Love and hate intertwined
A few days later, one morning, an imperial edict came from the palace that Her Majesty the Empress was hosting a small banquet, inviting several noble ladies from the capital to the palace to enjoy the flowers. Naturally, the princess of Beiyuan Kingdom was also invited, and Jiang Wanzhi, the future Princess Consort of Prince Heng, was specifically mentioned.
Jiang Wanzhi knew this was no ordinary flower viewing, but she couldn't refuse.
As expected, the banquet was never a good one.
She not only saw several noble ladies with different expressions and whispering, but also Princess Munasha, who was dressed in her finest attire, and King Zhaozongzheng Zhaoran, who happened to be "passing by".
Jiang Wanzhi immediately felt extremely uncomfortable.
Munasha struck first, holding a wine glass and smiling as she approached Jiang Wanzhi. Her voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just loud enough for everyone around to hear: "Miss Jiang is truly blessed to have won the heart of His Highness Prince Heng. But I've heard that Miss Jiang was previously... quite close to His Highness Prince Zhao? And now she's become Princess Heng, it's truly... tsk tsk." She left her words unfinished, but the implication and sarcasm were unmistakable.
The ladies exchanged glances, their expressions revealing anticipation for a good show.
Jiang Wanzhi's face paled, and her fingers tightened slightly as she gripped the fan. She knew her previous actions would draw criticism, and that the princess of Beiyuan Kingdom would certainly not let the matter rest.
“Princess Munasha,” King Zhaozongzheng spoke up at the opportune moment, his tone gentle yet protective, “Miss Jiang is of noble character, and her relationship with me is completely innocent. I hope the princess will be careful with such words that could damage a woman’s reputation.”
His gaze toward Jiang Wanzhi was full of understanding and tenderness, as if silently telling her: Don't be afraid, I'm here.
This seemingly helpful move only pushed Jiang Wanzhi into an even more awkward situation. The more he defended her, the more it seemed that the two had a close relationship, further confirming Munasha's instigation.
"His Highness Prince Zhao is quite chivalrous," Munasha sneered, persisting, "but I wonder what His Highness Prince Heng would think if he knew about this?"
Jiang Wanzhi felt a chill run through her body, and the surrounding air seemed thick and suffocating. She opened her mouth, wanting to retort, but found her throat blocked, unable to utter a single word. In this situation, whatever she said could be misinterpreted.
"Your Majesty need not trouble yourself with my thoughts."
A cold, deep voice suddenly broke the tense atmosphere.
Everyone was startled and looked in the direction of the sound. They saw that Zongzheng Hengyu had been standing under a flowering tree not far away. He was dressed in black robes, his face was cold and stern, and his gaze swept over everyone like a knife before finally landing on Jiang Wanzhi's pale face.
He walked slowly, each step carrying an invisible pressure that instantly silenced the whispering noble ladies. Munasha's smug expression froze, and she instinctively took a half-step back.
Zongzheng Hengyu walked straight to Jiang Wanzhi's side, ignoring Zhao Wang and Muna Sha, and reached out to naturally grasp her cold, trembling hand. His palm was broad and warm, with calluses from martial arts training, and its strength almost completely enveloped her.
Jiang Wanzhi trembled and tried to break free, but he held her even tighter.
"As for the character of my women, I have my own judgment, and it is not for outsiders to comment." His voice was not loud, but it carried absolute authority and warning, and his gaze swept coldly over Munasha and the people around him.
"As for the past," he paused, his gaze finally turning to the pale-faced Prince Zhao, a slight smile curving his lips, "Brother Prince Zhao, since it is the past, it should be let go completely. Dwelling on it is not the behavior of a gentleman, nor is it in keeping with the royal family's dignity."
Prince Zhao, Zongzheng Zhaoran's face instantly turned ashen, his knuckles white from gripping the folding fan so tightly. He stared intently at Zongzheng Hengyu and Jiang Wanzhi, whom he was tightly protecting, his gentle mask almost shattering.
Zongzheng Hengyu stopped looking at him and lowered his head to Jiang Wanzhi, saying, "If you're not feeling well, go back to your residence and rest early. I will explain things to the Empress." His tone was forceful and left no room for refusal, but it was also the best way to help her at this moment.
After saying that, he ignored the various expressions on everyone's faces, took Jiang Wanzhi's hand, and left this place of trouble.
After Prince Heng left with Jiang Wanzhi, the atmosphere in the Imperial Garden became quite awkward. Princess Munasha, feeling awkward and intimidated by Prince Heng's earlier imposing manner, reluctantly made an excuse to leave first. The other noble ladies also found reasons to disperse, not daring to linger for fear of getting involved in trouble.
In the blink of an eye, the flower bushes that were just now teeming with undercurrents were now only occupied by Prince Zhao, Zongzheng Zhaoran, whose face was still grim, and Su Yuyue, who quietly stayed to the side, taking in everything.
Zongzheng Zhaoran stood there, gazing in the direction where Hengwang and Jiang Wanzhi had left. His gentle mask shattered completely, and his eyes surged with humiliation, anger, and a hint of barely perceptible jealousy.
"Heh..." A very soft laugh, tinged with understanding and coldness, sounded beside him.
Zongzheng Zhaoran suddenly snapped back to his senses, suppressed his emotions, regained some composure, and turned to look at Su Yuyue, who had approached without him noticing.
"Miss Su?" He spoke in a detached tone, with his usual scrutinizing gaze and a hint of displeasure at being disturbed.
Su Yuyue, this black lotus flower, seemed to have been waiting for this opportunity. She stepped forward, maintaining a just-right distance, and bowed.
