Chapter 10, a lonely flower is hard to offer, the spring chill has lost the flowering season

The magnificent attire of Zhai has lost its daytime brilliance in the night, with only that fair and beautiful face shimmering with a faint glow under the moonlight, making her appear even more stunning and rare in beauty.

In the presence of the palace maid, even when I was infuriated, I could not express it. I touched the lips he had kissed, staring at him, yet found myself unable to speak.

She lifted the teacup but did not drink from it; feeling somewhat weak, she placed it back on the side table and gently said: "Waiting too long will inevitably lead to fatigue; moreover, after fatigue, there is nowhere to go. Like a moth to a flame, I... ultimately cannot resign myself to this fate"

His phoenix-like eyes arched playfully, unexpectedly failing to support me, and instead, we both fell onto the bamboo mat, facing each other, our noses nearly touching.

Seeing that he had finished washing up, I instructed the palace maid to bring hot water and tea utensils. I leisurely prepared the tea, warmed the cups, heated the kettle, poured high, and served low. The delicate fragrance of the tea soon spread throughout the room.

Ya Yi ... ... When the young nun ... ... "Tang Tianxiao felt a flutter, seemingly unimaginable, 'She has always been competitive, capable of writing and painting, skilled in singing and dancing, wholeheartedly striving to be a talented and beautiful young woman, wanting to outshine all the women around me. How could she ... ... become a young nun?"

The light green gauze curtain hanging in front of the bed had already been drawn to both sides by dawn. The playful banter of the two was now fully exposed to the eyes of the palace maid who had come to serve.

When we were in seclusion at Jingyi Courtyard, Tang Tianxiao regarded it as the last pure land within the palace, often visiting Nan Yayi to enjoy tea, listen to the qin, and share heartfelt words that could not be spoken elsewhere, showing great concern for her. However, now he can similarly play the qin and flute for him in Yiqing Palace, freely expressing his resentment and grievances without any reservations

He no longer practiced his calligraphy, threw down his brush, and sat down quietly in front of me, surprisingly waiting for me to brew tea, with a playful smile at the corners of his lips, embodying a carefree spirit mixed with childlike joy

Later, Li Mingchang subdued the Great Zhou, and the people of the North also adhered to Buddhism. The Xihua Monastery, as a place beyond the mundane, was not implicated despite being favored by the Southern Chu royal family. However, it seems that these abbesses were unable to rise above worldly matters and ended up meddling in the affairs of Zhuang Bilan.

My scalp tingled, and I forced a smile as I said, "If he is really waiting for me outside the city, I definitely will not return."

After marriage, Nanya was neglected. Although she willingly immersed herself in the quagmire of the Regent's Palace out of consideration for our sisterly bond, when she made that promise, she may not have been without testing her own significance in Tang Tianxiao's eyes

And my breath suddenly halted, I tightly grasped her collar and asked in a choked voice: "What did you say, are you saying, are you saying ... ... "

Tang Tianzhong may not be able to support for long, and Nanya Yi may not be able to wait for long either. If one waits too long, the heart becomes despondent and dies. Remembering the beautiful yet desolate figure of Yayi at our farewell, I said gloomily, as the six bronze lamps on the table cast six blurred halos of light, fluctuating in size before my eyes

Nanya suddenly realized the truth

I have heard light footsteps coming from outside, which should be the people, including Ning Shuang, bringing in Tang Tianxiao's toiletries to attend to him

At the very least, one of us two can still be happy

Nanya glanced out the window and then lowered her head to look at my hand, softly saying: "Qingwu, you have bruised my arm."

Perhaps those who aspire to achieve great things are all like this, while Nanya and I have always been merely short-sighted women

I also took a cup, delicately savoring the fragrance of the tea with the tip of my tongue, and slowly said: "Perhaps... it is not a matter of the water? I have grown accustomed to being lazy and do not possess the refined leisure of elegance. Every day, I rise before dawn to collect the dew from the pear blossom tree, drop by drop, accumulating it into a small bowl. The small cup that the Emperor drinks each time may be the result of her entire morning's effort."

Although Tang Tianxiao agreed, he has yet to provide me with the official order, and I cannot help but wonder if he harbors some suspicion, fearing that I might actually find an opportunity to elope with Zhuang Bilan

Tang Tianxiao had already taken a seat, but upon hearing my words, he stood up again, crossing his arms and pacing back and forth in the room for a few steps. He half-lifted his face towards me and forced a bitter smile, saying: "Very well, I admit it, I have also been restraining him, preventing him from seeing you. My good intentions have truly caused him great suffering."

