Chapter 148

Chapter 148: You Don’t Mind, Do You?

After everyone accepted the imperial decree and the Eunuch Attendant had left, Meng Yang spoke up with envy and longing in her voice. “The royal hunt must be such a grand and magnificent event. Alas, someone of my status likely won’t have the chance to see it.”

“Well, I suppose I’ll stay at the residence and attend to Mother.”

Qi Shu Xian looked at her apologetically, gently taking her hand, yet not saying what she truly wished to hear.

Sheng Zhi Wan had no patience for their sentimental exchange and turned away.

Qi Shu Xian frowned, gazing at her departing figure, and after a moment, hurried to catch up.

“Zhi Wan…”

Sheng Zhi Wan stopped, silently meeting his eyes.

Qi Shu Xian said softly, “I heard there’s a beautiful plum blossom grove beside the Training Field Detached Palace. They’re in full bloom right now. How about I take you there?”

Their eyes held each other’s gaze, silence stretching between them.

Sheng Zhi Wan studied the man before her, reminded suddenly of the first time they’d met—a spirited youth with a dazzling smile.

[He is still the same, yet no longer the same.]

Her love for him had long since been worn away by the cold neglect and pain of her previous life.

Instead of giving an answer, she turned and asked Meng Yang, who was biting her lip anxiously, “Does Concubine Meng wish to attend the hunt?”

Meng Yang was startled, hastily replying, “Princess, please don’t misunderstand. I’m simply envious that you can accompany the Heir Apparent and witness such a spectacular event.”

She indeed wanted to go and planned to persuade Qi Shu Xian later.

Sheng Zhi Wan smiled faintly, “If you admire it so much, come with us tomorrow.”

“Zhi Wan, what nonsense are you saying? Her status isn’t suitable for such occasions,” Qi Shu Xian scolded with a frown.

Meng Yang’s face instantly paled.

Sheng Zhi Wan merely chuckled softly, turning to leave without another word.

In her previous life, Qi Shu Xian had initially said the same thing to her—that he would bring only Sheng Zhi Wan—but in the end, Meng Yang was still brought along. Not only that, Meng Yang had later feigned a stomachache, even taking away Sheng Zhi Wan’s maidservant to care for her.

Thus, Sheng Zhi Wan didn’t worry about Qi Shu Xian bothering her at the Detached Palace. Meng Yang would certainly find a way to come along, leaving Sheng Zhi Wan free to plan her own matters peacefully.

That night, Sheng Zhi Wan unusually requested An Zhi to bring out a small jug of flower wine. She sat quietly by the brazier, sipping occasionally while gazing out at the vast night sky.

Beside her, An Zhi and Ting Lan busied themselves preparing for the trip, carefully packing her clothing, jewelry, skin and hair oils, a small heater, and the books Sheng Zhi Wan liked to stare at while lost in thought.

Sheng Zhi Wan lazily rested her chin on her palm, glancing through a narrow gap in the window toward the endless, wide-open night.

[At last…]

In this life, she no longer had to remain trapped in this tiny courtyard.

With a gentle smile, Sheng Zhi Wan leaned sideways, drifting off into sleep.

At dawn the next morning, Sheng Zhi Wan was awoken by An Zhi to prepare. She half-closed her eyes, allowing An Zhi to clean her face and comb her hair into an intricate style, adorned with lavish jewelry and hairpins.

Her head felt heavy, but there was no choice. Today she represented not just Duke Qi’s household but also the dignity of a princess of Sheng Kingdom.

Meanwhile, in Endless Courtyard, Meng Yang also carefully dressed herself in front of the mirror.

After much pleading last night, Meng Yang had finally persuaded Qi Shu Xian to let her accompany him, arguing that she needed to speak with the Third Prince about new business.

No matter what, Meng Yang was determined to prevent Sheng Zhi Wan and Qi Shu Xian from spending the night together at the Detached Palace. If necessary, she could always use her pregnancy as an excuse.

Meng Yang’s slender figure was concealed beneath a thick winter cloak, making it difficult to notice she was pregnant.

After carefully dressing, Meng Yang turned to Qi Shu Xian, who couldn’t help but stare, momentarily enchanted.

After months of gentle care, Meng Yang indeed looked lovely. Her pale pink dress with the gray fox fur wrap gave her an elegant and delicate charm.

However, this beauty faded into insignificance beside Sheng Zhi Wan.

Today, Sheng Zhi Wan was magnificently dressed, her luxurious robes and cloak making her seem like a goddess—majestic, noble, and enchantingly beautiful.

Standing beside her, Meng Yang looked no better than a humble maidservant.

Seeing Qi Shu Xian’s hesitation, Sheng Zhi Wan raised an eyebrow, prompting him to quickly explain, “She has business to discuss with the Third Prince, that’s why she’s coming.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Sheng Zhi Wan replied lightly, utterly unconcerned.

As a royal princess, she was allowed two maidservants for this occasion. Liu Shang, proficient in martial arts, would definitely come. Initially, Ting Lan was to accompany her too, but feeling An Zhi was more capable, Ting Lan had willingly stepped aside.

Qi Shu Xian and Meng Yang, lacking royal status, couldn’t bring any servants.

Therefore, the house steward prepared only three carriages: one for Duke Qi, and two others for Qi Shu Xian, Sheng Zhi Wan, and Meng Yang.

Properly, Qi Shu Xian and Sheng Zhi Wan should share one carriage, but seeing Meng Yang’s presence, Sheng Zhi Wan merely glanced at them and directly boarded her carriage with Liu Shang and An Zhi.

Qi Shu Xian frowned slightly.

At that moment, Duke Qi arrived, supporting Madam Tao. Qi Shu Xian’s expression darkened further.

Sheng Zhi Wan lifted the curtain of her carriage and, seeing Duke Qi aiding Madam Tao and Qi Shu Xian attending to Meng Yang, she couldn’t help but laugh softly.

When their party reached the palace gates, the official retinues had already gathered. Soon, the Northern Di delegation arrived. Among them, Sheng Zhi Wan glimpsed the Northern Di Crown Prince who had passed away early in her previous life.

Finally, the emperor’s and his consorts’ grand procession emerged. After ceremonial greetings, they set off towards the Detached Palace.

Their entourage was immense, comprising the emperor, hundreds of officials, and thousands of guards, not even counting those hidden in the shadows.

They arrived at the Detached Palace as dusk fell.

Their party was housed in the Wing Courtyard outside the palace. The courtyard was small, with two main side chambers and two smaller rooms.

Duke Qi and Madam Tao naturally occupied one main chamber, while Sheng Zhi Wan, as princess, took the other.

As An Zhi and Ting Lan began unloading her luggage, Qi Shu Xian moved forward, intending to help, only to be interrupted by Meng Yang’s sudden cry. He turned to see she had dropped her belongings, and watched her helplessly bend to retrieve them.

A trace of guilt crossed Qi Shu Xian’s heart. He hurried to assist her, taking the luggage into one of the smaller rooms.

Meng Yang looked apologetically at Sheng Zhi Wan. “My body is heavy now. The Princess won’t mind if the Heir Apparent spends more time caring for me, right?”

Sheng Zhi Wan felt amused at her question. “Of course not.”

[Why would I mind?]

She would soon part ways with him. Why should she care whom he chose to spend his time with?