eurekapd Chapter 105 The Emperor's Request
Chapter 105 The Emperor's Request
"No."
Mo Ning reached across the table to take her hand, but she calmly withdrew it.
“When we were in Kangzhuang Village, you didn’t want to tell me the truth, and I understood that. But when we came to the capital, you still didn’t tell me the truth. In fact… I only found out your identity on the day of the incident. I feel like I was being played by you like a monkey.”
"Lan Zhi, that's not how it is."
Wei Jianning was a little anxious.
“I’m really afraid that you’ll be in danger once you know who I am.”
"Don't make it sound so nice..."
She laughed self-deprecatingly.
"From the moment I, Lan Zhi, stepped into your home, I have been devoted to you. Even though you have a physical disability, I have never been disloyal to you. But what about you? You even hid your identity from me. How can I trust you in the future?"
Her gaze dimmed little by little. "Today has been so eventful. I agreed to stay during the day because I'm a person who doesn't give up easily. I don't want to be looked down upon. But I really can't accept that you lied to me. If you want me to stay, we can go our separate ways. If you don't agree, I will leave."
"Lan Zhi, I'm sorry."
He wanted to explain to her, but she no longer wanted to listen.
That's all I have to say. The tea's gone cold, and I'm tired.
Her expression tugged at his heartstrings, but he didn't blame her; the outcome was already much better than he had expected.
As long as she doesn't leave, I can do whatever I want.
His steps as he walked out the door were unusually steady, and his back view couldn't hide his disappointment.
He walked to the door, and suddenly it started to rain.
He looked up at the sky, the drizzling rain pattering on his head. Yuan Tianxiong hurriedly tried to shield him with an umbrella, but he pushed it away.
"Go down!"
He felt an indescribable sadness, and his body was filled with an inexplicable weariness and depression.
Yuan Tianxiong comforted him softly.
"Your Highness, you haven't been resting well these past few days, please don't get caught in the rain."
"Go down."
He lowered his voice, yet it exuded an air of authority that left no room for argument.
Yuan Tianxiong dared not speak again. He waved to the people standing in the courtyard, and they all opened their umbrellas and ran to the main hall to take shelter from the rain.
Under the pitch-black night sky, the only sound could be the patter of rain.
Wei Jianning stood in the rain, fully enjoying the cool feeling of the heavy rain on his body.
He wanted to punish himself for deceiving Lan Zhi and for the harm he had caused her.
Lan Zhi stood inside the house and glanced through the window at Wei Jianning standing in the rain. She wanted to persuade him to go back, but in the end, she didn't move an inch.
The next day
The weather cleared up, but Wei Jianning fell ill.
He was soaked in the rain for a long time last night, and when he was about to collapse, Yuan Tianxiong and the others helped him to Nie Yuan's room.
Lan Zhi was in a state of semi-consciousness throughout the night. In fact, she was still very worried about Wei Jianning. She wanted to go out several times, but her proud pride wouldn't allow her to.
When Xiangxiu arrived, she was sitting at the table, lost in thought.
"Your Highness, a lot of people have arrived outside. I heard that the Emperor is also waiting at the Crown Prince's residence. Let's hurry up and leave!"
She looked up at Xiangxiu, who had already changed into a maid's clothes, which surprised her.
"you?"
Xiangxiu smiled, then turned around in front of her.
"From now on, I can no longer call you Sister Lan, I have to call you Crown Princess. From now on, Aqi and I will be your personal maids. If my mother finds out about this, she will brag about it everywhere and be all smiles."
Lan Zhi shook her head and smiled bitterly.
"Xiangxiu, when we first met, we were equals, so no matter what our status is in the future, we will always be good sisters."
Xiangxiu nodded repeatedly, very grateful.
"That's wonderful! Oh, by the way, I heard that Wei Jian'an committed suicide in prison and is dead, and the former Crown Princess also hanged herself..."
Lan Zhi's brows furrowed instantly. Wei Jian'an did deserve to die. Jiang Yaru had met her once before, and although they had argued a few times, she didn't deserve to die either.
Moreover, it is said that their child was only a few years old. She died, and the child was so pitiful.
Thinking of this, she let out a long sigh of relief, stood up, and said:
"Alright, help me change my clothes!"
After Xiangxiu nodded, she called out to the outside, and several maids, led by Aqi, came into the room to help her with her makeup and changing clothes.
Although Wei Jianning felt unwell, he still dressed properly and insisted on standing in the yard waiting for her.
About half an hour later, the door creaked open from the inside.
Lost in thought, Wei Jianning heard the door open and looked up to see her wearing a light blue gauze dress, with a delicate jade hairpin tucked into her hair, adorned with fine silver beaded tassels. Her face was lightly powdered, with cherry lips and a delicate nose, and she seemed to float down like a fairy.
Wei Jianning took two steps forward, a gentle smile appearing on her lips.
"Lan Zhi, you look beautiful today."
Lan Zhi nodded calmly.
"Your Highness is also incredibly dashing."
He knew her words were just a perfunctory response, but he liked hearing them.
He stepped forward, took her hand, and led her toward the main entrance.
Even though she already harbored resentment towards him, she did not refuse his advances.
After that night, she had already decided that since she had agreed to be his crown princess, she should still give him enough face in front of others.
When they arrived at the Crown Prince's residence, the area inside and outside was filled with people who came to congratulate them, and even the plaque hanging high above the gate had been completely renovated.
He held her hand the whole time. After Yiyi greeted everyone, she went into the courtyard.
The emperor sat upright, his face solemn.
The two men stepped forward and knelt to pay their respects, but the emperor waved his hand, signaling them to rise.
"Ning'er, this Crown Prince's residence will be yours from now on, but I have a request. It will be difficult for you, but I still hope you can grant it."
Wei Jianning frowned slightly, then nodded in agreement.
"How can you use the word 'request' when speaking to your son, Father? Just give the order if you need anything."
The Emperor let out a soft sigh, looked around the room, and then spoke in a deep voice.
“Wei Jian’an deserved his punishment. Jiang Yaru’s willingness to accompany him shows their deep affection as a couple. However, Ming’er is only six years old. I do not wish to punish him. What do you think?”
Even if his father is guilty of serious crimes, a six-year-old child should not be implicated.
Wei Jianning immediately replied:
“Father is absolutely right. Ming’er is still young and should not be implicated in this matter. I have no objection to it.”
The Emperor nodded with great satisfaction.
"I am pleased that you say so, but Ming'er is having a hard time accepting the loss of both his parents in one day. I heard he cried all night and just fell asleep. He said he doesn't want to leave the Crown Prince's residence. I was thinking that since the residence is spacious enough, I can let him stay here for a while until he is more stable. Then I will find a suitable person to take care of him. Is that alright?"