Chapter 8, The Grand Wedding

Chengde observed my reaction and softened, embracing me from behind. "Don't be so heartless, Rong'er," he said gently, lightly tapping my left chest with his finger. "This place... can only have me alone." His voice was deep and tender, resonating softly in my ear, causing my heart to flutter in response. It felt as if with each tap of his finger, my heart would tremble slightly, a sensation that was truly strange

After a moment of silence outside, the Emperor wearily said, "You may leave for now, I am tired, we will discuss this matter later."

"Forget it," he said, but can one really forget?

Chengde nodded and looked at me with what seemed like sympathy, saying: "Well, it seems that I will have to stay here, and I fear it might be for a lifetime." A lifetime, yet another lifetime; I can only endure for a year at most! Thinking of this, I felt somewhat better. "By the way, what about Ye Fan? How is she doing?"

Chengde, will I encounter Chengde here? When I see him again, how should I face him?

Chengde smiled at me and said, "Don't worry, the palace maids outside are all sound asleep, not even the thunder can wake them up!" As she spoke, she also gave me a kiss near my face

Please, Father Emperor, punish your son for his transgressions said Chengde

That day, as I watched you walk towards him in a bright red dress, I realized... I still cannot let go. In this lifetime... you should not think of being with anyone else, no one is allowed!" Chengde said softly

This bout of diarrhea did not resolve until the morning of the next day, and I had already lost quite a bit of weight. The imperial physician said it might be due to the local climate not agreeing with me. I thought to myself, I have been in the capital for several days now, so why did I suddenly have this issue yesterday? Could it be that I cannot tolerate the water in the palace? The Empress Dowager and the Emperor both sent people to inquire about my health, and the Left Empress even came to visit me in person. I felt somewhat embarrassed; just look at me, I couldn't even choose a better illness. Other beauties have ailments like heartache, yet here I am suffering from diarrhea. How can I possibly bring myself to speak of this? The Empress Dowager and the Emperor both sent people to inquire about my health, and the Left Empress even came to visit me in person. I felt somewhat embarrassed; just look at me, I couldn't even choose a better illness. Other beauties have ailments like heartache, yet here I am suffering from diarrhea. How can I possibly bring myself to speak of this?

After exchanging a few words with the Left Empress, I was led back to my palace. Upon returning, I saw that Su'er and the others had already arranged most of the items. When they saw me come back, they all approached to ask me, fearing that the Left Empress had given me a hard time. I told them that they were truly wronging the Left Empress; not only did she not treat me poorly, but even if she had, it would have been my own fault, as I am merely a concubine.

Perhaps he did not eliminate that false princess to save me, but simply because he already knew that his conspiracy had been exposed. Am I being a bit too self-indulgent? Thinking of this, I feel even more depressed

Father Emperor, the son has committed an offense

"Hehe, are you all covered up?" Chengde asked in my ear, then let out a strange laugh, his hand unexpectedly sliding down my chest. Ah! I was about to go crazy; it was so unfair. Men have only one point to protect, while women have three. In the same situation of taking a shower with someone barging in, a man only needs to cover one point with both hands, and it's quite easy. A woman, on the other hand, has to cover three points with both hands, and it's impossible to cover them all. Right now, I wished I could grow a third hand. Looking at Chengde's lewd grin, my unruly nature erupted again. I released my hands from my chest and fiercely grabbed Chengde's restless hand, holding it tightly against my chest.

"Yes, things have gone relatively smoothly, but there were some troubles in between, which caused a delay of a few days," Chengde replied. "Oh, as long as it’s done, you must be tired too, go rest for a while," I listened from inside, feeling alarmed, not knowing which matter they were discussing. Was it about the martial arts conference? What happened to Nangong Yue? Outside, there was silence for a moment, and then I heard a 'thud,' as if Chengde had knelt down.

Ding Xiaoxian, you scoundrel, when will you be able to come?

I was at a loss whether to laugh or cry, so I had no choice but to lean in and ask, "Did you kill that false princess?" Chengde nodded.

