Chapter 43: Soft As Boneless 

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.

Seeing Young Master Meng successfully shake off Ye Wuyou, Shen Lingyun, who thought she would inevitably have to fight Ye Wuyou, finally felt a bit relieved. She glanced sympathetically at Ye Wuyou, then quietly left, pulling Shu Yao along.

"Just now, what did you and Chang'an talk about? Why did she suddenly seem like a different person?"

Shu Yao curved her lips into a smile and replied, "I said we are leaving the capital tomorrow and asked her if she would like to come with us."

Tomorrow? So soon?

Shen Lingyun frowned. She did not ask why it was so urgent, only puzzled, "Then why did she run off?"

Shu Yao then smiled meaningfully and said, "I asked her if she would come back to the capital in the future and if there was anything she would miss. But she said she would not come back and there was nothing she would miss."

Shen Lingyun, who had grown up with Young Master Meng, knew that indeed, there was nothing in the capital that Young Master Meng would miss.

"She has nothing to linger for."

"Yes, that is what I thought too."

Shen Lingyun did not know what had happened to Young Master Meng in the past few days, but Shu Yao knew quite a bit.

Thinking of this, Shu Yao's smile deepened. "But she said that before leaving, she must say goodbye to a friend."

Earlier at the Drunken Immortal Inn, Shen Lingyun was sitting farther away from Young Master Meng, and could not see the emotions in the eyes of the Young Master, who was lying on the table. But Shu Yao, who was sitting beside her, could clearly see the unbearable pain and deep reluctance in her eyes.

Just that one address of "Your Highness" made her guess what Young Master Meng was longing for.

This unexpected gift was something she had already tried to send to her sister. Whether it could be kept was up to her imperial sister.

However, at this moment, Li Qiubai did not know what kind of gift her sister was sending her. She was still sitting in the study, discussing important matters with the Grand Prince.

"Today, after Father issued the decree appointing the Prince Consort as an Imperial Envoy, he also assigned me a leisurely position in the capital. Now that I am to stay in the capital, those soldiers who accompanied me to report their duties will not be able to stay here much longer."

Li Qiubai's expression remained indifferent as she continued writing the letter in her hand, responding calmly, "It is good that they are leaving. If those soldiers do not return to guard the border and stay in the capital with you, Father will certainly harbor suspicions. The weaker your position appears now, the more you can gain from Father."

The Grand Prince, seated across the desk, nodded slightly and said, "I am fine in the capital. But as for you, this journey is perilous. Many people wish for your demise. You... must protect yourself."

Only then did Li Qiubai slightly curl her lips into a faint smile.

"As long as they take the bait, losing my life will be worth it."

At this moment, Li Qiubai's eyes were filled with a chilling coldness.

"Do not speak nonsense," the Grand Prince admonished lightly. "Mother's revenge is not yours alone to bear. If we cannot personally see them suffer, all our efforts over the years will be in vain."

"No rush, this is only the beginning."

As she said this, the hatred in Li Qiubai's eyes slightly dissipated. Handing the written letter to the Grand Prince, she reminded him, "With me leaving, you will be isolated in the capital. Grandfather remains reclusive, and there will be plenty who waver like reeds in the wind. You must remain steady and not act too hastily."

"Do not worry, I know my limits."

After accepting the letter and seal, the Grand Prince smiled lightly. "We must thank the Prince Consort for stirring things up. It has made them panic. Meng Chang'an is a well-chosen piece."

To the Grand Prince, Meng Chang'an's value lay precisely in her intricate identity.

However, to Li Qiubai, Meng Chang'an was not merely a chess piece.

The ruse of the true and false Prince Consort had been brewing since before the marriage and had now allowed most people to see Meng Chang'an's crime of deceiving the Emperor. Many had guessed that Meng Chang'an was not the rightful Prince Consort meant to marry the Princess.

After the false Prince Consort visited the palace, it became clear that Li Qiubai wanted to protect the impostor, and it also became evident that the Emperor disliked the false Prince Consort.

Many thought they could use this opportunity to bring down Li Qiubai and cause her to lose the Emperor's favor. Yet, they failed to understand the Emperor's intentions.

In the presence of the Emperor, sometimes those with greater power face the most tragic ends.

The more they wanted to eliminate the siblings, the more the Emperor, who needed them to balance the situation, would not comply with their wishes.

As for Li Qiubai, she was now the very sword the Emperor wanted to wield.

Using others as a tool for assassination was a common tactic of emperors because in doing so, it ensured that the resentment would fall upon that very tool.

She did not refute the Grand Prince's words but merely smirked and said, "Once I have dealt with their lackeys, I will return. I just hope that by then, you will not have lost to them."

"That is natural. They owe Mother too much, and I will gradually reclaim what is owed, as long as..."

Before the Grand Prince could finish his sentence, a faint sound from the rooftop reached their ears.

They exchanged a glance and immediately ceased their conversation, rushing towards the door together.

Simultaneously, three covert guards protecting the Grand Prince had already leaped onto the roof. They acted swiftly against the Meng Chang'an who was attempting to peek from above the study.

As Li Qiubai and the Grand Prince rushed out of the door together, Young Master Meng was already engaging with the three covert guards.

Unfortunately, despite her clear-headedness, the drunken Young Master Meng's movements were still unsteady.

Now facing three skilled opponents simultaneously, Young Master Meng swayed and stumbled due to the effects of alcohol.

Relying solely on her instinct, she dodged the attacks of the guards, but she struggled greatly, ultimately falling short and tumbling from the rooftop to the ground.

As Young Master Meng lay dazed on the ground, the two who had just rushed out of the study were able to see her face clearly.

Before the covert guards could continue their assault and before Young Master Meng could rise again, Li Qiubai raised her voice and called out, "Stop!"

