Chapter Ten: The Heart Has a Destination

  After the martial performance ended, Emperor Yong of Li asked with a smile: 'Chang Le, what do you think of Xia Hou Yuanfeng?'

  Princess Chang Le said faintly: "Not bad."

  Li Yuanxi said: 'If he is considered as a son-in-law of the emperor, how would Long Le feel?'

  The Princess Chang Le said calmly: "Although he is good, but how can I bear a heart as still as stagnant water."

  Li Yuan said: 'Since this person is not to your liking, then among so many talented and outstanding individuals, do you have someone in mind that you like, Princess Changle?'

  Princess Chang Le suddenly fell to tears, stepped forward and bowed down saying: "Your Majesty, although I have returned to your knees, I am still the Queen of Southern Chu, my husband is still alive, even if I were shameless, how could there be a reason for me to remarry?"

  Li Yuan was furious and said, "I have chosen a good husband for you with all my heart, but you are so stubborn." He stood up in anger, just about to scold her, when he saw Princess Chang Le kneeling on the ground, tears streaming down her face. Although she didn't look as pale as when she first returned, she still lacked the radiance that a young woman should have. Li Yuan sat back down, and after a long while, said, "It's my fault for pressuring you, my child. Don't worry, I won't make things difficult for you again."

  When I heard this, for some reason, I felt a little happy. Princess Chang Le is still as virtuous and courteous in my impression, no matter how she treats the king, but she has fulfilled her duty. Even if she really remarries in the future, I won't look down on her anymore.

  This matter did not subside like this, although Li Yuan temporarily gave up the idea of letting Princess Changle remarry, others did not give up. Empress Dou and Concubine Yan and Concubine Ji all came to persuade her. Princess Changle could neither drive them away nor change her mind. On this day, Consort Gao of Yongwang entered the palace and learned about this matter, so she advised Consort Zhangsun to let the princess stay at Yongwang's residence for a few days before returning to the palace on the fifteenth.

  The Empress Dowager Longsun did not immediately respond, she hesitated and glanced at High Consort Zhao, there were some things that only she knew, the matter of Princess Chang Le was something others should not ask about, but she had to ask. That day when she returned to the palace, she asked the palace maid beside her if she had noticed which person the princess paid more attention to. Unexpectedly, the maid Green E replied: "The princess is usually cold and indifferent, but when Prince Yong comes, I saw the princess looking at the man beside Prince Yong and smiling very happily, but then immediately returned to normal." The Empress Dowager knew who that person was - Jiang Zhe, Jiang Suiyun. Whenever she went to the Cui Luan Hall, she often saw her daughter holding a book of poems, all of which were written by Jiang Zhe, some of which were in her daughter's handwriting, and others were in an unfamiliar hand. She had asked before, but it was said that they were brought into the palace by Jiang Zhe during his time in Southern Chu. It turned out that the person her daughter admired was actually that surrendered minister from Southern Chu? However, she had previously questioned the maids who served her daughter, and they all said that her daughter had strictly followed the rules of the harem in Southern Chu, never violating etiquette. Those poems were also obtained by Liang Yu from Jiang Zhe and sent into the palace. She had only thought that her daughter liked those poems, but now it seemed likely that her daughter had long since had someone in mind, but because of her status at the time, she did not express it. Of course, there was also the possibility that her daughter originally did not have this idea, and only now that the matter of choosing a husband had been brought up did she have this thought. If she were to let her daughter go to Prince Yong's residence, perhaps she could arrange for her daughter to meet that person.

  But Empress Changsun furrowed her brow, if it were a person from Da Yong, no matter how lowly the position, as long as they had good character and her daughter liked them, she wouldn't mind. However, that person was a surrendered minister of Nan Chu, even if her daughter was willing, he might not agree, after all, her daughter used to be the queen of Nan Chu. After some thought, Empress Changsun decided, no matter what, her daughter going to the Yong Wang Fu would definitely help her clear her mind, as for her true intentions, she could also investigate further. Having made up her mind, Empress Changsun said: "Let Princess Changle go play at your place, and you, Lu'e, be careful and follow the princess too. If anything happens to the princess, it would be good if you can come back and report to me." She had decided to let Lu'e secretly pay attention to Princess Changle's behavior and actions, in order to see what her daughter's true intentions were.