"Suddenly died last night!" Su Er said

I do not know either, there are no wounds on my body, it was only when Wanyue came in to serve this morning that it was discovered. Indeed, it was Wanyue! It seems it was done in Chengde. Was the fake killed to save me? Does he already know? The next morning, I finally entered the capital as the princess of the Zhou state, betrothed for political alliance.

I still haven't figured out what exactly is going on when another eunuch came to deliver a message. I originally thought I was going to meet the Emperor, but instead, I was sent to an out-of-town villa in a small carriage. When I saw Su'er and Wan Yue again, not only were they stunned, but I was also dumbfounded. Did they bring me here with the intention of restoring my identity as a princess? Then... what about that false princess?

That night, I was making pancakes in bed, contemplating how I could escape this prison sooner. Suddenly, I felt something was amiss. I turned over to look at the edge of the bed and was nearly shocked into unconsciousness. A dark figure was sitting by my bedside. Before I could even think of screaming, he covered my mouth with his hand. Upon closer inspection, it was indeed that fellow from Chengde!

I trudged back with great reluctance, wishing I could walk forever without reaching the end. However, when I was less than one hundred meters away from the dormitory, I suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to run back. Why? Because I suddenly really needed to use the restroom

I broke free from Chengde's embrace, "Since you can come in so easily, can you also easily take me out, alright?" Chengde looked at me quietly, without saying a word

"I originally thought to just go along with the mistake, but unexpectedly, that fake one is gone. It seems you really are a lucky star, blessed with great fortune and a long life," he said. Upon hearing this, I quickly replied, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your precious words!" Since he has said that I am blessed with great fortune and a long life, he should feel embarrassed to come and take my life in the future right

Live! Live well

"Are you afraid of people? Why don't you come closer to me? Speaking so loudly, aren't you afraid that the palace maids outside will hear?" No wonder he always spoke into my ear; it turns out he was afraid of being overheard by others outside. I guess I had wronged him. I glanced nervously outside and had no choice but to sit beside him. Just as I was about to speak, he leaned in again and whispered, "What do you want to say? Come closer and tell me." After saying that, he even leaned his ear closer.

Indeed! I went to the restroom, and not just once; to put it more elegantly, I experienced a sudden bout of diarrhea, or to put it more colloquially, I had an upset stomach! The Emperor stood in my chamber for a while, summoned the imperial physician for me, and then proceeded to the Empress's quarters.

I let out a sigh of relief as I watched Chengde's figure disappear outside the door. Unconsciously, I touched my own face, still feeling a burning sensation. However, I sensed something was amiss and suddenly realized, ah! Chengde was playing me! Since everyone outside was sound asleep, why bother whispering? Nevertheless, the feeling of two people snuggling together and whispering was indeed quite nice

Chengde suddenly sighed and softly said, "Actually, I originally wanted to protect your life, but..." As he spoke, he pulled me into his embrace. I struggled a bit and realized that his strength was indeed considerable, so I gave up.

I am reminded once again of his figure sitting under the tree. Although I wish to forget that image, it always appears before me whenever I close my eyes, so vividly that it feels as if I could reach out and touch it. The coolness of his lips, the hand he tucked into my hair, all feel so real.

He smiled faintly upon seeing my reaction

What about the false princess? I asked again

Sitting on the toilet, although my stomach is quite uncomfortable, I surprisingly feel very happy

The grand ceremony proceeded relatively smoothly, with the emperor standing on the high platform, causing me to feel somewhat dazed, as if it were not the emperor standing there, but Chengde twenty years later

"Are you out of your mind? Is this the place you came to?" I said in a lowered voice

Upon waking up in the morning, my clothes were completely soaked with sweat, and I felt a deep sense of panic. My mother's cries seemed to still echo in my ears. No, I cannot sink any further; this world does not belong to me. It is fine to experience a few fresh days of travel, but if I were to stay here for a lifetime, I would not be able to endure it. There is no television, no computer, none of the modern conveniences, and most importantly, there are no loved ones here! I do not belong here! However, the reality is that regardless of how I feel, I must live here for a year before I can return.

