To Hold One’s Joy

hapter 31-1: Once Familiar Place

Luo Sheng listened with lowered eyes, feeling unspeakable anguish. Yes, she was truly foolish.

That night, a strong wind blew, shrouding everything in darkness. Clad in her wedding dress, she desperately rode her horse, racing towards home. Meanwhile, Wei Qiang, also dressed in wedding attire, pursued her.

In the distance, she caught sight of the crumbling red lanterns hanging under the eaves in front of Zhennan Wang Palace. Her heart sank as she witnessed troops, brandishing sharp swords, surrounding the palace in multiple layers.

Her only regret was that she couldn't reach her father, mother, and baby brother in time. As fate would have it, she tumbled off her horse right in front of the commander who led the siege on the palace. The piercing pain of an arrow in her heart paled in comparison to the enduring anguish she felt.

Her newlywed husband had launched the fatal arrow, robbing her of the chance to be reunited with her family right before her own home. She struggled and crawled forward with every ounce of strength she had left. Her determination left the siege commander astonished. Despite the hot blood gushing from her wounded body, she pushed herself onward. Still, she never had the chance to reach the palace gate. With boundless hatred and regret, she closed her eyes.

When she finally opened her eyes again, she had become Miss Luo. In contrast, Wei Qiang, her childhood sweetheart and newlywed husband, had become the high and mighty Crown Prince, the second most esteemed man in the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Luo Sheng mustered all her strength to compose herself and casually smiled at the old beggar. "So, the princess' husband became a widower on the first day of their wedding—"

The old beggar's face suddenly changed, and he quickly interrupted, "Gongzi, don't talk recklessly!"

On account of the silvers he received before, the old beggar lowered his voice and revealed more information: "Gongzi, do you solely focus on your studies and remain unaware of the events happening outside? The princess' husband is none other than the current Crown Prince!"

"The current Crown Prince is that princess' husband?" Luo Sheng expressed her surprise. "But didn't the princess marry into Pingnan Wang Palace?"

She calmly stuffed another piece of silver into the old beggar's hand as she spoke.

Money makes the mare go, not to mention this is a common thing known by older people in Nanyang City. The old beggar collected the silver and said, "The Crown Prince earned great merit as he was the one who uncovered the evidence of Zhennan Prince Wang's collusion with the enemy nation. Later, when the Emperor sought to adopt a son from the royal clan to become the crown prince, he chose the current Crown Prince, who was still the Heir of Pingnan Wang at that time."

If people from other places were asked, even those in the Capital, they might not know much about these past events. However, Nanyang City was different. The old beggar was not always a beggar; the tragedy that unfolded twelve years ago changed not only Zhennan Wang Palace but also the fate of many people.

Luo Sheng fell into prolonged silence, a faint smile gracing her lips. "So, that's how it is. The Crown Prince is courageous and resourceful."

Having found the answers she sought, Luo Sheng changed back into her original attire and strolled toward the inn with Hongdou.

"Hongdou."

"Yes, Miss?"

"What kind of person do you think the Crown Prince is?"

Hongdou glanced around and whispered, "Miss, you've read my mind. In the past, I believed that Crown Prince was very lucky. He was quite gentle and amiable too."

"And now?"

Hongdou pouted. "Now, I think the Crown Prince is despicable. That princess is so pitiful."

Luo Sheng's eyes flickered as she held back her tears. She really likes this maid.

"But..." Hongdou hesitated.

"But what?"

Hongdou bit her lip, her voice barely audible. "The Crown Prince discovered the evidence of Zhennan Wang's collusion with the enemy nation early on. Yet, he still married the princess as if nothing had happened. And after their marriage, he immediately took her life. Didn't the princess ever notice that he was heartless and wicked?"

Luo Sheng replied calmly, "Perhaps she was blind." The little maid nodded vigorously: "That must be it. Miss is really smart."

Luo Sheng bent her lips into a smile, but her smile didn't reach her eyes. Thank Heavens for granting her a chance to see things clearly this time.

Wei Qiang[1], just you wait. 

[1] Wei Qiang: The Crown Prince’s name. Unlike Zhennan Wang, Pingnan Wang shared the same surname as the current Emperor and is one of the Emperor’s direct relatives.