tallest building

Chapter 199 Storytelling

On February 28th, the eldest princess invited Wen Mingqian to Bowang Mountain to enjoy the spring scenery.

Wen Mingqian took Sang Er with him. The spring breeze was pleasant and the mountain scenery was picturesque.

"Mother, look at all these peach blossoms covering the mountain! It's like we've arrived at a fairyland!" Sang Er walked down the steps, praising the beautiful scenery before her.

"Yes! We haven't really gone out to enjoy the scenery this spring, so thanks to the Princess, we can at least have a spring outing." Wen Mingqian was also in a good mood.

"Mother, do you think the Princess invited us here today, or are there other guests?" Sang Er asked softly.

"How would I know? It's been quite a while since I've seen Your Highness." Wen Mingqian smiled.

They went up the mountain and met the princess.

The eldest princess smiled and said, "Mingqian always arrives on time, while some people always make others wait."

"Who else did Your Highness invite today?" Wen Mingqian asked with a smile.

"Who else could it be? Wu Chou is about to leave the capital, and I want to give him a farewell dinner," the Princess said. "He hasn't caused you any trouble these days, has he?"

"How could that be?" Wen Mingqian shook his head with a smile. "His Highness would not stoop to the level of a mere woman like me."

"That's good. Although I'm on the mountain, I've heard quite a bit about what's happening down here," the princess said leisurely. "You've really been very busy lately."

"Does Your Highness think I'm embroiled in trouble?" Wen Mingqian lowered his head slightly and said, "Actually, I'm quite apprehensive. I came to see Your Highness today because I feel I've let you down. Please take this Spring Water Jade Pendant back, Your Highness."

"Do you know what I expect from you?" The princess looked at the jade pendant, then at Wen Mingqian.

"Though I don't know everything, I feel ashamed," Wen Mingqian said. "Everyone outside says that I have His Highness's favor, and it's inevitable that some people will think that I'm just using His Highness's power for personal gain. His Highness is far removed from worldly affairs in pursuit of peace and tranquility. How could I possibly implicate you because of my own actions?"

"You're being too harsh. It's true that I have some expectations for you. But you are ultimately you. You should have your own choices and your own friends. These are not things I should interfere with."

Besides, you haven't disappointed me, nor have you disturbed my quiet cultivation. The world is in turmoil, but what does it matter to me? I'm confident in my judgment of people, so you don't need to be alarmed." The princess took a sip of tea and said.

“Your Highness’s words only make me more apprehensive. In truth, I did intend to display this jade pendant in front of others. As you know, my situation is somewhat difficult, and to avoid trouble, I had no choice but to borrow Your Highness’s name,” Wen Mingqian said truthfully. “But I did not expect to cause even greater trouble.”

Just then, Ying Wuchou arrived. He glanced at the Spring Water Jade on the table, and his eyes darkened slightly.

"You've arrived late again this time; I'm going to punish you," the princess said to him. "When have you decided to leave the capital?"

“I will be leaving the day after tomorrow,” Ying Wuchou said. “I have already bid farewell to His Majesty.”

The eldest princess said she would punish Ying Wuchou, but she didn't actually punish him in any way.

They ordered a table of vegetarian dishes and wine to be prepared, and the three of them drank together.

By the afternoon, the princess was somewhat drunk and said, "I'm drunk. You all go down the mountain! Wuchou, I'm going to punish you by making sure you properly escort Mingqian back."

"Don't worry, Aunt, I will obey your orders." This time, Ying Wuchou showed no reluctance whatsoever.

After leaving the princess's room, Ying Wuchou said to Wen Mingqian, "Madam Wen, it's springtime now, the weather is fine and the scenery is beautiful. Why don't we slowly walk down the mountain together?"

"Shouldn't Your Highness avoid suspicion?" Wen Mingqian asked him.

"What's there to hide in broad daylight?" Ying Wuchou grinned, revealing a set of gleaming white teeth. Wen Mingqian smiled back, acknowledging his agreement.

Ying Wuchou winked at the two lieutenants beside him, and they stopped Sang Er: "Miss, let's fall behind so that our masters can speak."

Sang Er was naturally unwilling, but seeing Wen Mingqian's gaze, she remained silent.

The spring afternoon was exceptionally warm and pleasant.

Birds sang among the trees, and sunlight filtered through the flowers, casting shadows all over the ground.

“I’m a straightforward person, I don’t beat around the bush. What exactly did you mean by those two lines of poetry you recited in front of Wuqiu Nunnery that day?” Ying Wuchou asked.

"Your Highness should understand the meaning of these two lines of poetry better than I do, so why should I explain them further?" Wen Mingqian said as he walked down the steps.

“Alright, I admit I asked the wrong question. Now I’ll ask you again, why did you recite those two lines of poetry to me? What exactly do you know?” Ying Wuchou took a deep breath and said.

"What can two lines of poetry represent?" Wen Mingqian asked instead of answering. "Even if I told you, would Your Highness really believe me?"

Ying Wuchou was stumped by her question. He couldn't guarantee that he would completely believe what Wen Mingqian said, because he was convinced that Wen Mingqian's ambitions were not small and were something that couldn't be exposed to the light of day.

"How about this, I'll tell the prince a story. Anyway, the mountain road is rugged and it will take a long time to walk." Wen Mingqian looked ahead. From her current position, she could only see halfway up the mountain, and the rest of the road was still unclear.

Ying Wuchou followed behind her, about two or three steps away.

Once upon a time, there was a girl who was the most beautiful, gentlest, and kindest girl in the world. Everyone who saw her liked her, and the more they got to know her, the deeper their feelings for her became.

When this girl grew up, she naturally got married and moved into a very, very big house, but she was not happy there.

Because she was like a caged bird with her wings trapped, and what's worse, no matter how hard she tried to hide her abilities, there were still people who wanted to harm her.

One day, the owner of the house had to go out, leaving her and that bad man behind.

She knew the bad guys wanted to harm her, so she escaped with a loyal guard.

They ran a long way, but still couldn't shake off the guards. Their fate was tragic; they not only lost their lives but were also framed for eloping.

Later, people spread the word that this woman was promiscuous, immoral, and utterly devoid of conscience.

The bad guy who harmed her is still living well in that big house, respected and admired by everyone. Wen Mingqian's voice was calm and low, like a mournful flute.

"How do you know...her story?" Ying Wuchou's voice trembled slightly.

"Does Your Highness also know this story?" Wen Mingqian asked, his steps unwavering.

“I…I know, but I’m too far away from her…” Ying Wuchou was filled with sorrow.

"Is it because of her that Your Highness has not married all these years?" This time, Wen Mingqian stopped and turned to look at Ying Wuchou.

“Yes…” Ying Wuchou gritted his teeth, “I can’t forget her… I had someone make that Spring Water Jade, intending to give it to her through my aunt… but it was too late…”

A long silence followed, with only the sound of the wind...

"Your Highness, actually she escaped intending to find you, but she didn't have time..." Wen Mingqian's eyes were filled with tears, and he swayed as if about to fall.