Before the house was raided, the maidservant of the Prime Minister's residence absconded with t

Tao'er glared at Dongkui with a smile, "Sister Dongkui, you're still asking me? Didn't you eavesdrop from where you were hiding?"

Dongkui smiled awkwardly, "Little Peach, you've found out!"

I'm just curious to hear if Young Master Xiao will keep quiet about it.

I didn't expect him to be so brave. But Peach, I don't quite understand why you rejected him like that!

Tao lowered her head to drink her tea, then looked up and asked with a smile, "Why can't you figure it out?"

"Sister Tao'er, Young Master Xiao is handsome, of noble character, and his martial arts are first-rate."

Although his family has fallen on hard times, he is no ordinary man and will surely be able to restore the family's glory and honor in the future. If you marry him, you will have no worries about a good life in the future, and you might even become a noblewoman.

"The title of Lady of Imperial Decree is indeed prestigious, but I prefer a leisurely and free life of wealth."

General Xiao is not suitable.

Besides, I'm not particularly interested in romantic relationships.

All I want is to survive, and to live a free and wealthy life.

How wonderful it would be to live a life of leisure and wealth without risking one's life!

There's no need to be confined to the inner quarters, spending all day thinking about how to win your husband's favor; that's too tiring!

"But didn't Young Master Xiao say that as long as you agree, he will only have you as his wife for the rest of his life?"

He said he wouldn't take a concubine!

Sister Tao'er, I think Young Master Xiao is an absolutely wonderful person.

How could you...?

Tao interrupted her, "Sister Dongkui, people's hearts are fickle, and that's the least valuable thing."

Perhaps it was genuine at that moment, but no one can guarantee it for a lifetime.

"Little Peach, you don't mean you'll never want to get married, do you?"

That won't do. What's the difference between that and a nun in a temple?

Even if you don't like Young Master Xiao, there are other people out there!

Dongkui was anxious, because she felt that it was difficult for a woman to become a nun and spend her whole life in seclusion with only a lamp and a Buddhist temple.

"Sister Dongkui, you're so silly."

Look how scared you are! When did I ever say I wanted to become a nun?

Being a nun is so hard! You can't touch meat for the rest of your life, that would be like taking half my life.

I'm not that foolish as to put my internal organs through the wringer.

Tao'er was both amused and exasperated, and reached out to poke Dongkui's forehead.

"It's great that I don't have to be a nun!"

Being a nun is so boring!

They can't even eat meat.

Dongkui patted her chest as if she had just felt a bit scared.

"I'm not that desperate. Besides, I didn't say I wouldn't get married in the future."

Who knows, maybe one day I'll take a liking to someone, and it's not impossible that I'll find a handsome and obedient son-in-law.

I think that's fine too.

"Recruiting a son-in-law?

That's quite novel!

Dongkui was stunned. Did this little sister Tao'er not consider Young Master Xiao at all?

Even the Northern King was not considered at all.

Tao'er continued, "At that time, I will buy a lot of land and collect rent while lying down."

Plant some flowers and plants, and build a swing in the yard. It would be so much fun to swing around in the yard all the time!

We can raise some more chickens and ducks, and slaughter one whenever we want to eat it.

How delightful!

"Sister Dongkui, when the time comes, you can bring your child to stay with me for a while. I'll make sure you have a comfortable and happy stay."

Tao'er looked on with longing and rapture; this was also her previous thought.

Tao'er's idea shocked Dongkui. In her opinion, Tao'er was too bold and her idea was outrageous.

Just as she was about to ask something, Xie Jingchen, dressed in a dark green brocade robe, walked over.

He coughed twice and called out to Tao'er.

Seeing this, Dongkui quickly made an excuse and left.

Tao'er looked up and saw Xie Jingchen. She was slightly taken aback, then stood up and bowed, "Your Highness."

Xie Jingchen raised his hand in a gesture of support, "Atao, no need for such formalities."

There are no outsiders here. You may call me Jing Chen or Young Master Chen, either is fine.

Tao'er shook her head. "Your Highness, etiquette must not be disregarded!"

Now that you have regained your memory, Peach, you must not be rude.

"It's getting late, Tao'er, you may leave."

