Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Yin Luo also learned that this Ye Qing Ge had the title of Princess, but her Duchess's Residence was not in the capital. Therefore, unless there was a reason, she would not return. The last time she went back was after her coming-of-age ceremony when Mu Changqing suggested she choose a suitable husband. She ended up staying for over half a year before returning.
Now, encountering this situation again, she naturally felt like a startled bird and hurried back.
Once the New Year passed, the plan to return to the Moon Cherry Dynasty was put on the agenda. Mu Changqing kept his promise and took her to the border before returning, leaving He Xin to accompany her back.
The princess's return home was marked by a grand entourage arranged by Mu Changqing, complete with top-tier gifts. For such a small country, this was indeed extraordinary.
Yin Luo did not speak, which was excellent for hiding the fact that her body had changed ownership. Even though her behavior and temperament had shifted somewhat, the Nie couple attributed it merely to the changes along the journey. They once thought that place was a pit of fire, yet now their daughter seemed to be living so well, which eased their minds.
The month passed quickly, and on the appointed day, Yin Luo brought along a woman who was the head of the palace guards. She was highly skilled in martial arts and originally managed court affairs. When Yin Luo mentioned that she had no one to serve her in the Jin Wangfu while in a foreign land, Nie Yuanzong naturally agreed. He initially wanted to send more reliable people with her, but Yin Luo only requested that one.
On the return journey, there was just one more person. He Xin said nothing about it. On the day they returned, spring had arrived; the grass and trees were reviving. Mu Changqing personally rode out ten miles from the city to welcome her. The willow branches had already sprouted new green leaves, and in the vast view ahead, greenery spread out everywhere. Mu Changqing wore a black cloak over a dark blue brocade robe, and he had changed his mask to a black half-mask that covered his face while revealing his long brows and thin lips. His eyes remained deep but sparkled with light as he fixed his gaze on the slowly approaching convoy.
Finally, the carriage in the convoy stopped before him.
The carriage curtain was lifted, revealing a woman dressed in pink peach blossom attire with a white cloak draped over her. Her entire face was nestled within the hood of the cloak; the white fluffy fox fur accentuated her porcelain-like skin, captivating a guard who could not take his eyes off her.
Mu Changqing dismounted and approached the carriage personally, extending his hand toward the woman who lowered her head as she exited.
Only then did she raise her head, revealing an enchanting beauty bathed in light—her skin as white as porcelain, a delicate nose, eyes like water, long brows like ink, and lips resembling March peach blossoms filled with charm. She looked at the half-masked man before her, smiled gently, extended her hand, and softly called out, "Wang Ye."
Mu Changqing's expression shifted; he should have helped her down from the carriage. In that moment, however, his eyes sparkled like stars as he reached out and embraced her instead.
A beauty like jade—especially one with a charming smile.
Yin Luo did not refuse, and the jade pendant naturally hung around his neck, leaning against him.
She exhaled lightly, and for the first time, his heart raced like thunder.
Mu Changqing's eyes brightened. Without saying a word, he directly lifted her onto his horse and leaped onto the saddle with ease.
"He Ren, take them back to the capital."
With that command, he rode off at a gallop, and Yin Luo let out a scream, her laughter ringing like silver bells.
The sky was still early, and there were no pedestrians on the official road. Mu Changqing's voice was deep yet clear as he asked, "When will you be able to speak?"
Yin Luo squinted her eyes, gazing into the distance with a look of contentment on her face. "Three days before we set off back, I suddenly heard my own voice."
Mu Changqing smiled slightly. "Has this past month been satisfactory?"
Yin Luo nodded. "I went back to see my family and realized many things. However, I brought back a childhood friend; would you mind?"
Mu Changqing looked down at her smiling lips, then raised his gaze to the distance. "As long as you are happy, how could I mind?"
Yin Luo laughed and noticed that they were not heading towards the royal residence. She couldn't help but ask, "Where are we going?"
"To a nice place to welcome you and wash away your fatigue."
The horse galloped swiftly until they arrived at a mountain villa in the outskirts. The scenery in the mountains was lush, with babbling brooks and clear streams—a perfect place for relaxation.
Mu Changqing led her through the main gate of the villa. Behind it was a curtain of water cascading down, creating a delightful sound within the villa that was quite enchanting.
