Chapter 31-1: Once Familiar Place
Luo Sheng listened with lowered eyes, feeling unspeakable
anguish. Yes, she was truly foolish.
That night, a strong wind blew, shrouding everything in
darkness. Clad in her wedding dress, she desperately rode her horse, racing
towards home. Meanwhile, Wei Qiang, also dressed in wedding attire, pursued
her.
In the distance, she caught sight of the crumbling red
lanterns hanging under the eaves in front of Zhennan Wang Palace. Her heart
sank as she witnessed troops, brandishing sharp swords, surrounding the palace
in multiple layers.
Her only regret was that she couldn't reach her father,
mother, and baby brother in time. As fate would have it, she tumbled off her
horse right in front of the commander who led the siege on the palace. The
piercing pain of an arrow in her heart paled in comparison to the enduring
anguish she felt.
Her newlywed husband had launched the fatal arrow, robbing
her of the chance to be reunited with her family right before her own home. She
struggled and crawled forward with every ounce of strength she had left. Her
determination left the siege commander astonished. Despite the hot blood
gushing from her wounded body, she pushed herself onward. Still, she never had
the chance to reach the palace gate. With boundless hatred and regret, she
closed her eyes.
When she finally opened her eyes again, she had become Miss
Luo. In contrast, Wei Qiang, her childhood sweetheart and newlywed husband, had
become the high and mighty Crown Prince, the second most esteemed man in the
Great Zhou Dynasty.
Luo Sheng mustered all her strength to compose herself and
casually smiled at the old beggar. "So, the princess' husband became a
widower on the first day of their wedding—"
The old beggar's face suddenly changed, and he quickly
interrupted, "Gongzi, don't talk recklessly!"
On account of the silvers he received before, the old beggar
lowered his voice and revealed more information: "Gongzi, do you solely
focus on your studies and remain unaware of the events happening outside? The
princess' husband is none other than the current Crown Prince!"
"The current Crown Prince is that princess'
husband?" Luo Sheng expressed her surprise. "But didn't the princess
marry into Pingnan Wang Palace?"
She calmly stuffed another piece of silver into the old
beggar's hand as she spoke.
Money makes the mare go, not to mention this is a common
thing known by older people in Nanyang City. The old beggar collected the
silver and said, "The Crown Prince earned great merit as he was the one
who uncovered the evidence of Zhennan Prince Wang's collusion with the enemy
nation. Later, when the Emperor sought to adopt a son from the royal clan to
become the crown prince, he chose the current Crown Prince, who was still the
Heir of Pingnan Wang at that time."
If people from other places were asked, even those in the
Capital, they might not know much about these past events. However, Nanyang
City was different. The old beggar was not always a beggar; the tragedy that
unfolded twelve years ago changed not only Zhennan Wang Palace but also the
fate of many people.
Luo Sheng fell into prolonged silence, a faint smile gracing
her lips. "So, that's how it is. The Crown Prince is courageous and
resourceful."
Having found the answers she sought, Luo Sheng changed back
into her original attire and strolled toward the inn with Hongdou.
"Hongdou."
"Yes, Miss?"
"What kind of person do you think the Crown Prince
is?"
Hongdou glanced around and whispered, "Miss, you've
read my mind. In the past, I believed that Crown Prince was very lucky. He was
quite gentle and amiable too."
"And now?"
Hongdou pouted. "Now, I think the Crown Prince is
despicable. That princess is so pitiful."
Luo Sheng's eyes flickered as she held back her tears. She
really likes this maid.
"But..." Hongdou hesitated.
"But what?"
Hongdou bit her lip, her voice barely audible. "The
Crown Prince discovered the evidence of Zhennan Wang's collusion with the enemy
nation early on. Yet, he still married the princess as if nothing had happened.
And after their marriage, he immediately took her life. Didn't the princess
ever notice that he was heartless and wicked?"
Luo Sheng replied calmly, "Perhaps she was blind."
The little maid nodded vigorously: "That must be it. Miss is really
smart."
Luo Sheng bent her lips into a smile, but her smile didn't
reach her eyes. Thank Heavens for granting her a chance to see things clearly
this time.
[1]
Wei Qiang: The Crown Prince’s name. Unlike Zhennan Wang, Pingnan Wang shared
the same surname as the current Emperor and is one of the Emperor’s direct
relatives.
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