I rested my chin on my hand, tilting my head to smile at him, "Yes, I want to leave the palace for a while. At least there are no sharp eyes piercing through me like in the palace, and I can stroll freely to ease my mind, without worrying about someone reporting me to the Empress and facing some baseless accusation."

Tang Tianxiao smiled slightly, calling someone in to change clothes while turning to instruct me: "I will have some skilled guards accompany you for protection; you can just take Ning Shuang and Qin Yue with you. That girl Jiu'er is quite peculiar; who knows how you managed to get her? You are not allowed to take her along."

Her words were resolute, yet her grip on my hand was gentle. A fragrant and delicate scent wafted from her bosom, lingering softly at the tip of my nose. Then she slowly said, "Qingwu, I want to help you escape!"

In a hurry to withdraw my hand, I forcefully blinked my blurred eyes and indeed saw several clear nail marks left on the arm of Nan Yayi that I had grabbed.

Behind the indifferent gaze lies a bottomless deep pool, already engulfed by the whirlpool of disappointment

To my surprise, Nanya Yi did not seem surprised at all. Her butterfly-like long eyelashes fluttered gently, and her eyes already contained a light smile, quickly concealing that hint of desolation. Just like before, she caressed my face and teased, "Oh, I never knew before that his self-control was this good! Facing such a beauty every night and remaining indifferent, he truly has become a Liu Xia Hui!"

He is very kind to Nanya, but equally kind to me. His lazy gaze occasionally reveals a sharpness, yet it is directed towards the vast sky outside the window, rather than on her or my beautiful appearance.

I filled his cup with tea and sighed, "Naturally... there is some resentment. So she mentioned that she would go to the Xihua Monastery to offer incense and discuss Zen and Buddhist principles with the abbess. Your Majesty, I am beginning to suspect that if this continues, she might abandon her title as Lady Kang and run off to become a novice nun in the monastery!"

If Tang Tianxiao is to rest at Yiqing Palace, he should be arriving soon. I cannot clearly express whether I hope Tang Tianxiao will be more ruthless, so that Nan Yayi can completely give up, or if I hope that Tang Tianxiao's feelings can override his rationality, allowing him to arrive in time and use the childlike innocence and smile he revealed in the middle of the night to win her back

What Nanya knew was that her long-time friend, Master Jingci, had suddenly brought her into a secret chamber, asking her to find a way to rescue Zhuang Bilan from the city

It turns out that this person is the one whom my good sister has been waiting for all along

But he ultimately did not come

Such a Yiqing Palace is naturally incomparable to the Jingyi Courtyard where we resided on that day

I have spoken on his behalf in my heart and am too lazy to explain further

At this time, Wushuang informed me of the intelligence from the scouts, stating that there have been rumors in Jiaozhou City that Young Master Zhuang has brought many young men from Jiaozhou to hunt in the outskirts of the city. The Zhou court has finally abandoned the search in Ruidu.

Nanya's feelings are not entirely influenced by me; if they truly care for each other, even if Yayi leaves, when Tang Tianxiao finally obtains everything he desires, she will still be able to return safely

Soft giggles from the maidservants could be heard from within the room

So, we go, we go together

I pulled her to sit on the bamboo couch by the window, took a hand fan and gently fanned out a refreshing breeze, and said with a smile: "He has his ambitions, he has his schemes, and you know that well. As for beauty or ugliness, whether it is me or the queen, he probably has never looked closely at either, has he?"

Until I left the palace and sat in the rumbling carriage, I was still in a daze from his sudden gentle kiss

Understood, understood! Tang Tianxiao was a bit impatient, "You have always blamed me for not being able to bring her back from Tang Tian's grasp! But you are also a smart person; you cannot be oblivious to the current situation, can you?"

Under the candlelight, I vaguely perceive the sharpness and dominance flickering in the depths of the eyes

When one fails to make a decisive cut, one will only suffer from the ensuing chaos

I have already attained the rank of a second-class lady-in-waiting, and there are no close relatives in the capital. I cannot even find an excuse to leave the palace to visit family. However, like the people of Zhou, the Southern Chu also reveres Buddhism and honors monks and nuns, to the extent that even the Empress Dowager often goes to temples to pray for blessings. Therefore, I only told Tang Tianxiao that I would go to the well-known Xihua Temple in the capital to light incense and pray for a child, seizing the opportunity to meet with Nan Yayi.

