Chapter 37: The Only Thing I Wish For Is Her

Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=3614052
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.

Unlike the displeased expression of the Princess, Young Master Meng's mood at the moment was still quite good.

The Young Master also knew that if the Emperor wanted to question her, she had no qualifications to resist.

After all, if this charge of disobedience were to be pressed down, it would implicate not only the He family but perhaps even the Princess herself might find it hard to escape blame.

If the Princess were always troubled because she defied the imperial will, causing trouble and displeasure to His Majesty, how could she feel at ease in her heart?

If that's the case, it's better to just go to the palace with Shen Chi directly. After all, if the Emperor openly sent someone to catch her, he must not want to leave evidence. Even if the Emperor didn't like her, at most he could only give her a small punishment from the perspective of the Princess. If he went too far, he would inevitably be criticized. After all, besides the title of "prodigal," she didn't commit any crimes, so how could someone randomly take her life?

Of course, except for the emperor who is not afraid of being called a tyrant.

However, the Young Master could also see that if the Emperor really wanted her dead, he wouldn't have just made things difficult for her at the palace banquet, but would have directly exposed her false identity as a noble.

Therefore, Young Master Meng thought that if she were to enter the palace this time, it would just be a bit of physical discomfort, a small punishment at most, and her life would be safe.

After all, she went to the brothel with the Princess. Although no one mentioned it openly, she didn't believe that the Emperor was unaware of the truth.

Having this matter brought to the Emperor's attention in person, if the Emperor didn't get angry, that would be strange.

It's quite normal for an elder to admonish their "son-in-law," even in an ordinary family, let alone in the imperial family.

It's just a little punishment; Young Master Meng felt she could bear it.

In that case, why cause trouble for the Princess?

"I will go with him first."

Unlike the Princess' serious expression, the Young Master's words were quite relaxed, "If I really do not come back accidentally, just do not abandon me."

"You..."

Before the Princess could intervene, the Young Master lowered her eyes and continued, "Actually, there is something I have been wanting to ask you for a long time."

If Young Master Meng were still in her room at this moment, speaking with the Princess in such a tone and expression, the Princess would surely be overjoyed.

But in this situation, Li Qiubai couldn't muster a smile, unable to guess what scheme the Emperor had in mind.

Care brings chaos. The Princess never imagined that this sentence would one day come true for her.

Regardless of whether the Princess allowed her to ask or not, Young Master Meng still leaned close to the Princess’ ear in front of everyone and whispered, "On the night of our wedding, did you sneak a kiss while I was asleep?"

Just this one sentence was enough to disturb the Princess' mind.

Seeing the blush gradually spreading on the Princess' face, Young Master Meng smiled happily, then squeezed her hand reassuringly when she forgot her worries, "Do not worry too much about me. I trust you can save me."

So it seemed that the light kiss on her lips that night wasn't just her imagination.

Young Master Meng suppressed the smile in her eyes and withdrew from the Princess' ear, walking calmly to stand in front of her, facing the direction where Shen Chi was.

"Commander Shen, I will go with you. There is no need for such a big fuss."

With that, Shen Chi waved away the guards.

The Prince Consort was willing to compromise proactively to avoid confrontation with the Princess, so Shen Chi naturally felt pleased.

The soft expression lasted only for a moment. After Young Master Meng left, the Princess’ face lost its smile entirely. Even the fleeting embarrassment vanished.

Seeing the Princess frown, seemingly even more displeased, Qiu Sheng continued, "Your Highness, His Majesty has some words for me to convey to you."

At this moment, Shen Chi had respectfully escorted Meng Chang'an out of the hall.

Li Qiubai had long known that this matter was inevitable, and even if she wanted to stop it, she might not be able to.

Upon hearing Qiu Sheng's words, Li Qiubai turned her head to ask, "Eunuch Qiu, does His Majesty have any other instructions?"

"Your Highness is indeed wise. His Majesty said, if you want the Prince Consort to be safe and sound, it depends on your attitude. Right now, he is keeping some princes in the study, waiting for you to join them for tea and a chat."

Indeed, His Majesty's intention this time wasn't to target Young Master Meng but rather to see her attitude. 

Everyone has a weakness, making it easier to manipulate.

Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=3614052
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.

This is how that person always acts.

Perhaps, her weakness might be Young Master Meng, and she would be even happier.

Li Qiubai knew this very well, so instead of getting angry, she responded immediately, "I will go to see Father in the palace."

Shen Chi didn't accompany Eunuch Qiu on the way to the palace, and as they entered, Li Qiubai couldn't spot Young Master Meng's figure again.

She didn't know where Young Master Meng had been taken, so she calmly followed Eunuch Qiu into the study.

At this moment, the other princes had already been dismissed, and only the Grand Prince remained, still playing chess with Li Ruiyuan.

"You are quite quick."

After placing a white piece on the board, Li Ruiyuan waved his hand, "After all these years, your chess skills have not improved at all. Go down and let your sister take over."

