“I heard that the Third Prince had fallen off a cliff, and Zhao Hua specially burned some paper money to console him, only to find that Your Highness is not only alive but also living quite comfortably,” I picked up my teacup and casually glanced at him. “To actually have such a pastoral life in the deep palace is truly enviable.”
Xia Zhichun looked at me with a somewhat strange expression, and after a while, he gave a bitter smile. “Younger sister Yao, you’ve changed quite a bit from before. I know you’re now the Grand Princess of Nan Rui and have surely experienced hardships, no wonder your temperament has changed.”
“It’s hardly considered hardship,” I gave him a slight 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 indeed 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 and make him tell the truth, but I didn’t expect him to be so frank and natural 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 stared into his eyes. “I only want to know where that black gold token is.”
He was not surprised at all. “I know you came to find me specifically for this black gold token.”
“This token is of no use to you,” I was not anxious, taking a sip of tea before continuing. “I believe Your Highness doesn’t want to hide in the Western Liang’s inner palace for a lifetime. As long as you’re willing to return the black gold token, Zhao Hua will owe you a favor. If Your Highness has any requests in the future, I will definitely help within my capabilities.”
Xia Zhichun looked at me for a moment, then suddenly smiled. “If I could gain the princess’s assistance, I would be delighted. However, I have received Emperor Yan’s grace and naturally must follow his arrangements.”
