Chapter 39 Ling Xun despises anyone who covets his sister-in-law…
"Truly a young prodigy." Princess Yucheng appeared beside her at some point, their gazes falling on the same spot, and she couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
Bai Xuerou smiled and agreed.
"What are your plans for the Prince of Zhenbei's marriage? He'll be seventeen after the New Year. In ordinary families, people of that age are usually preparing to arrange their marriages." Princess Yucheng said casually, as if speaking offhand.
Bai Xuerou chuckled helplessly, raised her hand to her forehead, and the pearls adorning her temples swayed gently. She said, "Please spare me. Recently, eleven out of ten people who have come looking for me have asked this question. I asked him, and he said he's not planning to get married for the time being."
Today is the Lunar New Year, and she is wearing a beige top, a crimson skirt with a floral pattern, and a scarlet wide-sleeved top. A beige shawl is draped over her arm, and she wears a colorful gemstone necklace, matching bracelets, and headdress. Her outfit is glamorous yet elegant.
Such a glamorous outfit would make an ordinary person look radiant, but it's the clothes that truly complement the person. However, her beauty is so striking and elegant that it makes the outfit appear exceptionally luxurious.
Princess Yucheng had seen Bai Xuerou quite often over the past six months and had always known that she was beautiful. Even before she dressed up, she was already very pretty, and now, dressed in such a splendid manner, she was even more radiant.
I just saw it, and I can't help but sigh.
The Prince of Zhenbei's mansion has Bai Xuerou, the Prince of Zhenbei, and the Wu family above them, all of whom are of such good appearance.
Everyone says that the royal family produces many beauties, but none can compare.
“At the age of Zhenbei Prince, he is at the age where he is ready to fall in love with young women. If he says he is not preparing, it is probably because he has not yet met someone he likes.” Princess Yucheng, being an experienced person, said knowingly, “I just don’t know what kind of girl our exceptionally talented Zhenbei Prince likes.”
Although she didn't say it directly, her words implied that she was probing, and Bai Xuerou just smiled.
With the royal family on the verge of collapse, it was inevitable that they would consider a marriage alliance with Ling Xun. Bai Xue Rou didn't know what Ling Xun was thinking, nor did she care, as long as he was happy.
However, those noble families eyeing the position of Princess Consort of Zhenbei are probably not happy about it.
"I don't know either. I guess I'll only know once I meet the right person. What do you think, Princess?" she asked in return.
Princess Yucheng thought for a moment, then said she didn't know.
Bai Xuerou turned to look at her, somewhat surprised, but ultimately didn't ask. Before she could ask, Princess Yucheng spoke, "My marriage to the prince consort was arranged, but he died not long after. Over the years, I've kept many male concubines, but ultimately..."
"But you and the former Prince Zhenbei have known each other since childhood, childhood sweethearts. You must know why you love each other. Why don't you tell me?" she asked with a smile. As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted it and thought to herself that she had lost her mind.
Ling Zheng was already considering a marriage alliance with the Lang family, so asking Bai Xuerou about this was just stirring up trouble.
Fortunately, Bai Xuerou wasn't angry. She was just a little stunned, and then said, "If you like someone, it means that person is good in every way, even if they're not. In fact, there's no logic to it."
Princess Yucheng couldn't understand.
If it's bad, it's bad. How can it be good?
Bai Xuerou simply smiled.
As they were talking, they began to discuss the younger generations of each family, especially the girls.
After a few words, Bai Xuerou saw Ling Xun nod slightly, turn around and leave the crowd, leaving several people looking at each other with a sense of helplessness.
He is completely unresponsive to reason.
Bai Xuerou could almost hear what their eyes were saying.
"She really is unmoved." Princess Yucheng said as if watching a show, then added thoughtfully, "However, her lack of interest could also mean she has someone she likes."
Bai Xuerou's heart stirred, and she slightly opened her eyes.
“You don’t know.” Princess Yucheng understood immediately, and said with some curiosity, “I also don’t know which category the Prince of Zhenbei belongs to.”
"Who knows?" Bai Xuerou was just a little curious, but ultimately, as long as Ling Xun liked it, that was fine.
As they were talking, a palace servant came to report that Ling Xun was waiting for her outside the palace.
Bai Xuerou then bid farewell to Princess Yucheng and walked out. Halfway there, she ran into Wei Yi and they greeted each other.
