Chapter 185: Asking for a Favor
At the palace’s evening banquet, goblets clinked amid the festivities.
The Eldest Princess tilted her head, glancing at the clearly unenthusiastic Princess Qingyang. "What’s wrong with Qinyang today?" she asked with a smile. "You’ve always loved these lively events. Why are you so listless now?"
Princess Qingyang sighed, casting a mournful glance at Shen Yanchuan, who stood not far away.
"It’s all because of Ta Xue. That horse is as stubborn as a mule—impossible to tame!"
Shen Yanchuan had agreed to let her handle Ta Xue, and she had been overjoyed. But several days had passed, and she’d hardly even gotten close to the horse.
She was skilled in archery and horsemanship and had a personality that hated to lose. Faced with a situation like this, she naturally felt indignant.
Unfortunately, Ta Xue was just too difficult to manage, which made even this palace banquet seem dull.
"No matter how lively it is, it’s no different from any other year. I’m sick of it," Qingyang huffed. "Watching all these people put on fake smiles and pretenses is no fun at all. It would be better if Chutang and Xiao Wu were here. A pity her injury hasn’t healed, so she couldn’t come today."
The Eldest Princess shook her head with a smile. "It’s not like you don’t know that Ta Xue has only ever listened to Yanchuan. Why bang your head against a wall? As for Chutang... her health is more important. If she wants to come in the future, it’ll be the easiest thing in the world."
’That’s true.’
Princess Qingyang stood up decisively. "Forget it. It’s too stuffy in here. I’m going for a walk."
The Eldest Princess glanced in a certain direction and asked pointedly, "Oh? Leaving now? You’re not going to wait a little longer?"
Princess Qingyang froze. As a realization dawned on her, she turned back and saw that Murong Ye had also arrived.
He looked tense, his expression weighed down with worry.
Princess Qingyang felt an even greater tightness in her chest.
"No need."
With that, she turned and walked out of the hall.
She never expected that just as she was brushing past Murong Ye, he would suddenly call out to her.
"Commandery Princess."
Princess Qingyang stopped in her tracks, half-doubting her own ears.
"You’re calling me?"
’Murong Ye has always avoided me, terrified of getting entangled with me. For him to approach me willingly today... how bizarre.’
Murong Ye was conflicted. He truly did not want to deal with Princess Qingyang, but right now, she was the only person he could think to ask for help.
"Yes. I have an urgent matter to discuss with you. Might we speak somewhere more private?"
Princess Qingyang eyed him up and down with suspicion.
’Is Murong Ye actually speaking to me in what could be considered a gentle tone?’
People inside the hall were starting to look their way.
Princess Qingyang thought for a moment. "Fine! Follow me."
She led the way out of the hall, down a long corridor, and finally stopped at a quiet corner.
"Alright, spit it out. What do you want?"
Murong Ye pressed his lips together, seeming to find it difficult to begin.
"I... I have something I’d like to ask for your help with."
’The Murong Ye I remember was always so full of swagger and pride. Have I ever seen him look this dejected?’
’Not to mention, this is the first time he’s ever humbled himself so much before me.’
’But he is, after all, someone I’ve liked for several years. How could my heart not be moved at all?’
Princess Qingyang’s stance softened.
"Tell me. If there’s anything I can do to help, I’ll certainly do my best."
Murong Ye looked as though a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
He looked at Princess Qingyang, his eyes filled with urgency. "It’s not really a big deal, I just... I just want to ask for your help in persuading His Majesty to release Ye Heng—"
Princess Qingyang’s expression turned cold.
"Murong Ye, is this the only reason you sought me out today?"
Seeing her expression turn icy, Murong Ye knew she was upset and quickly explained in a low voice, "...Yes, but I’m only doing this for—"