Chapter 059 Epilogue

Chapter 59 - Epilogue

Upon seeing Fu Anyian's tender gaze, Yu Xi was flooded with memories she had tried to forget. They lingered relentlessly in her mind.

She recalled their experiences together after her amnesia – the dangers they faced, the laughter they shared in each other's arms, the occasional flirtatious moments, and the intimate instances of closeness. In just half a year, they had grown closer than many couples after three years of marriage.

It was something she never expected, leaving her bewildered. She feared it was merely an illusion, so she sat before the dressing table through the night, hoping that clarity would come with the dawn. But reality confirmed that what she had experienced was real, not a figment of her imagination.

Her relationship with Fu Anyian had become more intimate than ever before.

As a result, when she suddenly saw him, Yu Xi didn't know how to react. Should she treat him as she did during those three years, with polite distance, or address him as "Lord Fu" with a coquettish tone, as she did after her amnesia? Or perhaps tug at his sleeve and pout playfully?

Confused, Yu Xi stood rooted to the spot, her mind in turmoil. Her conflicting thoughts rendered her motionless. She gazed at him silently, as if she hadn't seen him in ages.

Fu Anyian's smile froze for a moment, then he composed himself, reaching out to touch her face. "What's wrong? What did you discuss with His Majesty?"

His palm was rough yet warm, like a gentle spring breeze – both soothing and tingling.

With fluttering eyelashes, she looked down, subtly evading his touch. "Nothing much. I haven't been here in a while, so I came to have a look."

The calm words made Fu Annian's restless heart become more restless. He noticed something strange, smiled without saying anything, lowered his hand, naturally took her hand, and walked forward slowly.

Silence enveloped the two of them, creating an elusive atmosphere that grew increasingly suffocating.

Yu Xi's focus was on their intertwined hands – soft against hard, fitting together seamlessly, as if conveying a hidden meaning. Her slender fingers gently twitched before she withdrew her gaze, casting a sidelong glance at the man beside her, feeling even more vexed.

The scorching sun heated the palace pathway, radiating warmth from their feet to their heads. Their bodies were bathed in perspiration, trickling down into the curves of their necks.

In no time, their clothes were dampened with sweat.

Yu Xi turned her palm and spoke with a hint of frustration, "It's getting quite warm." She then pulled her hand away.

Fu Anian let go of his palms. Unknowingly, his palms were sweating and felt sticky.

Scanning her face, he asked calmly, "Did you meet Lin Xue'an?"

She nodded, flexing her newly freed hand, feeling a bit relieved. "I saw him. He's never this diligent when doing official duties."

After saying this, Fu Anian tightened his hands hanging by his side and said with a smile: "Let's not talk about him anymore. Let's go to the lake another day. The lotus flowers in Bihu Lake are in full bloom."

Yu Xi responded absently, then, upon realizing what was said, asked, "Where are we going?"

"To take a boat ride on the lake."

She nodded gently, not particularly keen on the idea but unable to think of a valid excuse, so she remained quiet.

Exiting the palace gates, she immediately boarded her own carriage without giving Fu Anyian a chance to intervene.

"Lord Fu, I'll be on my way first," she said with a polite smile.

Fu Anyian nodded amiably, watching as her carriage disappeared from sight. His smile faded, replaced by a darkened expression.

His eyelids twitched uncontrollably, accompanied by a rising sense of unease.

Her polite detachment was indeed reminiscent of her former self.

-

Upon returning home, Yu Xi promptly instructed Dong Ling, "Pack my things, I'm going to stay in the palace for a few days."

Dong Ling was surprised but didn't question the reason. Instead, she swiftly began to gather Yu Xi's belongings, completing the task after a brief flurry of activity, ensuring that all her daily essentials were packed.

De Shun, standing by, also noticed her unusual demeanor and asked with a smile, "Didn't the Princess Royal prefer life outside the palace? Why have you returned?"

The same question lingered in Dong Ling and Chunhua's minds, but they hadn't voiced it. Now that De Shun did, both women widened their eyes, watching Yu Xi at the table together.

She had returned to the palace to avoid Fu Anyian until she figured out her feelings about their relationship. But how could she explain this?

After some thought, Yu Xi sighed and gazed outside without a word. The sunlight was blinding and scorching, marking the oppressive arrival of summer.

She sipped her tea, waiting for Dong Ling and the others to load their belongings onto the carriage before slowly rising to her feet, heading back into the palace.

It wasn't unusual for the Princess Royal to return to the palace, and the palace staff were accustomed to it. However, it was abnormal for Song Mingyin. Didn't Yu Xi request to live outside so she could easily meet with Fu Anyian? Why the sudden change of heart?

Not long after Yu Xi's return, Song Mingyin came to visit her and joined her for dinner.

"Princess Royal, why have you come back to the palace?" Song Mingyin inquired.

Maintaining her poise, Yu Xi kept her gaze fixed on the soup spoon before her, responding softly, "It's tranquil here. By the way, tell them not to bother me."

'Them' referred to the concubines in the harem. Knowing they would come to pay their respects now that she was back, Yu Xi was in no mood to deal with them. It was best if she didn't see them.

Song Mingyin lifted his gaze to meet hers, a faint glint flickering in his dark eyes. He set down his wine cup and asked, "It's time to choose an empress. What is your wise counsel, Imperial Sister?"

The selection of an empress was a significant matter, one that required careful deliberation. The court had been urging the decision, but Song Mingyin had delayed it. Yu Xi had thought he would wait a few more years; she hadn't expected him to bring it up so soon.

Her eyes shifted slightly as she spoke unhurriedly, "Consort Li is arrogant, Consort Liuli is impulsive, and Consort Shu..."

