Chapter 30 He pushed her away to protect his heart…
The truly important part of the Cold Clothes Festival has arrived: all the ministers must present gifts as the first step in praying for good fortune.
In the main hall, ministers came one after another to present gifts to the emperor, each speaking auspicious words that pleased the emperor greatly.
Now it was the He family's turn to shine. He Daoge and He Beiqing presented an extremely valuable and rare treasure.
Logically speaking, only the highest-ranking elders in each family and important officials in the imperial court are qualified to present gifts; the rest can only wait in their seats for the blessing ceremony to begin.
However, He Rushuang was summoned to the Empress's side, and next to the Empress were Shen Jizhao and Jiang Shuifu.
Jiang Shuifu remained silent, watching the Empress pull He Rushuang aside and inquire about her well-being. Although the Empress's words were few and not overtly warm, they were full of praise for her father and brothers and affection for her.
He Rushuang bowed and said, "Your Majesty is too kind. My father and brother were merely following His Highness the Crown Prince's orders. It is His Highness who is wise and decisive. Has His Highness's injury in Tajiang improved?"
Shen Jizhao nodded: "Your father and brothers have worked hard, I remember it all."
Jiang Shuifu sat in her seat like a transparent person, forced to listen to Shen Jizhao and his ex-lover reminiscing, but her mind was always on Weiwei.
After everyone has given their gifts, Weiwei will be asked to have her blood cut.
She wanted to protect Weiwei; all nine of her tails were cut by the knife, and she was sure she would lose too much blood.
She glanced at Shen Jizhao inappropriately. He had promised her he would save Weiwei. Just now, she had done as he wished and made a request to him. Shen Jizhao paused for a long time, so long that she was about to leave without any hope, before he finally nodded.
She finally showed her first genuine smile of the day. Great, Weiwei is saved.
She temporarily broke the rule of keeping to herself and avoiding seeing him, hiding her dislike for him, and obediently thanked him.
Shen Jizhao's status was second only to the emperor, and he was also very cunning. It was not impossible for him to persuade the emperor to change his mind with just a few words, although she knew the possibility was slim.
The royal family has always attached great importance to such prayers, especially those using auspicious omens that are rare to see in a century. But as long as there is hope, that's enough. He promised her, so she should try to believe him.
Aside from matters of love and romance with her, he always kept his word and did what he promised.
Jiang Shuifu gradually convinced herself to calm down. When she turned her head, the woman in front of her had changed again. He had already rekindled his old flame, and the person who came forward now was Tang Shan'er.
Tang Shan'er's father presented her with a landscape painting, a truly unique gift. The emperor laughed heartily and summoned the women of the Tang family to come forward.
The emperor's smile faded, and he scrutinized Tang Botong with a serious expression. When the emperor was pleased and intended to bestow favors, he wouldn't allow anyone to feign compliance.
"It is beyond my expectations that Minister Tang has not replied. Last time I asked you what reward you wanted, you declined. So this time, Minister Tang must have thought it through."
Tang Botong knew, of course, that he couldn't embarrass the emperor again and again. Besides, the emperor had probably already seen through his intentions. Now the time was ripe, and he awaited the imperial decree.
"Your Majesty is farsighted and insightful. I am sure you have already made a decision. Your humble servant thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness."
The emperor hummed in agreement and turned his gaze to Tang Shan'er, who was standing to the side.
Tang Shan'er was paying her respects to Shen Jizhao. She finally dared to look him in the eye, but couldn't hold it for more than a second before her words became incoherent:
"Your Highness... Your Highness, I, Tang Shan'er, adore the Crown Princess! Her roasted rabbit is so delicious! I'll learn how to make it myself and roast it for her!"
Madam Tang was utterly exasperated; she had forgotten everything she had been taught and was now fawning over the Crown Princess. She couldn't neglect the Crown Prince! After all, her future depended entirely on him!
Tang Shan'er received a warning from her own mother, and only then did she remember the Crown Prince: "If Your Highness doesn't mind, you can eat it too."
Jiang Shuifu had completely figured out the situation. It turned out that everything Shen Jizhao had told her that morning was just a prelude; someone was about to enter his harem.
And not just one, they want to take all the concubines at once!
The emperor found Tang Shan'er's chubby and silly appearance amusing:
"Your daughter is still unmarried, isn't she? Judging from her pure nature, why not choose one from among my many princes?"
Although the emperor said that, it was obvious to everyone who was being praised, and the princes were green with envy.
Now it all depends on what the protagonist, Shen Jizhao, thinks.
The emperor, like everyone else, focused his attention on Shen Jizhao, wanting an answer from him.
