Chapter 181
Yuanying pestered the Emperor for several days and then realized that brother was standing firm this time and will not lift his confinement prematurely so he gradually calmed down. He spent his days reading with Wei Shu, occasionally strolling to the Eastern Palace to compete with Li Xiang for his tutor’s attention. Life was relatively peaceful.
Those in Tengzhou received news that although Li Yuanying had been beaten, he had recovered and was already lively and energetic. Reassured, everyone went about their own business, preparing to take turns nagging him after the New Year when he returned.
Regarding Emperor Taizong’s decision to leave Li Yuanying in Chang’an for the New Year, everyone murmured to themselves. Without Li Yuanying, things just didn’t feel right.
Although Yuanying usually spent his time eating, drinking, and playing, it was undeniable that these people were gathered together because of him. While they had certain camaraderie among themselves, without Li Yuanying they wouldn’t be as harmonious as they were now. Such a great Emperor, not only did he beat him but is now also keeping the Prince in confinement.
Compared to the gloom of group, the Emperor was in a much better mood, even enjoying his meals more than usual. He hadn’t forgotten about his daughter Gao Yang, who is still in Tengzhou and specially instructed for her to be brought back for the New Year. She can return to Tengzhou with Li Yuanying later.
Gao Yang was reluctant. Life in Tengzhou was free and enjoyable; she had no desire to return to Chang’an. However, when the Emperor’s men arrived, Lu Zhaolin advised her to return. Parents have given their orders, and children must obey. Moreover, the Emperor is the ruler of the country, and his words cannot be disobeyed.
In some ways, Gao Yang’s temperament was similar to Li Yuanying’s. These platitudes would certainly have been unpleasant to hear from anyone else, but because it’s Lu Zhaolin she listened. She bit her lip and her bright eyes fixed intently on Lu Zhaolin: “If I’m gone for several months, will you miss me?” Before Lu Zhaolin could react, Gao Yang added, “Lu Zhaolin, I will miss you!”
With that, Gao Yang lifted her skirt and ran off.
The young girl’s figure was radiant and beautiful, like a blooming flower.
Lu Zhaolin stood there, his heart pounding wildly. It was as if he knew his beloved flower was covered in thorns, but yet he still wanted to plant it in his heart, nourishing it with his own blood, even if it meant being pricked and bleeding profusely, he still wouldn’t regret it.
On the day Gao Yang had returned to the capital, she sat in her carriage, lifting the curtain to look at her friends who had come to see her off. Her eyes immediately fell on the tall, elegant Lu Zhaolin. She smiled at him, and only lowered the curtain happily when his figure had faded into the distance.
People you like at first sight might not stay liking the same. But a person you had got to know well, becomes increasingly hard to let go. He’s a man of principle, too proud to speak first. It was best if she did. Perhaps when she returned from Chang’an, he could also tell her his feelings. Then, no matter what difficulties they faced, they could face them together.
Lu Zhaolin who had been watching the carriage depart, remained lost in thought. Only when Di Renjie patted him on the shoulder with a serious expression did Lu Zhaolin finally look away.
Meeting his friend’s sharp gaze, Lu Zhaolin knew that his secret feelings for Gao Yang were not hidden from Di Renjie: “I want to return to Fanyang this year.” Marriage was a matter of parental arrangement and matchmaker’s words, not his own decision. Without his parents’ support, he dared not overstep any boundaries, not even daring to reveal his feelings to Gao Yang.
Di Renjie said worriedly: “That won’t be easy.”
“His Highness often says that nothing in this world is easy. If you want something, you are destined to face countless difficulties and dangers. This stays true unless you are willing to be mediocre and unproductive for your entire life. Therefore, no matter how difficul, try first.” (Lu Zhaolin)
“His Highness is a handful when it comes to getting things done, but he’s got a whole repertoire of advice to offer.”(Di Renjie).
Li Yuanying just uses his silver tongue to trick people into doing his work so he can live a carefree life!