Xie Jingchen's status is undeniable; he could very well be the future emperor, and she doesn't want to have anything to do with him anymore.

He sat down opposite her, his gaze calmly fixed on her face. "Atao, wait a moment, I have something to tell you."

You wouldn't even give me a few minutes to say a few words, would you?

Tao'er had no choice but to sit down again. "Your Highness, please speak!"

Xie Jingchen poured himself a cup of tea, drank it all in one gulp, and then spoke, "Atao, I...I love you!"

Tao'er paused slightly in her teacup, then casually took a sip, put down the cup, looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of seriousness and helplessness.

"Your Highness, you can't say things like that carelessly."

Your status is exceptional, in the future...

I am but a commoner, how can I bear your joy?

Please take back what you just said, Your Highness!

"This humble woman is unfortunate and has no fortune to enjoy such a thing!"

Tao'er's words were direct and cold.

The casualness and carefree attitude of the past are gone.

"Atao, you don't need to belittle yourself like this."

Without you, I wouldn't even have a life, let alone a future.

You are a very important person to me.

Xie Jingchen was not displeased by Tao'er's attitude; on the contrary, his tone remained as gentle and refined as ever.

"Your Highness, you have already repaid the debt of saving my life."

Have you forgotten that Jiang Zhen gave me two thousand taels of silver?

Therefore, Your Highness need not mention the life-saving grace again.

I will pretend I didn't hear what you just said.

If Xie Jingchen hadn't said those things tonight, they would most likely be friends.

"Alright, since Atao doesn't like to hear this, then let's not talk about it."

But my feelings will not change.

I heard what you and Miss Dongkui were saying just now.

Xie Jingchen suddenly spoke up.

Tao'er was surprised. Do all these people like to eavesdrop on other people's conversations?

"Well... since Your Highness has heard it, I don't need to say anything more!"

It's not a good look for a man and a woman to be out alone late at night, so I'll go back inside first.

It's getting dark and the dew is heavy outside; Your Highness should go back to your room and rest early!

Xie Jingchen is a man of upright character. He will be a good emperor in the future, but being a good husband will probably not be easy for him.

After all, he's busy enough with national affairs.

After finishing speaking, Tao'er stood up again, wanting to turn and leave, but Xie Jingchen grabbed her arm. "Tao'er, wait a moment, let me finish what I have to say, okay?"

Xie Jingchen spoke in an almost pleading tone, but Tao'er subtly broke free from his arm. "Your Highness, please have some self-respect."

Is there anything else you want to say to me? If it's the same as before, then there's no need.

There is absolutely no possibility between us!

Tao'er's tone was somewhat stiff.

In such situations, one must be direct and indifferent, and not give the other party any hope.

Even if that seems too heartless, there's no other way.

"Ah Tao, I'm not going to talk about that. I just want to ask you, do you really hate me?"

"No……

Your Highness, you are a prince, how could I, a commoner, dare to despise you?

Your Highness, please don't have such thoughts.

I've always treated you as an older brother and a friend, but I've never had that kind of affection for you.

"If Your Highness ever needs my help in the future, please don't hesitate to ask, and I will do my best."

Tao'er thought that she could use her space to help him seize power and help the Xiao family clear their name. She would do her best without hesitation!

For example, medicinal herbs, grains, and money.

After all, with the country stable, she can live a peaceful life.

"Atao, I don't want your help."

I know you're concerned about fire safety, and you want to live a carefree and wealthy life.

I will protect you for the rest of my life and make sure you live this kind of life.

But I also want to ask you one more question: if I weren't a member of the royal family, but just a schoolteacher, a businessman, would you...?

After Xie Jingchen finished speaking, he stared intently at Tao'er.

Tao sighed, "Maybe!"

But there are no "what ifs," your birth already determined your identity.

Your Highness, let me give you a piece of advice: you have a heavy burden on your shoulders, so don't let your personal feelings get in the way.

The safety of hundreds of thousands of people in the Great Zhou Dynasty rests on your shoulders!

I'm just an ordinary peasant girl trying to survive.

After saying that, Tao turned and left.

Xie Jingchen watched her retreating figure for a long time before turning around and going back to his room.