We are waiting for you, Your Highness, to return.
Lin Qingwan answered in her heart.
"I've slept too much during the day, so I'm not sleepy," she said.
Zhao Cong showed a hint of disappointment, "If you're not sleepy, just close your eyes and lie down. Why waste your energy under the lamp? If you don't have any energy tomorrow, all the medicine you drank will be for nothing."
Although it was a reprimand, there was not a trace of reproach in it.
Lin Qingwan grew bolder and asked, "Would the Crown Prince like some midnight snacks?"
Zhao Cong slightly raised her eyelids, and she immediately added, "I'm a little hungry. But I'm also afraid that people in the palace will say tomorrow that I can eat a lot and am fat..."
Zhao Cong knew she was doing it on purpose.
"What would you like to eat?" He took off his coat and sat down opposite her.
Lin Qingwan's eyes lit up. "I've already asked the kitchen to prepare it."
Zhao Cong chuckled, "What's there to be afraid of if we've prepared everything?"
Lin Qingwan lowered her eyes. "I just told the eunuch that it was prepared for you."
Zhao Cong took a sip of tea. "I am indeed hungry."
The late-night snacks were all Zhao Cong's favorite treats, and they were all made savory, even the porridge.
On the first day Lin Qingwan married into the Eastern Palace, Feng'er wrote down all the preferences Zhao Cong had in mind on several sheets of paper, telling her to remember them so as not to give herself away.
Zhao Cong ate with great satisfaction, as if the falling out with the emperor at the Warm Heart Pavilion had never happened.
Now he's figured it out, and there's nothing to regret. Because he has people and things that are more worthwhile to care about.
In fact, he had no home after his mother left.
The person in Warm Heart Pavilion is only the king, not his father.
He was torn between his longing for a home, but that person wasn't his home.
His home is the woman who waits for him to return, prepares midnight snacks for him, and helps him with the internal affairs of the Eastern Palace.
"Thank you," he said softly to Lin Qingwan, finally understanding why Lin Qingwan used to eat with such relish.
Indeed, nothing is more important than a meal.
Lin Qingwan paused for a moment, then seemed to understand something from the complex look in his eyes. "It is I who should thank the Crown Prince."
"The Crown Prince gave me the chance to live, and to live so peacefully and contentedly."
"What I can do for you is just a drop in the ocean."
Zhao Cong seemed unusually sentimental today, or perhaps someone had finally made him let down his cold, hard guard.
Several words were on the tip of my tongue, but then I felt they weren't appropriate.
He wanted to say that his marriage to the Tang family was not solely to control the Tang family.
I'm not asking you to repay any favors.
It's not because Feng'er misses you so much she wants to cry...
Yes, yes...
His fingers, resting on his knees, curled slightly then straightened again. "Are you... still planning to leave?"
"Are we still leaving the capital?"
Lin Qingwan heard her heart racing. Was the glint in the Crown Prince's eyes... anticipation?
Countless voices in her mind told her what to do. But she was always calm and clear-headed.
How could she be worthy of the Crown Prince?
If she doesn't leave, wouldn't she be using the young prince's favor to make things difficult for the crown prince? Is she going to become the next Su Yun?
If I leave, I may never see them again in this lifetime.
The thought terrified Lin Qingwan. Having experienced the feeling of home, she was afraid of losing it.
She frowned and then lowered her eyes, looking very troubled.
Zhao Cong was also very nervous. "What I mean is, you can stay."
Lin Qingwan stared at him in a daze. Zhao Cong did not hide the emotions in his eyes, which shone with a light brighter than candlelight.
Her heart was pounding like a deer's; she had to clench her fists tightly to maintain a calm expression. "But...but..."
She thought about it for a long time but couldn't come up with a satisfactory answer.
Zhao Cong was initially nervous, but as he listened, he calmed down and smiled. "Your life needs my blood to continue. I have a child with me, and no matter which noble family I marry, they will all dislike Feng'er."
"After all these years, I can finally live freely and at ease. I don't want to be surrounded by scheming people, who might even drive a wedge between me and Feng'er."
"You're probably the only person in the world who can read storybooks with that kid without any worries."
Upon hearing this, Lin Qingwan asked, "Are you praising me?"
Zhao Cong looked at him seriously, "Are you willing to make do with me?"
This was the first time in his life he'd spoken so bluntly! She... she'd be willing, wouldn't she? Even though he was a bit older, even though he wasn't exactly gentle and understanding, but... but...
But what?
Yes, he is the crown prince, the future emperor!
He was powerful and influential, and he still doted on her.
Lin Qingwan inwardly cried out to heaven! He was the crown prince, the future emperor! Even celestial maidens would love to marry him, and he said it was just a compromise?
She said sincerely, "You flatter me too much."
"Just tell me if you're willing or not." Zhao Cong wasn't an impatient person, but now he couldn't wait for her to nod in agreement immediately.
"I···"
Lin Qingwan could tell he was very anxious, but...
After hesitating for only a second or two, Zhao Cong asked directly, "What do you find wrong with me?"
"Old?"
He gritted his teeth. "I've been fighting for years, so I'm in good health. And with Zhu An here, my old injuries can heal slowly."
Lin Qingwan asked worriedly, "Are there any old injuries?"
Zhao Cong thought she genuinely felt she was getting old and her health was failing...
"It's nothing serious, just a few coughs on rainy days. It'll get better with rest!"
Lin Qingwan: "We must not be careless about this."
Zhao Cong's lips trembled. "You're disgusted with me?"
Lin Qingwan was stunned. "No!"
"Then why do you look so anxious..." Zhao Cong regretted his thoughtless words.
Lin Qingwan was confused again. Was it wrong to be anxious?
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