This was Xia Zhichun’s communication style—gentle, considerate, empathetic. If Yan Huo was a dazzling lover, Xia Zhichun was more like a reliable older brother, making one feel attached.
Yet, both were mere illusions.
“It’s hardly considered hardship,” I replied with a smile. “Compared to Your Highness’s patience and strategic restraint, Zhao Hua is truly inferior.”
Xia Zhichun looked slightly embarrassed, lowering his head. “At that time, deliberately approaching you was to confirm your identity. Compared to the Eastern Palace, I was at a disadvantage, constantly suppressed and threatened, so I had to rely on some methods to seek an opportunity.”
I had originally wanted to provoke his guilt to make him tell the truth, but I didn’t expect him to be so frank that I couldn’t bring myself to blame him.
“The grudges between Your Highness and the Eastern Palace are of no interest to me,” I said, staring into his eyes. “I only want to know where that black gold token is.”
He was not surprised. “I know you came to find me for this token.”
“This token is of no use to you,” I replied, taking a sip of tea. “I believe Your Highness doesn’t want to hide in the Western Liang’s inner palace for a lifetime. If you’re willing to return the black gold token, Zhao Hua will owe you a favor. I will definitely help within my capabilities.”
Xia Zhichun looked at me, then smiled. “If I could gain the princess’s assistance, I would be delighted. However, I have received Emperor Yan’s grace and must follow his arrangements.”
My heart sank. I knew Yan Huo wouldn’t have let me meet Xia Zhichun without a reason. Ultimately, whether I could obtain the black gold token depended on him. What a cunning Yan Huo—what was he trying to gain from me through this arrangement?
“Since that’s the case, Zhao Hua won’t force Your Highness,” I said with a forced smile. “I didn’t expect to ultimately need Emperor Yan to speak.”
“You misunderstand,” he waved his hand. “Emperor Yan is not deliberately making things difficult for the princess. He just wants me to give her an additional choice.”
“A choice?”
