Chapter 200 Saving the Fallen Woman
Dou Wenyi glanced at Princess Fu'an, "You're the one who wants to save Xie Guidu, aren't you?"
The eldest princess had no time or inclination to concern herself with Xie Guidu's trivial matters; she simply couldn't let go of Xie Guidu.
After all, in her previous life, Fu'an was like a man possessed, spending most of her life on Xie Guidu, so she must have feelings for him.
She wouldn't easily give up her idea just because of a few words of advice from others.
Princess Fu'an laughed heartily, "'Saving prostitutes isn't just for men, I can do it too.'"
Xie Guidu has no feelings for Princess Fu'an, but he fears she might fall deeply in love, just like he did in his previous life, completely losing herself because of that persona.
Wouldn't it be better to find someone who cherishes and loves you?
Why do you have to suffer?
"Fu'an, if Xie Guidu never has you in his heart, won't you be sad?"
Princess Fu'an smiled disdainfully, "I'm different from you. What you want is a man who is devoted to you. That's not what I want. Xie Guidu is much better looking than any courtesan. Besides, he has a broad waist and narrow hips, so he must be good in bed. The baby he has will definitely be good-looking."
"I saved Feng Chen only to use his seed!"
"As long as the Princess's mansion stands, I can live a carefree and happy life. If he is truly stubborn, I can also save other handsome men of the night."
"Look at my mother and father, they're only superficially close, but that doesn't stop them from being happy!"
Dou Wenyi's expression was complicated.
Princess Fu'an's attitude towards relationships is truly astonishing, but the reason she can live so freely and openly is because the eldest princess gave her ample confidence, something that ordinary people cannot emulate.
"If I really marry him, would you mind? Would we still be friends?"
Dou Wenyi gave her a deep look. Her stubbornness in refusing to listen was not foolishness, but destiny.
Only when she hits a brick wall and is bleeding from her wounds will she understand the true meaning of it.
Knowing that it would be futile to persuade her, she still wanted to say one more thing: "Fu'an, no matter what, you are still my friend."
"However, everyone is greedy when it comes to feelings. Before, you were with him because there was no possibility. Even if he just smiled at you, you would be satisfied. But once you share a bed and have physical intimacy, her expectations of him will be endless and ever-increasing."
"If Xie Guidu remains cold-hearted and never responds to you, you will still be the one who gets hurt."
Princess Fu'an remained silent for a moment.
"You've already let go of Xie Guidu in your heart, haven't you?"
Dou Wenyi gave a helpless, bitter smile.
She didn't expect Fu'an to understand the truth that she had spent her whole life figuring out in her previous life.
Pain is the sculptor of the soul; the virtuous do not argue, and those who argue are not virtuous.
She seemed to have no choice but to watch her fall into the deep pit, saying, "I just want you to be happy."
Not long after Princess Fu'an left, Pei Siyan returned, looking exhausted. He noticed her absent-mindedness and, upon learning that Princess Fu'an had come, he roughly guessed the reason.
"...Fu'an visited Xie Guidu in prison a while ago. Xie Guidu had finally found a lifeline, so how could he not use his body to save himself?"
Sure enough, if Xie Guidu were willing to curry favor with Princess Fu'an, winning her heart would be a piece of cake.
Dou Wenyi was still somewhat puzzled, "Why would the Eldest Princess bear to let Princess Fu'an marry him? Xie Guidu's reputation isn't good right now."
Pei Siyan's eyes were deep and unfathomable. "Don't underestimate our eldest princess. She is not His Majesty's biological sister. The reason she has the power and status she has today is because she can understand His Majesty's thoughts."
"You mean, His Majesty intends to spare Xie Guidu? But why?"
Pei Siyan nodded. "What else could it be? It's because the situation in the Eastern Palace is currently very favorable."
Emperor Muzong always seemed to enjoy making things difficult for him!
...
As the year draws to a close, Zong Rui, the commander of the Xuanjia Army, along with Zhang Chengxian and others, return to the capital.
The soldiers who distinguished themselves in the Xuanjia Army were all promoted, especially Zhang Chengxian, who was promoted to the rank of Yunhui General of the third grade, becoming the most shining new star among the younger generation of generals. According to his merits, the imperial court also bestowed upon him countless silks, gold and silver utensils, and gold and silver.
Zhang Chengxian's mother, Madam He, was also granted the title of Lady of the Imperial Decree, and for a time the Zhang family was at the height of its power, making Zhang Chengxian the first choice for marriage alliances among powerful and noble families.
