Chapter 67 "Let's go to the Drunken Immortal Pavilion."...
The spring day was warm and sunny. Sunlight filtered through the sparse clouds onto the soft lawn, where glistening dewdrops clung to the tips of the grass, sparkling in the light.
The tender green grass was as soft as a carpet, and a snow-white cat strolled leisurely among it, occasionally swatting at fluttering butterflies and purring contentedly.
Ling Zhenli wore a light blue gauze dress, the hem fluttering in the wind, like a fairy in spring.
She walked barefoot on the soft lawn, feeling the gentle touch of the grass under her feet. A breeze blew by, lightly ruffling her long hair that was casually draped over her shoulders. Today, she hadn't tied her hair up; instead, she had simply adorned her hair with a peony flower.
Pei Xuanlin lay reclining on the lawn not far away, dressed in a moon-white casual robe, toying with a blade of grass in his hand, his gaze always following that slender figure.
The sunlight gilded him, softening his imperial majesty and adding a touch of leisurely elegance.
Ling Zhenli approached slowly, her gauze skirt brushing against the tips of the grass, creating a soft rustling sound. Seeing Ling Zhenli approach, Pei Xuanlin's lips unconsciously curved into a gentle smile.
She lifted her skirt and brushed it across Pei Xuanlin's face, a light, ticklish, and captivating touch. The next second, Pei Xuanlin reached out and grasped her slender ankle.
"oops."
Ling Zhenli let out a soft cry and collapsed onto the grass beside Pei Xuanlin.
Pei Xuanlin grabbed her, chuckled, and gently stroked her ankle with his fingertips: "Where is Ah Li going?"
Ling Zhenli glared at him reproachfully, but couldn't hide the smile on her lips: "What is Your Majesty trying to do?"
Sunlight filtered through the thin gauze, outlining her graceful figure.
Pei Xuanlin's eyes darkened, and with a slight exertion of force, he pulled her into his arms.
Seeing that things were going badly and he was about to gain the upper hand again, Ling Zhenli quickly came up with a way to counter Pei Xuanlin.
Suddenly she furrowed her brows slightly, touched her cheek with her slender fingers, and let out a soft moan.
"Ouch, that hurts."
Pei Xuanlin immediately let go and leaned forward with concern: "What happened? Did you bump into something?"
Ling Zhenli's eyes welled up with tears, and she deliberately said, "My tooth hurts...it hurts so much..."
Seeing the distressed look in Pei Xuanlin's eyes, she continued vaguely, "It's the tooth inside, ah, it seems a little loose."
"Did you not pay attention when you ate? Next time I'll debone the ribs for you before you eat them. What if your teeth are rotten at such a young age?"
She lightly bit her lower lip, revealing just the right amount of bewilderment.
"It really hurts, is this tooth going to fall out?"
Pei Xuanlin immediately tensed up: "Let me take a look quickly."
Ling Zhenli quickly leaned closer, and Pei Xuanlin cupped her face in his warm palms, gently stroking her cheek with his fingertips as he looked intently at her teeth.
Which tooth?
Pei Xuanlin's hands were warm, and he stroked her face very gently, as if afraid of hurting her. Ling Zhenli looked at him and was touched in the softest part of her heart.
Ling Zhenli looked at him tenderly, took his wrist, and guided his fingertips to her lips.
"Feel it, it's wobbly..." She parted her lips slightly, her breath sweet as orchids, "It's right inside."
"Okay, I'll be gentle."
Pei Xuanlin was worried that there was really something wrong with her teeth, so he slowly reached in to probe, but when his fingertips touched her moist lips, his breathing suddenly became rapid.
Ling Zhenli's heart pounded faster and faster. She took advantage of the situation and sucked on his index finger, her tongue lightly brushing against the fingertip.
"Hmm...it seems to be this one..."
She deliberately spoke in a muffled whisper, her soft lips and tongue enveloping her slender fingers, her pearly teeth gently nibbling at the joints, the warm, wet touch sending a shiver down Pei Xuanlin's spine.
Ling Zhenli's eyes were alluring as she continued to guide his fingers to explore inside his mouth.
When her fingertips touched her molars, she suddenly sucked on them lightly, making an ambiguous watery sound.
"Did you feel it?" She spat out her finger, a silver thread connecting it. "Is it swaying?"
Pei Xuanlin's eyes were dark, and the warm, damp touch on his knuckles made him realize that he had been tricked.