Since Ling Xun returned to Chang'an, Bai Xue Rou has rarely gone out.
If they were used to not recognizing each other when they met before, it would be fine, but in the past few months, the two of them have been able to meet and talk frequently, and if this continues, it is inevitable that they will feel a little tormented.
Therefore, as soon as Wei Yi arrived at Hanyuan Palace tonight, he began to pay attention to Bai Xuerou's movements. When he saw that she seemed to be going out, he thought of going with her. Even when he learned that she was going to see Ling Xun, he did not change his mind.
“I was just thinking of going out for a walk, so why don’t we go together?” he said.
"Alright." Bai Xuerou didn't mind. Wei Yi was Ling Xun's master after all, so it wouldn't be a problem for them to walk together.
As we arrived outside the palace, we saw that the snowfall a few days ago had been extremely heavy, and it had continued to fall intermittently for the past few days. Although the snow around the palace had been cleared, a thick layer of snow still remained in the distance.
Ling Xun looked up and saw Bai Xuerou and Wei Yi coming out together, and his heart skipped a beat—
A tall, imposing man and a graceful, elegant woman walking together—who wouldn't say they're a perfect match?
This scene stung Ling Xun somewhat. The slight smile that had appeared on his face as he waited for Bai Xuerou vanished, and he exchanged a glance with Wei Yi from afar.
Wei Yi raised his eyes and looked back calmly.
"Sister-in-law." After a moment of eye contact, Ling Xun looked away and greeted Bai Xuerou with a smile.
"Your Highness," Bai Xuerou said with a smile, "we just happened to run into General Wei, who also wanted to go for a walk, so we came together."
Ling Xun was a little unhappy. He would rather be alone with Bai Xuerou, but he didn't say anything. He just smiled and said, "Alright, it's been a long time since I've gone for a walk with my master."
"Your Highness is now the commander of an army, leading the Zhenbei Army to numerous victories. You will only become busier in the future," Wei Yi said, his words carrying a hint of flattery.
Ling Xun smiled and said, "Teacher, you flatter me. It's just what I should do."
He didn't want to continue the conversation, so he looked at the tall building next to him and asked Bai Xuerou, "Sister-in-law, would you like to go up and take a look?"
On either side of Hanyuan Hall are the Xiangluan and Qifeng Pavilions, where one can climb up to the upper floors and enjoy a panoramic view of the entire palace.
Bai Xuerou glanced at it, a slight thought crossing her mind, and asked, "Can I go?"
The imperial city is a place that cannot be visited at will.
"Why not?" Ling Xun said matter-of-factly, without showing the slightest concern or regard for imperial power.
Bai Xuerou smiled and sighed, once again feeling the power that the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion now held.
“Go,” she said.
So Ling Xun led her and Wei Yi up to the attic.
Although she hadn't reached the summit, Bai Xuerou stood there, watching the palace servants walk beneath her feet, and already felt a sense of awe, as if the whole world was in her hands.
The scenery itself is nothing special, just a bit high up, but the power that comes with it gives it a unique charm.
"I wonder what those people who once stood here are thinking?" Bai Xuerou calmed herself down and said softly.
Ling Xun thought for a moment and said, "If you want to know, you can ask the young emperor."
This is a question that needs no answer. Even if they only stand here for a moment, they would be tempted by greed, let alone the emperors of the Great Qi. This Daming Palace was built after the founding of the Great Qi Dynasty, with the full resources of the nation and through the reigns of several emperors.
This place inherently represents supreme power that controls the world.
"Naughty." Bai Xuerou naturally understood what he meant and chuckled softly.
The young emperor was merely a puppet, controlled by powerful families and officials; he dared not tell the truth even when questioned. Moreover, such treatment inevitably carried a sense of humiliation.
"General Wei, what do you think of this place?" Bai Xuerou didn't forget Wei Yi beside her.
He doesn't talk much, but he does say something when the two of them are together. He must be worried about Ling Xun now.
Bai Xuerou didn't want him to neglect her, so she took the initiative to speak.
Wei Yi's eyes softened as he said, "The scenery of the palace is naturally excellent."
Ling Xun sneered inwardly. Although Wei Yi didn't show it, he probably had his mind on his sister-in-law.
Is the scenery better, or the people in front of you better?