In the yard, there were clusters of peach trees. It was only early February, and the weather had not warmed up yet, but in this mountain forest, the peach blossoms were all in full bloom. As the wind blew, it scattered fallen petals everywhere, creating a beautiful scene.
Someone came out to pay their respects, but Mu Changqing directly dismissed them and took Yin Luo deeper into the yard.
"Last time on the cliff, I left you with a bad impression. This time, no one will disturb us, and you can fully enjoy the beautiful scenery."
He led Yin Luo to the back courtyard, where there was a path that led straight to the mountain peak. The two of them effortlessly climbed to the summit. This mountain peak was quite remarkable, seemingly suspended in the clouds. Below them were swirling mist and clouds, while at the top were vibrant flowers and green grass, a beauty unlike anything in the mortal world.
Yin Luo smiled and said, "It's rare to find such a fairyland-like place. How did you discover it, my lord?"
Mu Changqing turned back and replied, "This was once a villa built by my father for my mother. They often came here to live alone, away from disturbances, enjoying a life that belonged only to them."
Yin Luo's smile faded as she looked at Mu Changqing. "My lord..."
Mu Changqing stepped closer to her and said, "You are my princess and also a princess of the Moon Cherry Dynasty. Whether as Princess Moon Cherry or as the wife of Prince Jin, neither identity allows for any mishap in our marriage. Qingcheng, or would you prefer I call you Luoluo? I will never let you go."
Yin Luo's expression froze, and she fell silent.
Mu Changqing glanced at her and continued, "I know you cannot accept me right now; that's okay. One day, you will accept me!"
His confidence was evident and unhidden. Yin Luo's gaze swept across his face before she suddenly lowered her eyes and said, "I can stay in the Prince Jin's residence; however, I need absolute personal space. You know my temperament—or rather, we are similar in nature; we become stronger when faced with strength. I hope you won't impose your status on me..."
"As you wish. In this regard, I will give you the equality you desire."
Yin Luo raised her head slightly, her eyes flickering for a moment before she softly said, "Thank you."
After spending most of the day at the mountain villa, they returned to the prince's residence just as evening fell. Mu Changqing waited until she began to rest before leaving. As soon as Yingxia saw Mu Changqing leave, she eagerly approached and said, "Princess, did you see how different the prince looked? He seemed like a completely different person! Usually so cold and forbidding, yet he is so attentive and caring towards you. It's truly enviable!"
Yin Luo looked at her, gazing at the canopy above, and curled one side of her lips into a smile that felt somewhat cold. "Only at the right time and with the right person can a good relationship be formed. It's just a pity that not only is the timing wrong, but so is the person."
Yingxia was taken aback, unable to comprehend her words. Puffing up her cheeks, she thought for a long time before saying, "What is the princess talking about? You and the prince are a perfect match; you are husband and wife, the most suitable pair. How could it be that both the timing and the person are wrong?"
Yin Luo smiled but did not answer. Instead, she pulled up the corner of the blanket and looked at Yingxia. "After traveling for over ten days, aren't you tired?"
Yingxia was startled and then almost jumped up. "Of course I'm tired! Then you should rest well, Princess. I'll take my leave now."
Yin Luo nodded, and only then did Yingxia get up to extinguish all the candle flames. The room fell into darkness as she carefully left the room and closed the door behind her.
Inside the room, it was so dark that one couldn't see their own hand in front of their face. Yin Luo stared into the pitch-blackness, her eyes flickering as her expression grew serious, lost in thought.
Upon returning, Mu Fengyan personally arranged a welcome banquet for her in the palace. As Mu Changqing's princess, such a grand occasion hosted by the emperor was somewhat excessive, but due to Mu Changqing's status, no one found it inappropriate.
Mu Changqing did not refuse; such a rare opportunity to showcase their deep marital affection was something he naturally welcomed.
When they arrived outside the palace together, servants were already waiting to greet them.
For this couple—the most powerful man in Exiled Nation and its most beautiful woman—they were undoubtedly the center of attention everywhere they went. Even amidst the many beauties of the harem, everyone’s gaze remained fixed on Yin Luo.