Looking at Ling Zhenli's radiant smile, which showed no sign of pain, Pei Xuanlin chuckled, gripped the back of her neck, and rubbed her lips with his thumb, his voice hoarse.
"I don't think it's the teeth that are loose; it's some little imp trying to wag again."
After saying that, Pei Xuanlin was about to press her down. Ling Zhenli giggled and tried to dodge, but he pushed her down onto the lawn.
Her light clothing was slowly removed, revealing her snow-white skin, which shimmered like pearls in the sunlight.
The fresh scent of grass mingled with the floral fragrance emanating from her, lingering around the nose.
Pei Xuanlin lowered his head and kissed her lips. The kiss was warm with the sunshine and smelled of grass. It was gentle and tender. The kiss gradually fell like raindrops, from her lips to her collarbone, and then to that soft spot.
Ling Zhenli lay on her back on the green grass, gazing at the azure sky, feeling the softness of the grass beneath her and the warmth of her lover on her body.
"The weather is so nice today, not too hot or too cold..."
"We can't waste such a nice day."
Gradually, she closed her eyes, couldn't help but murmur softly, and her fingers sank deep into the soft grass.
The cat in the distance seemed to be disturbed by the commotion, glanced curiously in this direction, and then went back to playing by itself.
Pei Xuanlin's movements were sometimes gentle and sometimes urgent, as if he wanted to integrate the person in his arms into his very bones.
Ling Zhenli responded to his passion, wrapping her legs around his waist and letting him leave his mark on her body.
...
After their lovemaking, Pei Xuanlin gently dressed Ling Zhenli in light clothing, then picked her up and carried her to the palace.
"Hey, when did you tell the palace servants to leave?"
"I knew it all along; there was no one else but the secret guards."
"Ah, will the guards see me...?"
Ling Zhenli nestled in his arms, her face flushed, her eyes still lingering with the afterglow of their passionate love.
"Don't worry, they wouldn't dare."
Back in his palace, Pei Xuanlin ordered a bath to be prepared and personally bathed and dressed Ling Zhenli.
He sat on the edge of the bathtub, carefully wiping her body as if she were a rare treasure.
Ling Zhenli lay in the pool, her head lazily resting on Pei Xuanlin's lap, her black hair cascading down between his legs. She raised her arm and gently stroked Pei Xuanlin's chin with her fingertips.
"Pei Xuanlin." Her voice was sweet and sticky.
"Hmm?" Pei Xuanlin's eyes were gentle and warm as he lowered them.
"I like you so much." Her fingertips slid down his jawline to his Adam's apple, feeling it move slightly.
"Um."
Pei Xuanlin obediently nodded, took her mischievous hand and pressed it against his cheek, a indulgent smile curving his lips.
Ling Zhenli pulled her hand away and complained in a sweet voice, "I'm thirsty, go get me a glass of water."
"good."
As he stood up, his crimson nightgown brushed against her cheek, carrying a warm scent of ambergris, which made Ling Zhenli feel at ease.
When he returned, Pei Xuanlin held the Golden Lotus Cup in his hands and carefully brought it to her lips. Watching her sip the wine, he couldn't help but wipe away the water droplets from the corner of her lips with his fingertip.
"Don't choke."
After her bath, Ling Zhenli sat in front of the sandalwood dressing table, her body still enveloped in the mist of rose-scented dew.
Pei Xuanlin picked up a wooden comb and carefully combed her long hair.
His focused eyes were reflected in the mirror, and Ling Zhenli's hair flowed between his fingers like ink silk.
"Your hair is so long," Pei Xuanlin remarked softly, smiling as he asked, "Want to get it cut?"
“No,” Ling Zhenli winked at him through the bronze mirror, “that way I can style my hair higher and look better.”
"But it's so troublesome to take care of," Pei Xuanlin complained, but his touch became even gentler, as if afraid of hurting her in the slightest.
“It’s okay,” Ling Zhenli turned around and wrapped her arms around Pei Xuanlin’s waist, tilting her head back and smiling mischievously, “I have you.”
Pei Xuanlin leaned down and placed a kiss on the top of her head: "Okay, I'll learn a few more styles and do the most beautiful updo for you."
Ling Zhenli pouted, suddenly feeling a little hungry.
"What should we have for dinner, Sanlang? I don't want to eat what the imperial kitchen makes tonight. Shall we sneak out of the palace?"
