Chapter 45.2
Removing his hand from her waist, the invisible pressure finally eased slightly. His question left Zhao Heng somewhat puzzled.
She asked back, "Your Highness, don't you want children?"
After a long time, just when Zhao Heng thought Li Wenjian wouldn't answer, he suddenly spoke, "If I wanted children, I'm afraid I would have had many by now."
He then slightly released Zhao Heng, helped her straighten out her messy nightgown, and pulled up the fallen blanket, wrapping her tightly.
Zhao Heng was completely surrounded by Li Wenjian's hug, his scent enveloping her.
Hearing his words, she realized something. He was the Crown Prince, he could have any woman he wanted. As long as he said the word, women from all over the world would compete to bear his children.
In fact, if he wanted to, he could have many, many women and children.
After a while, her eyelashes trembled slightly, and she slowly turned to look at Li Wenjian.
"This is a very serious matter, it should happen when you really like someone, want to spend the rest of your life with them, and bring life into the world together," Li Wenjian restrained his voice, "instead of someone reminding you that you should have a child. Your life should not be decided by others."
Back at that time, when the young blood had not yet met the person who moved his heart, he could resist desires for the sake of his beliefs; let alone now...
Zhao Heng looked at him, completely dumbfounded.
"Ah Heng." Li Wenjian watched her stunned expression, raised his hand to tuck the stray hair near her temple behind her ear, gently securing it in place, "You don't have to try so hard to please me, thinking of using a child to solidify your position. You can live freely, ride horses if you want, fly kites on clear and windy days..."
âWhy?" Zhao Heng blinked slowly with a belated realization, her voice weak.
Li Wenjian suppressed the turmoil in his heart, trying to keep his tone steady and normal, "Because I seem to like you."
He liked her so much that he couldn't bear to cluelessly surrender herself to him.
Their beginning was already a mistake, she could love him and spend the rest of her life with him, or she could hate him and part ways with him.
But it couldn't be, she shouldn't be like this.
Zhao Heng's heart was like a calm lake, his words were like a stone thrown into the heart of the lake, causing ripples to spread out and then return.
"Do you like me?" Li Wenjian asked again.
Zhao Heng's eyelashes quivered slightly, slowly turning her gaze towards Li Wenjian. Despite the dim room, she seemed to see his bright eyes clearly.
Her heart was pounding, unsure of how to respond, Li Wenjian lifted her face and gently touched her rosy cheeks.
He chuckled softly and said to Zhao Heng, "See, you're confused yourself. How can I take advantage of you and have you bear me a child while you're in such confusion?"
Li Wenjian covered her with the blanket and said gently, "Go to sleep, rest well."
*
The next morning, Li Nanxi came to Chengming Hall to find Zhao Heng.
Today was the day the Third Princess went to Daxiangguo Temple to pray for blessings, and they had to leave the palace early.
As Zhao Heng led Li Nanxi out, she saw Li Wenjian sitting under the desk reviewing official documents from afar. The events of the previous night suddenly rushed into her mind, causing her to pause her steps, gently biting her lip, her once clear-as-a-mirror heart now in turmoil.
She had always lived with clarity, knowing what she wanted and how to get it, with clear intentions.
Initially in the palace, she had only one thought, to leave the palace.
After her grandmother passed away, she wanted a place to call home.
The prince was a good man, and she thought it would be nice to have a child with him and live that way.
But when the prince asked if she liked him, she panicked.
She always felt that their relationship was too unrealistic to talk about liking, not that she didn't like him, but...she was afraid.
She always found liking someone to be a risky affair, requiring her to hand over her heart to another person completely, with no reservations, and that person should at least be on equal footing with her.
For example, she and Bai Yu, a laundry maid and a eunuch, were a perfect match.
She could like him without any psychological pressure, accept his kindness, and give her heart to him.
When there was no equality, it was difficult to talk about liking or not liking.
The crown prince was like an unattainable mountain, she had always prostrated herself at his feet, admiring the high mountain.
His kindness was a gift, while hers was the duty of a concubine.
Zhao Heng looked at Li Wenjian's figure ahead, deep in thought.
She saw in him a vast and inclusive bearing, his concern and care were like a trickle nourishing her barren life.
After experiencing so much, she should be content with the peace and beauty before her, and not ask for too much.
Zhao Heng brought her thoughts back, her dreamy gaze refocused, landing on the road ahead.
This was fine now.
She admonished herself.
Li Nanxi shook her hand, "Sister Ah Heng, let's go."
"Okay!" Zhao Heng led her out of the palace.
There were many people going to Daxiangguo Temple today, almost all of the Third Princess's close friends were going.
Amidst the throng of festively attired guests, Zhao Heng spotted Wei Wanyu, a vision in a stunning cerulean gown that cascaded to the ground like a cloud, exuding both vibrant elegance and an air of grandeur. Adorned with a resplendent set of pearl jewelry, her cloud-like coiffure shimmered under the sun's radiant embrace.
With each graceful step, the tassels of her hairpin swayed rhythmically, casting a mesmerizing dance of golden light.
"Jun Ning, congratulations," Wei Wanyu approached, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mirth.
The Third Princess offered her a courteous curtsy in gratitude, her mind clouded with perplexity. When Wei Wanyu had suggested to the Empress Mother that Zhao Heng accompany them to the Daxiangguo Monastery, there had been no mention of her own attendance.
Later, Wei Wanyu's sudden decision to join them had thrown her into a state of quandary.
Apprehensive of Wei Wanyu's potential to stir up trouble, the Third Princess discreetly instructed An Qinghan to keep a watchful eye on her.
Amidst the throng of onlookers, Wei Wanyu's gaze fell upon Zhao Heng.
