Chapter 009: Lotus Leaf Rain, Smartweed Flower Wind, Autumn Regrets of Several Red Branches (Nine)

These two brothers are of such noble status that they can procure the finest medicinal herbs and remedies in the world to care for her. The Crown Princess is very strict in her management, and every time Xu Zhijie goes out, he is accompanied by a large entourage. Given his well-known youthful disposition, it is rather inconvenient for him to visit the temple without reason; however, Xu Zhiyan often comes to visit and has even stayed at the temple for several days. He is usually taciturn, spending most of his time quietly facing Huan Yan, silently playing with his chess pieces.

Although Huan Yan is a maid, she has been cherished and nurtured by her mother, Silver Aunt, since childhood. The food, clothing, and living standards she enjoys are not much different from those of Miss Ling Hua. Not to mention heavy labor, even tasks like serving tea and water are rarely assigned to her.

One is the legitimate eldest son, and the other is the biological child of the Crown Princess. The matrons of Shangde Hall are not to be trifled with, and moreover, they are perceptive enough to realize that they would not dare to bring Huan Yan back to the Crown Prince's residence. Thus, they feign ignorance, treating Huan Yan as if she were dead and allowing her to be taken away. In the future, if those in power discover and investigate, they can simply say that Huan Yan was fortunate enough to escape, and it would not be considered a serious crime.

After so many days, she felt that the wounds on her body had mostly healed, yet the trauma in her heart continued to fester day by day, leaving her too disheartened to even speak. Xu Zhiyan silently kept her company, which suited her state of mind.

Huan Yan sighed, "Fifth Young Master, is this not nonsense? If someone discovers this and reports it, even with the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess's protection, it would be difficult to avoid punishment"

The day before yesterday, Xu Zhiyan had just arrived at the temple when someone approached him and whispered something in his ear. His expression remained unchanged as he conversed with Master Jingde as usual, inquiring about Huan Yan's well-being, before leaving at a leisurely pace.

The imperial family has always been the most heartless. The Crown Prince Xu Anren was established as the heir at the age of four, and he remained the Crown Prince for forty-one years. During this time, he faced several close calls of being deposed. After so many years of trials and tribulations, although on the surface there still appears to be the benevolence of a ruler and the filial piety of a son, how much of the father-son bond remains between them? It is likely that only he himself truly understands.

The year before last, Silver Aunt passed away, and Huan Yan has grown up, possessing a beauty that is both ethereal and graceful, with a captivating intelligence. Moreover, with the support of various young gentlemen, both openly and discreetly, who would dare to show her any disrespect among the servants and attendants in the household? Ling Hua, being gentle, quiet, and elegant, never imposed any restrictions on her, allowing her the freedom to study and practice medicine. Her life is more affluent and leisurely than that of the daughters of typical official families, and she has hardly ever faced any grievances.

I had long anticipated that there would be a change, yet I never expected it to be the sudden death of Emperor Shun.

Huan Yan asked Xu Zhi Jie: "The Emperor has passed away, and you are not in the palace observing mourning, yet you have come to my side?"

Now, Huanyan has been recuperating at the Cien Temple for more than a month

Now, the young lady, who is as close as a sister, and her beloved, who has made solemn vows, have joined forces to bring her to her demise, leaving her in a state of despair akin to a mountain collapse or a tsunami, nearly suffocating her.

Xu Zhijie smiled and said: "At this moment, both inside and outside the palace are in great chaos. I found an excuse to leave, and there are even fewer people following me, which makes it convenient to come and see you"

As for Xu Zhijie, there was an additional layer of separation; he felt both fear and disdain towards this so-called grandfather, preferring to avoid him whenever possible and to keep his distance. No matter how the Crown Princess tried to persuade or admonish him, he never approached him. Now, upon hearing of his grandfather's death, he does not seem to express much sorrow.