Ling Zhenli tugged at his sleeve and shook it gently, causing his light pink nightgown to slip off his shoulder, revealing his smooth, alabaster skin.
Pei Xuanlin chuckled helplessly, smoothing her clothes with his fingertips: "Hmm, alright, where are you sneaking out of the palace?"
“Let’s go to Zuixianlou.” Ling Zhenli’s eyes suddenly lit up. “That’s the most prosperous restaurant in the capital. I heard they have a new chef from Jiangnan who makes the crab meat lion’s head meatballs exceptionally well, as well as honey-glazed ham and hibiscus fish slices…”
Ling Zhenli spoke of the details as if they were her own treasures, unconsciously swallowing hard.
Seeing Pei Xuanlin smiling but remaining silent, she simply threw herself into his arms and acted coquettishly, "Oh, Sanlang, come on, come on, I just want to go eat at Zuixianlou."
Pei Xuanlin finally gave in and affectionately pinched her nose: "Okay, okay, I'll listen to you."
"That's great!"
Zuixianlou was the place where she and Xiao Chongheng fell in love.
That's why Ling Zhenli was so determined to go to Zuixianlou. She simply wanted to use new memories to cover up the traces of the past. She knew that only in this way could she completely cover up and forget the past memories, so that she could wholeheartedly love only Pei Xuanlin in the future.
It's time to forget the past and start afresh.
Her happiness is right here, within reach.
Just as they were enjoying their sweet moment, a palace maid knocked on the door at an inopportune time, saying she had something important to discuss.
"Come in, what is it?" Ling Zhenli was in a good mood and didn't bother to bother the palace maids.
The palace maid hurriedly bowed and said, "The Duke of Bao hosted a banquet at his residence today, and the Duke of Yan was invited. However, the two got into an argument during the banquet, and the Duke of Yan threw a cup of wine in the Duke of Bao's face..."
"How dare you! This is outrageous!"
Before the palace maid could finish speaking, Ling Zhenli was already furious.
That damned Xiao Chongheng, how dare he throw wine in Xue Haoting's face? Xue Haoting is her nominal brother, but in reality, her lover. Xiao Chongheng couldn't possibly be unaware of their relationship; he's asking for trouble.
"Have you found out the reason? What caused the argument between the two?" Pei Xuanlin knew that only by finding out the reason for the incident could he determine the crime.
The palace maid stammered, "Your Majesty...it is said that Her Majesty the Empress was mentioned during the banquet, but I don't know anything else."
"The Duke of Yan criticized the Empress?" Pei Xuanlin frowned.
Ling Zhenli immediately understood what was going on and quickly pulled Pei Xuanlin back, stepping forward and saying, "Alright, step back first."
After the palace maid bowed and withdrew, Pei Xuanlin was puzzled. According to Xue Yingyue's temper, she should have been angry after offending her own brother, then made a big scene with him, and then let him punish Xiao Chongheng severely.
Could it be that she softened her heart just because it was Xiao Chongheng?
Ling Zhenli lowered her eyes for a moment, then smiled and said, "Sanlang, let's deal with the Duke of Yan when we get back tonight. Let's not spoil our enjoyment of the meal."
I see.
Pei Xuanlin smiled and said, "Okay."
***
The Yan State Duke's Mansion was brightly lit at night, with hundreds of glass lamps illuminating the pavilions and towers as if it were daytime.
The crimson palace lanterns hanging under the winding corridor swayed gently in the evening breeze, while the peony bushes by the waterside pavilion were hidden in the night.
Pei Qianguang, dressed in a red dress with gold embroidered azaleas, sat upright in the main seat, maintaining a polite smile on his face, but his fingertips were already digging into his palms.
Xiao Chongheng was late in arriving, which made her feel incredibly embarrassed.
The guests clinked glasses and exchanged toasts, their eyes occasionally glancing at the empty seat of honor.
“Princess, please don’t be anxious,” Fang Yuxian approached with a wine cup in hand, her tone tinged with sarcasm. “Perhaps the Duke has been delayed by official business.”
Fang Yuxian was feeling smug. Pei Qianguang always said that the Duke was busy with official duties and had no time to return to the manor. Now he was proven wrong. What kind of official duties would keep a member of the royal family so busy that he couldn't even attend the county princess's birthday banquet?