Shen Jizhao remained silent for a long time. This was originally a matter that had been settled long ago, but when it came to making the decision, he felt uneasy and uncomfortable. Perhaps the Eastern Palace was too empty, and it would be better if there were more people.
He deliberately avoided looking at Jiang Shuifu and gave a positive answer: "I am looking forward to Tang Nvniang's roasted rabbit."
As soon as he finished speaking, the emperor nodded, and the Tang family was overjoyed. However, they could not show their emotions too much and could only suppress their joy. Some of the others were happy, while others held a grudge.
Shen Jizhao composed himself and repeatedly told himself that his decision was perfectly normal.
Only then did he look at Jiang Shuifu. He appeared calm and collected, but his heart was actually a little complicated. Was it too fast for her?
Or rather, we should tell her at a different time, slowly.
He didn't know what kind of feeling he was. Reason told him that this was a matter of course and he wouldn't have any emotions about it, but he didn't want to see her lonely, and he didn't want her to have no reaction at all.
Everyone looked at Jiang Shuifu, just like Shen Jizhao. She felt very strange. What did it have to do with her? She was going to sign a written agreement, so naturally she wouldn't react.
But those eyes kept lingering on her, as if they were determined to hear her opinion.
She thought for a moment and realized she did have a question, but it wasn't something she wanted others to know, so she lowered her voice and said, "You promised me you would save Weiwei."
Shen Jizhao instantly felt a powerful impact slamming into him. Why? Why did she ask that?
She could have said something about establishing rules for the imperial concubines!
He observed her carefully and attentively, and realized that she truly meant what she said. He took a concubine, and she really didn't care. He had underestimated her.
But this is fine too. She accepted it gladly, and he didn't have to go through any more trouble. He nodded, putting her at ease once again.
After that, Jiang Shuifu kept looking around absentmindedly. Her husband and mother were talking with the two concubines who were about to enter the Eastern Palace and their elders. She didn't glance at them at all.
The gift-giving session was finally over, and Weiwei was brought out.
Jiang Shuifu, abandoning her previous casualness, immediately straightened her posture and stared intently at Weiwei.
Shen Jizhao was extremely displeased. It was just a beast; why was she so concerned about it? He had been secretly observing her the whole time, but she hadn't given him a single glance as an outsider.
Weiwei looked stunning today, dressed in a golden robe and wearing a curtain made of various rare beads and gemstones on her head. Her body was also bound with glittering jewels, with only her nine colorful tails showing.
The emperor took the dagger presented by the eunuch. This dagger was also inlaid with gold beads and gemstones, which was enough to show the emperor's determination to obtain the auspicious blood.
Weiwei seemed to sense the threat from the man less than a foot away. All its tails immediately stood up, and the fur hidden under its precious clothes bristled.
The emperor was pleased with this scene and asked to take its blood. It obediently raised its tail, showing its submission to his ministers.
However, he was not in a hurry to draw blood. Instead, he faced the crowd and spoke in an arrogant and condescending manner, using official language:
"Today is the Cold Clothes Festival, a day for sacrifice. I have encountered an auspicious omen, and today I offer its blood as a sacrifice to my ancestors and the emperors of the Great Bei Dynasty. I hope that my ancestors will bless my Great Bei Dynasty for thousands of years, that it will be immortal, enduring and unifying all directions!"
Everyone bowed their heads and kowtowed to the emperor.
Jiang Shuifu was extremely anxious and quickly gave Shen Jizhao a look, signaling him to take action, as the emperor was about to get down to business.
But Shen Jizhao seemed not to see it and did not respond. She reached out to remind him again, but he remained unmoved.
Jiang Shuifu thought that he was just that kind of person, never saying anything, only showing a cold face, and then making his move at the critical moment.
They got up and sat down. Her eyes were fixed on Weiwei and the emperor. She was calculating the time in her mind, hoping to stall for as long as possible and that Shen Jizhao would come up with a solution.
The ceremony officially began. The emperor, holding a dagger, approached Weiwei step by step, and Weiwei's eyes bulged out.
As the emperor drew closer, Weiwei's initial wariness turned into fear and terror, and finally into a desperate fight.
Jiang Shuifu's expression changed; she realized its intention and quickly shouted, "Watch out!"
Just as the dagger was about to touch its tail, the tail suddenly revealed its ferocious side, its claws all coming out at once, pouncing towards the emperor.
The emperor was skilled in martial arts, and instinctively he turned to the side, causing Weiwei to pounce on him in an aggressive posture.
This direction was close to Jiang Shuifu. When Jiang Sheng saw it, he disregarded the etiquette between ruler and subject and the rule that he could not move. He shouted and ran over to try to stop this auspicious omen.