  The Princess of Chang Le was also delighted to temporarily leave the palace and go on an outing. She arrived at the residence of Prince Yong, where the princess consort accompanied her to play in the garden. The garden of the prince's residence was divided into inner and outer gardens by a lake, with flowers, trees, and paths separating them, but without a clear boundary. However, the inside and outside were distinct. Today, the sky was clear, and in the pavilion within the inner garden, the princess consort ordered fruit to be served and had the wet nurse bring out the crown prince Li Jun and two younger daughters, as well as Ruo Lan, to play outside the pavilion. She herself accompanied the two concubines and the Princess of Chang Le inside the pavilion to watch. Not far away was the lake, where the weather was clear and the water was calm and crystal-clear, like a piece of jade. The children were laughing and playing, completely carefree and delightful. After watching for a while, the Princess of Chang Le felt very happy and smiled: "Sister-in-law, I remember that when I left, your husband didn't have any children yet. Who would have thought that now you already have one son and three daughters?"

  The princess smiled and said, "You guessed wrong, your brother the king has difficulty having children, apart from Jun Er, he only has two daughters. The youngest one is called Rou Lan, she's Jiang Zhe's daughter."

  Chang Le Gongzhu's hand trembled slightly as she said in a cold voice: "Oh, has Jiang Shiren already gotten married?"

  The queen did not notice the princess's unease and said, "This is Jiang Sima's adopted daughter. She's lovely, isn't she? I heard from the king that Jiang Sima is a bachelor and was worried that he wouldn't be able to take care of his daughter, so he sent her to the palace for me to take care of. I told the king that Jiang Sima is already 26 or 27 years old and should get married, but the king said that Jiang Sima didn't want to. It seems like it's because his fiancée from before passed away unfortunately. Sigh, a man as devoted as him is truly rare."

  The Princess Chang Le's heart was filled with sorrow, yet she couldn't help but feel a hint of joy. She thought to herself that it was impossible for her and this person to be together, despite his carefree and romantic nature as seen in his poetry. However, she didn't think he was the kind of person who would betray his lord or abandon his principles. If he were to do something like surrendering himself to become a minister's husband, it would be absolutely impossible.

  Thinking this way, Princess Chang Le felt even more sorrowful. The man she secretly loved had no connection with her whatsoever. She remembered how she was deeply impressed by his talent when she read his poetry that day, and how she fell in love with him at first sight when Liang Yu brought him to meet her. However, as a ruler, she never dared to reveal her feelings.

  Later, when he was demoted, she secretly felt happy, thinking that she wouldn't have to worry about him being punished by the Emperor after the fall of Southern Chu. But unexpectedly, he was captured and brought back to Da Yong, causing her to worry endlessly. She feared that he would refuse to surrender and be put to death by the Emperor.

  Now that he had become a subject of Da Yong, she worried that he would be implicated by the Second Prince. No matter how she felt, it was impossible for them to be together, and she couldn't even express her feelings to him.

  Thinking this way, Princess Chang Le forced a smile and said: "Wang Shu, bring over the blue silk fabric, let me take a look."

  The princess was delighted by the gentle blue, and Princess Chang Le looked at this little girl, the more she liked her, and couldn't help but hold her in her arms. The gentle blue hadn't learned to walk yet, and had been playing on the felt rug under the tree earlier. Seeing the elegant and refined Princess Chang Le, she curiously stretched out her hand to grab the princess's hairpin, instantly messing up Princess Chang Le's black hair. However, Princess Chang Le didn't get angry, but instead laughed and continued to tease the adorable little girl. Her laughter brought great joy to the queen, while Green E stood by and understood the princess's thoughts.

  When everyone was joyful and harmonious, across the clear lake surface, a faint and distant melody came from afar. The sound was not of silk or bamboo, but it moved people's heartstrings. This was a popular tune in Southern Chu, every year at this time, when people would go on excursions to admire the plum blossoms, they could always hear this tune. This tune was called "Cold Plum Blossom". Although it was just a simple and cheerful little melody, and the person playing it didn't have much skill, listening to it made one feel like the sky was clear and washed, the cold plum blossom blooming, and the heart felt expansive. Princess Chang Le listened intently, after a moment, the music stopped, she murmured: "Is it Jiang Zongwu? Is he thinking of Southern Chu?"

  The princess's heart moved, and she looked at the princess, saying: "It is Jiang Sima who is playing a tune. I don't know what instrument it is, but listening to it always feels very ancient. Sister, you arrived just in time. It should be Jiang Sima appreciating the scenery at Linbo Pavilion. This Jiang Sima often goes to the lake shore to appreciate the scenery during his leisure time, and even reads books and plays chess in the guest house, which is very comfortable, unlike other officials who are busy. At this time, a young man in green clothes came from afar, only about 20 years old, with a clear appearance, but with a hint of femininity. Those maids recognized him and did not stop him. The young man walked to the front of the pavilion and respectfully said: "Princess, my young master asked me to pick up Miss Rouran."