"Your Highness, the Emperor wishes to see you. Please follow this humble servant." The young eunuch said with utmost respect

I was almost fainting with anger. Just as I was about to give him a piece of my mind, he leaned close to my ear and said, "Come on, take it off and let me see your body. Is the effect just as good?" As he spoke, his hand actually started to unbutton my clothes.

"Princess, we thought we would never see you again!" Su'er said, crying.

I cautiously took two steps forward, unsure of what identity I should use to greet him, or how I should refer to myself. In the midst of this internal conflict, I heard the Emperor speak.

Upon entering the room, I saw that the Emperor was still seated on the soft couch, this time adorned in a bright yellow dragon robe. It was only upon closer inspection that I realized that the eyes of Chengde and his brothers were indeed inherited from him

Another sleepless night, I thought about many things and many people, including Emperor Gege, Old Shen, Chengde, Ye Fan, Meng Anyang, Nangong Yue, and so on, completely ranked in the order of their appearance, without distinction. However, the ones I thought about the most were Nangong Yue and that fellow Chengde! It is quite frustrating! Am I really going to be a concubine to this old emperor for a year? Although this emperor seems not only young but also possesses the mature charm of a middle-aged man, I just don't feel any chemistry with him, so I really don't want to. Especially when I think that if I become a concubine to this emperor, I would end up being Chengde's little mother, it makes me even more frustrated. Although this emperor seems not only young but also possesses the mature charm of a middle-aged man, I just don't feel any chemistry with him, so I really don't want to. Especially when I think that if I become a concubine to this emperor, I would end up being Chengde's little mother, it makes me even more frustrated.

Hmm?

She nodded

As I passed by Chengde, I caught a glimpse of him through the beaded curtain. He still appeared as a graceful prince, with a serene smile on his face. However, for some reason, I couldn't shake the feeling that his complexion was not as it used to be; it seemed somewhat pale.

I felt very depressed, so I somewhat gave up on myself, continuously drinking alcohol. No matter who came to toast, I would drain my cup to the bottom, only to hear the Empress Dowager laughingly say to me, "What a good-natured child!" Chengde was sitting not far below, yet I dared not look at him, fearing that others might detect some flaw. Finally, there came a moment when I could no longer hold back; I stole a glance at him and was surprised to find him smiling brightly, quietly chatting and laughing with the brothers beside him, looking quite at ease! Could it be that I was the only one feeling down?

For the first time, I feel confused about my future life. A year, can I endure it? In that bloodless palace! I also think of Old Man Shen and that useless Nangong Yue he found. If it weren't for them, perhaps I wouldn't have fallen into this predicament. However, saying this seems to lack a bit of conscience.

I changed into lighter clothing; although it is said to be light, it still consists of several layers. I am somewhat worried about how to get through this summer. Even if no one comes to harm me, I fear I might suffer from heatstroke myself! A lady-in-waiting from the palace came over and informed me that, according to etiquette, I must first pay my respects to the Empress Dowager. So, I dressed up again and had someone lead me to meet the main figure of this palace. I wonder what the scene will be like when the first wife meets the second wife? The Empress appeared to be a virtuous woman, with a dignified and calm demeanor, and a gentle smile on her face as she looked at me. I paid my respects to her, and she stepped forward to support me, saying kindly, "From now on, we are family, so there is no need for excessive formalities. Please rise, Princess." I stood up with a smile, but I did not know how to engage her in small talk. Alas, it seems I have read too few court novels. However, I do admire this Empress; regardless of whether her feelings are genuine, it is already quite remarkable that she can behave this way. Just think about it: could you be warm and friendly to your husband's future concubine? If it were me, I would have slapped her and said, "You little vixen, trying to seduce my husband! Just wait until I turn your fox head into a pig's head!"

Before I could even react for a few seconds, the true nature of this scoundrel from Chengde was revealed. The hand that had lightly touched my chest suddenly turned into a grasp... "Get away, you pervert!" I muttered under my breath, forcefully pulling his hand away from my left chest. However, his hand then moved to my right chest, and I quickly shielded that side, angrily trying to break free from his embrace. Yet, he firmly held onto my shoulder, refusing to let go. I pulled his hand away from my left chest, but it soon moved to my right chest again. I hurriedly protected that side, fuming as I attempted to escape from his grasp, but he continued to tightly grip my shoulder, unwilling to release me.

