The late Empress's Phoenix Palace was lit by only a few candles. Although it was spotless, it was deserted year-round and thus felt cold and desolate.
Memorial tablets cannot be placed in the palace for worship, not even for the empress, so only the things used by the late empress are kept in the room as a small consolation.
Zhao Cong hasn't come for many years; he doesn't dare to.
While Consort Ning was still alive, he often dreamt of his mother vomiting blood, and hated his own powerlessness for not being able to take revenge. However, even after the dust settled, he dared not come.
Bringing Lin Qingwan in under the guise of the wedding was not as easy as expected.
The revenge was taken, but his mother, maternal grandfather, and uncle would never return.
The instigator is still in the Warm Heart Pavilion, still trying to control him with the excuse of "it's for his own good." Zhao Cong feels that the deep palace is a shackle, and no matter how much power he holds, he is still a prisoner.
Therefore, he spared the emperor's life and was in no hurry to ascend the throne.
The point of fighting against Vice Minister Tang is to make the emperor see clearly how he exposes Tang's schemes bit by bit.
"Your Highness, are you alright?"
His coldness was too heavy, so Lin Qingwan asked softly.
Her voice was gentle yet strong, instantly bringing Zhao Cong back to reality. "It's nothing. I haven't been here in a long time."
Lin Qingwan had just finished looking through the furnishings in the main hall when she said, "The late Empress was a lively person, so the Crown Prince can come here often in the future."
A light shone in Zhao Cong's eyes. "How did you know Mother loves excitement?"
Lin Qingwan said, “I see that each small table in this room has different items, and there are also small porcelain figures on the shelves, all in groups of three or four. I guess the late Empress loved liveliness and must have often had a smile on her face.”
Zhao Cong choked up. So much time had passed that he had almost forgotten what his mother looked like. But Lin Qingwan's words brought back a familiar image to his mind.
In an instant, Zhao Cong's eyes reddened, and his usually broad shoulders hunched over.
Lin Qingwan's heart tightened as well, as if she saw herself huddled up in Shuiyuan Town, almost freezing to death, longing for her biological parents.
But her biological parents... well, it's better not to think about them.
The Crown Prince is different; the late Empress must have treated him very well. Otherwise, after so many years of hiding, he wouldn't have developed such a resilient character, nor would he have raised Feng'er so well.
“Your Highness, the Empress would never want you to be unhappy. She would certainly prefer you and Feng’er to live a carefree and easy life,” she said.
Zhao Cong shook his head, "I am more obedient than Feng'er, and I am also better at studying. Unlike him, I don't know what he is learning in school all day long."
Lin Qingwan couldn't help but chuckle, "Your Highness is naturally lively."
Zhao Cong thought to himself that he was naturally attracted to beautiful women, like Lin Qingwan, who was good-looking, had a cool personality, and sound values.
If that boy were sixteen instead of six, I'm afraid it wouldn't be him getting married today, but Feng'er herself.
As Zhao Cong thought about this, he saw Lin Qingwan standing obediently beside him in her wedding dress, and his brow unconsciously relaxed.
"Don't spoil him from now on. He listens to you, so you need to be stricter with him," he instructed seriously.
Lin Qingwan nodded, "Yes."
Zhao Cong walked to the soft couch where his mother used to sit, and suddenly felt as if she were still there, smiling at him.
Your son is married.
Feng'er chose her, but... she's perfect in every way.
As you wish, the person accompanying me is neither a noblewoman nor the daughter of a meritorious official; she is simply herself.
The late empress once said, "As the crown prince, you are already constantly at a loss in everything you do. As long as you sit in that position, you are either drawing circles for others or others are drawing circles for you. Living like that for a lifetime is too tiring, and you will gradually lose yourself."
"Therefore, you must marry someone you love. She cannot come from a prestigious family, nor can she have any of your trusted advisors in the clan. She can only be herself."
"But such a woman is unlikely to help you. If you do find one, you have to deceive her and bring her to your side, understand?"
Zhao Cong thought to himself that his mother must be satisfied with Lin Qingwan.
He led Lin Qingwan out of the Phoenix Palace, and when he turned back one last time, his vision was blood red, as if he could see his mother suffering from poison again, her clothes covered in blood, and the hand that was touching his cheek also covered in blood.
"Cong'er, you must seek revenge. But you must never let hatred cloud your judgment."
"You must not drag innocent people into your hatred, and you must not... let the boy who slays the dragon eventually become the dragon himself."
Seeing his alternating states of pain and clarity, Lin Qingwan couldn't help but worry, "Crown Prince?"
Zhao Cong lowered his head and met her clear, cool gaze, and the fog in his heart dissipated.
He subconsciously took her hand and said, "From now on, you will live in my palace."
Lin Qingwan was taken aback. Wasn't this a bit inappropriate?
He didn't say that playing the role of his darling meant they would actually sleep in the same room.
But then I thought, he's the Crown Prince!
Even in a room, there are still beds and couches!
What is she thinking!
Upon returning to the Eastern Palace, Shen Xu reported that Vice Minister Tang had been kneeling outside the palace for a long time, saying that he would not return until he saw the Crown Prince.
Zhao Cong sneered, "Let him in."
Lin Qingwan entered the main house and found that Mu Xue and Qiu Hong had already settled everything and were bringing in drinks, tea and snacks.
"Miss, please eat something to fill your stomach. We don't know when the Crown Prince will return."
Lin Qingwan wasn't hungry; she was only concerned about one thing: "Put out the soft couch."
Mu Xue and Qiu Hong couldn't help but purse their lips.
Qiu Hong said, "This matter is not urgent. There will be eunuchs coming in later. If they see us, it may not be good."
Lin Qingwan nodded, "That's right, I was too impatient."
Mu Xue pursed her lips, "Perhaps the Crown Prince wants to sleep in the same bed with you?"
Lin Qingwan's ears turned red. "Don't talk nonsense! This is the Crown Prince's Palace. If you're not careful..."
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