The Crown Prince stood in the warm sunlight and suddenly turned his head to look at Ying Wang and Ning Wang, who were following behind him. He showed them a friendly smile.
Ying Wang was disgusted by that smile and turned his head away.
However, the phrase "I love him" from Fushou Junzhu felt like a stab to Ying Wang's heart. He knew why the Crown Prince suddenly smiled so disgustingly, but he deliberately did not want to agree with the Crown Prince.
Ning Wang thought more simply. He didn't expect Fushou Junzhu, who appears soft and weak, to be so good to Third Brother. No wonder she had stood up to protect the Crown Prince when the assassins attacked them.
If there is someone in this world who is willing to protect you with their life, it is truly fortunate.
"Fushou Junzhu, you have a way with words," Consort Lin mocked and smiled, "The Crown Prince has a noble status, who dares to provoke him?"
"It is precisely because of his noble status that everyone thinks he will not suffer any grievances," Hua Liuli said with a stern face, "When he is being treated unfairly, none of you see it because you don't care about him."
People only care about whether the ones they love are doing well or not. For those they don't care about, they often only see their glory and the mistakes they make.
As for whether the person is being treated unfairly or feeling sad, what does it have to do with them?
"Hah!" Consort Lin sneered and stopped arguing with Hua Liuli.
Hua Liuli didn't care whether Consort Lin paid attention to her words or not. She stood up and said, "I see that Consort Lin doesn't look well. Your Highness needs to rest properly. I'll take my leave."
"Are you leaving just like that?" Consort Xian was somewhat reluctant. She wanted Fushou Junzhu to say a few more words.
Hua Liuli curtsied and said, "Your Highness, tomorrow is the day of Grand Tutor Du's burial. I want to go to the Du Family Estate again and offer incense for him."
Consort Xian suddenly remembered that tomorrow was the day of Grand Tutor Du's burial.
After Grand Tutor Du's death, the Emperor posthumously conferred him the title of "Wenzhong". The monks and Taoists had been reciting the sutras for him at the Du Family Estate for a full twenty-one days. Many scholars also flocked to the Du Family Estate to pay their respects.
Grand Tutor Du had a high status among the scholars in the capital and the surrounding provinces. In the past, this old man loved to criticize the Crown Prince from time to time, and she quite enjoyed it. But unexpectedly, after he fell seriously ill, he often praised the Crown Prince in front of visitors who came to see him. Even when he took his last breath, the last he did was praise the Crown Prince.
How could this old man waver in his convictions? If he liked to criticize the Crown Prince, he should have continued to do so until the end. Why did he suddenly change his mind and start praising him?
"In that case, I won't keep you any longer, Junzhu," Consort Xian forced a smile, "Take care on your way. Someone, escort Fushou Junzhu."
"Your Highness," a palace maid beside Consort Xian reminded her, "This is Consort Lin's sleeping quarters."
Your demeanor is so much like that of a master.
Consort Xian glanced at Consort Lin. Consort Lin was no longer in a good position now. It would be better to have someone personally escort Hua Liuli out of the palace for now.
"You all wait here. Gu has something to attend to," the Crown Prince swiftly turned and left the courtyard.
Ning Wang looked puzzledly at the Crown Prince's departing figure. Fushou Junzhu was about to come out, so why did the Crown Prince walk away?
Was he... feeling shy?
"Greetings to the consorts, greetings to the princes," Hua Liuli hadn't expected to see so many people in the courtyard and greeted them respectfully.
"Fushou Junzhu, greetings" Consort Rong and Consort Shu smiled particularly warmly at Hua Liuli, surprising her with their kindness.
She remembered these two consorts; their gazes towards her used to be less amiable.
"Are you all here to visit Consort Lin?" Hua Liuli nodded slightly to Ying Wang and Ning Wang. She then walked out of Consort Lin's sleeping quarters.
Under the walls of the courtyard, several persimmon trees were planted, bearing ripe fruits that looked especially delightful in their greenish hues.
"These trees were planted after Consort Lin entered the palace," explained the palace maid who accompanied Hua Liuli. This palace maid was from the Consort Xian's side. Glancing at the persimmons, she continued, "Consort Lin and Empress Gonghui entered the palace in the same year, but Consort Lin had been unable to conceive for a long time. As a result, these persimmon trees were planted in the courtyard."