When she raised her head, her face did not show the shyness or awe that a noble lady would show when meeting a prince. Instead, it was an expression of near equality, with a calm and analytical air.
“Your Highness Prince Zhao,” her voice was not loud, but clear and distinct, “I have witnessed your overstepping and transgression just now. Your Highness Prince Heng… is indeed too domineering, showing no regard for Your Highness’s dignity.”
Zongzheng Zhaoran's eyes flickered slightly as he scrutinized the woman before him, who was filled with hatred. He remained silent, waiting for her to continue.
Meeting his gaze, Su Yuyue continued, her tone carrying a cold, worldly wisdom: "Your Highness's feelings for Miss Jiang are obvious to everyone. It's just a pity that your affections are unrequited. Now that Miss Jiang has been betrothed to Prince Heng by His Majesty, if Your Highness continues to cling to your past love, it will not only be futile, but you will also suffer humiliation, just as you did before, and even... arouse His Majesty's suspicion."
These words were incredibly bold, practically ripping open Zongzheng's sore spot. But he wasn't angry; instead, she struck a nerve, making him scrutinize her even more closely. He knew this woman was no ordinary person.
"What exactly does Miss Su want to say?" Zongzheng Zhaoran's voice lowered a few degrees.
Su Yuyue's lips curled into a faint, almost cold smile: "What I want to say is that if Your Highness truly desires what you seek, simply standing still and watching others take away your treasures is utterly impossible. Some obstacles, if not removed, will forever remain in your way."
She paused, observing Zongzheng Zhaoran's expression. Seeing that he didn't reprimand her, she felt reassured, knowing she had made the right bet. She lowered her voice, like a venomous snake spitting its tongue, and said, word by word:
“Your Highness, as long as Prince Heng remains in power, Jiang Wanzhi will forever remain only Prince Heng’s consort. Only by causing Prince Heng to lose the Emperor’s favor, lose his power, and even… lose the right to possess her, will Your Highness have a chance.”
The implication in those words was quite blatant. Zongzheng Zhaoran understood immediately: this Su Yuyue, a young lady from a respectable family, dared to utter such rebellious words to him. This meant that his previous scheme against her had succeeded.
He stared intently at Su Yuyue, as if trying to see through her true intentions: "Miss Su, do you know what you're saying? Frame a prince, that's a serious crime!"
Su Yuyue showed no fear, instead letting out a light laugh, a laugh tinged with self-mockery and resolve: "Of course I know. But I also know that if I don't fight and compete, I'll only become fish on someone else's chopping block, just like I was before, used to my last breath and then discarded like trash." She was referring to the matter of the Ming King, which Zongzheng Zhaoran knew perfectly well.
“Your Highness,” she said, her gaze fixed intently on him, “I do not wish for Your Highness to do anything treasonous immediately. I simply feel that Your Highness may need some… different kinds of advisors by your side. Some people who can help Your Highness see the situation clearly and provide… special advice at crucial moments.”
She didn't directly say "join forces to eliminate Prince Heng," but the meaning was crystal clear. What she offered was not her beauty, but a scheme, a gesture of "alliance" to fight a powerful enemy together.
What she seeks is clearly not simply romantic love, but more like... a political investment and a future power-sharing arrangement.
Zongzheng Zhaoran fell silent. He looked at the "black lotus" before him, which seemed to have been tempered in raging fire and freezing ice, and his mind raced with thoughts.
This woman, driven by love turned to hate in this life, is meticulous, audacious, and possesses an extraordinary thirst for power; she is indeed a sharp blade that can be used. Moreover, she has the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion behind her…
Although he would never forget the grudge from his past life, if he could control her in this life and use her hatred for Prince Heng and her desire for power, he might be able to achieve his goals more quickly.
As for what happens next... a cold glint flashed in his eyes. Once the tools are used up, there are naturally ways to deal with the situation.
After a long while, Zongzheng Zhaoran's gentle smile reappeared on his face, but deep within that smile lay an indescribable darkness and scheming.
“Miss Su is indeed… insightful.” He spoke slowly, his tone ambiguous. “I have taken note of what you said today. The palace is not a place for discussion. If you have some free time another day, Miss Su can come to the Prince Zhao’s residence. I have collected a few ancient paintings from the previous dynasty, and we may appreciate them together.”
This is a sign of acceptance; a secret alliance is being initially formed at this moment.
Su Yuyue felt a great weight lifted from her heart, knowing she had finally pried open this door. She curtsied respectfully, her posture humble, yet her eyes remained sharp as ever: "This humble woman is deeply honored. I will certainly keep my appointment at the appointed time and enjoy the painting with Your Highness..."
Sunlight filters through the gaps in the leaves and flowers, falling on the two of them, a scene interwoven with love, hate, lust for power, and a conspiracy of revenge.
…………
A few days later, a seemingly ordinary but exquisitely crafted blue-draped carriage quietly pulled up at the side gate of Prince Zhao's residence. Su Yuyue, dressed in an elegant dress, with her hair simply styled and adorned with only a white jade hairpin, her face covered by a light veil, entered the residence discreetly, supported by her personal maid.
She was led to an extremely quiet study. This was not the main hall where King Zhao usually received guests; the interior was elegantly furnished, filled with books and paintings, and permeated with a faint sandalwood fragrance, isolating her from the noise of the outside world.
Zongzheng Zhaoran had been waiting there for some time. Today, he was dressed in a light blue robe, which made him look even more elegant and refined. He dismissed his attendants and personally prepared tea, his movements fluid and his demeanor relaxed.
"Miss Su, please have a seat." He gestured with his hand, his smile warm, as if he were truly a refined gentleman inviting a friend to appreciate a painting.
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