My mind is becoming more confused. Which performance is being sung in Chengde? Do I know that I have revealed my intentions, and am I deliberately saying this? But why does the emperor want me to listen to this? What is his plan? Or does he already know about the matters between Chengde and me? My heart grows increasingly alarmed, and my legs gradually feel weak, almost making me want to sit down on the ground

Chengde no longer resisted, allowing me to hold on firmly. Suddenly, he became honest, which made me somewhat uncomfortable, unsure of what scheme he was concocting, so I remained on high alert. The room grew even quieter, as if only the breaths of the two of us remained, faintly accompanied by the sound of a heartbeat, I could not tell if it was mine or his

When I returned, I saw Su'er and the others waiting for me with worried expressions. Upon asking, I learned that the female official from Waller had sent over a ceremonial gown. I had originally planned to wear the ceremonial gown from the Zhou Kingdom, but it seemed that Waller did not want me to wear it. Although it appeared to be a simple matter of what to wear, in the eyes of Su'er and the others, it involved issues of national dignity.

The young eunuch outside the door gently reported: "The Third Prince has arrived." I was somewhat bewildered; why has Chengde come? Was he summoned by the Emperor, or did we just happen to run into each other?

I am even more shocked! Fainting, what if someone sees this? Isn't this an atypical case of being caught in bed?

That won't do either

Although I was extremely reluctant, the banquet still came to an end when the Empress Dowager expressed her fatigue. I returned to my own chamber. Naturally, as today's groom, the Emperor was also to stay with me.

Since your disappearance, a fake has suddenly appeared. We, your servants, thought that you might have been rescued by someone. Then, someone warned us that if we were to speak of this matter, not only would we be in danger, but even your life would be at risk. Therefore, we had no choice but to...

I thought that rescuing me might arouse the emperor's suspicion towards Chengde, but it shouldn't lead to him losing his life, right? I looked at Chengde with some disbelief

That night, I slept very poorly, almost constantly dreaming. At one moment, Chengde was smiling at me, saying to stay and accompany him for a lifetime. At another moment, Nangong Yue was standing there quietly watching me without saying a word. Then it changed to my parents; my father, with a stern face, said that during school, absolutely no dating was allowed! My mother cried, saying, "You ungrateful girl, I raised you for twenty years, and you forget in the blink of an eye? ... For a pretty boy, you would abandon your parents?" My mother cried, saying, "You ungrateful girl, I raised you for twenty years, and you forget in the blink of an eye? ... For a pretty boy, you would abandon your parents?"

After waiting for a long time, my lips did not part, but suddenly, Chengde let out a low laugh. I opened my eyes, looking at him in confusion, but he laughed even harder, breathlessly saying: "I can't take it anymore, with all those red bumps on your face, it's really impossible to kiss you!" I was furious, feeling utterly humiliated; no matter how thick-skinned I was, I still turned red. I struggled to get out of his embrace, but my hand accidentally brushed against his sensitive area, and I immediately froze. How could this guy have a physiological reaction again?

But it is also good, as I have finally avoided the wedding night with the emperor. However, I have started to worry about the future again. I cannot be pregnant for an entire year. Not to mention anything else, I do not have that much flesh to spare

Really? I couldn't help but feel ecstatic; it's great that Ye Fan is fine. I thought of Nangong Yue, but I didn't know how to bring it up with Chengde. "Well... that..." Chengde glanced at me, as if he had guessed what I wanted to ask, his expression somewhat grim, and he coldly said, "Are you asking about Nangong Yue?" I looked at Chengde with a bit of guilt, but then I thought, what do I have to feel guilty about? I immediately raised my chin and defiantly met his gaze, even letting out a hum to bolster my confidence. It seemed he had guessed what I wanted to ask, his expression somewhat grim, and he coldly said, "Are you asking about Nangong Yue?" I looked at Chengde with a bit of guilt, but then I thought, what do I have to feel guilty about? I immediately raised my chin and defiantly met his gaze, even letting out a hum to bolster my confidence.