"I see," Hua Liuli nodded. She thought the persimmon trees were for eating.
"Fushou Junzhu," Ying Wang followed her out. Seeing Hua Liuli standing under the persimmon tree, he approached her, "Benwang happened to be leaving the palace as well. Shall we go together, Junzhu?"
The palace maid sent by Consort Xian had a change of expression upon seeing Ying Wang follow them.
"Thank you for the offer, Your Highness, but the His Royal Highness has already prepared a carriage for this subject," Hua Liuli took a step to the side, holding the Yuan Yi's hand, "This subject doesn't dare to inconvenience Your Highness."
"Is it that you don't dare or that you don't want to?" Ying Wang couldn't help but speak, "Benwang won't eat you, after all."
Yuan Yi and Yurong glanced at Prince Ying, silently warning him that if he continued like this, their Junzhu might actually hit him.
"Your Highness is joking," Hua Liuli didn't want to be too involved with Ying Wang, as it would upset the Crown Prince. So, she smiled at him, turned around, and walked away.
Ying Wang's expression didn't look too good.
"Your Highness, please calm down," his attendant eunuch consoled him, "Fushou Junzhu and the Crown Prince are engaged. With so many people watching in the palace, Fushou Junzhu may be concerned about gossip, which is why..."
"Benwang doesn't need you, a dog, to remind Benwang," Ying Wang was furious as he followed behind Hua Liuli.
The attendant eunuch lowered his head and hurriedly followed.
"Junzhu, do you really think that the Crown Prince is a kind person who is easy to bully?" Ying Wang caught up with Hua Liuli's pace, "You say these things because you still don't know him well enough."
Hua Liuli didn't want to pay attention and continued walking forward.
"Since childhood, he has always been the favorite of the Emperor, and he has grown accustomed to being domineering in the palace. You think he's pitiful, but it's just a deception," Ying Wang's voice involuntarily lowered as he looked at the delicate girl in front of him.
"Your Highness," Hua Liuli stopped and turned to look at Ying Wang, "Are you trying to sow discord between this subject and the Crown Prince?"
Prince Ying looked at the fragile young girl before him and couldn't help but soften his voice, "Benwang just doesn't want you to be deceived."
"Your Highness, this subject doesn't know how the Crown Prince treats others, but he treats me very well," Hua Liuli said, "Your Highness says the Crown Prince is deceiving this subject; this subject doesn't know if it's true or not, but among all the women in the world, why would His Royal Highness only deceive this subject? It shows that this subject is very special to His Royal Highness."
"What?" Ying Wang was left speechless by Hua Liuli's words. Faced with her attitude, he lost interest in speaking ill of the Crown Prince.
"The Crown Prince is talented in both literature and martial arts. He is highly regarded by the Emperor and possesses extraordinary looks that surpass everyone in the capital. This outstanding young man is willing to conceal his emotions and preferences for this subject, to make this subject happy..." Hua Liuli's face revealed a touch of moved emotion, "If this doesn't prove that the Crown Prince's feelings for this subject are sincere, then what else can?"
Ying Wang: "..."
Suddenly, he found himself at a loss for words.
"Have you ever considered that the Crown Prince is interested in marrying for the influence of the Hua family?" Ying Wang felt he couldn't give up yet.
"Your Highness is joking again. Everything this subject's family has was given by the Emperor, and the Crown Prince is the Emperor's son. If the Crown Prince wants something, he only needs to ask the Emperor. There's no need to sacrifice his own happiness to pursue this subject." Hua Liuli said, "Didn't Your Highness say earlier that the Crown Prince is domineering in the palace? As someone who can be so domineering in the palace, why would His Royal Highness need to suffer to pursue this subject?"
"This subject understand," Hua Liuli clapped her hands and looked gratefully at Ying Wang, "Your Highness deliberately said these things to make this subject understand the Crown Prince's love for this subject, right?"
Ying Wang: "..."
No, that's not it.
"Thank you for the reminder, Your Highness. This subject will treat the Crown Prince well, so Your Highness doesn't need to worry," Hua Liuli smiled and performed a graceful bow to Ying Wang.
