Chapter 124 Xue Han's Decision
Xue Quan came out and said to the high-ranking officials and nobles guarding the square in front of the palace: "His Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince are both well, and the fire has been extinguished. Gentlemen, please go back and rest."
The official, who had been up for most of the night, finally breathed a sigh of relief and moved his numb legs to get out of bed.
Xue Quan spotted Xue Han approaching and asked gently, "I didn't see you earlier, where did you go?"
"I have inspected all parts of the palace to make sure there are no oversights." Xue Han immediately noticed the gentleness in Xue Quan's attitude.
"With so many people, there's no need to do everything yourself. Go wash up and rest first; His Majesty will surely summon you later." Xue Quan patted Xue Han's shoulder. "Well done; I didn't misjudge you."
Saving the crown prince would be a great achievement.
He strongly recommended his adopted son to take the position of Imperial City Envoy. Many people dared not say it openly, but they were inevitably dissatisfied in private. After all, Han'er was only eighteen years old. Although he had been to the battlefield, his qualifications and age made it difficult for him to convince the public.
Now those people can shut up; Han'er has indeed earned him a lot of face.
Xue Quan felt delighted and became even more satisfied with the tall and upright young man. He thought to himself that it was a pity there was no princess of suitable age, otherwise, with Han'er's appearance, ability, and merit in saving the crown prince, he would be more than qualified to marry a princess.
Xue Han returned to his residence and took a quick shower. He thought he would fall asleep as soon as he lay down after a busy night, but when he closed his eyes, he saw the tranquil lake in the mountains, the distraught girl by the lake, and... the embrace that made him unable to help but feel moved.
After everything they've been through, can he still bear to have his adoptive father choose a wife for him in the future?
He cannot.
He thought that as long as he kept his feelings hidden and didn't put her in danger because of his affections, it would be enough. He would silently wish her to find a good match and have a smooth life.
But now, if he asks himself honestly, can he really do it?
He couldn't, he was unwilling to accept it.
The boy lying on the bed pressed his hand to his chest and stared at the ceiling.
If you're not satisfied, then you should strive for it, instead of being preoccupied with gains and losses and wallowing in self-pity.
Perhaps... saving the crown prince this time is an opportunity.
Thinking of this, Xue Han smiled.
He was still the same carefree and unruly little beggar who, despite ten years of indoctrination and suppression, never truly accepted a life controlled by others.
Let him see if he has the power to resist the Crown Prince's trust and favor. But before that, we must be more cautious and not let our adoptive father discover his true feelings for Aheng.
Xue Han made his decision and gently closed his eyes.
Princess Consort Kang waited anxiously for most of the night, and finally Prince Kang and Ling Yun returned. She hurriedly went to greet them.
Are you alright?
Prince Kang frowned: "We'll just stay there, what could possibly happen? Why aren't you sleeping and staying up all night with us?"
The Princess Consort smiled wryly: "Fire is not something that can be controlled just like that. I'm just afraid that something might happen."
"Only the Crown Prince's residence caught fire; the fire did not spread to other places."
"That's good--"
Receiving a reminder look from Prince Kang, Princess Kang realized she had misspoke and quickly said, "I meant it's good that everyone is alright."
"Mother, are Jiayi and Aheng alright?" Lingyun asked.
Seeing how Ah Heng looked at that time, he was really worried, but he couldn't get away from the situation.
When Princess Consort Kang heard Ling Yun ask this question, she barely suppressed the urge to purse her lips.
Jia Yi didn't go out at all, so what could have happened? Yun'er clearly wanted to ask about A Heng.
What kind of bewitching potion did that unreliable brat give her son?
Princess Consort Kang couldn't bear the thought of Qiu Heng running away in the middle of the night, her hair disheveled and her skirts askew.
“Jiayi was also worried about you and your son, so I let her go back to her room to rest. Aheng came back later too.”
The situation was too chaotic at the time, and people were filled with anxiety. When Princess Kang remembered Qiu Heng, she simply sent someone to inquire, and once she received a reply, she let it go.
Of course, in Princess Kang's mind, a little girl who ran out to watch the excitement out of curiosity would definitely come back in the end, otherwise, why would she spend the night with a group of old and young men?
"You're all tired, go wash up and rest. We've always had hot water ready." After years of pampered life, Princess Kang couldn't take it anymore.
Prince Kang wasn't much better off; he nodded wearily.
Around noon, Prince Kang, who had barely recovered from his rest, went out again, and Princess Kang, now more energetic, called Qiu Heng over to give her a lecture.
“Aheng, since you call me godmother after all, I have to say something. Last night, so late, and with such a dangerous thing as a fire, what were you doing running out like that, a girl? If people saw you, they would laugh at the Prince’s mansion for having no manners.”
Qiu Heng said, "Aheng was too anxious at the time."
The princess consort looked puzzled: "Why are you in such a hurry?"
"Aheng is worried about Lord Xue, afraid that something might happen to him."
The princess was stunned for a moment, then asked in shock, "Why are you worried about Xue Han?"
Even if you're worried, why not just say it out loud?
"Lord Xue is my friend, so naturally I'm worried about him."
Princess Kang's expression was strange: "You're not in love with Lin Chengfeng—"
Qiu Heng smiled: "I originally liked Lin Chengfeng, but after hearing Lord Xue say that he liked me... I thought about it carefully and realized that Lord Xue is not bad either."
Princess Consort Kang gasped.
Is this even possible?
Seeing Qiu Heng's self-righteous expression, Princess Kang suddenly lost all will to advise her and waved her hand helplessly: "Go back and rest."
"Aheng takes her leave."
After Qiu Heng left, Princess Kang held Jia Yi's hand tightly, her eyes filled with tears, and said earnestly, "Jia Yi, you must never follow in A Heng's footsteps."
"The Empress Dowager refers to—"
"How can a young girl like one man and then like another!"
This is utterly unbelievable and unheard of!
Princess Jiayi shook her head in disagreement: "Aheng just wants to pick her favorite one, there's nothing wrong with that."
Princess Consort Kang was struck dumb.
Jia Yi has been led astray!
"That's a fickle woman!"
"Mother, please don't say that. That man also takes wives and concubines, and he likes several at the same time."
Princess Consort Kang swayed, almost unable to withstand the blow: "Jiayi, don't let Aheng lead you astray. In this world, it's common for men to have multiple wives and concubines, but can women be treated the same way?"
Princess Jiayi sighed, "Mother, rest assured, I have no interest in men and won't fall for one after another. I just believe that wanting better is human nature, regardless of gender. Isn't Aheng's frankness to you, Mother, a testament to her not treating you like an outsider?"
Princess Consort Kang was taken aback.
Damn it, I actually think my daughter's words make some sense. Could it be that she's been led astray as well?
"Wait, what do you mean by not being interested in men? You brat, are you planning to spend your whole life with those worthless spices?" Fearing she would be persuaded, Princess Kang hurriedly changed the subject and started scolding her own daughter.
Qiu Heng left the main courtyard and looked in the direction of the imperial palace.
She had too many things to do and no time to deal with anything else. It would be best if Princess Kang thought she was hopeless.
Once a woman is perceived as obedient and virtuous, people will expect her to be even more obedient and virtuous.
Screw it.
(End of this chapter)
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