Jiang Shuifu knew that this wasn't aimed at her, and Shen Jizhao knew it too, but his brows still furrowed very quickly, as if the person who was pounced on was very important to him.
Jiang Shuifu was actually closer to that person than to Weiwei, so she went to save the person without thinking. However, she did not expect that a large hand would be faster than her and push her away forcefully.
Because she couldn't stop in time, Jiang Shuifu was accidentally injured by Weiwei, who was right next to her. Blood flowed out instantly, and her arm was cut open.
Meanwhile, Shen Jizhao was protecting another person, He Rushuang.
He Rushuang was terrified, her face was pale, and she was now trembling as she clung to Shen Jizhao's waist.
Shen Jizhao comforted the woman in his arms until she stopped trembling. Then he turned around and cast a cold glance at Jiang Shuifu. His gaze was icy and chilling.
"That's not how you save people! If I hadn't arrived in time, the consequences would have been far more serious!"
Jiang Sheng had already caught Jiang Shuifu, who had been pushed away mercilessly by Shen Jizhao. Weiwei seemed to know that it had done something wrong, and it kept hugging her leg and wagging its tail to apologize.
Jiang Shuifu's wound was a little painful, so she couldn't hug Weiwei for the moment, but she suddenly laughed when she heard Shen Jizhao's words.
Simple! It's simple because only Jiang Shuifu was injured. He didn't hurt his sweetheart. It's like his good intentions were being taken for granted. He Rushuang not only wasn't injured, but she was also scolded!
She also lost her temper:
"Your Highness is truly a man of great loyalty and righteousness. I will never meddle in other people's business again! In any case, with Your Highness here, Lady He will not be harmed in the slightest. However, my injury is thanks to Lady He. Shouldn't Lady He give me an explanation?"
Before He Rushuang could speak, Shen Jizhao, fearing his beloved would suffer a loss, said...
"It's my fault. I didn't save you in time. It has nothing to do with her."
Jiang Shuifu didn't care that he came to save her; when faced with a choice, people instinctively choose what they care about more.
Since he likes and values He Rushuang, she certainly wouldn't ask him to do something against his conscience.
He Rushuang straightened her clothes, withdrew her hand from Shen Jizhao's waist, and a blush appeared on her face. After a while, she finally spoke to thank him:
"Of course. I am deeply grateful that Your Highness risked your own safety to save me. I will take care of Your Highness's injuries. I have been at the border for many years and often help treat soldiers. I have even treated His Highness the Crown Prince. I hope Your Highness will not find it offensive."
Jiang Shuifu suddenly remembered that when he was injured in the past, he never came to her for treatment. Even that time at Bihua Palace, it was only after he fainted that Jinqing carried him over and she had a chance to apply medicine to him.
So it turns out that someone at the border serves as his personal physician.
He didn't like anyone other than He Rushuang touching him.
Therefore, he would rather faint from the pain than come to her.
So after she treated him, he felt sorry for He Rushuang and never came back to change his dressing.
Looking back now, Jiang Shuifu wishes she could go back and slap herself; she was just too nosy.
She smiled slightly, knowing that this was a message He Rushuang had deliberately conveyed to her, with the aim of making her jealous.
But she wouldn't let her have her way. Since the daughter of a meritorious official wanted to lower herself to become a doctor, she was happy to accept it.
"Your Highness's physician must be very skilled, so I'll have to trouble you. I also have other ailments, so please examine them for me as well, Miss He!"
He Rushuang nodded in agreement, showing no displeasure on the surface. Keeping her emotions hidden was commonplace for her; it was just a matter of losing face. But the Crown Prince had just been very protective of her, which was the most important thing to her.
Jiang Shuifu was feeling better, and the pain had subsided considerably, so she picked up Weiwei, stroked it, and told it not to blame itself.
At this moment, Shen Jizhao walked towards her step by step until he could clearly see her wounds, and his face turned ashen.
Seeing that she ignored him, he stopped looking at her and turned to the emperor to ask for permission: "Father, this auspicious creature has a fierce temperament. In order to prevent it from scratching the dragon's body, I request to take its blood!"
What!
What did he say?!
What is he going to do?!
Why did he do that?!
Didn't he already agree to her request?
Jiang Shuifu hugged Weiwei tightly, and Weiwei snuggled affectionately into her arms.
Everyone was astonished by the auspicious signs that appeared in just a few breaths, and shocked by the scene where Jiang Shuifu was injured, yet Shen Jizhao protected another woman.
They have begun to re-evaluate the Ho family, and their future looks very promising!
They only just came to their senses now, and after hearing Shen Jizhao's opinion, they all expressed their agreement, with the He family and the Tang family being the first to agree.