The royal family also gave Mu Changqing plenty of face; not only did the emperor attend, but even the empress dowager was present. Amidst clinking glasses and lively performances, the atmosphere was as festive as New Year’s.
Yin Luo excused herself from the table midway to get some fresh air, and Mu Changqing accompanied her outside. Leaning by the picturesque lakeside, Yin Luo turned to him and asked, "There’s a question I’ve always wanted to ask you, Prince. I wonder if it’s appropriate to ask?"
Mu Changqing glanced at her and replied, "Feel free to ask; rather than hearing it from someone else, it's better for me to tell you directly."
He understood Yin Luo well enough to know that she would surely find out whatever she wanted to know.
Yin Luo smiled slightly at the corners of her lips and said, "Your Highness, your current position is like the sun at noon, second only to the Emperor in the court. However, all the people of Exiled Nation know that no matter how powerful you are or how much you care for the people, this country ultimately belongs to the Emperor."
Mu Changqing's originally calm eyes darkened in an instant as he gazed at the shimmering lake surface. "Are you asking if I have ulterior motives?"
Yin Luo paused, her gaze as clear as water, looking directly at him. "Yes."
Such frankness, such straightforwardness, seemed reminiscent of the old Yin Luo.
Mu Changqing narrowed his eyes slightly and after a moment, a mocking smile appeared on his lips. "What constitutes ulterior motives? Is it ambition to be a ruler?"
Yin Luo's gaze faltered for a moment before she replied, "From the very beginning, I wanted to escape the palace simply for freedom. To me, Common People have never been my concern. Deep down, I wish my husband were just an ordinary person, farming and weaving, living off good land and a thatched roof."
Mu Changqing turned to look at her, slowly stepping closer. After hesitating for a moment, he reached out and took her hand. "I promise you, even in a chaotic world, your life will always be peaceful and harmonious."
Yin Luo lowered her gaze to where he held her fingers and remained silent.
A gust of wind blew by, bringing with it a pleasant floral scent. Mu Changqing glanced around and noticed a figure slipping through the shadows. He paused slightly before looking back at Yin Luo. "I need to step away for a moment. Once you've finished enjoying the breeze, return inside; don't stay out too long."
He removed his cloak and draped it over Yin Luo, fastening it for her before slowly walking away.
Yin Luo turned to glance at his departing figure, her gaze dropping to the shimmering water surface, gently flickering.
The cold wind had blown for a while; even wrapped in the warm cloak, her face felt icy.
Hearing footsteps behind her, she turned around to see Mu Fengyan in royal robes with a smile on his face approaching her directly.
He looked at Yin Luo and chuckled lightly. "Luoluo, you’re not being considerate. You returned to Moon Cherry Dynasty without telling me. Don’t you know how sad I was when I heard you left?"
Yin Luo saw that he clearly looked a bit wronged and straightened his expression, saying, "You spend all your time in the palace, and I can't get away. How can I send you a message?"
Mu Fengyan sighed upon hearing this, "Yeah, I thought so too. So I was just waiting for you to come back. I've been waiting so long that my hair is almost turning gray!"
"What nonsense are you talking about?" Yin Luo was finally amused by him and looked at him, "So how have you been lately? I heard you've taken in three beauties in a row; I'm afraid you've forgotten about me."
Upon hearing this, Mu Fengyan immediately showed a look of sorrow on his face and lamented, "It's not like they were given to me willingly. As the emperor, what can I do?"
Yin Luo raised an eyebrow and glanced at him, "That’s true."
Mu Fengyan's gaze swept across Yin Luo's face before shifting to the picturesque lake surface. He looked at her again and stepped closer to her side, asking, "What's wrong? You don't seem very happy?"
Yin Luo shook her head, looking at the lake surface, "I just suddenly don't know if the decision I made is right or wrong. I'm feeling a bit lost."
"Decision? What decision? Do you want me to give you some advice?"
Yin Luo glanced at him, "You? Maybe it's better if you don't. Just focus on being a good emperor; that's enough."
She looked silently at the lake surface, "Whether I'm good or not, what's the difference? No one cares about my merits or faults; why should I make things difficult for myself?"
Yin Luo frowned at him, "Being in a position comes with responsibilities; have you forgotten?"