Pei Qianguang suppressed his anger and smiled elegantly: "Thank you for your concern, sister. The Duke is busy today, probably because he is tied up with important matters."
She said that, but she was already burning with anger inside.
Today is her birthday banquet, and all the prominent figures in the capital have come, except for Xiao Chongheng.
Xiao Chongheng didn't arrive until the banquet was almost over.
The room fell silent, all eyes turning toward the entrance.
After all, Xiao Chongheng had just spilled a cup of wine on Xue Haoting that morning, and almost everyone in the capital was speculating how the Empress would punish him.
Xiao Chongheng, dressed in a blue casual suit, walked in looking travel-worn, as if he were just passing by rather than attending his wife's birthday banquet.
"I'm sorry, I'm very busy with official duties."
He said only a few words, without even glancing at Pei Qianguang.
The banquet continued in an eerie atmosphere.
Although Xiao Chongheng was seated in the main seat, he was absent-minded the whole time, and after a few rounds of drinks, he got up to leave.
"Where are you going, my husband?" Pei Qianguang hurriedly grabbed his sleeve, her voice trembling almost imperceptibly.
Xiao Chongheng frowned: "I still have some official business to attend to."
Pei Qianguang knew he was making excuses, and she was so angry that her nails almost dug into her flesh, but she still had to smile gently: "Today is my birthday, and the banquet is about to end. Husband, please wait a moment before you leave?"
With all the guests watching, Xiao Chongheng, out of consideration for his reputation and not wanting Pei Qianguang to be laughed at by so many people, had no choice but to stay.
The banquet ended in the blink of an eye. After seeing off the guests, Xiao Chongheng was about to leave again when Pei Qianguang, quick-witted and agile, hurriedly grabbed him once more.
"My lord, please come with me."
Because there were too many maids around, Xiao Chongheng couldn't very well embarrass the mistress of the house in front of a group of servants, so he had no choice but to let Pei Qianguang drag him into the house.
As soon as he was out of everyone's sight, he immediately shook off her hand. After the door was closed, Xiao Chongheng's expression changed.
"What do you mean by this? I'm only letting you off the hook because it's your birthday today and in front of the servants. Don't be ungrateful. Open the door now, I want to get out."
Seeing her husband's cold face, Pei Qianguang felt resentful. She grabbed Xiao Chongheng's sleeve, her eyes resolute.
"No, you can't leave. Those concubines in the manor have been mocking me all the time. If you don't stay in my room tonight, who knows what they'll say about me behind my back!"
"What does this have to do with me? Let go!"
"Xiao Chongheng!" Pei Qianguang finally couldn't help but shout angrily, "Today is my birthday, can't you give me any face?"
Xiao Chongheng sneered and forcefully shook off her hand.
"I made it clear to your father before the marriage that I wouldn't touch you after the wedding. It was you who insisted on marrying into the family, and it was your family who insisted on this marriage. Now you're trying to cling to me?"
Pei Qianguang trembled with rage and suddenly blocked the doorway: "I told you, you absolutely cannot leave tonight! If you leave, I will become the laughingstock of the entire capital tomorrow!"
Xiao Chongheng pushed her away without any hesitation: "That's your problem."
Because Xiao Chongheng couldn't control his strength, Pei Qianguang stumbled and fell to the ground, his magnificent robes spreading out like a fallen flower.
She looked up at Xiao Chongheng, her eyes filled with tears of humiliation. Provoked, Pei Qianguang sneered.
"Are you going out to find that prostitute you used to keep? Ha, I'm a county princess, and you dare make me compete with a prostitute for a man..."
Xiao Chongheng's eyes turned cold: "Shut your mouth, you are not worthy to mention her."
"I'm not worthy?"
Pei Qianguang burst into laughter, a chilling laugh, "Am I, the Princess of Xiangcheng, not even as good as a prostitute?"
"Prostitute? Ha, yes, in my heart, you are not as good as her. You are not even as good as a prostitute. Are you satisfied with my answer?"
After Xiao Chongheng finished speaking, he turned to leave. Seeing Xiao Chongheng's cold and sarcastic expression, Pei Qianguang felt even more jealous and resentful, and could no longer bear it.
In a fit of rage, she grabbed a nearby stool and threw it at Xiao Chongheng.
Upon hearing the noise, Xiao Chongheng turned around in time, caught the stool, and slammed it hard to the ground.