Chengde's body stiffened for a moment, then he released me and crawled to the bedside to put on his boots. While putting them on, he laughed and said, "It's getting late, I have to go. Otherwise, if someone catches us in bed, I can't guarantee your safety." I stared foolishly as he finished putting on his boots, lifted the bed curtain, and walked out. I poked my head out of the curtain, just about to speak, when Chengde turned back, placed his index finger to his lips, signaling for silence. I quickly held my breath, afraid that the palace maids outside would hear. He turned back, walked to the bedside, leaned down, and whispered in my ear, "What do you want to say?" I shook my head, and as I poked my head out of the curtain again, I was about to speak when Chengde turned back and made the same gesture for silence. I held my breath again, terrified of being overheard by the palace maids outside. He turned back, walked to the bedside, leaned down, and whispered in my ear, "What do you want to say?" I shook my head and leaned closer to his ear, saying, "It's nothing, be careful when you go out, make sure no one sees you." After saying this, I regretted it; how awkward it sounded, like a promiscuous woman advising her lover.

I sat up and then pushed Chengde down onto the bed, gripping his neck with my hand, trying to look fierce, and gritted my teeth as I asked, "Tell me! Did you drug me?" Chengde smiled and nodded, pulling my hand away, leaning close to my ear and saying, "Otherwise, how could I let you live such a carefree life?" Carefree life? With my face and body covered in bumps?

Therefore, I am very cautious

The current situation is that I am half-reclining in the embrace of Chengde, resting my head on one of his arms. Although he can only move one hand freely, that hand is, however, quite terrifying to me

Why

Looking at Chengde, momentarily stunned, I smiled with satisfaction

I was so anxious that my face turned red; I couldn't fight back, and I didn't dare to scold loudly. Faced with such a lecherous and shameless person, I could only protect my chest with both hands, appearing like a weak little lamb

"Get up, everyone get up first," I said in a low voice, glancing outside. I continued, "Wanyue, you go guard the main gate. If anyone comes, report it immediately, hurry up." Wanyue hesitated slightly but still took the order and left, leaving only Su'er and me in the room.

I truly did not expect that he had genuine feelings for me, and that they were so deep. What should I do? In a moment, my heart is in turmoil. To say that I am not moved would be a lie. Perhaps I have wronged him in the past, perhaps...

A lifetime, can one have a lifetime? My lifetime should not be here

I was taken aback; how is it that I have only just returned and the Emperor wishes to see me? There was no choice but to follow him out. Su'er and the others wanted to accompany me, but they were stopped by that little eunuch. As I walked out of the palace gates, I saw a small blue sedan chair already waiting at the entrance. After being carried around for a while, I realized that this courtyard was the same one I had visited last time. The Emperor is meeting me here again? What kind of play is this?

The emperor glanced at me and said softly, "You should stand behind the screen for a moment." I did not understand what the emperor intended to do, so I could only obey his command and took a few steps to stand behind the screen at his soft couch. Then I heard the emperor instructing outside, "Let him in." I heard a young eunuch shout from outside, and after a moment, I heard the curtain being lifted, and someone walked in. Then that familiar voice rang out, "Chengde pays respects to Father Emperor." Those simple words struck my heart, making it feel as if it had stopped beating. Then I heard the emperor instructing outside again, "Let him in." I heard the young eunuch shout from outside, and after a moment, I heard the curtain being lifted, and someone walked in. Then that familiar voice rang out, "Chengde pays respects to Father Emperor." Those simple words struck my heart, making it feel as if it had stopped beating. "Hmm, you have returned?" the emperor asked淡淡.

Two days later, although my stomach has improved, I have developed a rash all over my body due to the change in environment. The imperial physician said this is a classic case of acclimatization issues. However, I still find it strange that I specifically fell ill after drinking the tea that Wanyue poured for me. The emperor seems quite helpless about it, but fortunately, there are many beauties in the palace, and he is not overly lustful, so he only sends messages to me, advising me to take good care of myself.

Feeling somewhat restless, just as I was about to lie down and rest for a while, a maid came to inform me that another eunuch had arrived outside. I wondered if this would ever allow me a moment of peace, or if it was yet another "sister" wanting to see me. Helpless under the eaves, I had no choice but to lower my head and let the young eunuch in. To my surprise, I recognized him; he was the one who served by the emperor's side! What could he possibly want from me?