The Grand Prince didn't say much, simply stood up and gave his seat to Li Qiubai, standing aside and jokingly asking, "Bringing the Princess in at a time like this, is Father not worried that she will turn the tide for her brother?"

There was a hint of deeper meaning in the joke, understood only by the speaker.

Hearing this, Li Ruiyuan wasn't offended, but responded meaningfully, "Win or lose, it is all about skill. If your sister can win, I will acknowledge it. Playing against a worthy opponent is always better than playing against someone who does not understand the game."

Li Qiubai didn't pay much attention to what they were implying but focused on the layout of the chessboard.

At this point, the black pieces were retreating steadily, seemingly on the verge of being surrounded by the white pieces.

After examining it carefully, Li Qiubai looked up at Li Ruiyuan and said, "Father has the upper hand. It would not be fair for me to step in now and take advantage."

Upon hearing this, Li Ruiyuan laughed outright, "Same old rule. If you can still win this match, I will grant you a request."

Li Qiubai remained composed, asking calmly, "And what if I lose?"

"Lose? Then it is up to my mood, whether to reward or punish you, little girl."

With that, the Princess smiled satisfactorily, "Then I will not be as polite as you are."

Having said that, Li Qiubai rolled up her sleeves, picked up a black piece, and placed it on the board.

Seeing the two of them engrossed in their game, the Grand Prince didn't linger any longer to avoid boredom. He simply bid his farewell and left the study, not wanting to disturb their match.

After a struggle, the black pieces managed to turn the tide, and the chessboard could be considered evenly matched for now.

Satisfied with this outcome, Li Ruiyuan spoke up, "So, last time you won the game to ask me for a marriage. This time, do not tell me you are playing chess with me because of your beloved husband."

"Father Emperor is truly insightful, actually guessing it right."

Seeing Li Qiubai's cunning smile, Li Ruiyuan was momentarily lost in thought, as if he saw again the spirited female general riding a white horse from years ago.

"You, child, can you not be a bit more tactful? Where does that leave my face?"

Just a momentary lapse of thought, and Li Ruiyuan had already regained his composure, joking with Li Qiubai, "Is it fun to be the guest of honor for a courtesan?"

Li Qiubai continued calmly placing her chess pieces, smiling faintly as she replied, "If it were not for the Prince Consort insisting on taking me away, perhaps it would have been even more fun."

"You dare to say that? Fortunately, no one dared to mention this matter in front of courtiers today. Otherwise, I would not know where to hide my face. The Princess and her husband make a rendezvous at a brothel, and the Princess outshines her husband to become the guest of honor for a courtesan. Throughout all dynasties, only you two could pull off such a thing!"

Li Qiubai knew how to deal with Li Ruiyuan. After hearing his words, she remained unruffled and continued joking with him, "That is also thanks to Father's handsome appearance, which gave me a good-looking face. Otherwise, how could I catch the eye of the courtesan?"

Li Ruiyuan was pleased with his daughter's rare flattery.

After stroking his beard and chuckling, Li Ruiyuan continued, "It is really absurd. Do you not see how many people in the capital are openly or secretly waiting for your downfall? At a time like this, following your husband to make a scene, are you not afraid of causing trouble for yourself?"

Nowadays, the memorials requesting the establishment of a Crown Prince pile up on Li Ruiyuan's desk every day.

At this moment, anyone who hears even a hint of misconduct or injustice that might anger Li Ruiyuan wouldn't miss the chance to present it, eager to capitalize on the opportunity.

The Grand Prince has just returned to the capital, with his foundation still shaky, relying entirely on Li Qiubai to navigate through the situation.

If they could make Li Qiubai look bad, it would be like tripping up the Grand Prince, and how could the supporters of the other princes not be pleased?

It was a matter that everyone understood very well, and Li Qiubai didn't pretend to be naive. She spoke frankly, "Father, I have no intention of getting involved in disputes."

Whether Li Ruiyuan believed what Li Qiubai said or not, the smile on his face still held that ambiguous meaning.

"Do you think this is something you can avoid just because you do not want to get involved? Do you think marrying someone from the same circle can keep you out of trouble? I thought you would understand from the moment you asked me for marriage that when your royal brother returns to the capital, there will always be someone who cannot sit still. Whether you fight or not, someone will always challenge you."

After a slight pause, Li Ruiyuan sighed again, "Not many of your brothers have ambition. Now that I am not yet old, they are already eyeing this position. If I wait until I am old, how can they get it?"

On the chessboard, the game was still undecided.

Despite Li Ruiyuan's hints being quite obvious, Li Qiubai remained unfazed, continuing to play chess seriously and saying, "Seeking Father's permission for marriage is indeed not as you think. The only thing I wish for is her."

In that case, Li Ruiyuan didn't beat around the bush with Li Qiubai. While they continued their game of chess, he asked directly, "So, is it the true Prince Consort that you have set your sights on, or the false one?"

Upon hearing this, Li Qiubai's wrist twitched slightly.

Author's Note:

Overtime is over. Tomorrow, we can happily update more!