"Have you made enough of a scene?" His voice was as cold as ice. "This marriage was a transaction between two willing parties. Your father wanted to help me ascend the throne, you wanted to be the empress, and I wanted military power. It was simply a matter of each getting what they wanted."
Pei Qianguang collapsed to the ground again, tears blurring her makeup: "How dare you treat me like this? I am your lawfully wedded wife!"
Xiao Chongheng leaned down and pinched her chin, his tone cruel: "My wife, Xiao Chongheng's wife, will always be only that one woman, and you are nothing."
After saying that, he turned and left without looking back, leaving Pei Qianguang alone slumped on the cold ground.
The night wind swept through the long corridor, extinguishing the lanterns beneath it.
Pei Qianguang sat on the ground for a long time until his tears dried up, leaving only cold hatred in his eyes.
She slowly got up, straightened her disheveled clothes, and touched up her makeup in front of the bronze mirror.
The woman in the mirror was still beautiful, but she had lost her former pride.
"Princess..." The personal maid timidly walked in.
Pei Qianguang raised his hand and slapped her across the face: "If even a single word of what happened just now gets out, you know the consequences."
Xiao Chongheng, how dare you treat me like this? You just wait, I won't let you get away with this!
***
The night in Chang'an was illuminated by thousands of lights, and the colorful lanterns hanging under the eaves of Zuixianlou swayed gently in the evening breeze, making the gate shine with dazzling light.
Ling Zhenli took Pei Xuanlin's hand and walked up the steps. She had dressed up specially before going out, wearing a light yellow dress with a light green shawl. Her hair was styled by Pei Xuanlin himself with a love-heart hairpin. The whole outfit made her look exceptionally charming.
"Please come in, gentlemen!"
The waiter, who had been eagerly leading the way, suddenly stiffened when his gaze fell on the jade pendant at Pei Xuanlin's waist. He was about to kneel down when Pei Xuanlin stopped him with a single look.
Ling Zhenli was completely unaware, her eyes looking around as she surveyed the restaurant. Although it was a return visit, the Drunken Immortal Restaurant changed its decor every day, which inevitably made her feel a sense of novelty.
The air was filled with the scent of incense.
The two went up to a private room on the second floor, which offered a perfect view of the entire lobby's song and dance performance without being too noisy.
Ling Zhenli enthusiastically ordered several signature dishes: crab meat lion's head, honey-glazed ham, and hibiscus fish slices, as well as a pot of osmanthus wine.
After ordering, Ling Zhenli leaned on the railing and watched the Hu women dancing the Hu Xuan dance downstairs. Golden bells jingled on their ankles, and their skirts swirled like blooming flowers. Listening to the music, she also flicked her sleeves.
Pei Xuanlin smiled as he poured her tea: "You, you still love singing and dancing so much."
"I've never had a chance to see this before. The singing and dancing at Zuixianlou are really good. No wonder everyone comes to see it. I'll come here often in the future."
Ling Zhenli smiled broadly. The reason she dared to come in such a grand manner was that everyone in the Drunken Immortal Pavilion who knew her identity had been dealt with by the Prime Minister's Mansion, so it was impossible for anyone to recognize her.
In no time, the entire wooden table was covered with a treasure box and exquisite platters.
Pei Xuanlin served her food, his eyes full of doting affection: "As long as you like it, we'll come here often in the future."
The crab meat lion's head meatballs smelled delicious and Ling Zhenli smiled with satisfaction. She picked up a piece with her chopsticks and began to taste it. It was indeed a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate.
"Is it tasty?"
"It's delicious."
"These fish slices are delicious too, you should try them."
After several rounds of drinks, the sound of a pipa began to fill the hall.
The dancers gracefully entered to the beat of the music, and Ling Zhenli was so engrossed in watching that she forgot to put the sashimi of perch on her chopsticks into her mouth.
"How does the singing and dancing compare to what's in the palace?" Pei Xuanlin asked her, leaning closer and brushing his breath against her ear.
Ling Zhenli smiled and said, "I think the dances in the palace are too formal and not as lively as the ones here, but each has its own beauty. Since they are both songs and dances, there is no distinction between high and low."
"Enjoying the song and dance is secondary; tasting the food is the main thing. If I weren't afraid of wasting food, I would have ordered every dish in the restaurant."
"Are you ever worried about wasting food? Or do you want to go back to the East Palace and eat white radishes again?"