Pausing for a moment, Yu Xi continued, "Consort Shu is petty and intolerant of others. You should choose an empress who is dignified and magnanimous, someone who can truly preside over the harem."

She presented her analysis with conviction, unaware that Song Mingyin's expression had already changed. He gazed at her intently, his demeanor grave.

With a wave of his hand, they were alone in the room. Song Mingyin locked eyes with her, asking, "Does something come to mind, Imperial Sister?"

Yu Xi's hand stilled for a moment before she regained her composure. She knew she couldn't hide anything from him, but she hadn't anticipated he would see through her so quickly.

"So obvious, huh?"

Her words were an admission of the truth.

Song Mingyin chuckled softly, pleased by her regained memory yet also concerned. What would become of her relationship with Fu Anyian?

The discussion about the empress position was merely for confirmation.

Yu Xi nodded slightly, her tone tranquil. "Testing me, were you?"

Song Mingyin poured himself a cup of wine and then filled another for her. "Toasting to Imperial Sister's robust health."

She smiled and, without further ado, picked up the cup, draining it in one swift gesture.

That night, both Yu Xi and Song Mingyin drank quite a bit. Under the influence of alcohol, Song Mingyin mustered the courage to ask, "Does Imperial Sister regret agreeing to him?"

Her cheeks flushed with the wine, and her eyes shimmered with a misty sheen, exuding an alluring charm.

She propped her cheek with one hand, adopting a casual and relaxed demeanor. To Song Mingyin's question, she didn't respond, unsure of how to answer.

Did she regret it?

It didn't seem so.

But if she were to marry him, she lacked the courage to do so.

Yu Xi closed her eyes, breathing evenly. Song Mingyin assumed she had fallen asleep and decided not to disturb her. He gestured for Dong Ling and Chunhua to help her rest on the bed.

Finishing his last cup of wine, Song Mingyin rose to leave. As he walked along the quiet palace corridors, his mind was filled with thoughts, most prominently whether or not to inform Fu Anian.

After some deliberation, he sighed, looking up at the sky, deciding that their issues should be resolved by themselves, and he would stay out of it.

-

Awakening with a slight headache from the excessive drinking, Dong Ling brought her water. She sipped it to soothe her throat before lying back down to sleep once more.

Yu Xi rubbed her temples without opening her eyes. After a moment, she turned onto her side and dozed off again.

De Shun and the others stood guard outside, cautious and vigilant. They had overheard the conversation between the princess and the emperor the previous night. Initially, they had been speculative, but after yesterday's events, they were certain that the princess had regained her memories.

Early this morning, De Shun reprimanded the palace maids and eunuchs of Jinghua Palace, urging them to be extra careful in their duties to avoid any mishaps. If the princess were to hold them accountable, no one could save them.

Indeed, with Yu Xi resting, Jinghua Palace was eerily quiet. The palace attendants tiptoed around, fearful of waking her.

After a few days of peaceful respite within the palace, Fu Anian came to find her.

He had visited the princess's residence that morning, but no one answered the door. So, he went to the back entrance, which was open. However, the servants informed him that the princess had entered the palace to stay a few days ago.

Fu Anyian was surprised, thus he decided to seek her out after court was adjourned.

At that moment, Fu Anyian waited by the entrance. After a while, he saw De Shun approach him, bowing as he said, "Princess invites you in, Sir."

Fu Anyian nodded and entered the palace hall familiarly. Yu Xi had just woken up not long ago, with a faint red mark on her cheek, exuding a sense of languidness.

Yu Xi was helpless too. During her period of amnesia, all her good habits, such as waking up early, had vanished. On the contrary, she had adopted bad habits, like her inability to wake up before the sun was high in the sky.

It might take her quite some time to regain her former discipline.

Yawning, Yu Xi watched him enter without moving an inch, then asked, "Would you like something to eat?"

Sitting down beside her, Fu Anyian's gaze was straightforward and intense. "Why didn't you tell me when you returned to the palace?"

"I was busy and forgot."

She didn't have much to do, really. She spent her days eating and drinking, sitting in the pavilion and daydreaming about their relationship. Unfortunately, even after several days, she still couldn't figure things out.

Frustrated, Yu Xi found his presence even more annoying now. She put down her utensils, sighed, and sat there in a daze.

Fu Anyian observed the recent changes in her demeanor and could no longer hold back. He directly asked, "Shall we go boating on the lake?"

She shook her head, her eyes drooping, lacking energy.

Fu Anyian remained silent but cast a glance aside. De Shun and the others, understanding the cue, tactfully withdrew, leaving the room empty. With no one else around, he asked with concern, "What's been going on lately? Are you feeling unwell?"

He phrased his question delicately, but in truth, Fu Anyian longed to inquire why she had been so distant from him recently.

The intimacy they once shared was entirely gone, causing him great unease.

He cherished Yu Xi's reliance on him, her coquettish ways, even her tantrums, which he found endearing.

But now, her coldness and silence left him at a loss.

Yu Xi pursed her lips in deep thought. After a moment, she began, "I..."

She didn't know how to express herself or where to begin.

Seeing her indecisiveness, Fu Anyian felt a tightening in his chest, his heart pounding uncontrollably in the region.

The man's Adam's apple bobbed as he asked the question that had been bothering him, "Did something come back to you?"

Her eyes widened, and her brows lifted slightly. Her radiant face wore a smile, "You can tell, can't you?"

She was pondering how to bring it up, but he had guessed it. That was great; it saved her a lot of trouble.

Yu Xi felt much more at ease. She helped herself to a piece of tofu and put it in her mouth.

Speaking with a light tone, she said, "Since Lord Fu is aware that I've regained my memories, perhaps this marriage should be called off."

She didn't have the courage to marry the same person twice.

At twenty-three, she was at a mature age, devoid of the impulsiveness and recklessness of youth.