In a haze, I heard Nanya's voice, unsure whether it was a sigh of sadness or joy: "Such a man is truly worthy of your waiting. If someone were to treat me this way, in this life and the next, I would willingly be the moth drawn to the flame."

Recompile one, to retrieve their original, replacing the one that has gathered dust and lost its luster.

He said softly, yet with absolute certainty

His eyes narrowed slightly, a flash of fox-like cunning fleeting by, "Once you leave the city, who knows if you will return? Zhuang Bilan will not be waiting for you outside the city, will she?"

Tang Tianxiao soon arrived at Yiqing Palace, still wearing a relaxed and indifferent expression, lazily asking me: "Has Ya Yi left?"

That evening, I waited for Tang Tianxiao to come over, bringing some snacks for him, and took the opportunity to urge Tang Tianxiao to arrange for my departure from the palace

This early in the morning, he definitely has not been drinking and would never be drunk

I was taken aback, "In the depths of the Emperor's heart... he actually still hopes to be with Sister Yayi every day, to spend a lifetime together in companionship"

She seems too calm, so calm that she lacks a bit of fervor. Even during her hurried encounter with Tang Tianxiao, watching him leave indifferently, she did not reveal much in terms of love or hate.

It will not be specific, nor will it become his Achilles' heel

He asked cautiously, gazing into my eyes which were extremely clear and bright, with a faint hint of expectation. However, I felt guilty and did not dare to attempt to evoke his deeper affection or guilt towards Nanya.

He looked up and smiled at me, "In fact, the pastries she makes are not any more delicious than those from the imperial kitchen. It is just that when she stands before me, they taste exceptionally sweet."

She is clearly still the same Nanya Yi, and when she speaks with me, she is evidently as open-hearted as before, showing no signs of estrangement due to my change in status or our long separation

I wish to bring peace to the world, keeping you and Ya Yi by my side, so that we may live happily together for a lifetime. He spoke these words impulsively, sounding much like the playful banter he often used to cheer others up, yet his gaze was profound.

Hmm, I am not at ease. I fear that you may not return once you leave. " He said, stepping closer to me, his bright eyes fixed on mine

Only the man she likes can make her happy; similarly, only the man she likes can make her sad. I tried my best to remind him, "Your Majesty, do you really not understand?"

I do miss her, but the person I miss the most is probably not her

The solitude of the secluded courtyard allows her to recall the mutual support and understanding shared between us during our companionship, yet she grows increasingly anxious about Tang Tianxiao's departure. When her heart is filled with scattered thoughts that cannot be expressed, Sister Jingci from Xihua Monastery happens to come to the door for alms. Inadvertently discussing Buddhist teachings and Zen philosophy, they find a deep resonance, and she thus becomes one of the benefactors of Xihua Monastery. Whenever she has nothing to do, she takes a stroll to Xihua Monastery, seeking solace in the teachings of Buddhism and Zen to alleviate her worries.

That night, Tang Tianxiao tossed and turned on the bamboo couch for almost the entire night. I lay quietly in bed, listening and contemplating the matters of the following day, feeling quite anxious. It was only just before dawn that I dozed off for a brief moment.

Your Majesty, it is not Tang Tianzhong who has caused great harm to Ya Yi

He is not Liu Xia Hui, he merely thinks of someone when he sees me. It is already good enough that he does not seek solace in alcohol, where would he find the interest to judge whether I am beautiful or ugly

Tang Tianxiao let out a sneer, leaning on the table and tapping my forehead with her finger, "Girl, the first time is unfounded, what about the second time? Shen Fengyi is confused about right and wrong, and I am also confused about right and wrong!"

Tang Tianxiao has always been generous towards the palace maids, frequently visiting Yiqing Palace. The palace maids are not afraid of him; seeing his intention to jest, they laugh in a playful manner.

I dared not look into his eyes, merely feigning drowsiness, half-closing my eyes as I leaned against the bed's canopy adorned with butterflies flitting among flowers, remaining silent.

In the courtyard hung a palace lantern, yet it did not illuminate his complexion much. His hands were clasped behind his back, and the light-colored silk robe was billowing in the night breeze, the sash fluttering gracefully, giving him an air of elegance. However, the hands clasped behind his back were tightly wound, and in the flickering light, the visible veins throbbed restlessly.