Ying Wang took a deep breath, reminding himself to speak gently and not to frighten Fushou Junzhu, "Junzhu, the reason Benwang came to speak with you today is to tell you something."
Hua Liuli had a bad feeling.
"Benwang likes you."
Ying Wang blushed after saying this. He then saw Hua Liuli and her maidservants were looking around nervously.
What kind of reaction is this?
"Junzhu, there is no one suspicious nearby," Yurong whispered in Hua Liuli's ear, "With the volume at which Ying Wang spoke, no one within five meters could hear what he said."
Hua Liuli breathed a sigh of relief. She looked at the flushed Ying Wang and sighed, "Your Highness does not like this subject. Your Highness is just feeling regret."
Ying Wang furrowed his brow, "That's not..."
"Does Your Highness know what this subject likes? Does Your Highness know this subject's daily habits, what this subject likes to wear, eat, or where this subject likes to go for fun? Your Highness doesn't know any of that," Hua Liuli quickly interrupted Ying Wang's words with a series of questions, leaving him stunned. She knew she absolutely couldn't let Ying Wang embark on a sentimental path, so she continued, "Your Highness doesn't understand this subject, and this subject doesn't understand Your Highness either. In that case, what does Your Highness like about this subject? Is it this face?"
Ying Wang earnestly tried to recall. Whenever he saw Fushou Junzhu, he couldn't help but feel pity and wanted to look at her a little longer. Was it because she was beautiful?
"In reality, Your Highness doesn't like this subject. It's just because this subject almost had an engagement with Your Highness that Your Highness has a special feeling whenever Your Highness sees this subject," Hua Liuli said, "If this person wasn't this subject, it could be another girl. Does Your Highness understand?"
Ying Wang furrowed his brow, pondering. He felt like he understood a little, but at the same time, he wasn't quite sure.
"Your Highness, being as clever as you are, Your Highness will soon figure it out," Hua Liuli smiled, "The Crown Prince and this subject have already set a wedding date. It will be held on August 12th this year. Please, Your Highness, refrain from saying things that could easily be misunderstood in the future."
The Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu are getting married on August 12th?
Ying Wang stared blankly at Hua Liuli's hurried departure, feeling like he had been hit on the head with a heavy blow, unable to recover for a long time.
Was it because of his regret and unwillingness that he felt he liked her?
"Your Highness?" The accompanying eunuch noticed that Ying Wang's expression was off and whispered softly, "Fushou Junzhu has already gone far."
The several palace maids attending to Ying Wang had their faces turned pale from his words to Fushou Junzhu. What was their master thinking? How dare he confess his feelings to the future Crown Princess?
Even worse, their master, who could never compete with the Crown Prince for horses, weapons, or precious gems, couldn't even win a woman now.
It was truly miserable.
Emperor Changlong saw the Crown Prince staring at a memorial and smiling. He stood up, picked up the memorial, and found it to be a pile of useless flattery. In the past, the Crown Prince would simply circle them and throw them aside. Why was he so happy today?
"What are you smiling at?" Emperor Changlong hadn't slept well the night before and still had a faint shadow in his eyes.
"Nothing," the Crown Prince snapped out of it and smiled, shaking his head at Emperor Changlong. Seeing his father's incredulous expression, he continued cheerfully, "Just now, Liuli told the other consorts that even if everyone in the world doesn't love Erchen, she will."
Emperor Changlong: "..."
"Erchen is happy, Father Emperor," the Crown Prince's smile was radiant, like a child who was content. Emperor Changlong looked at the smile on his son's face and suddenly remembered that Yuansu hadn't smiled so foolishly and happily for a long time.
"As long as you're happy," Emperor Changlong didn't say anything else. He patted the Crown Prince's shoulder, "In these past few days, the envoys of various countries have gradually left the capital. The envoys from Daimao have been moving around the city nonstop to ensure a successful departure. It seems they can't sit still anymore."
"Erchen wonders what price the Third Prince of Daimao is willing to pay?" Speaking of serious matters, the Crown Prince's smile became more cunning, "Erchen hopes Father Emperor can wait patiently and watch the show."