Lu Zhaolin had made up his mind and Di Renjie didn’t stop him. He discussed with Wu Mei about handling his workload to allow Lu Zhaolin to go home. After seeing Lu Zhaolin off, Di Renjie asked Wu Mei: “Do you think they will succeed?”
Can two young people just beginning to experience love really overcome all the obstacles to be together?
It’s well known that many aristocratic families traditionally disliked entanglements with the royal family. When Li Er intended to marry his princess to a member of such a family, that family immediately refused and instead married off their daughter to the Lu family of Fanyang. The Emperor was furious and when compiling the <>, forcibly de-rank their surnames to the third rank.
In the struggle for interests and power, the petty affections of children are truly insignificant.
“Isn’t His Highness here?” (Wu Mei) Li Yuanying though usually unreliable, is dependable in crucial moments. His presence is like a stabilizing force; no difficulty can affect them.
Di Renjie nodded.
Yuanying was actually oblivious. They had all seen through Lu Zhaolin and Gao Yang’s little schemes, but Yuanying was probably completely clueless.
If he had found out, he would definitely be furious, thinking that Lu Zhaolin dared to seduce his niece! But after his anger subsided, Yuanying would still do his best to help them.
“Should we write a letter to His Highness?” (Di Renjie)
“Gao Yang isn’t afraid to speak up; she will tell His Highness herself.” (Wu Mei)
…
Li Yuanying endured another period of confinement in Chang’an and Gao Yang finally arrived.
Gao Yang first went to meet the Emperor. After a year’s absence, the Emperor looked at Gao Yang, who had grown even more beautiful. He noticed she had grown taller and her personality had become much more stable.
The Emperor offered a few words of encouragement and then let her leave to look for Li Yuanying. The boy was was practicing calligraphy with Wei Shu when he heard that Gao Yang had returned. He was taken aback; he had been obediently playing the role of a good younger brother and was completely unaware that Li Er had sent someone to fetch Gao Yang.
Yuanying gestured for Gao Yang to sit. “Was the journey smooth? How’s my mother and the others?”
Gao Yang took a large sip of tea before recounting her journey and the situation in Tengzhou. She had returned unharmed. Naturally she hadn’t encountered any accidents on the road, and everything was fine in Tengzhou. This was largely thanks to Li Yuanying’s habit of being a hands-off leader and delegating tasks to others. Otherwise, Tengzhou would have been in dire need of leadership.
Yuanying wasn’t disappointed, instead he said with great satisfaction: “That’s how it should be.” If the court could be like that, he could easily persuade brother to take them out for a fun day!
Seeing that Yuanying was indeed safe, Gao Yang’s worries vanished. She glanced at Yuanying and Wei Shu sitting together, envying their ability to openly be affectionate. How wonderful it would be if she and Lu Zhaolin could be like that in the future! He would practice calligraphy,and she would practice with him; she would go play polo and he would join her; they could happily play and study together, eat and drink together, and strive for excellence together.
Gao Yang hesitated again and again but finally, nervously clutching the hem of her clothes spoke: “Uncle, there’s something I want to tell you.”
Yuanying rarely saw Gao Yang so serious,asked curiously: “Just say it, why are you hesitating?”
“I like Lu Zhaolin.” Once she said this, she didn’t hesitate anymore: “I want to marry him! Uncle, you have to help me!”
Li Yuanying was shocked.
Thinking back, Gao Yang and Lu Zhaolin did get along quite well, but Yuanying hadn’t paid much attention to it. What was so strange about his friends getting along well with his niece? He just liked seeing everyone happy and harmonious.
Then, Gao Yang told him she was going to marry Lu Zhaolin!
Li Yuanying couldn’t process this: was his niece trying to ruin Lu Zhaolin, or was Lu Zhaolin actually trying to seduce his niece?!
Thinking back to how he had helped Gao Yang obtain Lu Zhaolin’s manuscripts, indirectly facilitating their illicit exchange, Li Yuanying was furious. Those two scoundrels had actually used him to flirt with each other!