Emperor Muzong was overjoyed and held a grand banquet to reward the army.
Meanwhile, the Northern Di delegation rushed to Tianning City for peace talks, hoping to redeem the Seventh Prince before the Lunar New Year.
On the ninth day of the twelfth lunar month, Dou Wenyi went to Fanlou by carriage.
Zhang Chengxian and his younger brother Zhang Chengan waited anxiously in the private room on the second floor, and saw Dou Wenyi get off the carriage.
Zhang Chengxian's spirits lifted, and he quickly straightened his brocade robe. He was so nervous that his palms were sweating, and his eyes were fixed on the moving figure.
Finally, the sandalwood carved door was pushed open.
The newcomer wore a sky-blue satin cloak embroidered with gold sable, over which she wore a light purple shirt with gold thread entwining white plum blossoms, paired with a pleated skirt of the same color with begonia branches. The collar was also trimmed with a white fox fur trim. Her figure was graceful and slender, her skin pure and fair, her eyebrows delicate and her smiles charming, making her appear noble and elegant, and her beauty beyond compare.
Zhang Chengxian stared in disbelief. Although they had only been apart for a few months, he had to admit that she was even more beautiful than before.
Today, their identities have undergone tremendous changes.
However, he could not accept the fact that she was married into the Eastern Palace as the Crown Prince's consort in order to bring him good luck.
Zhang Chengxian was burning with resentment, with nowhere to vent it, and to make matters worse, the one who stole his beloved was the Crown Prince, who was both his brother and his master!
If it were anyone else, he would definitely beat them until their head was bleeding.
Zhang Chengxian's voice was slightly distant as he began to exchange pleasantries, "It's been several months since we last met. How have you been?"
"All is well."
His clear, cool voice was like a mountain spring, soothing and calming his restless heart.
Before he could say another word, Zhang Cheng'an had already rushed out and stood in front of her, saying in a clear voice, "Sister Wenyi, I miss you so much! I want to go to the East Palace to play with you, but my mother won't take me."
Dou Wenyi moved gracefully, her face full of smiles. "Cheng'an, you've grown taller again? If you want to come to the East Palace, just come. I'm always here."
"I want to play with Taxue. Can you lend me Taxue for a few days?"
"Okay, but Ta Xue is a picky eater and not easy to raise."
"Pei Shuyue has a snowball, but she never plays with me. Next time I'll bring Ta Xue over and see if she's envious!"
No wonder he borrowed the snow-treading technique; he was actually trying to outdo the Seventh Princess.
Dou Wenyi beamed, "You're older than the Seventh Princess, so you have to be more considerate of her. Why doesn't she play with you?"
Zhang Cheng'an puffed out his cheeks in anger and snorted coldly, "She likes guys who are well-educated and good-looking, like that guy, oh, that Shen Yanzhou from the Censorate, she wants to play with him the most."
On several occasions, Pei Shuyue would sneak off to Chongzheng Hall just to see Shen Yanzhou.
"Cheng'an, didn't you want to go to the top of Fanlou to play? I'll call you when we have dinner later." Zhang Chengxian gave a wink to the guard beside him.
"Okay!" Zhang Cheng'an nodded obediently and skipped out of the house.
The waiters at Fanlou brought out the exquisite dishes one by one and served two pots of warm Autumn Dew White wine.
Dou Wenyi casually sat down, and then looked at Zhang Chengxian. After experiencing a great change in his family and being tempered on the battlefield, he had long since shed his youthful naiveté and become more mature and composed, showing a hint of the demeanor of a famous general.
She naturally knew the purpose of his meeting with her today. She still owed him an explanation. Moreover, she did not want him to resent Pei Siyan because of her.
Dou Wenyi sighed inwardly, but wore a faint smile on her face. "Have you gone to pay your respects to Master Zhang?"
Zhang Cheng'an personally brewed a cup of hot tea and handed it over, his throat tightening slightly. "Yes, I've already been there."
His face was ashen. “Wenyi, we are sworn brothers. You not only saved Zhang Cheng’an’s life, but I am also grateful for your letter. When the Zhang family was in danger, you helped us many times. I will always remember your great kindness. I have no way to repay you.”
"This cup of wine is my toast to you. Since you are a woman, you can use tea instead of wine."
Dou Wenyi picked up her teacup and clinked it with his. Zhang Chengxian tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp.
His eyes were bloodshot, concealing the madness, sinister intent, and delusions hidden within them. "Today, I only want to ask you one question: Did you willingly marry into the Crown Prince's palace, or were you forced into it?"
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