Although the last emperor of Southern Chu, Li Mingchang, was incompetent, he still knew to provide additional compensation to the families of the fallen soldiers. He personally inscribed the plaque for Xihua Temple and bestowed countless treasures and provisions, thereby establishing a monument of loyalty and fidelity for the Southern Dynasties. His reputation among the common people was exceedingly high, and the temple enjoyed a continuous flow of incense throughout the year

Perhaps it is Tang Tianxiao's calmness towards love, or rather, his coldness towards love, that has shaped Nan Yayi's current composure

Tang Tianxiao finally lost all appetite for even half a pastry, pushing it all in front of me and saying: "You eat it, eat more, nourish your spirit. Tomorrow, go to Xihua Temple and listen carefully to what those old nuns have been saying to Yayi, to make her so bewitched that she wants to become a little nun!"

Yes, but this tassel is a bit old; I would like a new one. Just tell her that I accidentally lost the tassel and now only want to retrieve the original one, asking if she is willing to recreate one just like the original.

He has truly arrived, with a refined and elegant demeanor, as graceful as a lotus, yet wielding a Taia sword stained with countless blood, boldly infiltrating the enemy's territory, all for a promise of unwavering loyalty made years ago

The childlike joy had vanished, and he gazed blankly at the night sky outside the window, his phoenix-like eyes deep and unfathomable, lost in thought. After a long while, he finally spoke: "This tea is quite good; I find it very refreshing. You need not trouble yourself to gather the dewdrops from the pear blossoms and lotus leaves. However, staying cooped up in the room for too long may lead to boredom; it would be better to go out for a walk when you have the time."

A faint coolness brushed across the face, as if a delicate silk fabric were gently caressing the skin

He indeed never cared about my appearance

A rumbling echoed in my mind, and suddenly large patches of water stains appeared on my face, while my throat felt completely parched. My lips and tongue moved, yet I could not utter a single word for a long time.

As I escorted Nanya Yi out of the palace, while helping her into the small sedan chair, the weeping willows gently swayed under the dim moonlight, their drooping branches and leaves resembling strings of sorrowful teardrops suspended in the gradually rising night mist

It is uncertain whether it is influenced by Buddhist Zen philosophy, but Nanya seems to be more decisive than before

"He naturally likes you," I said with certainty, quietly observing her still charming and beautiful face.

Even emperors have feelings, but the love of Tang Tianxiao seems to be vastly different from what I or Nanya Yi have longed for

I never intended for Tang Tianxiao to allow me to leave the city; I had already agreed with Nan Yayi to meet only at Xihua Temple

I cannot deny it, and I calmly said: "If I could leave, I would definitely go with him and never look back. However, some people and some things cannot be easily erased by time. I will spend my whole life cherishing the memories."

It is not that there is no love, but rather that the love is not sufficient to be willing to sacrifice more for her

Understanding... Is understanding merely a continuous loss of self for the sake of his gain? She smiled, the corners of her lips curved with a deep bitterness. Before coming here, I was still pondering whether I held a special place in his heart. I do not expect to be so special that he would risk everything for me; at the very least, I hoped to see a hint of concern, a trace of reluctance in his smile. But I cannot see it. I do not expect to be so special that he would risk everything for me; at the very least, I hoped to see a hint of concern, a trace of reluctance in his smile. But I cannot see it.

Nanya gazed deeply at me, tears welling up yet smiling, "He is well. But he does not intend to return to Jiaozhou. Jiaozhou does not have you."

Isn't the ear of grain in the Emperor's hands

Although Tang Tianxiao was aware, he deliberately concealed his concern for Nan Yayi, refusing to even glance at her, let alone tell her about my relationship with Zhuang Bilan

The thin and soft texture feels very unfamiliar; however, the scent that brushes against the tip of my nose is extremely familiar

Tang Tianxiao glared at me in anger and said, "I really don't understand what Tang Tianzhong likes about you; you have no understanding of what it means to be empathetic!"

Tang Tianxiao forced a smile and said, "You are indeed completely honest with me!"

He tilted his head, gazing at me without blinking. "Qingwu, if that day the Empress and I had not gone to Jingyi Courtyard, the next day when I return to Yiqing Palace, I would have no hope of seeing you again, right? You would surely abandon me and fly away with your brother Zhuang, not giving a thought to the fact that there is someone in this palace who sleeps under the same roof with you every night, Tang Tianxiao, am I right?"