Mu Fengyan paused and said, "What you said, I haven't forgotten and dare not forget."
He looked at Yin Luo for a moment before continuing, "Luoluo, it seems like Third Brother treats you differently now than before. You two..."
"We are husband and wife; we can't always be enemies."
Yin Luo interrupted him, and Mu Fengyan was taken aback. He then lowered his head and said "oh," falling into silence for a moment. Looking at Yin Luo, he said, "Luoluo, if I had met you a little earlier, before my brother met you, how wonderful that would have been."
It seemed like an unsettled night; the night breeze carried a chill in his voice. Yin Luo gazed at him, and when Mu Fengyan looked up and met her gaze, he suddenly turned his head away and said, "It's a pity that life has no 'ifs.' Luoluo, if you truly like my brother and want to be with him, then I wish you well."
His eyes were sincere, the shimmering light reflecting in them as if they were flickering uncertainly.
Yin Luo's eyes trembled slightly; she remained silent. Suddenly, Mu Fengyan laughed and said, "Ah, I just remembered, at this hour, that annoying Xiao Li is probably looking for me again. I need to go hide; if he finds me, it will be so annoying!"
He turned and quickly walked away, his steps light yet swift as if he were escaping. Yin Luo squinted her eyes as she watched his figure disappear, feeling a mix of emotions: this naive young emperor had become sentimental because of her.
Dizzy from the wind, after standing for a while, Yin Luo finally decided to head back.
She tightened her cloak and turned to walk back but noticed someone standing behind her when she moved her feet.
She wasn't too far away, yet Yin Luo had no idea how long she had been there.
Seeing that Yin Luo had noticed her, the person stepped forward slowly, revealing more of her face under the moonlight.
It was Empress Dowager Jade Ruyi. She wore a deep red palace outfit with a matching cloak on top. Her hair was styled high, adorned with a golden phoenix poised to take flight, reflecting her status as the head of the harem—noble and glorious.
There was no smile on her face; she quietly approached Yin Luo until she stood right in front of her.
"Your servant greets the Empress Dowager," Yin Luo said. Although she did not know the purpose of her visit, she still followed etiquette.
"Princess Jin has not been seen for a long time; I hope you are well."
Seeing that she did not allow her to rise, Yin Luo directly stood up and met her gaze with a smile. "Empress Dowager, it seems we haven't seen each other for quite some time. How have you been lately?"
Jade Ruyi smiled coldly and said, "I knew you were not an ordinary woman, but I didn't expect you to win his heart so quickly."
Yin Luo paused and asked, "What does the Empress Dowager mean?"
"He has never been moved by anyone. For over twenty years, I have watched him grow into the person he is today, from being obedient and clever to now being as cold as ice, keeping everyone at a distance. Yet today, you have made me see a glimpse of who he was back then."
Yin Luo raised an eyebrow and looked at her. "Are you talking about Jin Wang?" She chuckled and said, "The relationship between Jin Wang and me is our business; it seems unrelated to the Empress Dowager."
"Yes, it indeed has nothing to do with me." Empress Dowager turned around, her gaze intense. "You are Consort Jin, the rightful woman of Jin Wang. I am the Empress Dowager, the mother of the Emperor; how could it possibly concern me? But he clearly promised me in the past that as long as he accepted the position of Crown Prince, he would treat me with respect."
Yin Luo shifted her gaze to her face.
Her expression was sorrowful, filled with regret and perhaps resentment. Suddenly, Yin Luo thought of something and tentatively said, "But you betrayed him; you made your own son the Emperor."
Jade Ruyi's expression changed in shock as she turned back, her eyes wide with disbelief. "How do you know? Did he tell you?"
Yin Luo smirked. "He didn't need to tell me; I could read it from your face."
Yin Luo lowered her gaze towards Lake Surface. "So, did you once have a romantic relationship?"
Jade Ruyi, being someone who had long held power, quickly regained her composure after a moment of shock. Her gaze settled calmly on Yin Luo. "No, we were nothing. If we must say there was something, it would be something that could have been realized in the future."
Yin Luo smiled slightly. "You both have quite a lot of courage to make such a deal under the Emperor's nose."
