"Since Biwu has pleaded for you, I will not pursue the matter."
With Chun De’s declaration, a weight was finally lifted from Song Lianhe’s chest. But in the next mont, she felt a little confused.
’What exactly... was the Empress going to hold against her?’
’Was it for practicing dicine while hiding her identity?’
’Or for treating Consort Jing?’
Before she could figure it out, Chun De spoke again. "Song Lianhe, I am already aware of the matter between you and Prince Ling."
"I am filled with apprehension," Song Lianhe replied hastily.
"So, you truly no longer have feelings for him?"
Chun De asked this a little too eagerly. The mont the words left her mouth, Zhou Cangyan glanced over. She imdiately pretended to admire the pine trees outside the window, averting her gaze.
"Of course!" Song Lianhe beca quite animated when the topic ca up. Terrified of being associated with Zhou Junlin again, her words ca out firm and powerful. "Since the Empress has asked, I will be so bold as to ask the Empress to be my witness! As of now, I no longer have a shred of affection for Prince Ling! This is precisely why the engagent was canceled. There was no coercion involved whatsoever! If anyone spreads gossip or rumors about this in the future, I beg the Empress to stand up for !"
"Excellent! I will stand up for you!"
Chun De looked even more serious than she did as she gave her solemn promise.
—
「Ling Prince Mansion.」
As Gu Ha gave Zhou Junlin a detailed report of what had happened, the prince’s young, handso face twisted with the rage of humiliation.
"Is that what she really said?"
"Replying to Your Highness, she even asked the Empress to back her up! And the Empress agreed, ordering that no one is to discuss the matter of her engagent to Your Highness again..."
Zhou Cangyan had traded his military authority for Song Lianhe’s freedom, and Zhou Junlin was the last to know!
’He could understand his Imperial Father making such a choice; after all, he would have done the sa. What he couldn’t fathom was why this uncle of his valued Song Lianhe so much. So much that he would trade away his military authority! He refused to believe his uncle was so lovesick fool who would give up power for a woman!’
’Military authority?’
’That was his backing, his bargaining chip!’
’And he just gave it away so easily?’
’Just for one Song Lianhe?’
But besides that, Zhou Junlin couldn’t think of any other reason.
More than any of this, what Zhou Junlin found hardest to accept was Song Lianhe’s determination to be rid of him.
’What right did she have?’
Now, hearing what she had said before the Empress, he was so furious his chest felt like it would explode! The woman who had sworn over and over that she would marry no one but him had changed her heart overnight!
’What a fickle woman!’
—
Song Lianhe had a al at the Empress’s palace before heading back.
She was in a good mood and had eaten a bit too much, so she decided to forgo the carriage and stroll back.
Her lips were pursed to hold back a smile that filled her eyes. With her hands clasped behind her back, the slightly loose strands of hair at her cheeks swayed and danced with her light-footed steps.
Zhou Cangyan closed his glass-like eyes for a mont. "That happy?"
"Of course I’m happy!" She turned around, beaming at the devilishly handso man following behind her. "From now on, I don’t have to worry about being connected to that person ever again. I can focus on my career! I’m going to make lots and lots of Silver, achieve financial freedom, and thrive all on my own!"
Zhou Cangyan watched her, his expression unreadable. "On your own?"
"Yep! A woman doesn’t have to rely on a man. n just slow down the speed at which we collect Silver!" She took a step forward, ca right up to him, and nudged him with her elbow. "Aren’t you moved by how hard I’m working to make money? It just goes to show what a sharp eye our Prince Qing has, to have spotted a talent like right away!"
Zhou Cangyan shot her a cool glance and said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, "Then I suppose I should thank you?"
"Don’t ntion it! It’s nothing! Hahaha—"
Song Lianhe was preening with delight.
Zhou Cangyan looked down at her, the corners of his lips gradually turning up as a faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared on his face.
"I’m suddenly craving Fuling Cake!" Song Lianhe waved at him from up ahead. "Prince, walk faster!"
"Mm."
Zhou Cangyan couldn’t help but quicken his pace to walk beside her. She tilted her head up, her smile radiant, and pointed a hand toward the night sky.
"The moon is so beautiful tonight."
He lifted his head too, and together they gazed at the moon above.
"But still not as beautiful as our Prince Qing!"
He started, then lowered his gaze to look at her.
The woman’s smile grew even more brilliant.
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