I looked at Moqu questioningly. Although our interactions were minimal, I remembered his deep voice and quick speech, often making it difficult to understand him. However, this time, his words were clearer, and his voice seemed to have changed.
He walked to Xia Zhichun, cupped his fists in greeting, and explained the purpose of their visit.
Xia Zhichun stood up, glanced at me with slight surprise, then placed a small white cabbage in the bamboo basket Su Hui carried, nodding and smiling at me: “Long time no see.”
Indeed, it was him.
Although he had grown taller and more defined, his unhurried tone and demeanor were consistent with the gentle third prince I remembered. Unsure of my feelings, I returned his smile. He turned to Su Hui: “Hui’er, please take the princess to the hall to sit; I’ll change my clothes and be right there.”
Su Hui poured me tea, and I stared at her, amazed by the scene. Moqu stood silently behind me.
Finally, Su Hui broke the silence: “Didn’t expect to meet here; what a coincidence.”
“Indeed unexpected,” I replied, holding the warm tea, my mind full of questions. “I thought you liked An Jin.”
“My closeness with Brother An was by His Majesty’s order,” Su Hui replied. “To investigate Brother An’s background and drive a wedge between you and your husband.”
She spoke frankly, and I had no reason to be secretive. It was unexpected for us to have such an open conversation.
Su Hui quickly transformed her heavy expression into a refined smile, sharing a few polite pleasantries. Understanding that I had confidential matters to discuss with Xia Zhichun, she excused herself, saying she would prepare tea and snacks. Mo Qu remained motionless behind me.
“I heard that the Third Prince had fallen off a cliff, and Zhao Hua burned some paper money to console him, only to find that Your Highness is not only alive but also living quite comfortably,” I said, glancing at him. “Having such a pastoral life in the deep palace is truly enviable.”
Xia Zhichun looked at me with a strange expression and eventually smiled bitterly. “Younger sister Yao, you’ve changed quite a bit. I know you’re now the Grand Princess of Nan Rui and have experienced hardships; no wonder your temperament has changed.”