Zhuang Bilian is the person that Tang Tianxiao intends to capture, and she is also the enemy spy that the Great Zhou will never let go of

With a low sigh, just as I was about to take the palace maids back, I heard a series of light and hurried footsteps approaching quickly. I turned my head in haste and saw two young eunuchs from the study rushing over. They bowed to me and said: "Your Highness, the Emperor is resting in Yiqing Palace tonight. We come on behalf of Eunuch Jin to inform you, Your Highness."

She gently said, "Has he never looked closely at you? Then, Qingwu, do you think he has looked closely at me?"

Fearing that she might misunderstand and develop a rift, I pointed to the soft couch where Tang Tianxiao rests every night and smiled, saying: "The Emperor comes here every evening and only rests on this couch. As his Zhaoyi, I am merely serving as a talking ornament in this Yiqing Palace."

Tang Tianxiao shook his head and clicked his tongue, "Close the door. When did you ever treat me as an emperor? You are almost climbing on top of me, and now you still talk to me about dignity and authority. What were you doing earlier?"

I choked back my tears and had not yet had the chance to respond when I heard her sigh: "You would naturally be willing. It is easy to seek a priceless treasure, but hard to find a loving partner. If it were me, even if it meant death, I would choose to die alongside him."

Many days later, she learned that Xihua Monastery was not an ordinary temple. Most of the nuns who had taken vows here were widows of the fallen soldiers from the Southern Chu. Their husbands had died in battle against the southern barbarians or the Northern Zhou army, and they vowed to uphold the legacy of loyalty and valor, refusing to remarry. Instead, they dedicated themselves to spiritual cultivation in this monastery, praying for the Southern Chu and their families.

I tasted the pastries and felt a sense of melancholy. "I actually think Yayi's snacks are even sweeter," I thought. But when I think about Yayi living unhappily like this every day, I can't enjoy them even if they taste good.

He stood up, walked to the window, took a deep breath twice, and said softly: "Qingwu, if you have the chance, please invite her to the palace more often and help her find some clarity! I... really have no intention of neglecting her. Tang Chengshuo's health is deteriorating, and Tang Tianzhong may not be able to hold on for long... I will not let her wait too long"

If heaven permits, we shall grow old together at the banks of the mandarin ducks; if heaven does not permit, there remains a pond of pure lotus blooming in pairs, fragrant and harmonious

He accidentally lost the original one and only wants to retrieve it.

South Ya embraced my shoulders and asked me in a hoarse voice: "Are you willing to leave all this behind and take the risk of letting him go?"

Therefore, he is reluctant to let Nanya leave, and he is also reluctant to let me leave.

Those rumors were precisely what I had Nan Yayi convey to Zhuang Bilian, so that he could inform General Zhuang to make arrangements in secret. Since Wushuang could gather information from Tang Tianzhong, Tang Tianxiao should also be able to learn about it soon, allowing me to walk around the city with peace of mind.

Unable to think further, this youth, who is sometimes astute and formidable, at other times lazy and inept, and at times simple and pure, surprisingly managed to express such an emotional statement with a double meaning

Her eyes shone brighter, not because of clarity, but due to the distinct glimmer of tears.

I was greatly surprised and changed my facial expression when I looked at her. However, she smiled slightly and said, "I was just kidding! You must go out because the person you are attached to is outside. There is no need for me to stay here either... there is no one worth staying for."

I said with a bitter smile: "So, he is restraining the Emperor, preventing him from meeting with Ya Yi?"

I walked up to him and looked directly into his eyes, "I am not good at understanding others. I wonder if His Majesty would like me to keep the heart of that understanding woman for you"

Although the search in the city is tight, the nunnery full of women is the last place to be inspected. When they come to search, Nan Ya-yi has successfully taken Zhuang Bilan out of the city and brought her back to his own villa.

She quietly lifted the hem of her skirt, refusing the maid's assistance, bent down, and swiftly entered the waiting sedan chair, which was promptly lowered.

I burst into tears, burying my face in my hands, yet I couldn't help but sob softly.

Holding the steaming tea cup, my fingertips still felt a bit cold, and I could only force a smile and say: "Your Majesty, you should... first stabilize your realm! With internal strife and external threats incessantly looming, you need not worry about how to protect Ya Yi or me."

Tang Tianxiao was greatly surprised: "Are you leaving the palace?"

Nanya leaned against the eaves, her bright eyes enveloped by the faint sunlight streaming in from outside, floating in a haze of confusion like light clouds. She slowly said: "A few days ago, I met someone, and seeing what he did for the one he loves, I suddenly felt a deep sadness."