How could this man have been promoted to the rank of Liangyuan (a high-ranking imperial concubine)?
A gnawing sensation gripped her heart, akin to a cat's relentless claws. She had initially dismissed His Highness' affection as a fleeting whim, but time had proven her wrong. Not only had he not grown weary of her, but he had even elevated her status.
Suppressing her turmoil, Wei Wanyu boarded her carriage, reminding herself to remain composed. Her past missteps stemmed from her inability to maintain composure.
Today, without a doubt, Ruo Zhen would attempt to abduct her at the Daxiangguo Temple.
Initially, to avoid raising suspicions, Wei Wanyu had no intention of visiting the Daxiangguo Temple.
However, the night before her departure, she discovered a note in her chambers. It was an invitation from the Crown Prince, summoning her to the Daxiangguo Temple for a rendezvous under the pretext of a Buddhist ceremony.
Overwhelmed with joy, she nearly wept. It had been nearly a year since the Crown Prince had acknowledged her presence! Could this sudden invitation, right before her impending journey, be an attempt to rescue her?
Despite his initial reluctance, he couldn't bear to leave her side.
"Is that so?" she replied, her voice barely a whisper.
Wei Wanyu's hand, concealed within her sleeve, tightened into a fist.
She was determined to seize this opportunity.
Their journey to the Daxiangguo Monastery took less than a day. They traveled in separate carriages, four or five in total.
Li Nanxi sat perched on the edge of the carriage, lifting the curtain a sliver to peek out at the passing scenery. She would then excitedly recount the novel sights to Zhao Heng.
"When we reach the mountain, let's ask my imperial brother for a fertility charm," Li Nanxi abruptly suggested to Zhao Heng.
Zhao Heng turned to face Li Nanxi, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Why the sudden request?" she inquired.
"Xiao Ning mentioned that her sister-in-law has given birth to a daughter, making her an aunt." Li Nanzhi, propping her chin on her hands and pouting, said, "Why haven't you had a child yet? I want to be an aunt too."
Zhao Heng couldn't help but laugh and cry. "If you keep talking nonsense, Xiao Ning's head will be chopped off again by your imperial brother."
Li Nanxi closed her mouth and played with the dough figurine in her hand for a while before saying, "Xiao Ning will be back at the end of the month. Let's go horseback riding together again when she's back!"
"So soon?" Zhao Heng was surprised. "Last time she wrote to me and said she wouldn't be back until October."
"Xiao Silang is coming back," Li Nanzhi said. "He's rushing back to give his third sister away in marriage."
No wonder.
Ning Wanzhi truly lives up to her reputation as a passionate lover.
A warm smile graced her lips as she watched Ning Wanzhi live life with such openness and honesty. It was refreshing to witness such genuine spirit.
The Daxiangguo Temple was not far from the imperial palace. After a little over an hour, they arrived at the temple gates.
The temple abbot had already made the necessary preparations. Upon their arrival, they were ushered into the main hall, where the prayer ceremony commenced.
The Third Princess knelt before the Buddha statue, eyes closed, offering her prayers with a solemn and dignified demeanor.
Zhao Heng knelt behind her, perhaps moved by her sincere devotion, also made three wishes before the deities.
Her first wish was to uncover the identity of the culprit who had harmed her grandmother and seek revenge.
Her second wish was for peace and prosperity to reign throughout the land.
Her third wish was for the Crown Prince's happiness and well-being in all his endeavors.
*
The Daxiangguo Temple was a royal temple, its guest rooms spacious and tastefully decorated.
After lunch, Zhao Heng spent her time in the room entertaining Li Nanxi with afternoon stories.
The little girl, rarely venturing out of the palace, was in high spirits, coaxing Zhao Heng into telling her several tales from the countryside before finally drifting off to sleep.
Glancing at Li Nanxi's peaceful slumber, Zhao Heng estimated the time and gently stepped out of the room, instructing the maid to watch over the guest quarters.
"Lady Liangyuan, are you heading out?" Xue Mama inquired.
"I have transcribed a few sutras for the Crown Prince to be placed before the Buddha. I'll go find the abbot first," she replied before leaving with Lian Zhou.
In the guest room at the back of the mountain, Wei Wanyu waited anxiously, her heart filled with apprehension. She had been waiting for a long time, but Li Wenjian had not shown up. In fact, she hadn't even seen him at all that day.
Just when she was about to lose patience, footsteps approached the door.
Elated, she rushed forward to open it, exclaiming, "Your Highness!"
The door swung open, revealing a figure in a soft lavender hue standing before her. Zhao Heng curved her lips, the two dimples on her cheeks deepening sweetly, "Greetings, Miss Wei."
A surge of unease gripped Wei Wanyu's heart. She pushed Zhao Heng aside and attempted to leave, but a sudden hand clamped down on her shoulder, forcing her back into the room. She spun around, only to find Ruo Zhen standing behind Zhao Heng.
"Ruo Zhen!"
Her gaze returned to Zhao Heng's face, her mind racing with ominous thoughts. "Where is His Highness?" she demanded.
"His Highness asked me to inform you that he will not be coming," Zhao Heng replied calmly, stepping into the room and lifting her skirts to settle into a seat at the table.
Ruo Zhen limped in behind her and turned to close the door, leaning against it, effectively blocking Wei Wanyu's escape route.
"Impossible!" Wei Wanyu shrieked, her voice trembling.
Zhao Heng had spent the entire afternoon telling stories to Li Nanxi, her throat parched from the effort. She picked up the teacup overturned on the table and poured herself a glass of water from the teapot.
Wei Wanyu glanced at Ruo Zhen and then back at Zhao Heng, "When did you two... when did you conspire together?"