe'er looked at her: "What are you going out for? Is someone coming?"
Chang Wan nodded, glanced at Shang Ruyi carefully, and seeing that she was sitting quietly without saying a word, she said softly, "Yes, it is Pan Qing, a palace maid from Jin Yu Yuan."
"Pan Qing? Isn't she serving the Duke—"
Tushe'er was startled, glanced at Shang Ruyi again, swallowed the rest of her words, and unconsciously whispered, "What is she doing here?"
Chang Wan glanced at Shang Ruyi again and said softly, "She, she said—His Highness Prince Qin went to Jinyu Garden."
"..."
"She came specifically to inform Your Highness that you should rest early."
"What?!"
Tushe'er's voice suddenly rose several octaves, shaking the entire Qianqiu Palace in the quiet night. Wo Xue, from the inner palace, hurriedly came out and carefully watched them, especially Shang Ruyi, who sat by the window, seemingly motionless and expressionless.
Even though there was only one lamp lit in front of her, its flickering light couldn't illuminate her eyes at all.
Those once bright eyes were now pitch black and lifeless.
Tushe'er, who had just gasped in surprise, quickly covered her mouth and looked down at Shang Ruyi. She wanted to say something but didn't know how to start. She was so anxious that her face was full of anxiety and her hands clenched into fists. Chang Wan, who was standing to the side, reached out and gently pressed her down.
The three girls quietly surrounded Shang Ruyi.
After an unknown amount of time, Shang Ruyi finally moved.
He raised his head, a calm, faint smile appearing on his face as if nothing had happened. He glanced at each of them and then said with a smile, "You can all go and rest."
"..."
"Especially for Wo Xue, we have to leave first thing tomorrow morning, so don't oversleep."
"..."
Wo Xue didn't know what to do, but she knew she should obey, so she softly agreed and turned to leave.
Tushe'er said, "Your Highness, I—"
Shang Ruyi looked at her with a smile and said, "It's a good thing that Changwan just said that you are usually very steady in your work and won't make any mistakes. Look at you, just a little news about Jinyuyuan and you're making such a fuss. If something really serious happens, what will you do?"
"..."
"While we're away, you should practice your courage."
"princess……"
Tushe'er was speechless, feeling both distressed and wronged. But why did Shang Ruyi seem so indifferent to her condition?
Does she really not care?
She instinctively wanted to ask—after all, this young lady, whom she had cherished since childhood and who was now the Princess Consort of Qin, was still dear to her heart no matter how her status changed. She did not want to see Shang Ruyi suffer any hardship or pain.
Tusheer whispered, "Miss..."
Shang Ruyi looked at her again, smiling, even patiently, but when she spoke, her voice seemed to be tinged with the dampness of night dew, and it became a little hoarse: "Listen to me, go down."
Tushe'er wanted to obey, but she really couldn't bear to leave. In the end, Changwan grabbed her wrist and used some force to finally drag her out of Qianqiu Palace, looking back every few steps.
From afar, one could still hear her worried sighs and a low, unwilling muttering.
Even after their footsteps faded into the distance and could no longer be heard, Shang Ruyi remained in the same position, as if she had lost the strength to move, sitting there quietly without moving.
After a long while, she took a deep breath and moved around a bit.
His whole body felt as if it had been frozen solid.
This is not unexpected.
In fact, from the moment she accepted her identity, her fate, and the glory brought by the Nine Heavens and Three Palaces, she had already foreseen this day, this moment.
I just never expected it to happen today, at this moment.
However, it wasn't really unexpected. After all, she had already mentioned to Yuwen Ye yesterday that he should go to Jinyu Garden to keep Chu Ruoyan company. However, since yesterday was their first day moving into the palace, Yuwen Ye, as the Prince of Qin, stayed by the Princess of Qin's side. In any case, he had already given her enough face and made their relationship known to everyone.
So today, with the expedition imminent, it is indeed appropriate for him to go and see Chu Ruoyan.
"Of course..."