Before he entered the palace, he had already arranged an escape route, so with the help of the insider, he managed to slip out of the palace when Tang Tianxiao secretly ordered a thorough investigation of the imperial guards. However, instead of leaving immediately, he hid in the Xihua Temple in the southern part of the city.

I cannot help but sigh, "But he truly cares about you! You made a tassel for his jade pendant, and he has worn it ever since. The other day, I noticed it was a bit dirty, so I took it off to clean it, and he was worried that I might wash the tassel and cause it to fade! How many tassels does he need? Why does he carry something you made with your own hands every day? He is an emperor; he has his own grand ambitions for the world!" Why does he carry something you made with your own hands every day? He is an emperor; he has his own grand ambitions for the world!

But you have waited for Zhuang Bilian for so long, are you not still waiting? Moreover... I still cannot see any indication that you have given up. Will you become disheartened and lose all hope for him?

Tang Tianxiao's face was somewhat pale; he lifted the teacup to his lips, then set it down heavily, splashing a few droplets of water.

He has the ambition to dominate the world; does Zhuang Bilian not have her own country and people? She is willing to sacrifice her life for the sake of a complete love, yet he cannot set aside his scheming mind, to look at me a little longer, to say a word to me?

I advised him to return to Jiaozhou as soon as possible, but he refused. He wants to take you with him. " Nanya said, her beautiful face radiant, her eyes sparkling, "His reason is simple. He said that at the time of parting, Qingwu asked him not to leave her behind, and Qingwu wants him to take her with him. Therefore, he cannot leave her behind; he cannot not take her with him.

Before I could raise my head, the surroundings dimmed slightly, and a sudden warmth brushed against my lips, as if someone had gently captured them and then quickly released them, like the warm breeze of spring that glides past the skin along my cheek.

She stared mockingly at the deep blue robe that represented the nobility of marquises and countesses, and with a clear, melodious smile, she said, "You are all alone, and I have also been executed along with my nine clans, with nothing to hold me back. What is there to fear? Why not take a gamble? Perhaps this dull life will turn out to be full of unexpected brightness!"

He heard my words and kept them in his heart

I have always felt that he truly does not lack for Nanya Yi in his heart; rather, his heart is simply too large, and the space that Nanya Yi can occupy is too small.

Tang Tianxiao's search for Zhuang Bilian is even more meticulous than I had anticipated

Oh, looking at you, one would seek solace in alcohol, lacking enthusiasm. But looking at the ruthless Empress Shen, who is skilled in her methods, one's heart would be stirred and one's spirit moved.

Tang Tianxiao was extremely perceptive and immediately noticed that something was off with my expression. He cleared his throat and chuckled, saying: "Indeed, indeed... It is rare for her to return to the palace, and I haven't even accompanied her for a chat. She... must be feeling resentful towards me, right?"

Tang Tianxiao dotes on me extravagantly, providing me with all manner of exquisite items, all of which are of the highest quality in the palace, within easy reach and sight. Among them are numerous rare and precious treasures. Just the painting of a flying celestial being hanging beside the dressing table, created by a renowned master of the previous dynasty, is worth a fortune. The hairpins and ornaments I have carelessly tossed aside on the dressing table are also adorned with gold and jade, crafted with exceptional skill.

With a resolute heart, I refrained from looking into his exceptionally clear eyes and whispered, "Perhaps... it will be so? If I am truly destined to live out my days in seclusion, never to see him again, then life and death, parting, have lost their significance."

Tang Tianxiao immediately nodded: "Hmm, I knew what you wanted to say. It was not Tang Tianzhong who harmed her, but naturally it was me, right?"

My heart trembled as I realized that I could no longer maintain my feigned calmness while staring into his eyes. Yet, I could only brace myself and say: "I plan to leave the palace to see her... to see what kind of life she is living."

A few days later, Nanya sent two boxes of snacks and also conveyed a message saying that she missed me very much.

After a long discussion in the room, the two of us finally reached an agreement. It was already dark outside. Nanya and I had dinner together, and we reluctantly said goodbye when it was getting late.

I stared in shock, my eyes wide open. As I hurriedly shook off his hand and sat up, Tang Tianxiao remained lying on the bed, laughing mischievously: "My beloved consort is truly amusing; even after all these years as an old married couple, you can still be so bashful"

Although the city gate guards are strict, who would dare to search the carriage of the wife of the powerful Marquis Kang, who holds great influence in the court and the country?

