After several days of recuperation, Liu Donghuai gradually recovered, but Lingxi had to return to the capital with Fang Siling.
Having confessed his feelings, Liu Donghuai could no longer maintain his pretense. His eyes, filled with affection, made Lingxi's heart tremble every time.
Yet, he remained restrained and proper, never overstepping any boundaries.
Outside Donglin City.
"Lingxi, I have already written to the Emperor explaining everything. Whatever punishment the Emperor decides, I will accept it. You must not contradict the Emperor. The Emperor values family ties greatly now; everything he does is for your own good."
"I understand," Lingxi nodded.
"Also, I know you still have him in your heart. It's alright. Your past is not something shameful. It didn't just bring you pain; it must have also left you with beautiful memories. Don't force yourself to forget. Just let it be."
He would do his utmost to be good to her, so good that she would forget all the pain and never remember it again.
Only her bright eyes, her cheerful laughter, only flowers and fragrance would remain.
Liu Donghuai, how can you be so kind.
Lingxi got into the carriage, tilting her head back to force back the tears that threatened to fall. Indeed, she had never regretted loving her brother Wen Tang; it was a beautiful dream that had accompanied her for ten years, not just sorrow.
During countless indifferent days, while imprisoned in Fengque Tower, serving as a puppet goddess, it was by holding him in her heart that she found the motivation to live.
He simply did not belong to her.
She had never resented him.
Now, she had found the person who belonged to her.
Brother Wen Tang, goodbye.
"Liu Donghuai—"
The carriage had already traveled some distance when Lingxi opened the carriage door and waved to the figure still standing at the city gate.
Liu Donghuai quickly approached, his eyes soft. "Did you forget something?"
"Yes, get in the carriage, I have something to give you."
Liu Donghuai glanced around. Fang Siling raised an eyebrow at him and called out to the guards, "Advance a hundred meters and wait."
Liu Donghuai blushed at his actions but still got into the carriage.
He cherished every moment they could spend together, like a young man experiencing first love, wishing he could keep her without regard for anything else.
"Liu Donghuai, I've never experienced a kiss in my life. Can you let me feel it?"
She looked up at him like an innocent child waiting for a sweet.
However, Liu Donghuai was struck as if by lightning, completely stunned.
His reason told him he couldn't; it was wrong. They were not yet married, and such an act would be reckless and disrespectful to her.
But, but, but her lips looked so delicious, they must taste wonderful.
"So silly."
Lingxi had already pounced.
Even if one hasn't eaten pork, one has seen pigs run.
She had also overheard her sister and brother-in-law.
Kissing was indeed a beautiful thing, making one feel as if floating to immortality. It started gently and tenderly, and then...
So that's where the sizzling sound came from.
Lingxi, Lingxi, are you starting to like me?
It turned out that kissing someone you cherished was different; it was never enough, it was completely irrational, you couldn't stop even if you wanted to.
Lingxi, in this life, I will never fail you.
In the tenth month of Mingde Year Four, Princess Lingxi voluntarily demoted herself to the title of County Princess and married Liu Donghuai, the magistrate of Donglin, as his wife. From then on, the couple lived in harmony and jointly governed Donglin.
They enriched agricultural production, attracted talent, and vigorously developed the porcelain business, transforming a remote small town into a hub for merchants.
Moreover, after a few years, Donglin produced numerous prodigies, making significant contributions to Jing Kingdom's talent selection.
Liu Donghuai's political achievements were outstanding, and he was promoted successively, from prefect to governor, eventually holding the position of Grand Councilor.
This, however, is a story for another time.
It is said that Lord Liu was upright and proper, with a gentle disposition, and excelled at achieving results without bloodshed, through gentle persuasion and nurturing. He complemented his close friend, Minister Fang, serving the country with integrity and maintaining harmonious relations with the sovereign.
It is said that when Lord Liu had free time, he would always take his wife on outings and personally attend to all matters.
It is also said that Lord Liu was self-disciplined, reading historical classics every night and discussing them with his wife, each expressing their views. The couple often had a tacit understanding, their thoughts aligning.
"Of course, this is just hearsay! We don't know if the affairs of the great lords are true or false!"
The patrons in the tavern spoke for a long time, taking a large gulp of wine to quench their thirst.
The surrounding scholars listened with envy. Lord Liu was their role model. From a poor scholar to a close confidant of the Emperor, it was truly a glorious and magnificent achievement.
"False."
Just as everyone was urging the storyteller to say more, a cold voice cut through the air.
False? What was false?
Who was this person speaking to?
A stern young man in black drank the wine in one gulp, picked up the sword on the table, and said coldly, "The last part is false. They did not read historical records."
Everyone asked, "How do you know? What were they reading?"
"I've seen it."
What they were reading, he wouldn't say. He had once passed by their house at night and glanced inside. His brother-in-law, who usually appeared meek and frail, turned out to have quite a bit of strength at night.
However, Lingxi wasn't very clever, much like Ah Yin, useless yet prone to causing trouble.
She had provoked the honest scholar to the point where his eyes turned red, and his favorite books were scattered everywhere.
Alas, women.
The young man left.
Suddenly, a patron among the drinkers shouted, "Did you see that man's sword just now? It was entirely black, with a spiral pattern on the hilt, like the famous sword Luoling from the previous dynasty!"
"Ah? Could he be the legendary Sacred Flame Black Dragon?"
"Damn it! Why didn't you say so earlier? He's my god!"
...