"You'll be in charge of this matter," Emperor Changlong hinted at something, "In the future, they will be your rivals and allies."
Leaving the palace in the carriage, Yuan Yi asked in confusion, "Junzhu, what does Ying Wang really want to do?"
"Maybe he wants to sow discord between me and the Crown Prince?" Hua Liuli couldn't think of any other reason. Anyway, it couldn't be because he liked her. Ying Wang had never shown any signs of liking her.
"Back then, His Majesty wanted to betroth Junzhu to Ying Wang, but then His Majesty stopped mentioning it. It was probably because Consort Xian and Ying Wang disagreed with the arrangement. Now that Junzhu and the Crown Prince have set a wedding date, this Ying Wang is coming out to say these things," Yurong furrowed her brow, "It's clear that he has ulterior motives."
Ah, these princes in the palace are truly vile. They can't stand it when someone else is happy.
No wonder Junzhu feels sorry for the Crown Prince. These princes even want to steal the Crown Prince's betrothed. It's truly too much.
When Consort Xian heard from a palace maid that her son had chased after Fushou Junzhu to confess his feelings, she was so angry that she almost slapped Ying Wang in the face. In extreme anger, she scolded, "Why don't you use your brain? Because of you, that Lin Wan spoke ill of Hua Liuli and even cursed the Hua family. If I were Hua Liuli, I wouldn't think that you liked me either. I would only think that you had ulterior motives."
"Mother, I truly like her..."
"Like my ass!" Consort Xian used vulgar language, "You say you like her, but what have you done?!"
"Even your father knows to frequently give gifts to his consorts. What about you?" Consort Xian sneered, "Have you given her jewelry or silk fabric? Do you know what the Dog Crown Prince did when he pursued Fushou Junzhu?"
"He gave her jewelry, took her sightseeing, and treated her to delicious food. When she was cold, he gave her a hand warmer; when it snowed, he gave her a cloak. He even accompanied her to look at the stars and the moon," Consort Xian said, shaking with anger, "What about you?!"
Forget about giving gifts, he didn't even know how to utter a sweet word. He wasn't as attractive as the Dog Crown Prince to win a woman's favor. What could he use to compete with Ji Yuansu?
Ying Wang: "My feelings for her are genuine."
"If you can't do anything, don't talk about genuine feelings," Consort Xian pointed at Ying Wang, speaking sternly, "I don't care if your feelings are genuine or fake, but remember this, she and the Crown Prince are already betrothed. Starting today, put away these ridiculous thoughts of yours, or else I won't have a son like you, who lusts after his brother's wife."
Ying Wang's eyes turned red, "Mother, I regret it..."
"Regret all you want, but there's no remedy for regrets in this world," Consort Xian looked at her kneeling son, gripping his shoulder firmly, and looked at him earnestly, "Minghao, remember this. You can mock your opponents when you're right, but if you're wrong, bear all the hardships honestly. As an imperial prince, there are things you can fight for, and there are things you can't."
She released her grip, gently touching her son's face with a pained expression, "Let go of this matter. For your own good and for my sake, never mention it again."
"Ying Wang has intentions toward the future Crown Princess?" In the dimly lit room, a fair hand picked up a confidential report and suddenly chuckled, "The Crown Prince of Great Jin and Ying Wang have never gotten along. If they start quarreling over a woman, one wonders how lively the capital city will become?"
"What does the Master intend to do?"
"I intend to create chaos in Great Jin's imperial family, so they have no time to deal with other matters," the man sneered, "I don't believe that the Emperor of Great Jin has no grudges against the Hua family."
"But the Emperor of Great Jin even entrusted the Imperial Guards to Hua Yingting..."
"What if the Hua family is suspected of colluding with the enemy?" the man tossed the confidential report aside, "Emperors are often suspicious, and as long as someone can prove that the Hua family is colluding and betraying the country, regardless of the final outcome, Emperor Changlong will develop suspicions towards the Hua family."
He couldn't find peace as long as the Hua family remained. He wanted Emperor Changlong to personally wield the blade of suspicion and wipe out the members of the Hua family.
Krish728
Author's Note:
Ying Wang: Benwang's feelings are genuine.
Consort Xian: Who believes that?
