Chapter 19: The Meaning of Regret

  In the summer, she stayed in bed for several days, and whenever her wound hurt, Xiū Niáng would apply a transparent ointment from a small green porcelain bottle to relieve the pain. Lying on the bed with a heavy heart, she would sometimes silently shed a few tears. Since coming to ancient times, her suppressed thoughts of her parents, fear and loneliness of being alone, the humiliation of being beaten in public, and her unwillingness were all turned upside down, becoming uncontrollable; Sometimes she would silently hold the books sent by Xia Yang in her arms, stroking the rough paper skin, comforting herself that after all, there was still someone who cared about her and missed her.

  Feng Lian was confined in Mo Li Ge, no longer having to go learn the rules of the Wang Fu every day like before, and naturally could not have any contact with the outside world. Xiū Niáng still attended to her as usual, but that thousand-year-old icy face had a subtle sign of thawing, and her expression gradually became more varied.

  In the summer, being flogged was a matter that almost no one in the Ling Wang Fu knew about. However, the imperial physician came to examine her every other day, and it couldn't be concealed. As a result, the official statement became that the princess had caught a cold and was feeling unwell. Not only that, but suddenly Zhou Song began to frequently come and go from the Mo Li Pavilion. One moment he would bring over a few books, the next moment he would bring over a few pots of flowers, today he would ask what Xia Tian wanted to eat, and tomorrow he would come to check on how Xia Tian's injuries were healing. In short, this great manager who was closest to the third prince came and went with extreme frequency.

  The flower hall of Wangfu's Lingwang Hall occasionally transmitted a light and cheerful laughter.

  A round table surrounded by five young people clinking cups and changing plates. The youngest boy, dressed in a plain yellow brocade robe, raised his cup with a smile, his bright and clear smile shining like sunlight: "Yesterday, I was busy attending the banquet in the palace, and Little Seven had not yet congratulated Third Brother on marrying his new sister-in-law."

  He picked up the cup on the table with a blank expression and took a sip mechanically, Yuan Longqiang was obviously somewhat absent-minded.

  Yuan Longlin looked around, thinking that among these people, Qing Ming should be the one who understood the situation best. Unfortunately, he couldn't see his own gaze. "Uh..." He hesitated for a moment, asking with some concern, "Third Brother, don't you like this new sister-in-law?"

  Qing Ming suddenly tensed up, his hands under the table clenched into fists in his sleeves, holding his breath and listening intently with his ear tilted to one side.

  Yuan Longqiao fiddled with the cup in his hand, lost in thought.

  Yuan Longlin blinked in surprise, becoming even more perplexed. Yesterday in the palace, he had discovered that his third brother's emotions were somewhat off, seeming more silent than before, often unknowingly spacing out. He didn't dare to speak rashly again, seeking help by looking at the other two people at the table.

  Elegant and refined, humble and courteous, the white-robed scholar with a strong scholarly aura is Du Shuijian's junior official Yun Wuqi. Although his position is not high, he is the number one talent of this dynasty. With deep eyes, high nose, and thick eyebrows slanting upwards, always wearing a smile from start to finish, is the civil and martial arts accomplished Grand Secretary Yuwen Qiming. They are all Yuan Longqiao's most loyal followers, as well as his closest friends.

  Yuwen Qiming slightly shook his head and smiled, bringing one hand up to his lips to cough softly.

  Even if you can't see it, you can still feel the **breath** in the air. Qingming's heart is bitter and his face doesn't seem to be gloomy. He raises his hand to pick up the cup that he usually places there, tilts his head and pours all the spicy wine into his mouth.

  Yuan Longqiao's distraction was only momentary, and he raised an eyebrow to look at the varied expressions on everyone's faces. He hesitated for a moment, just about to ask what was going on when he suddenly saw Zhou Song's figure appear in the doorway. After a brief pause, he still called out: "Zhou Song, come in."

  Zhou Song hurried forward with a slight bow and greeted everyone before whispering a few words in Yuan Longqiao's ear.

  Qing Ming had never practiced martial arts before, but because he was blind, his hearing was exceptionally sharp. Moreover, he sat closest to Yuan Longqiao, so even though he only heard fragmented words: "Princess... injured... not eating..."

  Her eyebrows furrowed and then smoothed out, Yuan Long waved his hand to signal Zhou Song to leave. His eyes flashed as he looked straight at Yuan Longxiang, asking in a tone that couldn't be discerned: "What did Seventh Brother just say?"

  Seeing him like this, Yuan Longlin hesitated, "Third Brother, you... Third Sister-in-law..."

  "Oh, she's caught a cold, so I won't have her come out today. Another day, I'll let you all meet again." He spoke lightly, but Qing Ming's hand shook violently, almost dropping the cup he was holding.

  Yuan Longlin smiled and said with a light tone, "I heard that this new sister-in-law is Xia Shuang's younger sister. That kid will probably be even more arrogant when he sees me."

  "On that day, in the Longzheng Hall, Your Majesty bestowed marriage, but the Seventh Highness was not present. However, we clearly saw that Your Majesty still holds great affection for the Third Highness." Yun Wuqi said with a warm smile.

  "So, I really want to see what this new sister-in-law is like..."

  "Cough!"

  Yuan Longlin's joking words were cut off by Yuwen Qiming's cough, and he turned his head in confusion to see the other man giving him a playful wink. Following his gaze, Yuan Longlin's eyes widened in surprise. "Huh?" He couldn't help but stare. At the head seat, Yuan Longqiao was staring at the dishes in front of her with a thoughtful expression, seemingly lost in thought once again.