Pei Xuanlin smiled and said, "White radish is not a luxury."
The dancer lightly touched the ground with her toes, and her crimson skirt unfurled in a dazzling arc under the glass lamp.
As Ling Zhenli gently tapped out the rhythm to the pipa music, her gaze suddenly fixed on the figure at the top of the stairs.
The jade chopsticks landed with a "plop" on the porcelain plate.
It was Xiao Chongheng.
Xiao Chongheng stood leaning against the railing, his knuckles white from the effort.
His gaze lingered on Ling Zhenli like a spider web until he caught sight of Pei Xuanlin holding her hand, at which point his eyes suddenly turned icy.
Inside the hall, wine cups clinked and music played as usual, but the air in this corner seemed to freeze.
Xiao Chongheng strode towards them.
Ling Zhenli felt a little nervous, afraid that he might say something inappropriate because of the scene.
"What a coincidence."
Xiao Chongheng first bowed, his voice hoarse, his gaze fixed on Ling Zhenli's face, "I didn't expect to meet you two here."
It was obvious at a glance that Pei Xuanlin and Ling Zhenli had secretly left the palace without any accompanying maids or guards, and naturally did not want to attract attention.
Seeing Xiao Chongheng approach, Pei Xuanlin gently stroked Ling Zhenli's hand with his fingertips, a smile on his face, and looked at Xiao Chongheng: "Chongheng, are you also here to sample the delicacies of Zuixianlou?"
Xiao Chongheng smiled and said, "Yes, Your Majesty, what brings you to the palace today?"
Pei Xuanlin stared intently at Xiao Chongheng and replied, "I got tired of the food in the palace kitchen and wanted to try something at Zuixianlou, so I secretly left the palace with the Empress. As for you, I remember today is the birthday of the Princess of Xiangcheng. Why aren't you at home with her tonight?"
Xiao Chongheng lowered his eyes and smiled faintly, seemingly trying to conceal some emotion.
“My daughter was lost last spring, and now another year has passed. I am saddened by how quickly time flies, and I miss her even more these past few days. So I thought I would come and visit her, at least to give myself some comfort.”
"..."
Upon hearing this, Ling Zhenli fell silent.
I know Hsiao Chung-heng is using the child to appeal to emotions, but it works.
It wasn't exploitation or scheming; that child truly appeared because of love. During that time, Xiao Chongheng fell in love with Ling Zhenli, and Ling Zhenli also fell in love with Xiao Chongheng. The two cherished their love for each other and had a testament to their love.
However, Xiao Chongheng ultimately prioritized interests over emotions. Perhaps the child, hearing its father's choice while still in the womb, felt disappointed in its father and chose to kill itself.
Regardless, what's done is done, and the lost child will never come back.
Seeing Xiao Chongheng so heartbroken, Pei Xuanlin couldn't bear to blame him anymore. He knew that the woman who died in the prime of her life had long been an unhealable wound in Xiao Chongheng's heart. Even if he and Xue Yingyue had something going on, at most it was just that they both thought the other was good-looking and had mutual affection. Xue Yingyue could never surpass that woman's position in his heart.
After all, that woman was carrying their child and died when Xiao Chongheng loved her the most and felt most indebted to her. Based on this alone, no woman could ever truly enter Xiao Chongheng's heart again.
My condolences.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."
Although he said Xie Peixuanlin, Xiao Chongheng's eyes were fixed on Ling Zhenli the whole time.
Ling Zhenli met his gaze, a surge of bitterness welling up in her heart.
Mentioning her child also brings her pain. Losing her child is like a persistent, damp drizzle that keeps her heart aching.
Xiao Chongheng, unable to bear seeing Ling Zhenli continue to suffer, was the first to give in and took the initiative to change the subject.
"At the banquet hosted by the Duke of Bao today, I acted impulsively and splashed wine at the Duke of Bao. I hope Your Highness will calm down."
Ling Zhenli remained calm, seemingly not taking Xiao Chongheng seriously at all, and waved her hand.
"Alright, this isn't the palace, there are no rulers and subjects here. I didn't want to pursue this matter, but the palace maid said it concerns me, so I have no choice but to pursue it. Can you tell me why you threw water in my brother's face?"
"Your Highness, may I have a word with you in private?"