The Crown Prince stood in the warm sunlight and suddenly turned his head to look at Ying Wang and Ning Wang, who were following behind him. He showed them a friendly smile.
Ying Wang was disgusted by that smile and turned his head away.
However, the phrase "I love him" from Fushou Junzhu felt like a stab to Ying Wang's heart. He knew why the Crown Prince suddenly smiled so disgustingly, but he deliberately did not want to agree with the Crown Prince.
Ning Wang thought more simply. He didn't expect Fushou Junzhu, who appears soft and weak, to be so good to Third Brother. No wonder she had stood up to protect the Crown Prince when the assassins attacked them.
If there is someone in this world who is willing to protect you with their life, it is truly fortunate.
"Fushou Junzhu, you have a way with words," Consort Lin mocked and smiled, "The Crown Prince has a noble status, who dares to provoke him?"
"It is precisely because of his noble status that everyone thinks he will not suffer any grievances," Hua Liuli said with a stern face, "When he is being treated unfairly, none of you see it because you don't care about him."
People only care about whether the ones they love are doing well or not. For those they don't care about, they often only see their glory and the mistakes they make.
As for whether the person is being treated unfairly or feeling sad, what does it have to do with them?
"Hah!" Consort Lin sneered and stopped arguing with Hua Liuli.
Hua Liuli didn't care whether Consort Lin paid attention to her words or not. She stood up and said, "I see that Consort Lin doesn't look well. Your Highness needs to rest properly. I'll take my leave."
"Are you leaving just like that?" Consort Xian was somewhat reluctant. She wanted Fushou Junzhu to say a few more words.
Hua Liuli curtsied and said, "Your Highness, tomorrow is the day of Grand Tutor Du's burial. I want to go to the Du Family Estate again and offer incense for him."
Consort Xian suddenly remembered that tomorrow was the day of Grand Tutor Du's burial.
After Grand Tutor Du's death, the Emperor posthumously conferred him the title of "Wenzhong". The monks and Taoists had been reciting the sutras for him at the Du Family Estate for a full twenty-one days. Many scholars also flocked to the Du Family Estate to pay their respects.
Grand Tutor Du had a high status among the scholars in the capital and the surrounding provinces. In the past, this old man loved to criticize the Crown Prince from time to time, and she quite enjoyed it. But unexpectedly, after he fell seriously ill, he often praised the Crown Prince in front of visitors who came to see him. Even when he took his last breath, the last he did was praise the Crown Prince.
How could this old man waver in his convictions? If he liked to criticize the Crown Prince, he should have continued to do so until the end. Why did he suddenly change his mind and start praising him?
"In that case, I won't keep you any longer, Junzhu," Consort Xian forced a smile, "Take care on your way. Someone, escort Fushou Junzhu."
"Your Highness," a palace maid beside Consort Xian reminded her, "This is Consort Lin's sleeping quarters."
Your demeanor is so much like that of a master.
Consort Xian glanced at Consort Lin. Consort Lin was no longer in a good position now. It would be better to have someone personally escort Hua Liuli out of the palace for now.
"You all wait here. Gu has something to attend to," the Crown Prince swiftly turned and left the courtyard.
Ning Wang looked puzzledly at the Crown Prince's departing figure. Fushou Junzhu was about to come out, so why did the Crown Prince walk away?
Was he... feeling shy?
"Greetings to the consorts, greetings to the princes," Hua Liuli hadn't expected to see so many people in the courtyard and greeted them respectfully.
"Fushou Junzhu, greetings" Consort Rong and Consort Shu smiled particularly warmly at Hua Liuli, surprising her with their kindness.
She remembered these two consorts; their gazes towards her used to be less amiable.
"Are you all here to visit Consort Lin?" Hua Liuli nodded slightly to Ying Wang and Ning Wang. She then walked out of Consort Lin's sleeping quarters.
Under the walls of the courtyard, several persimmon trees were planted, bearing ripe fruits that looked especially delightful in their greenish hues.
"These trees were planted after Consort Lin entered the palace," explained the palace maid who accompanied Hua Liuli. This palace maid was from the Consort Xian's side. Glancing at the persimmons, she continued, "Consort Lin and Empress Gonghui entered the palace in the same year, but Consort Lin had been unable to conceive for a long time. As a result, these persimmon trees were planted in the courtyard."