Li Yuanying angrily retorte: “When you suddenly said you wanted to read books, and even wanted to study those refined arts, was that what you were thinking?!”
Gao Yang, somewhat embarrassed, whispered: “Back then, I wasn’t sure if I really liked him.” After spending more time together, their understanding deepened, and she finally realized she truly liked Lu Zhaolin, and that her feelings were only growing stronger. If she didn’t try to win him over, she would definitely regret it!
uanying had never seen Gao Yang act like this before. He felt a tightness in his chest and vaguely understood why Wei Ying and Wei Zheng always disliked him. Now, thinking back to Lu Zhaolin, he also thought that boy was utterly despicable! He was truly infuriating; how dare he steal his niece’s heart right under his nose! And he considered him a good friend!
Yuanying neither offered help nor offered assistance, sending Gao Yang to play with Si Zi and the others, while she sat there sulking.
Seeing Yuanying’s cheeks puffed up with anger, his face still showing traces of childishness, Wei Shu couldn’t help but comfort his: “Even if they have feelings for each other, they’ve kept their affections within the bounds and haven’t done anything out of line.”
Li Yuanying retorted angrily: “They dare?!”
If Lu Zhaolin really did anything, the Emperor would break his legs, even if he didn’t fly into a rage!
Wei Shu thinks Yuanying feels like an elder now that he’s angry. She knows he’s angry because he cares for Gao Yang. Wei Shu reached out to grab his hands: “If you don’t support her, what should Gao Yang do? Didn’t you promise to help her find someone she likes and let her live a happy life?”
Yuanying’s anger subsided. Of course, Gao Yang should marry the person she loves; he was just furious that they were secretly seeing each other right under his nose. He scoffed, “At least she consults with me. But whether this works out depends on Lu Zhaolin’s performance. If it’s just Gao Yang’s one-sided enthusiasm, I don’t agree with her insisting on marrying him.”
“The fact that you’re on good terms with him means you approve of his character and abilities. He shouldn’t let Gao Yang down.”
Yuanying knows many, but his true friends are those currently in Tengzhou. Sometimes even Wei Shu admires his judgment; seemingly ordinary people shine brightly when placed in suitable positions.
Yuanying hummed: “That would be for the best.”
A few days passed peacefully. Yuanying received a letter from Tengzhou that mentioned two things: Li Dejian and Du He’s injuries were almost fully healed; Lu Zhaolin had returned to Fanyang to see his parents. It was written by Di Renjie and didn’t specify why Lu Zhaolin went home.
Yuanying now very perceptive, immediately whispered to Wei Shu: “Do you think he went back to talk to his parents about Gao Yang?”
“Maybe.”
“I heard that Old Fang’s wife (Madam Lu) is planning to find a lady from her family for Fang Jun, but they haven’t found one willing to marry him yet.” Although the farce involving Gao Yang and Fang Jun had long since ended, those in the know still privately talks about it. Madam Lu thinks her son is perfect and is focused on finding a lady from her own family, but not everyone is willing to marry him. They keep picking and choosing, and nothing has come of it yet.
So, it seems both Gao Yang and Fang Jun, this pair of previously engaged couple, are both taking advantage of the Lu family after their engagement was broken off—truly a twisted fate!
Thinking about how “exciting” Madam Lu’s face will be when she finds out, Yuanying felt alleviated. He no longer cared about Gao Yang and Lu Zhaolin’s deception and said with a smile: “If both sides get their way, wouldn’t the Lu family be doubly blessed?”
SeeingYuanying’s excited expression, Wei Shu knew he was going to help.
“We should still be cautious; Gao Yang is, after all, His Majesty’s daughter.”
“I understand.” Even he was angry when he found out, what more the Emperor. He told Wei Shu to advise Gao Yang to calm down and not rush to reveal her feelings; he would handle things with the Emperor.
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Young Master: This sounds fun! (Rubbing his hands together in anticipation)