Even if Tang Tianxiao repeatedly said, "Don't let me go and never return," even if... ... From then on, he no longer had anyone in the palace with whom he could open his heart and speak.

South Ya looked out of the window at the shadow of the old banyan tree cast on the window sill, lost in thought for a long time before saying, "I always thought he liked me."

He certainly ... ... has carefully observed you. I immediately responded, but the second half of the sentence trailed off, as if suddenly losing its previous complete certainty.

The overall situation is important, and the stability of the country is crucial.

After contacting him several times with ambiguous words and an unusually focused gaze, I cannot help but suspect that he may have developed feelings for me over time

Reminiscing... Tang Tianxiao murmured, furrowing his brows as he sipped his tea. Suddenly, he said, "I don't want to spend my whole life reminiscing, I want to spend it together with you."

I noticed that in his other hand he was holding the orange-yellow tassel that Nanya had woven for him that day, and I asked, "What happened? Did the tassel fall off? Do you need me to help fasten it?"

She glanced around my room, smiling somewhat desolately, "Where is it hot? I actually feel a bit cold."

Therefore, in the noble Marquis's mansion, it is impossible for us to find the love and happiness we have been searching for.

Two little palace maids took down the red silk palace lanterns on both sides, to indicate that the emperor would stay overnight at the Yi Qing Palace tonight. I couldn't help but turn my head and look in the direction of Nan Ya Yi's departure, as if I saw her glance at the avenue inadvertently.

As for now, she must break free from her cage, and I too must break free from my cage

The honey osmanthus cake made by Nanya was something Tang Tianxiao used to love very much. However, when I placed it on his plate, he clearly had little appetite. Although he ate one, it was evident that he found it tasteless. He chewed it for a long time before swallowing it down with tea, letting out a sigh as if in contemplation: "Yayi... the pastries made by Yayi..."

Too calm? Thinking about Tang Tianxiao's abandonment under consideration, I also fell silent.

In a moment of distraction, I reached out to take the bright and lustrous jade pendant, and I readily replied: "Alright, I will definitely... persuade her to rewrite one."

I handed the teacup to him with both hands and said with a smile, "Try it and see how it compares to Baya's craftsmanship."

I breathed a sigh of relief and tasted a hint of sweetness from the pastry; while Tang Tianxiao didn't even have a proper dinner and didn't take a few bites.

"Alright!" Tang Tianxiao agreed readily, "However, you are not allowed to leave the city."

I am no longer a naive girl of thirteen or fourteen who does not understand the ways of the world. Although he once said in a drunken state that we are friends, it is evident that pure friendship does not include kissing

Thus, the promise that was said to fulfill the commitment between Zhuang Bilian and me is no longer mentioned by him

This remark is indeed to my liking. I can no longer afford to beat around the bush to test his attitude towards Nanya, and I immediately said: "Speaking of which, I really want to go out for a walk. Since being sent to this unsightly place three years ago, I haven't stepped out of this palace gate even once!"

The householder was originally a general from Southern Chu, holding great prestige among the military officers. After the unjust massacre of his entire family, there were many soldiers who sympathized with him; the nuns of Xihua Monastery came from military families, and there were even quite a few female heroes skilled in wielding swords and guns, thus they were very protective of Zhuang Bilan

Perhaps, it is not a bad thing that Nanya has gone far away; and I should not hesitate any longer, lingering in the palace.

She has always known that I have someone I care for, but I have never told her that the person I have been waiting for is Zhuang Bilan

He fell silent for a moment, and a hint of vulnerability finally flickered in his eyes.

Tang Tianxiao was originally sitting under the lamp practicing calligraphy in a rather dull manner. Suddenly, upon seeing me personally brewing tea, he was greatly surprised, threw down his brush and laughed, "So it turns out that your elegant intention to visit brings you such joy, and I too am fortunate to share in it, able to enjoy a cup of good tea!"

Nanya smiled gently, "I believe that kind of emotion is what we call the essence of love, a devotion that transcends life and death. As for me... I have invested over ten years in what is called love, yet it seems like nothing more than a joke of a moth flying into the flame"

We have been acquainted for a long time through our shared hardships, so there is naturally nothing to be reserved about. I directly brought her into my bedroom, watched as the maids served tea and then withdrew, and said with a smile: "Sister Yayi, there are no outsiders here, quickly take off your outer garment, lest you get heat rash."

In the half-awake state, I felt a chill on my nostrils. Startled, I sat up, and there was Tang Tianxiao gently scraping my nose with his Nine-Dragon jade pendant, looking at me with a beaming smile, showing no signs of the weariness or disappointment from a sleepless night.