"I see," Hua Liuli nodded. She thought the persimmon trees were for eating.
"Fushou Junzhu," Ying Wang followed her out. Seeing Hua Liuli standing under the persimmon tree, he approached her, "Benwang happened to be leaving the palace as well. Shall we go together, Junzhu?"
The palace maid sent by Consort Xian had a change of expression upon seeing Ying Wang follow them.
"Thank you for the offer, Your Highness, but the His Royal Highness has already prepared a carriage for this subject," Hua Liuli took a step to the side, holding the Yuan Yi's hand, "This subject doesn't dare to inconvenience Your Highness."
"Is it that you don't dare or that you don't want to?" Ying Wang couldn't help but speak, "Benwang won't eat you, after all."
Yuan Yi and Yurong glanced at Prince Ying, silently warning him that if he continued like this, their Junzhu might actually hit him.
"Your Highness is joking," Hua Liuli didn't want to be too involved with Ying Wang, as it would upset the Crown Prince. So, she smiled at him, turned around, and walked away.
Ying Wang's expression didn't look too good.
"Your Highness, please calm down," his attendant eunuch consoled him, "Fushou Junzhu and the Crown Prince are engaged. With so many people watching in the palace, Fushou Junzhu may be concerned about gossip, which is why..."
"Benwang doesn't need you, a dog, to remind Benwang," Ying Wang was furious as he followed behind Hua Liuli.
The attendant eunuch lowered his head and hurriedly followed.
"Junzhu, do you really think that the Crown Prince is a kind person who is easy to bully?" Ying Wang caught up with Hua Liuli's pace, "You say these things because you still don't know him well enough."
Hua Liuli didn't want to pay attention and continued walking forward.
"Since childhood, he has always been the favorite of the Emperor, and he has grown accustomed to being domineering in the palace. You think he's pitiful, but it's just a deception," Ying Wang's voice involuntarily lowered as he looked at the delicate girl in front of him.
"Your Highness," Hua Liuli stopped and turned to look at Ying Wang, "Are you trying to sow discord between this subject and the Crown Prince?"
Prince Ying looked at the fragile young girl before him and couldn't help but soften his voice, "Benwang just doesn't want you to be deceived."
"Your Highness, this subject doesn't know how the Crown Prince treats others, but he treats me very well," Hua Liuli said, "Your Highness says the Crown Prince is deceiving this subject; this subject doesn't know if it's true or not, but among all the women in the world, why would His Royal Highness only deceive this subject? It shows that this subject is very special to His Royal Highness."
"What?" Ying Wang was left speechless by Hua Liuli's words. Faced with her attitude, he lost interest in speaking ill of the Crown Prince.
"The Crown Prince is talented in both literature and martial arts. He is highly regarded by the Emperor and possesses extraordinary looks that surpass everyone in the capital. This outstanding young man is willing to conceal his emotions and preferences for this subject, to make this subject happy..." Hua Liuli's face revealed a touch of moved emotion, "If this doesn't prove that the Crown Prince's feelings for this subject are sincere, then what else can?"
Ying Wang: "..."
Suddenly, he found himself at a loss for words.
"Have you ever considered that the Crown Prince is interested in marrying for the influence of the Hua family?" Ying Wang felt he couldn't give up yet.
"Your Highness is joking again. Everything this subject's family has was given by the Emperor, and the Crown Prince is the Emperor's son. If the Crown Prince wants something, he only needs to ask the Emperor. There's no need to sacrifice his own happiness to pursue this subject." Hua Liuli said, "Didn't Your Highness say earlier that the Crown Prince is domineering in the palace? As someone who can be so domineering in the palace, why would His Royal Highness need to suffer to pursue this subject?"
"This subject understand," Hua Liuli clapped her hands and looked gratefully at Ying Wang, "Your Highness deliberately said these things to make this subject understand the Crown Prince's love for this subject, right?"
Ying Wang: "..."
No, that's not it.
"Thank you for the reminder, Your Highness. This subject will treat the Crown Prince well, so Your Highness doesn't need to worry," Hua Liuli smiled and performed a graceful bow to Ying Wang.
