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墨書 Inktalez
San Chun couldn't believe it, "How is that possible?"
"She knew she wouldn't live long, which is why she left me and found a place to rest. I only found out after asking around."
Thinking back to the reluctance on Zhu's face when they left, she must have been very unwilling to go. What could have forced her to leave?
She asked, "What is Sister Zhu's identity? Were you lying to me about my story back then?"
Qing nodded, "Anyway, you didn't believe it. It doesn't hurt to tell you now; she is a princess of Zhao, Princess Zhu."
Recalling the absurd events of that year, Qing's expression became unusually serious. Zhu was not only a princess but also the wife of Crown Prince of Qin, Qiu Xingwei. At that time, Zhao and Qin State were in a marriage alliance, intending to betroth the princess to the crown prince.
However, dramatically, when Princess Zhu arrived at Qin State, she did not fall in love with the crown prince but instead fell for him, who was a young nobleman. At that time, he was quite popular and was one of the Four Young Masters, well-known among the Seven Kingdoms.
He was skilled in swordsmanship and handsome, capable of captivating women’s hearts. Countless women in Xianyang City secretly admired him. He was also young and reckless, never considering the crown prince seriously and openly associating with Zhu.
Because of this, disaster struck him. The Crown Prince of Qin conspired with the Queen to frame him by sending the most favored concubine of Qin Huai Wang to his bed.
That night, he was heavily intoxicated and didn't recognize who it was; he ended up spending the night with her. When he woke up the next day and realized it was his father's woman, he was terrified. But there was no time for him to think of a way to cover it up; the Queen burst in with people, followed by Qin Wang and the crown prince.
Caught red-handed in an affair, he had no way to defend himself. He indeed did it, though he was framed; the result remained, and he bore an undeniable responsibility for it.
Qin Wang was furious and immediately expelled him from the palace, forbidding him from ever entering again.
His mother heard the news and knelt beside Qin Wang, begging for mercy, but Qin Wang ignored her completely. Later on, the Queen told his mother that as long as she died, she would find a way to keep him in the palace.
His mother was foolish or perhaps loved him too much; that night she hanged herself in her palace. She hoped her death would redeem her son, but in the end, he not only did not receive forgiveness but also gained another charge: that of being responsible for his mother's death.
Zhu deeply loved him. Hearing that he wanted to leave, she packed her belongings at night and escaped from Qin Palace, following him all along.
He went wherever she followed, no matter how resolutely he declared that he didn't like her and that being with her was just for fun, to annoy the Crown Prince. But she wouldn't listen at all, covering her ears and still trailing behind him. With no other choice, he could only bring her along. Later, they arrived in the State of Chu, at Niushan Village. Zhu's health had always been poor; if it weren't for following him around and enduring all the hardships, she wouldn't have worn herself out. If she had stayed in the Qin Palace, perhaps she could have lived a few more years.
At that time, he didn't understand what love was; he thought mutual attraction was love. It wasn't until he spent time with Zhu that he realized he didn't truly love her. Yet because of this realization, he felt even more guilty about her death. He had actually let her down...
San Chun listened to this different story, feeling a deep sense of sympathy. No wonder he had always seemed troubled; it turned out he had been holding in such a great grievance. It was also no wonder he sought help from Zhong Xue, as only he could make Qin Wang suffer a silent loss without being able to speak up.
Thinking of the hardships he had endured over the years and recalling how thoughtless she had once been, causing him so much trouble, she couldn't help but feel sorry for him and for Zhu. Perhaps without Zhu's presence, he and Zhu wouldn't have ended up parting ways in the end. Back then, she liked him so much, desperately competing with Zhu, which only made Zhu's already frail health worse.
After finishing the story, Qing sighed softly and said, "Do you know why I came to Zhao Country? I came for Zhu; she always hoped to return to her homeland. I brought her coffin with me to bury her back home and then ask Zhao Wang for her hand in marriage."
San Chun was taken aback. "You want to marry a dead person?"
Qing smiled slightly. "I owe her a wedding; it's time to repay her."
San Chun had also stayed in Zhao Palace for a few days. This was the first time she heard about this matter; it seemed Zhao Wang didn't want anyone to know. Even during the last palace banquet, there was no mention of their marriage.
She asked, "Did Zhao Wang agree?"
"At this point, what is there to disagree about?" Qing said with a bitter smile at the corners of his lips. "I will hold the Minghun tomorrow; would you like to attend?" He paused for a moment. "You will be the only guest."
San Chun nodded vigorously; she felt honored to witness their wedding. She had often envied Zhu for finding such a good man. Now it was clear that Zhu had great taste; he truly was a good man.
Qing suddenly said, "By the way, after this is over, would you be willing to return to Qin State with me?"
San Chun smiled wryly. "I still have unfinished business."
"What business?"
"Since you know I am Yan Dan, you should also know about my past with Zhao Country Prince Ji Xun and Wei Kingdom Chengyang Jun."