Before Xiao Chongheng could finish speaking, Ling Zhenli had already looked at Pei Xuanlin. After receiving a nod, Ling Zhenli lifted her skirt and left with Xiao Chongheng.
...
The two of them stepped onto the wooden stairs one after the other and arrived at the third-floor corridor. Here, the view was expansive, offering a panoramic view of the bustling streets outside the Drunken Immortal Pavilion. The bamboo curtain was half-rolled up, creating a world of its own.
In the past, the two of them would come here to chat, she would tease him and he would laugh.
Unfortunately, times have changed.
Ling Zhenli leaned against the railing, the moonlight casting a soft glow on her profile, making her appear less cold and aloof.
What do you want to say?
Ling Zhenli spoke calmly to Xiao Chongheng, but her gaze remained fixed on the figure downstairs. Pei Xuanlin was pouring wine, and as if sensing something, he looked up and smiled faintly when they met across the distance.
Xiao Chongheng followed her gaze, his eyes stinging with tears.
“If I had known we would turn out like this,” he said, his voice hoarse, “I should have never let go of your hand, even if it meant risking everything.”
Ling Zhenli lowered her eyes and awkwardly turned the jade beaded bracelet on her wrist. She said softly, "You don't need to keep punishing your past self. It's a good thing that you can assess the situation. Just like you married the Princess of Xiangcheng now."
“But the person I love is you!” Xiao Chongheng gripped the railing tightly, his knuckles turning white. “You know, the person I have loved from beginning to end has always been you.”
"Love?" Ling Zhenli slowly smiled, her eyes glistening with tears. "What's the use of love? You loved me a year ago, and I still loved you then, but did we end up together? Didn't we still break up?"
Just then, Pei Xuanlin looked up from downstairs, and their eyes met across three buildings. Ling Zhenli didn't want Pei Xuanlin to see her crying, so she tried her best to hold back the tears in her eyes and smiled at Pei Xuanlin.
Xiao Chongheng felt as if his heart was being torn apart as he watched this scene.
Ling Zhenli shook her head and chuckled softly, wiping away the tears from the corners of her eyes as she turned back: "Chongheng, you should let go, let go of me, let go of our child."
"Can you let go?" Xiao Chongheng's eyes were filled with sorrow and regret.
Ling Zhenli smiled bitterly: "Yes, I can't let go, but what can I do? Life goes on. I'm doing very well with Pei Xuanlin now. He has done so much for me, and I don't want to hurt him by being ambiguous with other men again."
Xiao Chongheng's eyes were red, and he was choked with sobs. His voice was hoarse. He looked at Ling Zhenli earnestly and said, "I am not just any man. I was the father of your child. If you could do it all over again, would you marry me because of the child?"
"There's no going back in this world." Ling Zhenli shook her head. "Don't think about the past anymore."
Xiao Chongheng lowered his head, and in the shadows, he gently took Ling Zhenli's hand. He smiled bitterly, but thankfully Ling Zhenli did not shake him off.
"I threw Xue Haoting today because I know he took advantage of you when you were vulnerable and forced himself on you after I left you. I know it's all my fault; I abandoned you, which led to you being forced into this situation. But I'm still angry that he doesn't cherish you, even though I couldn't bear to..."
Before he could finish speaking, Ling Zhenli reached out and pressed her hand against Xiao Chongheng's lips, stopping him from continuing.
Her fingertips were icy cold and carried a faint, cool fragrance.
"It's all in the past."
Ling Zhenli's pale face looked as fragile as porcelain in the moonlight.
"Xue Haoting is treating me well now, you don't need to be like this."
"But……"
"Shh, don't speak."
Her fingertips slowly slid down, finally stopping at his heart.
“I know you’re good to me, otherwise I wouldn’t have fallen in love with you, had a child with you, and even now I’m so selfish that I don’t want you to be with your wives. So Xiao Chongheng, let’s wait for the next life. In the next life, please marry me sooner, we’ll have a child together, and be happy and loving. Please don’t let me meet any other men. But there’s no way to change this life. I will only love Pei Xuanlin.”
"Yes, that's enough."
Xiao Chongheng was satisfied; at least Ling Zhenli had promised him her next life.
Ling Zhenli looked at Xiao Chongheng with sorrow in her eyes. She had already made up her mind to break off her relationship with him. She shouldn't explain so gently anymore, or even promise him a next life. This would give Xiao Chongheng the illusion that she still had feelings for him.
but……
never mind.
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