Ying Wang took a deep breath, reminding himself to speak gently and not to frighten Fushou Junzhu, "Junzhu, the reason Benwang came to speak with you today is to tell you something."
Hua Liuli had a bad feeling.
"Benwang likes you."
Ying Wang blushed after saying this. He then saw Hua Liuli and her maidservants were looking around nervously.
What kind of reaction is this?
"Junzhu, there is no one suspicious nearby," Yurong whispered in Hua Liuli's ear, "With the volume at which Ying Wang spoke, no one within five meters could hear what he said."
Hua Liuli breathed a sigh of relief. She looked at the flushed Ying Wang and sighed, "Your Highness does not like this subject. Your Highness is just feeling regret."
Ying Wang furrowed his brow, "That's not..."
"Does Your Highness know what this subject likes? Does Your Highness know this subject's daily habits, what this subject likes to wear, eat, or where this subject likes to go for fun? Your Highness doesn't know any of that," Hua Liuli quickly interrupted Ying Wang's words with a series of questions, leaving him stunned. She knew she absolutely couldn't let Ying Wang embark on a sentimental path, so she continued, "Your Highness doesn't understand this subject, and this subject doesn't understand Your Highness either. In that case, what does Your Highness like about this subject? Is it this face?"
Ying Wang earnestly tried to recall. Whenever he saw Fushou Junzhu, he couldn't help but feel pity and wanted to look at her a little longer. Was it because she was beautiful?
"In reality, Your Highness doesn't like this subject. It's just because this subject almost had an engagement with Your Highness that Your Highness has a special feeling whenever Your Highness sees this subject," Hua Liuli said, "If this person wasn't this subject, it could be another girl. Does Your Highness understand?"
Ying Wang furrowed his brow, pondering. He felt like he understood a little, but at the same time, he wasn't quite sure.
"Your Highness, being as clever as you are, Your Highness will soon figure it out," Hua Liuli smiled, "The Crown Prince and this subject have already set a wedding date. It will be held on August 12th this year. Please, Your Highness, refrain from saying things that could easily be misunderstood in the future."
The Crown Prince and Fushou Junzhu are getting married on August 12th?
Ying Wang stared blankly at Hua Liuli's hurried departure, feeling like he had been hit on the head with a heavy blow, unable to recover for a long time.
Was it because of his regret and unwillingness that he felt he liked her?
"Your Highness?" The accompanying eunuch noticed that Ying Wang's expression was off and whispered softly, "Fushou Junzhu has already gone far."
The several palace maids attending to Ying Wang had their faces turned pale from his words to Fushou Junzhu. What was their master thinking? How dare he confess his feelings to the future Crown Princess?
Even worse, their master, who could never compete with the Crown Prince for horses, weapons, or precious gems, couldn't even win a woman now.
It was truly miserable.
Emperor Changlong saw the Crown Prince staring at a memorial and smiling. He stood up, picked up the memorial, and found it to be a pile of useless flattery. In the past, the Crown Prince would simply circle them and throw them aside. Why was he so happy today?
"What are you smiling at?" Emperor Changlong hadn't slept well the night before and still had a faint shadow in his eyes.
"Nothing," the Crown Prince snapped out of it and smiled, shaking his head at Emperor Changlong. Seeing his father's incredulous expression, he continued cheerfully, "Just now, Liuli told the other consorts that even if everyone in the world doesn't love Erchen, she will."
Emperor Changlong: "..."
"Erchen is happy, Father Emperor," the Crown Prince's smile was radiant, like a child who was content. Emperor Changlong looked at the smile on his son's face and suddenly remembered that Yuansu hadn't smiled so foolishly and happily for a long time.
"As long as you're happy," Emperor Changlong didn't say anything else. He patted the Crown Prince's shoulder, "In these past few days, the envoys of various countries have gradually left the capital. The envoys from Daimao have been moving around the city nonstop to ensure a successful departure. It seems they can't sit still anymore."
"Erchen wonders what price the Third Prince of Daimao is willing to pay?" Speaking of serious matters, the Crown Prince's smile became more cunning, "Erchen hopes Father Emperor can wait patiently and watch the show."
