"Therefore, I hope Your Majesty will grant me my heart's desire."
At that moment, He Jingcheng was cornered. If he refused, he would be seen as disrespecting the previous emperor. He cleared his throat.
"Since you have made your decision, I have no right to interfere," he said resignedly.
"I thank Your Majesty for your grace." Lingxi bowed and straightened up from her kneeling position.
"Your Majesty, I have another request. I ask that you hasten the marriage between the Grand Prince and me."
He Jingcheng couldn't make out if she was truly excited or if there was an underlying motive.
"I'll see to it."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," she said, bowing once more.
"Rise."
"Since there is nothing else, I'll take my leave."
"Go."
Lingxi curtsied once more before departing. The emperor watched her retreat, wondering if the dignified lady walking away was acting out of genuine emotion or deception.
Outside, Lingxi finally appeared where Qin Yan was waiting. She heaved a sigh and casually flicked away her tears with her fingers. Qin Yan passed her a handkerchief, which she used to wipe away the rest of her fake tears.
"How was it?" Qin Yan asked.
"I've handled it. Let's go," she responded.
She walked slowly and came across a date tree. She liked dates so she asked Qin Yan to pick some. He jumped up the tree and tried to get some for her. Lingxi used this moment to view the scenery. After a few minutes, he came down with some dates. Lingxi put them in her pouch and happily ate them, sharing with Qin Yan as well.
As she passed by the royal garden, she saw someone seated in an open space with a royal guard standing behind him. As she walked on, she noticed the token on the guard's waist reading 'Royal Guard, Jun Jie' and immediately realized who was seated there.
She stopped to pay her respects, "greetings, grand prince", she curtsied while Qin Yan bowed.
Jun Jie bowed in greeting while He Yu slowly stood up and turned to her.
He lightly raised a hand, gesturing for her to rise. She did and their eyes met. It was at that moment that Lingxi saw He Yu. Time seemed to stop for a second. Lingxi noticed the tea on the table.
"Is your highness enjoying the scenery?" she asked.
"The weather is pretty good today", he responded.
Lingxi glanced at the gardens and smiled.
"It truly is beautiful. I think I'll remember this view."
"You sure have a good memory, Miss Mo", He Yu responded in a casual tone.
It was not just a casual statement and Lingxi knew exactly what he was referring to.
[Flashback - Earlier Today]
"Your Highness, His Majesty has spoken to Miss Mo", Jun Jie reported.
"What was her reaction?" He Yu asked.
"She was firm. His Majesty mentioned your health and position in court but she refused to reconsider. She even said...."
Jun Jie hesitated.
"What did she say?"
"She said she had admired you since childhood"
[Present]
"He really is well-informed," Lingxi realized.
"Your Highness, you flatter me. There are simply some things that seem deeply etched in memory without one knowing."He Yu smiled.
"True. Then it's my honor."
Lingxi's eyes moved from his eyes down to his feet before looking up.
"I chose Your Highness without prior consent. I hope Your Highness is not offended."
"It is my honor. How could I be offended?" he said.
Lingxi studied him carefully. He did not appear to be the sort of man who inspired fear and caution throughout the court.
"Miss Mo, are you thinking of something?" He Yu asked, noticing her absent look.
Lingxi stifled a laugh.
"Perhaps I'm captivated by Your Highness," she joked, but it seemed rather serious than light.
"Your Highness seems rather untroubled by recent court events," Lingxi stated.
"If matters are already decided, there is little use in being troubled," He Yu replied.
"So Your Highness believes all matters are already decided?"
He Yu looked up at the sky as if speaking to nature.
"Some are decided. Others only appear so."
Lingxi paused as she watched his expression and then smiled, "That's an interesting way to see the world."
There was a long pause, and He Yu broke the silence.
"Miss Mo should depart soon. The palace roads are not always peaceful," he said, turning to take his leave.
Lingxi curtsied as he left. She watched the footsteps of He Yu and could not help feeling this 'frail grand prince' was either truly harmless or extremely controlled.
"We should get going," Qin Yan shook her from her thoughts.
Lingxi walked out of the garden down to the lake with a bridge for passage. As she walked slowly, she asked Qin Yan what he thought of He Yu.
"What do you think of His Highness?" she asked in a low voice, aware of her surroundings.
"I think he is either easygoing, or he wants us to believe he is easygoing. You're right; he is indeed hard to see through."
Lingxi stopped as she realized something, "he really is clever. He was easier to speak to than I expected but he did not reveal his true thoughts. Not a single one".
She wanted to say more but a voice interrupted her, "look who it is. It is our beloved second miss Mo".
The voice belonged to Li Min. She walked leisurely towards Lingxi and gave a slight curtsy. Lingxi gave a slight nod in acknowledgement.
"Second Miss Mo returned only just two days ago and has been quite consistent in visiting the palace", Li Min smiled.
Lingxi smiled back, "I am very much as confused as you. I do not understand why His Majesty and the empress place so much importance to me"
Li Min's mood visibly dropped but her smile did not change. She chuckled instead.
"Rumors are flying everywhere. They say you are two-timing the grand prince and first prince. They said you met with the first prince privately after the banquet and now say you've had feelings for the grand prince. As noble sisters, I'll have to remind you respectfully that you cannot serve two masters at the same time. It's just my personal advice. Anyways, these are just rumors. I hope you don't mind", Li Min smiled thinking she had hit a nerve but Lingxi smiled back with no change in expression.
"You worry too much. As you said, these are just rumors. I won't be bothered by such petty things", Lingxi responded and wanted to carry on to her destination but Li Min's leg suddenly pushed forward with the aim to trip her and cause her to fall into the water but she was too slow.
Lingxi noticed and stepped aside and set her own foot causing Li Min to trip instead and fall over the bridge.
"Young miss!" her maid screamed and immediately jumped in to save her while Lingxi and Qin Yan watched as her maid swam her to shore. Li Min emerged drenched and disheveled, her elegant appearance ruined before the palace servants nearby. Lingxi walked up to her at the end of the bridge.
"You...!" Li Min wanted to scream but Lingxi cut her short.
"The floor has dampened lately. Miss Li, remember to watch your step next time", she advised and walked on with a victorious smile that she concealed after a few steps but a pair of eyes at the palace corridors caught it.
"Interesting", he said