"Come here," the emperor said淡淡.

Lost ?

Then take me out

Is he dead? How did he die

Chengde feigned helplessness, placing a hand on his forehead, and sighed softly: "I regret it. I originally thought you were clever and perceptive, which is why I kept you around. I didn't expect you to be such a foolish girl! I misjudged you, I regret it, truly regret it!" I glared at him and said in embarrassment and anger: "Regardless of whether he is male or female, I only ask you how he is doing?"

Upon entering the Waller Palace, I was assigned to a seemingly newly renovated palace. I looked up at the plaque on the door, counted the characters, three in total, yet I could not decipher what was written. Alas, being illiterate is truly unfortunate! If I were to get lost while out alone in the future, I fear I would not even be able to find my way back. If someone were to ask, "Which palace do you reside in?" what would I say? "Wuwuwu, I do not know, I only know it has three characters in its name." There were already quite a number of waiting palace maids in the palace, and with those I brought along, it became quite lively, a colorful scene filled with beautiful young girls. I also recalled the "Thirty-Six Stratagems" I brought, wondering where they had been assigned. I should ask Su'er and the others when I have a moment.

"Ye Fan? That little boy?" Little boy? Did I hear that wrong? When did Ye Fan become a little boy? She is a quiet little girl. Cheng De saw my silly expression and lowered his head to chuckle softly, saying: "You really are foolish, didn't you notice he is a boy?" I nodded blankly, truly not having realized it. I have seen pretty little boys before, but in novels, it is always girls disguising as boys; it is rare to see a boy dressing as a girl.

When Chengde was on the way to fetch the bride, he lost Princess Furong on the road

In the dim light, Chengde's eyes became even more luminous, his head slowly lowered, coming closer and closer to me... I could only feel my heart racing faster and faster, as if it were about to leap out of my chest, not daring to even breathe, my body frozen in place, fearfully closing my eyes... Perhaps, there was already a hint of anticipation in my heart...

Father... it seems that Chengde wanted to say something more, but it appeared that he was stopped by the Emperor, and then I heard Chengde retreating. After a while, I heard the Emperor say, "Come out." I stepped out, and saw the Emperor leaning on the soft couch, rubbing his temples. Upon seeing me, he paused, looked at me meaningfully, and said lightly, "Chengde has truly fallen under a spell! Are you really a lucky star? I somewhat regret asking for you from the State of Zhou." I felt a bit dizzy; why could I understand every word they said, yet when put together, I couldn't grasp the meaning? If Chengde is like a little fox, can the Emperor be considered a fox spirit? What does he really mean? Why can't he speak directly?

"Alas, you truly have no conscience, not even a thought for me," Chengde sighed. "Even if you, heartless girl, do not care about me, what about your maidens? If you were to leave them behind for no reason, not only would the people in this palace be unable to survive, but who knows how many others outside would be implicated. Can you truly harden your heart to do that?" Chengde's words left me somewhat flustered. When I first arrived in this world, I was only concerned with my own pleasures and did not think much about Su'er and the others. Last time, when I fled in chaos from Wuniu Town, I did not consider their safety either. However, having spent time with them, they have devoted themselves to me. If I were to run away knowing it would bring them disaster, I fear I would never find peace in my life. "So, does this mean I must stay here and behave?" I asked unwillingly.

I glanced at Waller's gown and then resolutely decided to wear the gown of the Zhou Kingdom. This decision made Su'er and the others look up at me with tears in their eyes once again. I felt a bit embarrassed and did not have the heart to tell them that the reason I chose the Zhou gown was simply because I noticed that Waller's gown was thicker! It was already May, and I was afraid that wearing so many layers would suffocate me.

"If the princess has any discomfort, please feel free to tell me," said Zuo Hou gently. "The Emperor has state affairs to attend to today and may not be able to meet the princess. The princess has had a long and tiring journey; it is best to rest well first. After the Emperor and the princess perform the grand ceremony tomorrow, I will lead the harem to celebrate with the princess." I couldn't help but break into a sweat. The grand ceremony is tomorrow? With the old man from Chengde? I'm going to faint.