"His Highness the Crown Prince is right. His Majesty's health is of utmost importance and should not be taken lightly!"
"Yes, yes, this auspicious omen is spiritual, and it would be bad if it offended the Emperor. This matter should be left to His Highness the Crown Prince. The Emperor only needs to take his own blood. The Crown Prince is steady and reliable, and he will surely be able to successfully obtain the blood and convey the Emperor's wishes to the Emperor!"
The emperor considered it for a moment, and decided that entrusting the task to the ninth prince was not out of the question. The ninth prince was the crown prince, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, would also be the future emperor; his status was noble enough. So he nodded.
"Very well, then I'll leave this matter to the Crown Prince. Don't let me down, Your Highness!"
Shen Jizhao accepted the imperial decree, "Yes, Your Majesty, I will certainly obtain the auspicious blood!"
Now, everyone looked at Jiang Shuifu again, because the auspicious omen was with her.
Jiang Sheng kept urging her to let go and not to oppose the royal family, even though she was now the Crown Princess.
Moreover, with the arrival of a new woman, the Crown Princess's status will gradually become invalid, not to mention that the new woman is very much loved by her husband.
Shen Jizhao turned his head again, this time with a determination that frightened Jiang Shuifu.
He gave her his first command:
"Give it to me!"
Jiang Shuifu shook her head secretly; he had promised her he would save Weiwei.
Her eyes had lost all the arrogance, disdain, and unwavering determination she had shown earlier; only pleading remained, begging him not to do this, even though he had promised her.
In that instant, Shen Jizhao seemed to see her from the past. Back then, when she looked at him, there was always this pleading look in her eyes. She would look up at him cautiously and speak to him, hoping that he would come and sit with her for a while. She never dared to make any requests of him.
So, that's what she was like.
But he still didn't change his mind, and reached out his hand to her, forcefully demanding that she hand over the auspicious object.
She still refused, silently taking a few steps back, her eyes constantly showing weakness, hoping he would help her and also help Weiwei.
Shen Jizhao's second warning:
"Give it to me!"
Jiang Shuifu pressed Weiwei tightly into her arms, but Weiwei started to make a fuss because it felt threatened again and was about to risk everything.
But she kept stroking its fur because she knew that compared to Shen Jizhao, the power of an animal was insignificant.
She wouldn't give up, wanting him to remember his promise and the rule he set out to follow.
You promised me!
Shen Jizhao sighed and lightly denied her words: "It deliberately hurts people. If it is not taught a lesson, it will definitely do it again!"
Jiang Shuifu suddenly realized that it was all for He Rushuang!
He had promised her several times, but because Weiwei almost hurt his sweetheart, he easily broke his promise and wanted to teach the culprit a lesson!
He was such a rule-abiding person, and his words were always golden rules that he never changed. They were once regarded as inviolable principles. But for the person he loved, he broke the rule he valued most for the first time!
So this is what it means for him to like someone.
Jiang Shuifu stopped struggling and had no choice but to admit it!
I admit it! She's incompetent!
I admit it! She's too naive!
She actually believed it! She foolishly fantasized that he would definitely help her and that he should keep her wish in mind!
Admit it! She's put herself in a clownish situation once again!
Admit it! His ruthlessness and shamelessness!
"fraud!"
Jiang Shuifu loosened her grip after saying only two words, and Weiwei in her arms struggled to break free, which Shen Jizhao immediately caught.
Shen Jizhao gazed deeply at the woman whose face was weary and lifeless. His hand trembled; he wanted to say something but didn't know how to begin. He simply looked at her silently for a long while before finally speaking:
"I'm doing this for your own good."
In the end, he took out a dagger and cut off the blood of the auspicious creature she had been praying to him for protection.
With swift and decisive movements, drops of blood instantly fell onto the exquisite white jade disc, staining Shen Jizhao's hand crimson.
The emperor never intended to take only a drop of blood when he chose the dagger.
With a single slash of Shen Jizhao's dagger, the skin was torn open, and blood gushed from the seven-colored tails. The tails, which had been proud and arrogant at the beginning, gradually became weak and powerless, and could no longer shake.
Everyone craned their necks to watch this scene, curious: if the auspicious creature's tail was seven-colored, what about its blood?
Is it also seven-colored?
Jiang Shuifu knew the answer: it was a warm, vibrant red, the kind of red that those in power and authority didn't possess.
Perhaps no one knew that the last bit of tenderness that Jiang Shuifu had left in her bones vanished in that instant.
Along with all the memories of my youthful, budding adolescence!
She longed for the position of Crown Princess when she was young, but now she could discard it at any time.
How wonderful it would be if she had never met Shen Jizhao!
They could no longer treat each other with respect! Because it was unfair to her.
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