"You'll be in charge of this matter," Emperor Changlong hinted at something, "In the future, they will be your rivals and allies."
Leaving the palace in the carriage, Yuan Yi asked in confusion, "Junzhu, what does Ying Wang really want to do?"
"Maybe he wants to sow discord between me and the Crown Prince?" Hua Liuli couldn't think of any other reason. Anyway, it couldn't be because he liked her. Ying Wang had never shown any signs of liking her.
"Back then, His Majesty wanted to betroth Junzhu to Ying Wang, but then His Majesty stopped mentioning it. It was probably because Consort Xian and Ying Wang disagreed with the arrangement. Now that Junzhu and the Crown Prince have set a wedding date, this Ying Wang is coming out to say these things," Yurong furrowed her brow, "It's clear that he has ulterior motives."
Ah, these princes in the palace are truly vile. They can't stand it when someone else is happy.
No wonder Junzhu feels sorry for the Crown Prince. These princes even want to steal the Crown Prince's betrothed. It's truly too much.
When Consort Xian heard from a palace maid that her son had chased after Fushou Junzhu to confess his feelings, she was so angry that she almost slapped Ying Wang in the face. In extreme anger, she scolded, "Why don't you use your brain? Because of you, that Lin Wan spoke ill of Hua Liuli and even cursed the Hua family. If I were Hua Liuli, I wouldn't think that you liked me either. I would only think that you had ulterior motives."
"Mother, I truly like her..."
"Like my ass!" Consort Xian used vulgar language, "You say you like her, but what have you done?!"
"Even your father knows to frequently give gifts to his consorts. What about you?" Consort Xian sneered, "Have you given her jewelry or silk fabric? Do you know what the Dog Crown Prince did when he pursued Fushou Junzhu?"
"He gave her jewelry, took her sightseeing, and treated her to delicious food. When she was cold, he gave her a hand warmer; when it snowed, he gave her a cloak. He even accompanied her to look at the stars and the moon," Consort Xian said, shaking with anger, "What about you?!"
Forget about giving gifts, he didn't even know how to utter a sweet word. He wasn't as attractive as the Dog Crown Prince to win a woman's favor. What could he use to compete with Ji Yuansu?
Ying Wang: "My feelings for her are genuine."
"If you can't do anything, don't talk about genuine feelings," Consort Xian pointed at Ying Wang, speaking sternly, "I don't care if your feelings are genuine or fake, but remember this, she and the Crown Prince are already betrothed. Starting today, put away these ridiculous thoughts of yours, or else I won't have a son like you, who lusts after his brother's wife."
Ying Wang's eyes turned red, "Mother, I regret it..."
"Regret all you want, but there's no remedy for regrets in this world," Consort Xian looked at her kneeling son, gripping his shoulder firmly, and looked at him earnestly, "Minghao, remember this. You can mock your opponents when you're right, but if you're wrong, bear all the hardships honestly. As an imperial prince, there are things you can fight for, and there are things you can't."
She released her grip, gently touching her son's face with a pained expression, "Let go of this matter. For your own good and for my sake, never mention it again."
"Ying Wang has intentions toward the future Crown Princess?" In the dimly lit room, a fair hand picked up a confidential report and suddenly chuckled, "The Crown Prince of Great Jin and Ying Wang have never gotten along. If they start quarreling over a woman, one wonders how lively the capital city will become?"
"What does the Master intend to do?"
"I intend to create chaos in Great Jin's imperial family, so they have no time to deal with other matters," the man sneered, "I don't believe that the Emperor of Great Jin has no grudges against the Hua family."
"But the Emperor of Great Jin even entrusted the Imperial Guards to Hua Yingting..."
"What if the Hua family is suspected of colluding with the enemy?" the man tossed the confidential report aside, "Emperors are often suspicious, and as long as someone can prove that the Hua family is colluding and betraying the country, regardless of the final outcome, Emperor Changlong will develop suspicions towards the Hua family."
He couldn't find peace as long as the Hua family remained. He wanted Emperor Changlong to personally wield the blade of suspicion and wipe out the members of the Hua family.
Krish728
Author's Note:
Ying Wang: Benwang's feelings are genuine.
Consort Xian: Who believes that?