Isn't the original trajectory designed this way? The earlier part was merely a small detour made by accident. After completing the grand ceremony, there were also rituals such as offerings to heaven and ancestors. I felt somewhat exhausted, yet strangely relaxed in my heart, thinking to myself, let it be tiring, let it be tiring, after all, I am not the only one who is tired. I am just a passionate young man under twenty, and if I am this worn out, the middle-aged emperor must be even more overwhelmed. It would be best if he were exhausted to death; I would rather be a widow. I felt somewhat exhausted, yet strangely relaxed in my heart, thinking to myself, let it be tiring, let it be tiring, after all, I am not the only one who is tired. I am just a passionate young man under twenty, and if I am this worn out, the middle-aged emperor must be even more overwhelmed. It would be best if he were exhausted to death; I would rather be a widow. Even if he doesn't die from exhaustion, I want him to be so tired that he can't get out of bed for a month! After finishing the external affairs, there was still a family-like gathering dinner waiting for me back in the palace. I was truly taken aback, and what was even more frustrating was that it seemed I was the only one who was tired, while the emperor appeared to be in high spirits, showing no signs of fatigue at all. I began to doubt, is this guy really almost fifty?

"Because I do not want to lose my life yet," Chengde said, suddenly laughing.

Yes, when I was in Wuniu Town, I was kidnapped. I was afraid that if the State of Zhou found out, it would cause trouble, so I had to keep it a secret. I temporarily found someone to replace the princess, intending to search for the real Princess Furong later, but...

"Why?" Chengde shot me a glance and said, "You really don't know? If it weren't to protect your head, would I need to kill her?" Although I had thought about these things, hearing him say it himself still made my heart feel a bit sweet.

As soon as those who brought me left, Su'er and a few others cried and fell at my feet

Until I was sent back by the eunuch, I never understood why the emperor wanted me to witness such a performance; there were too many issues involved! I am quite self-aware; I have some cleverness, but when it comes to so many intricate and complex problems, I lack the great wisdom. Therefore, I cannot ponder these issues, as thinking about them only leaves me feeling like a fool.

"I beg you, get me out of here. You don't want me to really become your father's little mistress, do you?" I said pitifully. Chengde shook his head and leaned closer to my ear, saying, "I don't want that. No one can touch you, not others, and especially not him."

Once again, I woke up very early, somewhat reminiscent of the day I left the palace of the State of Zhou, surrounded by a group of palace maids who finally bound me up like a zongzi. This time, I was quite compliant, for this was not the territory of the State of Zhou. According to the principles of palace intrigue, there were too many eyes watching me and too many hands waiting to seize my vulnerabilities. Although I am not particularly afraid of death, it is better to live poorly than to die well.

He saw that I recognized him, smiled softly, and released his hand

Su Er was somewhat surprised when she heard me ask about the false princess, "Princess, do you also know that there is a false princess who has been impersonating you?" I nodded, "I know all about it. Where has that fake one gone now?"

Chengde chuckled softly, saying, "Why can't I come? I can enter and exit the palace of the State of Zhou freely, let alone my own territory." As he spoke, he took off his boots and placed them at the head of the bed, then crossed over me and sat down inside the bed.

I hurriedly distanced myself from him and angrily said, "Do you want to die? If someone sees us, it will be impossible to explain!"

Alas, had I known earlier, I would have honestly taken my advanced mathematics exam, diligently solved my calculus problems. Why did I choose to traverse this path? I regret it, I truly regret it

His warm lips were almost touching my ear, creating a tingling sensation that made me feel somewhat uncomfortable, prompting me to quickly turn my head away. Chengde lifted my face, and by the faint light filtering through the curtain, he examined me closely, then smacked his lips and chuckled softly, saying, "You were never handsome to begin with, and now you're even uglier!" His face was filled with schadenfreude.

"Have you been here all along?" I asked

I know everything. I interrupted her, asking, "What about the fake ones?"

But it has not been found yet? the emperor asked淡淡.