The events involving the three young masters from the Four Great Young Masters have attracted much attention. Many people in the Seven Kingdoms have heard about it, particularly that Young Master Ji Xun and Chengyang Jun are fond of Yan Dan, leading to speculation that the three young masters are engaging in a romantic relationship.
Countless unmarried women have wept for them, lamenting that such good men are being wasted, which is quite a pity. Some believe that the three young masters think no woman can match them and may not genuinely prefer men. Regardless of the rumors, their situation spread throughout the Seven Kingdoms and became widely known.
Qing recalled how he had laughed so hard upon first hearing about it that his stomach hurt, and he said, "Do you know how grateful I was at that time?"
"Grateful for what?"
"Grateful that I was the only normal one among the Four Young Masters." He laughed heartily, which eased some of the melancholy between them.
Though he smiled on the outside, there was an indescribable discomfort within him. Perhaps he had indeed felt grateful back then, but now, as he found himself falling for the person before him just like they did, he realized that there were not two fools but three.
If Xia knew that three of the Four Great Young Masters were in love with another person, it would surely stir up more gossip. Unfortunately, his feelings could only be buried deep within his heart, hidden away and suppressed. He could not betray Zhu, her sacrifices, or her love for him.
He asked, "So are you staying here to rekindle your connection with Young Master Ji Xun?"
San Chun nodded with a smile and called out to him, "Brother, will you help me?"
He paused for a moment before hurriedly nodding, "Of course! I will even bring a ladder to help you reach the moon."
He mimed picking stars from the sky, causing San Chun to giggle uncontrollably.
As they were laughing and joking, they suddenly heard someone behind them say, "I wonder what you two are so happy about?"
San Chun turned around to see Ji Xun walking slowly toward them. Today he wore white clothing; his black hair flowed elegantly with his attire. He looked ethereal, almost unreal. His skin glimmered subtly, and his eyes sparkled with a thousand hues of glass. A slight smile graced his lips as he gazed at both of them.
Seeing him made San Chun feel delighted, but upon noticing the presence of Ying behind Ji Xun, her expression slightly darkened. "What brings you here, Young Master?"
Ji Xun chuckled lightly. "You were just laughing so happily; why do you look unhappy now that you've seen me? Did I offend you?"
San Chun snorted. She hadn't settled the score with him for what happened last time, and now he was parading around with this woman.
She sneered, "What if you offend me?"
"Then I will apologize." He bowed to her sincerely but did not ask how he had offended her.
In his eyes, Yan Dan was just like that, occasionally throwing a tantrum, but she only acted this way in front of him. He thought she still resented him for not coming to see her.
San Chun shifted to the side, not acknowledging his bow.
Qing knew her well and immediately saw through her intentions. Smiling, he said to Ji Xun, "This lady beside you is quite beautiful. May I ask who she is?"
"This is my maid." As soon as Ji Xun finished speaking, Ying's expression immediately turned very ugly.
Qing laughed and said, "I find your maid quite appealing. Would you be willing to part with her? I would offer Ten Gold for her." He deliberately glanced at her chest and shapely hips, then let out a series of appreciative clicks.
San Chun felt a sense of relief and cast a grateful glance at Qing. She thought to herself, how did he know she didn't like this woman?
Ying's face changed dramatically as she looked at Ji Xun for help.
Ji Xun frowned slightly. "I have heard that Qin Gongzi Qiulan is also a refined person. Why make such a vulgar request?"
Qing laughed heartily. "Doesn't the young master want money? Are you planning to give her away for free?"
Ji Xun snorted lightly. "Forgive my rudeness; this woman is neither for sale nor for gift."
Qing looked down on Ying with disdain, saying dismissively, "She's just a maid."
Ying clenched her fists tightly, her fingers digging into her palm, looking very much like she was furious.
San Chun felt a great sense of relief in her heart and was increasingly grateful to Qing. Indeed, using a man's words to provoke a woman was the most effective method.
Qing was a distinguished guest from the Zhao Kingdom, and Ji Xun did not want to create any unpleasantness with him, so he changed the subject: "I heard that His Highness is getting married to my sister tomorrow. May I be invited to the event?"
Qing shook his head, "One guest is enough. I have already invited Spring Princess, and there is no need for other idle people."
So he is considered idle? Ji Xun felt uncomfortable but did not show it on his face; he merely smiled and said, "Then I hope I can extend my hospitality. May I ask if His Highness would be fortunate enough to visit my home?"
Qing looked at San Chun, and seeing her nod, he replied, "Yes, but since you are hosting, it wouldn't hurt to invite a few more guests."
Ji Xun quickly added, "Spring Princess must be invited."
Qing Weiwei smiled and, after sending Ji Xun off, asked San Chun: "What happened between you two? You looked like you saw an enemy when you saw him."
She forced a smile, "You noticed that too?"
Her expression was written all over her face; how could he not see it? Otherwise, he wouldn't have deliberately made things difficult for Ji Xun.
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