Helplessly, Lan Lan could only laugh and cry, pushed to her limits by the queen’s demands. She faintly replied that if Long Junhao agreed, she had no objections. She recognized the queen wanted this answer, but felt her own inadequacy had given others a reason to impose on her. Ultimately, she decided to leave this dilemma for her husband to resolve, as the one who tied the bell must untie it.
Long Junhao was troubled by a series of unexpected events. First, the queen unexpectedly claimed that Lan Lan had agreed to a concubine. Then, Lan Lan saw him meeting with the noble lady arranged by the queen and later caught him in bed with another woman. Only when Lan Lan refused to let him close did he become angry, realizing he had been used—by his beloved mother, no less.
Although he understood his mother’s intentions, she threatened that if he did not cooperate, she would punish Lan Lan for a crime of no origin. Reluctantly, he had to pretend to be cooperative.
He feared that if Lan Lan misunderstood, he might lose her, and this thought filled him with anger and frustration.
Lan Lan was also troubled. She deeply believed in Long Junhao, but seeing him entangled with other women made her uncomfortable. She worried that this situation could lead to endless anxiety, but having a child depended on heaven’s will.
Today, Long Junhao was called to the palace again. Feeling frustrated, Lan Lan changed into an elegant male outfit and brought Xiao Yue, disguised as a servant, to wander the bustling street. The lively atmosphere couldn’t dispel her loneliness, and she felt utterly exhausted.
Xiao Yue, observing her master’s blank expression, felt sorry for her.
Marrying the prince was fortunate, but the resulting problems from his status weighed heavily on the princess. Lan Lan’s usual lively demeanor was replaced by a look of exhaustion as she sought a place to rest.
Spotting a nearby teahouse, she called Xiao Yue to join her. Upon entering, she found a seat by the window on the second floor, relieved by the few patrons present, as she craved peace and quiet.