He grew increasingly displeased.
Ling Xun despised anyone who coveted his sister-in-law.
"This Daming Palace was built by several generations of emperors of the Great Qi Dynasty. It is magnificent and imposing, and its scenery is naturally extraordinary," Ling Xun said, then asked Bai Xuerou, "Does sister-in-law like it?"
Bai Xuerou didn't think much of it and smiled, "I like anything that looks good."
But it's not that I like this imperial city.
My sister-in-law hates being restricted.
Ling Xun already knew this, but he still couldn't help asking again.
Bai Xuerou then asked, "Does Your Highness like it here?"
The same question can have completely different meanings.
Ling Xun answered quite naturally, saying, "I like it."
“Having this place here saves me a lot of trouble,” he said almost as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Bai Xuerou was slightly taken aback, then burst into laughter.
"Your Highness is truly magnificent, with an aura that can move mountains and rivers," she praised.
Before even conquering the Great Qi, he was already thinking about the imperial palace after ascending the throne.
"I only said that to my sister-in-law, and I'm sure the teacher won't mind." Ling Xun didn't care and said, "Now that things have come to this, if I say that I have no ulterior motives, I'm afraid no one will believe me, and people will call me a hypocrite."
In this vast world, aside from fools and naive children, who would believe that the Ling family, the Prince of Zhenbei, has no desire for the throne?
“Your Highness is right,” Bai Xuerou echoed.
After a moment of contemplation, Wei Yi said, "The people of the world have suffered from war and chaos for too long, and they need someone like Your Highness."
The more one learns about Ling Xun, the more one realizes how terrifying his talent is, making countless people envious and unable to reach his level. But it must be said that such chaotic times need people like him.
Wei Yi knew how difficult life was, and he was once disheartened by it, willing to spend the rest of his life as a guard.
But now, Ling Xun has shown him new possibilities and new hope.
After watching for a while upstairs, the group went downstairs, and the Hanyuan Hall remained as lively as ever.
Bai Xuerou originally planned to separate from Ling Xun, but Ling Xun said it was fine and they could go together, and Wei Yi acquiesced.
Only then did she belatedly realize that something was amiss—
Her gaze swept between Ling Xun and Wei Yi, and she felt that there seemed to be something between the two of them.
What happened?
After pondering for a moment, Bai Xuerou said "okay" on the surface. She vaguely heard the sound of a pipa, which was played very well. She walked towards that direction, and everyone she passed gave way and nodded to her.
She returned their greetings with a smile.
The Hanyuan Hall is extremely large and is not usually opened. It is only used for grand banquets, when it is packed with people.
Bai Xuerou walked through the crowd and saw that the person playing the pipa was a young girl with a beautiful face. She looked somewhat familiar, but she couldn't recognize her.
Many people were drawn by the sound of the pipa, including Wu San Niang. When she saw the two of them coming, she smiled and eagerly approached. However, when she caught sight of Ling Xun, she became more cautious and timid, which was quite endearing.
Bai Xuerou could sense that many people were looking at her, mostly young men.
"Your Highness, sister-in-law," she called out.
"Third Sister, whose daughter is this? She looks familiar, but I can't quite place her." Bai Xuerou asked directly as she saw her approaching.
Wu San Niang got along well with the unmarried girls and naturally knew them. Before speaking, she subconsciously glanced at Ling Xun. Just as she was about to speak, someone laughed and said, "She is my cousin, Yu Jia Wu Niang."
It was Yu Kai who arrived.
During the New Year, he did not wear his usual white brocade robes, but instead wore a light blue robe, which was as gentle and refined as jade. He cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Greetings, Your Highness, Madam, and General Wei."
"Young Master Yu, Your Highness, this is the Third Son of the Yu family," Bai Xuerou introduced to Ling Xun.
He had only been back in Beijing for a few days and had hardly gone out, so she thought he probably didn't recognize her.
Ling Xun already knew who this person was when Bai Xuerou spoke. The only one who frequently appeared by his sister-in-law's side was the Yu family's young master.
He remained calm and gave Yu Kai a critical look, and had to admit that the other man was very handsome.
But that's all there is to it.
There are plenty of people with outstanding appearances, but the Yu family is full of ulterior motives. Who knows what he's after by chasing after his sister-in-law?
Ling Xun responded with a faint "yes".
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