The three covert guards looked at each other, uncertain whether to continue attacking.

With a slight furrow of his brow, the Grand Prince paid no heed to Li Qiubai's attempts to stop him and immediately drew his sword, aiming to strike at Young Master Meng.

After all, certain words, if overheard by others, would undoubtedly lead to trouble.

Feeling a pang of anxiety, Li Qiubai hurriedly followed suit, swiftly attempting to disarm the Grand Prince and seize his sword.

In an instant, the two were locked in a struggle as they caught up to Young Master Meng.

As a veteran warrior, Li Qiubai couldn't wrest the sword from the Grand Prince's grasp, nor could she halt his murderous intent. She could only quickly move to shield Young Master Meng, facing the Grand Prince's sword with her own body.

"Brother! Stop!" 

As the siblings faced off, Young Master Meng began to regain her senses, albeit slightly.

Realizing her predicament, Young Master Meng faintly straightened herself, supporting her body with the sword in her hand, and laboriously leaned on the Princess's body beside her to stand up.

Pressing against the Princess's shoulder for support, she gently called out,

“Your Highness..."

As the warm breath lingered around her ears, Li Qiubai couldn't help but shiver slightly.

At this moment, the overwhelming smell of alcohol emanated from the person, drifting into the nostrils of the siblings.

It was fortunate that Young Master Meng was dressed in women's clothing at this moment. Otherwise, despite Li Qiubai's efforts to stop him, the Grand Prince would have stabbed this drunken fool.

Seeing Li Qiubai's slightly displeased expression, the Grand Prince reluctantly sheathed his sword. However, even as he did so, he couldn't help but look at Young Master Meng with disdain.

“She's just a chess piece, yet her drunken madness has already spread to you. Can you even still tolerate her?”

Chess piece?

Young Master Meng lowered her eyes as if she hadn't heard.

Li Qiubai didn't say much either, simply coldly addressing the Grand Prince, "My personal affairs do not need interference from Brother. And my people do not need Brother’s harm."

With that, she turned to support Young Master Meng without looking back, saying, "I can pave the way for you. But the premise is that we are not enemies. Let us leave it at that for today. Brother, please leave!"

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.

Not to mention that even if Young Master Meng's drunkenness spilled onto her, Li Qiubai would accept it willingly.

With the Princess' words spoken so clearly, what else could he say?

Regardless of the Grand Prince's displeasure, he didn't linger any longer, simply taking his people and leaving.

After the departure of the Grand Prince and his entourage, Li Qiubai finally lifted Young Master Meng's head, which had been buried on her shoulder all this time. She felt the heat emanating from her flushed cheeks and scolded, "How much did you drink?"

"Not much..."

Young Master Meng rubbed her face against Li Qiubai's palm, seeking relief from the warmth on her face with her cool hand. She chuckled foolishly, "Just drank from dusk till dawn, that's all."

Well, now Young Master Meng didn't need to say much; even the Princess could guess what happened. After all, the strong smell of alcohol emanating from her was unmistakable evidence of her indulgence.

Li Qiubai didn't push away the foul-smelling person but instead continued to stroke Young Master Meng's cheek, lightly pinching it. With a smirk, she asked, "You seem rather pleased with yourself, are you not?"

Pleased?

Having caused trouble for the Princess yet escaping her scolding, Young Master Meng indeed felt quite pleased with herself.

Catching the familiar scent emanating from the Princess once more, Young Master Meng felt inexplicably reassured, suddenly feeling too weak to stand.

She seized the Princess' waist, leaning against her softly, and nestled into her neck, taking in a deep breath. She murmured, "Am I bothering you?"

It was the first time Li Qiubai had seen Young Master Meng behave so tenderly and coquettishly.

Li Qiubai felt her heart tremble.

The Princess took a step back, steadying herself, before reaching out to gently pat Young Master Meng's shoulder, her voice softening unconsciously. "No, nothing serious. What about you? Why were you in a rush to find me?"

Young Master Meng felt inexplicably aggrieved by the Princess' question, though she couldn't quite pinpoint why.

What was the matter?

She wasn't sure why she had sought out the Princess.

All she knew was that at that moment, she just wanted to see this person.

Just one glance was enough.

As for what to say afterward, Young Master Meng hadn't quite figured it out yet.

Perhaps, there was no need to say anything at all. Just holding onto the Princess like this, breathing in her scent, was enough.

Originally, Young Master Meng didn't feel drunk, but now, being held by the Princess like this, she felt truly intoxicated.

Blaming it all on the alcohol, she could finally relax in the Princess's embrace, and replied seriously, "I heard my brother was released from prison, so I came to see him."

"Your brother?"

Li Qiubai raised an eyebrow, asking with a meaningful tone, "Then what is the meaning behind holding onto me and not letting go?"

At the Princess’ words, Young Master Meng felt her face grow even hotter.

Luckily, she was currently buried in the Princess’ neck, hiding her blush from her.

"I realized I might have had too much to drink after coming here. Now, I feel a bit dizzy and cannot walk properly."

Look at her, even when drunk, this person can still find excuses flawlessly.

The Princess could not help but smile wryly, though her eyes were filled with amusement.

"Did you hurt yourself from the fall just now?"

Young Master Meng did not know what the Princess was thinking, she just nestled comfortably into the Princess’ neck and softly replied, "Yes, it hurts. My whole body hurts so much that I cannot even walk properly..."

Since this person had come to her doorstep and even willingly embraced her, how could the Princess miss such a golden opportunity?

Since Young Master Meng said she couldn't walk properly, the Princess was more than willing to lend a hand.

Without saying anything else, she directly picked up the soft as boneless Young Master Meng and walked towards the bedroom.