Even if, compared to his empire, she may be nothing, may count for nothing

Nanya remained silent, unfastening the knotted buttons at the collar of her robe, loosening the garment as she leaned against the wall, with fine beads of sweat emerging at the edges of her nostrils

The moisture lingering at the corners of my lips does not belong to me, as Tang Tianxiao smiles lazily at me, his phoenix-like eyes bright and transparent, yet harboring an indescribable emotion, ambiguously swirling in the faint light of the morning that fills the room.

I felt a sudden pause in my heart, tightened my grip on her hand, and asked, "What about you?"

I sat on the edge of the bed draped in my garments and lazily said, "Is Your Majesty not at ease with me?"

Nan Ya Yi and the royal family of Da Zhou have a complex relationship. While she was wondering how Abbess Jing Ci could have predicted that she would save the enemy of Da Zhou, Zhuang Bilan emerged from behind the screen, dressed in a plain green dress, with a graceful and elegant demeanor, and thanked her with a smile, "Thank you, Miss Ya Yi, for taking care of Qing Wu all these years. I am deeply grateful!"

Do not abandon me, take me away, or take me to death

Yet he unexpectedly got up and nonchalantly went to wash and change his clothes

Subconsciously, I still feel that something is not right

I know that at this moment, he would rather I say that I will never change my heart, to confirm that Nanya Yi will not change her heart. But I do not want to give him such hopes anymore

Why

I sarcastically said, "So, the emperor still remembers her beauty and talent... and remembers who she used her beauty and talent for. Can the emperor tell me now, who is she enchanting with her unparalleled beauty and graceful dancing?"

He will eventually realize that this kind of woman is indispensable in his life.

I wiped the beads of sweat from my forehead and said with a bitter smile, "Your Majesty, as the Son of Heaven, how can you enjoy teasing others like this? Are you not afraid of losing the dignity of the Son of Heaven?"

She understood such a vow and chose without hesitation to save Zhuang Bilan

No, I don't understand. I hurriedly grabbed her wrist, trying hard to comfort her, but couldn't suppress the emptiness in my tone. "He has his reasons, don't you... didn't you used to understand him?"

At that moment, she unexpectedly said: "Do you like me? Perhaps! It's just that his affection is too composed"

Nanya stood upright, and just before getting into the sedan chair, she casually glanced at the wide path leading to Yiqing Palace, then her gaze fell gently.

Tang Tianxiao took it, took a small sip, closed his eyes, tilted his head to savor it for a moment, and nodded, saying, "You used Biluochun, and she used Longjing, each with its own merits. However... the water used for this tea seems to be inferior to hers. Hmm, it must be a matter of water; if it were replaced with spring water from the mountains, it would surely be even more pure and mellow."

Have you seen him? Where is he? Is he doing well? Has he returned to Jiaozhou? Without bothering to apologize, I asked urgently

I was horrified and instinctively avoided that kind of intimacy, leaning back with my body, about to fall onto the cool mat spread on the bed, when suddenly I felt a tightness around my waist, as I was embraced by Tang Tianxiao

Nanya adjusted her shoulders and sighed self-deprecatingly, "If I can't wait for your brother Zhuang, you will find life utterly uninteresting. And I, facing my childhood friend, will similarly find life devoid of interest"

I was filled with anger and retorted, "If the elegant intention does not depart, will His Majesty come?"

The irony is quite evident, and after a moment of silence, Tang Tianxiao immediately laughed and said: "If she does not leave, I naturally cannot come. This afternoon, I have been accompanying Tang Tianzhong in selecting horses, and we just had dinner together, discussing some matters of state. If it were not for the report that Lady Kang had left Yiqing Palace, he would not have intended to leave yet."

Flower-like appearance, peerless talent. Soon she was enclosed in the dark sedan chair, disappearing without a trace. But upon hearing her clear and calm command of "lift the sedan chair", the chair swayed and slowly disappeared into the deep summer night.

I used to conceal my true appearance with a secret medicine. When I was just an ordinary palace maid, he didn't take a closer look at me. Later, when he saw my true face, he didn't seem surprised at all. His bright phoenix eyes never seemed to linger on my face.

"No need, I have just untied it myself." Tang Tianxiao shook his head and handed me the Nine Dragons Jade Pendant, "Please pass it on to Ya Yi for me, and ask her to help me recompile a tassel!"