As if listening to her heart, or as if trying to convince herself, Shang Ruyi murmured and repeated these three words over and over again. Finally, she found some comfort in these three words and regained some strength. She slowly turned around and looked out at the dark sky and the not-so-full moon.
Indeed, it is difficult for people and the moon to be reunited.
Only a few scattered raindrops gently fell on the moonlit windowsill.
|
Under the same moonlight, at this time, Su Qinglan finally arrived home.
Although her mother was one of the few female officials serving in the imperial court, her salary was not high and her family was not wealthy. Therefore, she could only live in Yong'an Ward, which was far from the palace, and her residence was an ordinary bungalow.
The neighbors here are all ordinary people who don't party late at night, so when she got home, it was already pitch black, with only stray dogs fighting and howling in a few nearby alleys.
What remained was the soft echo of her own footsteps on the quiet street.
She rarely comes home this late, so she couldn't help but feel a little uneasy today. As she saw that her home was just ahead, her heart, which had been pounding all the way, finally calmed down. She quickened her pace and was about to walk forward when she suddenly stopped when she was still some distance from her door.
Moreover, breathing became suffocated!
She suddenly noticed a tall figure standing at her doorstep, leaning against the door, as if waiting for something.
Who is that?
What are you going to do?!
She was both shocked and frightened, and instinctively wanted to back away, but in the dead of night, where could she go if she didn't go home? So she could only walk forward, but her heavy steps made it impossible for her to take another step.
Just as she was caught in a dilemma, the tall figure moved slightly, as if raising its head.
The pale moonlight illuminated his handsome face, especially his bright eyes, which seemed even brighter than the moonlight when they saw her. He immediately straightened up and gave Su Qinglan a joyful smile.
"You're back."
"...!"
Su Qinglan's breath hitched again.
The sound is—
She subconsciously took two steps forward. The moonlight seemed to echo her thoughts, shining even brighter at this moment, allowing her to see more clearly. The figure in front of her was none other than Jiang Xing!
"you--"
She was surprised, her surprise mixed with a distinct joy. Just as she was about to say something, she immediately bit her lower lip.
Today is the fifth day of the Lunar New Year!
It was the day she had promised to visit his house!
Because she suddenly received an imperial decree of reward today, she immediately went to the palace to express her gratitude. Afterwards, she went to the Hundred Blessings Hall for a banquet. In her haste, she forgot to make an appointment with him. It wasn't until Princess Qin asked about today's date when she left the palace that she suddenly remembered.
However, she also thought that she had broken her promise, and that Jiang Yan might be disappointed in her and wouldn't come looking for her again.
Unexpectedly, he actually came to her house!
Su Qinglan was both ashamed and nervous, and couldn't speak for a moment. Jiang Yan slowly walked up to her, looked her up and down for a while, then smiled and said, "It's good that you're back safely."
Su Qinglan looked at him: "You—"
Jiang Yan smiled and said, "I saw that you hadn't come today and was worried that something had happened to you, so I went into the city to inquire for a long time and finally found this place. They said you went to the palace to do some work. I didn't know what had happened, so I've been waiting for you here."
"..."
"I'm relieved to see you're back safe and sound."
After saying that, he smiled at Su Qinglan and said, "It's late, you should go home and rest. I'm leaving."
He turned to leave.
But just as he was about to take a step, a soft, yet seemingly uncontrollably trembling sound suddenly sounded behind him—
"Wait a minute."
Jiang Yan immediately stopped and turned to look at her. Su Qinglan said softly, "You're going out on business in a couple of days, right?"
"yes."
"Bon Voyage."
"Um."
Come back soon.
"..."
“When you come back,” Su Qinglan said after a moment of silence, as if she had finally made up her mind, “I will go to your house again.”
"...!"
Jiang Xing's eyes lit up even more, looking at Su Qinglan with a mixture of surprise and delight. He didn't say much, but remained silent for a long time before smiling and nodding solemnly: "It's a deal."
After saying that, he turned and left.
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