  The princess was about to agree, glanced at the princess, and suddenly said: "Mr. Jiang is too polite, he has been in the palace for a long time, no need to be so restrained, today the princess is here, she likes soft blue very much, can't bear to let go, if it's not seen outside, let Mr. Jiang come over, the king will also come soon, it doesn't matter."

  Xiao Shunzi was taken aback, looked at the queen and princess, a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes, but still said: 'Your humble servant obeys.'

  At this time, King Yong Li Zai walked far away and saw Xiao Shunzi. He smiled and asked: 'How is it that you have come to pick up Roulan again? Is your master always idle and coming to coax his daughter?'

  Xiao Shunzi said: "I have been ordered by the princess to tell you, sir, that the king's daughter likes the young lady and asks that you do not stand on ceremony, but come over once."

  Li Zai was taken aback, but he believed that the princess must have her own plan, so he said: "That's also true, let's go ask your young master to come over."

  Xiao Shunzi was even more astonished, his gaze quickly swept around in a circle, but he didn't see anything out of the ordinary. At this time, his gaze fell on the princess, who was hugging Ruo Lan, with a joyful smile on her face. His heart couldn't help but stir, but after thinking about it again, he felt that he was just being foolish. However, he no longer hesitated and hastily rushed back to Lin Bo Ting.

  I am drinking with Gou Jian at Linbo Pavilion, and I see Xiao Shunzi, smiling: 'Where is Rouran? Why didn't you bring her over? Brother Gou still wants to take a look at my dear daughter?'

  Xiao Shunzi said: "Today, Princess Changle came to the Wang Mansion to relax and really liked Miss, unwilling to let go. The princess consort said that if the young master is willing, it's not a problem for him to go over, and the prince is also there."

  I frowned and said: "This is not very good, forget it, let's go another day."

  Gu Yan listened and said: "Sui Yun, since the princess has already said so, you'd better go, otherwise the princess will blame you."

  I thought about it, and if the princess hadn't said anything, it would be fine. But since she did, I'd feel bad if I didn't go. Look at Xiao Shunzi, he's nodding too. So I said to Gou Jian: "Then I'll go, Brother Gou, have a few more cups." Gou Jian smiled and waved his hand, saying: "You go ahead, when Dong brother arrives later, I'll explain it to him for you."

  Li Zai sat down and looked at Princess Chang Le, smiling: "Chang Le, it's right for you to come out and clear your mind. The palace must be very dull, if you like it, come out and take a walk often."

  At this time, Roulan suddenly struggled to get up, as if eager to go out and play. Princess Chang Le smiled slightly and handed her over to the maid, letting the maid take her back. She laughed and said: "Actually, the palace is not boring either. I saw several younger brothers and sisters who were born after I left, they are all very cute. It's just that the rules in the palace are too strict, unlike outside where it's so relaxed. Brother Wang, I heard that Jun'er is about to go to Youzhou. Such a small child leaving their parents, Brother Wang is also too heartless."

  Li Zai smiled and said, "This is also unavoidable. Jun'er is the crown prince of Yong Wang, he has his responsibilities to fulfill. Let's not pity him, we are royal family members, how many of us can be our own masters?"

  Princess Chang Le's eyes were somewhat dim, and just as she was about to speak, a young man walked over from afar. He wore a white Confucian robe, with an air of carefree abandon that made people feel joyful and happy upon seeing him. The young boy in green clothes following behind him seemed like his shadow, yet despite being under the sunlight, he was almost invisible to the eye. Everyone's gaze converged on this master and servant duo, as if they too had sensed the joy in their hearts.

  As I approached closer, I stepped forward and paid respects saying: 'Your humble servant pays his respects to Your Highness, the King and Queen.'

  Li Zai smiled and said: "Today is a leisurely day with nothing to do, let's not be bound by the clouds either, come sit down together."

  My gaze swept over the princess as I smiled and asked: "May I ask, should I address you as 'Your Majesty' or 'Princess'?

  Princess Chang Le said with a bow: "General Jiang, this palace knows that it is not good for Southern Chu, please forgive me."

  I originally had no grudge against her, seeing her like this, I also returned the favor and said: 'Your Highness doesn't have to be like this, whether you were the queen of yesterday or the princess of today, you are always my superior, I only have to be respectful and courteous, what reason is there for resentment.'