"It’s not what you think." Jade Ruyi denied it but then seemed to recall the past, a hint of tenderness appearing in her eyes. "It was my one-sided affection; he initially had no idea I was his father's woman until later when at a palace banquet, the Emperor designated me to perform a dance, and that was when he learned my identity."
"If it weren't for meeting too late, we would have been together long ago. It's just a pity that we had fate but no chance." Jade Ruyi sighed lightly and fell silent for a long time, her thoughts drifting far away.
Yin Luo watched her reminisce, lost in her thoughts, and turned her face away, saying, "So what about the throne? Was it your doing, or did the Former Emperor truly pass it on to the current emperor?"
"It was Yan'er. This was the Former Emperor's own intention. Just think about it, I am merely a lowly Jieyu, not even a consort. How could the emperor possibly heed my words and give the throne to his youngest son?"
"So you mean that Mu Changqing misunderstood you?"
Jade Ruyi turned back, her gaze landing on Yin Luo's face, and sighed lightly, "Yes, that's why we are fated to be apart. That's why I envy you... and am jealous of you."
Her eyes were bright, not hiding her jealousy at all. Upon hearing this, Yin Luo not only did not get angry but instead smiled and asked, "Did the prince go to see you just now?"
Jade Ruyi was taken aback, her eyes wide with surprise. "What a perceptive woman you are! How did you know?"
Yin Luo chuckled and said, "The fragrance on you—if I’m not mistaken, it should be Jasmine, right? This flower is rare in the Exiled Nation. I heard that the late Consort Ling loved this fragrance so much that she had people bring it from the northwest to plant in the palace. After Consort Ling passed away, no one knew where this flower went. Later on, I caught a whiff of it from the Empress Dowager and guessed that she must have moved it here."
At this moment, admiration replaced Jade Ruyi's surprise in her eyes. "I didn't expect that at such a young age, having been in the Exiled Nation for less than a year, you would know about such things. Yes, it is Jasmine. Consort Ling liked it; the emperor loved Consort Ling and especially cherished this fragrance. For a time, everyone in the palace imitated her. Unfortunately, there was only one plant in the palace. Since Consort Ling was favored, no one dared to take it away. When I first entered the palace, Consort Ling was seriously ill. I often went to see her. She found me gentle and not fond of conflict, so we gradually became familiar with each other. Later on, she even gifted me that Jasmine."
"After Consort Ling passed away, that flower remained in my chamber. The first time Jin Wang saw it and paid attention to me was because of this fragrance; he said it reminded him of his mother."
Yin Luo silently reflected on their past; it turned out they had such a history.
Jade Ruyi was indeed a unique woman—she did not hide her jealousy towards her but bore no malice either. It could be considered a form of sincerity; it was truly fate that Mu Changqing did not end up with her.
After returning from the palace, Yin Luo kept thinking about this matter. Mu Changqing noticed she had been silent all along but did not disturb her until they returned to the Wangfu. On the way to her room, he suddenly called out to her.
"Did someone say something they shouldn't have?"
Yin Luo came back to herself and saw him. After a moment of silence, she suddenly smiled and took a few steps forward until she stood before him. "I'm fine; I just heard some interesting things in the palace today and couldn't help but think a bit more."
She glanced at Mu Changqing and said, "The Prince once mentioned that if I have any questions, I can ask you directly. I wonder if that still holds true today?"
Mu Changqing was taken aback and slightly raised his chin. "What do you want to ask?"
Yin Luo looked around and chuckled lightly. "There are quite a few things I want to ask. If the Prince were to answer each one, I fear we wouldn't finish in one night."
Mu Changqing raised an eyebrow. His long, straight brows slanted elegantly like a finely cut blade, making for a striking appearance. The action of raising his brow, previously hidden by a mask, was now revealed and sent a thrill through her heart.
"Then let's change places."
He walked ahead while Yin Luo followed behind. He Xin, seeing them about to leave the residence, hurriedly instructed someone to prepare swift horses. By the time they reached the door, the horses were already ready.
As if they had an unspoken understanding, Mu Changqing turned back to glance at Yin Luo. She smiled and nimbly mounted her horse. Seeing this, Mu Changqing also curled the corner of his lips and gracefully leaped onto his horse's back.
Comment 0 Comment Count