Chapter 421
A man's ambitions span the four corners of the earth, and Li Yuanjing had never placed much importance on his appearance.0
But ever since stepping down from his position, Li Yuanjing found himself growing increasingly preoccupied with his looks. He knew Shen Wei's feelings for him had cooled, and with no other recourse, he could only hope to win her over with his handsome features and exceptional skills.0
Shen Wei bloomed like a peony, her beauty showing no signs of fading over the years, attracting admirers like bees to nectar. Li Yuanjing, on the other hand, saw the toll the past few months had taken on him—fine lines had appeared at the corners of his eyes, and the creases of age marked his face.0
Ah.1
Shen Wei listened to his endless sighs and finally turned to him with patience. "Aging and mortality are the natural order of life. There's no need to dwell on it so heavily."0
Li Yuanjing let out a long, sorrowful sigh.0
Though her words made sense, he still couldn't shake the weight in his heart. Miserable, he shuffled behind Shen Wei, wrapping his arms around her waist, his entire being exuding a gloomy, dejected air—like a fallen king exiled from his pack.0
Seeing his pitiful state, Shen Wei allowed him to hold her.0
The night deepened, the candlelight seeping through the curtains into the room. Li Yuanjing kept his arms around Shen Wei's waist, but gradually, his hands began to wander lower.0
Shen Wei: ??0
The candle burned out, and beneath the embroidered quilt, passion flared like crimson waves.0
By dawn, Li Yuanjing rose refreshed, his lost confidence fully restored.0
Shen Wei remained in bed, too exhausted to open her eyes, tear stains lingering at the corners like dewdrops on a lotus in Luoyue Lake. Li Yuanjing carefully examined her, relieved to find no injuries, before quietly slipping out of the chamber.0
Dressed and satisfied, he tiptoed out of the bedroom.0
What did a few signs of aging matter?0
He was still in his prime.0
...0
Several days later.0
Under the gentle summer breeze, Shen Wei and Li Yuanjing played chess on the grassy banks of the lake.0
Back in the royal palace, Shen Wei had once pretended to be "unskilled at chess," coaxing Li Yuanjing into playing the role of an eager tutor, tirelessly teaching her the game.0
But in truth, Shen Wei was a quick learner. Though she had indeed been a novice at first, years of patient study had honed her skills to near-master level.0
Now, when they played, they were evenly matched, their battles on the board fierce and exhilarating.0
"Master, a letter from General Shen," Cai Ping announced, presenting an envelope.0
Shen Wei paused the game and opened the letter.0
Shen Mieyue and Sun Qingmei had been guarding the border all these years, sending only a letter or two annually. After reading it, Shen Wei instructed Cai Ping, "Prepare the rooms in the East Courtyard."0
Cai Ping nodded. "Right away, my lady."0
Li Yuanjing placed a white piece on the board, his brows faintly creased with worry. "Weiwei, why prepare the East Courtyard?"0
Was she planning to move him there?0
Li Yuanjing refused!0
After much persistence, he had finally secured his place in Shen Wei's bed, staying night after night. Had he been too overbearing lately, driving her to banish him elsewhere?0
Shen Wei glanced at him, about to answer, when the estate steward approached. "My lords, Prince Wu of Donglin requests an audience."0
Clack—0
Li Yuanjing's expression darkened as he flung his chess piece aside. "Guards! Drown that wretch in the lake!"0
The insolent fool!0
To covet the Empress Dowager was a capital offense! Last time, Li Yuanjing had spared his life out of mercy.0
Yet here he was, daring to return and court death!0
Shen Wei pressed a hand on Li Yuanjing's arm and turned to the steward. "What business does he have?"0
The steward bowed. "Prince Wu claims he is returning to Donglin and wishes to bid farewell to the Empress Dowager before his departure."0
During her time in exile, Shen Wei had found refuge in a Donglin fishing village, where Prince Wu had aided her. She owed him that much.0
Though eccentric, he was not malicious. Shen Wei nodded. "Fetch a thousand taels of silver from the treasury for him. Tell Prince Wu I wish him a safe journey."0
The steward bowed and left.0
At the chessboard, Li Yuanjing stewed in silent jealousy. He knew of Shen Wei's past with Prince Wu but dared not pry, afraid she might bar him from her chambers tonight.0
Shen Wei placed a black piece on the board with a decisive click, meeting Li Yuanjing's gaze. "Prince Wu is just a child. Why trouble yourself over him?"0
She emphasized the word "child."0
To her, Prince Wu was nothing more than an immature junior.0
Li Yuanjing's mood brightened instantly. Picking up a piece, he happily resumed their game.0
...0
...0
By the shores of Luoyue Lake, Prince Wu waited anxiously.0
Fearing he might stir trouble, the Donglin princess had ordered him to return home. Yet Prince Wu couldn't bring himself to leave—not without seeing Shen Wei one last time.0
The feeling was strange.0
He turned to his guard, Fifth Brother Zhang. "Don’t you think Empress Dowager Shen resembles Yuan Xi'er?"0
Fifth Brother Zhang shook his head frantically. "N-not at all! They’re nothing alike! Your Highness, let’s leave the city at once. I’m still unmarried—I don’t want to die young!"0
Prince Wu sighed. Though he had met Shen Wei only once, he felt an inexplicable familiarity, as if he had known her for years. Her mannerisms, her bearing—they faintly echoed Yuan Xi'er.0
But he knew it was impossible.0
Yuan Xi'er was gone, and Empress Dowager Shen had never left Qing State.0
A storm of emotions raged within him, but one thing was clear—he needed to see her again.0
Just once before he left...0
After an agonizing wait, the estate gates opened, and the steward emerged, holding a lacquered box. "My lord, Her Majesty gifts you a thousand taels of silver and wishes you safe travels."0
Prince Wu ignored the box. "She won’t see me?"0
The steward’s smile was thin and warning. "I advise you to depart swiftly. This is no place for lingering. Displeasing the wrong person could cost you your life."0
Prince Wu lowered his head in sorrow.0
Turning away, he gazed at the shimmering waters of Luoyue Lake—its ripples mirroring his tears.0
Leaving Yanjing City today meant he might never return. At twenty, Prince Wu felt the cruel weight of time, the bitterness of the world, and the sting of unrequited love.0
The undying romances from storybooks remained beyond his grasp, leaving him a lonely soul with nothing to hold onto.0
Fifth Brother Zhang supported him, urging, "Your Highness, there are plenty of fish in the sea. Why cling to this one?"0
Suddenly, Prince Wu halted.0
He spun around and marched back toward the estate.0
Fifth Brother Zhang nearly collapsed in terror, fearing another reckless act. But Prince Wu only snatched the box of silver from the steward’s hands.0
He could endure heartbreak, but he wouldn’t refuse Shen Wei’s money.0
A thousand taels was nothing to scoff at!0
No reason to leave it behind!0
Clutching the box, Prince Wu cast one last longing glance at the grand estate before departing, heartbroken.0
...0