  Princess Chang Le saw me and spoke with great sincerity, her heart filled with joy, and she burst out laughing. This one smile was like a spring flower blooming, instantly adding several points to her beauty.

  Li Zai also saw it, and his heart moved slightly. Could the princess's intention be...? Just as he was thinking wildly, I had already made a courtesy call: "Today, Your Highness and the Princess are entertaining the Princess, and I don't want to disturb you, so I'll take my leave now. Please forgive me, Your Highness." After speaking, without waiting for their response, I signaled Xiao Shunzi to carry Rouchuan, and was about to turn around and leave.

  Li Zai was about to persuade him to stay, but seeing a palace maid watching from afar, he swallowed his words and gazed at Jiang Zhe's back. Princess Chang Le was both delighted and worried in her heart, finally learning that he didn't blame her today. Although joyful, thinking that from now on she would be deeply locked in the palace with no chance to meet again filled her with great sorrow. What he said was right; they were always ruler and subject, and there was no possibility of anything more. As she was feeling sad, she thought about how she was still a married woman and couldn't fall for another man, so she forced a smile to avoid others seeing through her facade. However, both the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess were perceptive people who could see right through it. The Crown Princess seemed indifferent, but Li Zai fell into deep contemplation. According to his understanding, Jiang Zhe would probably never agree to this marriage, and likely no one else would either. No wonder Princess Chang Le had never revealed a word; perhaps even Jiang Zhe himself didn't know that the princess had feelings for him. Not to mention others, but even he himself wouldn't agree to it. If news of this got out, the Crown Prince's group would probably make things difficult, and if they were to stir up trouble in front of the Emperor, Jiang Zhe's life would be in danger. But what if he himself ascended to the throne after Zhao Jia passed away? Li Zai's headache grew as he thought more about it - a minister marrying his ruler's wife was treasonous. Although Jiang Zhe had already surrendered to Da Yong, if he were to marry the princess, unless Jiang Zhe completely disregarded his reputation, this was probably impossible.

  He thought so much, but the queen had another opinion. She thought that if she could marry the princess to Jiang Zhe, then Jiang Zhe would be her own person. She knew that her husband attached great importance to Jiang Zhe and had racked his brains to win him over. Although she was not very clear about how Jiang Zhe finally surrendered, she knew that her husband had been unable to sleep at night because of this. If she could make this happen, then her husband would have one more helper, and the princess would have a lifelong support. With her feminine intuition, she sensed that the young man who was now respectfully addressing her husband as his lord actually had an extraordinary temperament beyond the ordinary world. If she didn't grasp him tightly, he would fly away one day, which might make her husband sleepless again.

  I was completely unaware of what had happened, holding Rouran, I said to Xiaoshunzi: 'You say whether I should marry a wife to take care of Rouran.'

  Xiao Shunzi said calmly: "If the young master wants to get married, it's a good thing. But what if he marries someone who doesn't suit him? If you have someone in mind, that's fine. If not, then don't force it. Miss Ronglan isn't without people taking care of her either."

  I smiled and said, "Where in the world is there another woman like Fragrance? I think it's fine to marry an ordinary virtuous woman. But what you say makes sense. If words are tasteless, it's indeed painful. Forget it, forget it."

  Xiao Shunzi suddenly said: 'What does the young master think of the princess?'

  I was taken aback and laughed, saying: "What nonsense are you talking about? The princess is of noble status and has been the queen mother before. How could I have any improper thoughts about her? If it gets out, wouldn't it be a joke? Now several candidates for the prince consort are already there, and I'm afraid that even before the king returns to Southern Chu, the princess's prince consort will have been decided. Alas." I sighed and said: "Actually, among those people, I think most highly of Wei Xian. He must be able to make the princess happy."

  Xiao Shunzi pouted, not speaking a word. He was too lazy to talk to this master who was so confused about the small things around him. However, he thought seriously that he must pay attention to this matter. The princess had developed feelings for the prince, and this could be either a big or small thing. If someone became jealous of the prince because of this, it would put the prince's safety in danger. Moreover, if he got too close to the princess, there might be trouble. Thinking about this, he couldn't help but regret agreeing to let the princess go earlier. He knew that women usually had a kind of intuition beyond reason. Since he and the princess had been very close before, if she discovered that he was the one who kidnapped her back then, the prince would be in danger. Alas, why hadn't he thought that he would see the princess again? It was really too careless of him.