Chapter 103: A Missed Encounter Will Haunt a Lifetime

Chapter 103: A Missed Encounter Will Haunt a Lifetime

If he was to torment him in his dreams, that was one thing; but to chase him away upon waking? Ye Jiangbai sat up with a darkened face, feeling frustrated for a while before he asked in a low voice, "Where is he?"

Liang Ce bowed his head and replied, "It seems like he has entered the palace."

"And Beitang Miao?"

"The General went into the main house to converse with His Highness for half an hour yesterday. He's very cautious; the moment I tried to get closer, he noticed me, so I couldn't hear what they were discussing."

Ye Jiangbai felt a headache coming on as he covered his forehead, lost in thought. When this illness of mine is gone, I'll have to go listen myself!

"According to the gatekeeper, His Highness said he would be returning late," Liang Ce ventured cautiously. "Should Master rise now?"

"Mm," Ye Jiangbai nodded, getting out of bed and instructing, "I still have unfinished business to tend to. It's time I made my way back."

Liang Ce let out a sigh of relief, thinking to himself that at least his master still had some sense.

However, Ye Jiangbai's next words were, "After you're done with the affairs of the estate, come over tonight."

Liang Ce: "..."

Zhao Chang Nian entered the palace, utilizing Huang Ningzhong's connections at the Chongyang Gate to smoothly escort Prince Wu out. Now that she held a bit of authority, no one dared to approach and question her along the way. Upon reaching the palace gates, Chang Nian directly presented Ye Jiangbai's identification, sparing herself the need for registration. The guards, with smiles on their faces, bid her farewell as they escorted her out.

Standing at the street corner, Chang Nian looked at the bustling crowd and carriages, turning to smile. "Uncle Emperor, look—"

But beside her, the space was empty. Where just moments ago stood a burly man, now only a gust of wind and two swirling leaves remained.

Startled, Chang Nian searched around and from a distance saw a towering figure dash into the crowd like a wild stallion, knocking over a few civilians before crashing onto the stage of a performing troupe.

Shouts of surprise and curses filled the air, but Prince Wu paid them no heed, his gaze fixed straight on the female lead on stage.

Trained performers were composed, and despite the disruption, the actress didn't bat an eyelid, continuing her song self-assuredly. "The king's spirit has waned, what purpose is there in my existence~"

Her voice was mournful, her colorful sleeves billowing, as she gracefully slumped to the ground.

Chang Nian hurried over, apologizing to the bystanders before attempting to help Prince Wu up.

To her surprise, she noticed that Prince Wu's eyes were bloodshot, gripping the edge of the stage tightly, tears streaming down his face like a stream.

Recalling his ear-splitting cries, Chang Nian's heart skipped a beat. She hurriedly pleaded, "Uncle Emperor, please don't cry here. We've worked so hard to get out, and we can't afford to be discovered by the officials and sent back immediately."

Prince Wu seemed oblivious, but he didn't actually cry out loud. He just stood there steadfastly, staring at the female lead, muttering, "Feng Xian."

Of course, the actress on stage wasn't Feng Xian. When the act ended, the audience applauded. A young girl in a green robe came down to collect tips.

Without hesitation, Prince Wu opened his money pouch, sobbing as he pulled out silver coins.

Chang Nian was speechless. "…Uncle Emperor."

"Didn't she sing well? Shouldn't we give her money?" Prince Wu regained his senses, wiping away his tears, speaking with righteousness.

Chang Nian nodded. "She did sing beautifully, and she deserves the silver. But... why are you taking money from my purse instead of your own, Uncle?"

Her poor little purse was now in Prince Wu's hand, emptied out completely.

Prince Wu raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it the junior's duty to pay when traveling with elders? You've been living quite comfortably lately, haven't you? Are you really worried about such a small amount?"

Worried indeed! Chang Nian mourned inwardly. She had grown up poor, and even with money, she was always cautious. Yet, her uncle was generous, giving away over fifty taels – that was her monthly allowance for snacks...

However, despite her anger, Chang Nian dared not speak out. She could only hold onto her small sachet and nod obediently. "Uncle Emperor, you have a point."

The green-clad child received the reward money and thanked the prince repeatedly. Delighted, he rushed back to the opera performer's side with his pouch, pointing in the direction of Prince Wu and whispering something to her.

The opera performer turned her head and gave a graceful bow toward Prince Wu.

Prince Wu stopped crying. He stood straight with his hands behind his back, gazing at the opera performer as if looking through her to someone else.

"I never imagined that I wouldn't be able to leave the palace when I entered thirteen years ago," he murmured. "If I had known... If I had known, I would have married her first and brought her into the palace. Then I wouldn't have been alone for thirteen long years."

Chang Nian blinked. "Feng Xian?"

"Feng Xian was her stage name when she traveled with the troupe. I don't know her real name," Prince Wu sighed. "It was on a similar stage like this that she sang with her group, eventually reaching the capital and my ears. I was captivated by her, but she was of low birth, someone I couldn't have."

Chang Nian frowned, expressing her disagreement. "If Uncle Emperor truly liked her, why bother about status?"

Prince Wu turned to look at her. "Do you really think being born into royalty allows one to do as they please? You were born with a life of luxury, but you also lacked the freedom to make your own choices. At eighteen, I commanded an army, and at twenty-five, I helped your father ascend the throne. Everyone believed my accomplishments made me above the law, capable of doing anything I wanted. But everyone in the royal family knew that the queen was not the woman I wished to marry. My concubines were all from noble families, yet there wasn't a single person close to my heart."

He held up his finger and shook it earnestly. "Not a single one."

Recalling the intricate relationships, Chang Nian pursed her lips in silence.

Prince Wu glanced again at the stage and raised his eyebrows, smiling. "But you're not wrong. I didn't really like her. If I truly did, how could I lack the courage to defy them? When we're young, everyone chooses the easier path and avoids hardships. But as we grow old... it's only when we're old that we realize the ones we've missed will linger in our thoughts for a lifetime."

Her heart trembled slightly. Staring at the ground, Chang Nian's mind involuntarily conjured up Ye Jiangbai's face.

Think about him for a lifetime? No, that's not right. Why would he be the first person she thought of?

Prince Wu glanced sideways, seeing her shake her head repeatedly with a troubled expression. He chuckled, understandingly. "You have someone you fancy too, don't you? I heard it's Miss Mu from Duke Ding Guo's residence. You're fortunate."

Chang Nian forced a laugh. After some thought, she tilted her head and asked, "If the person I just thought of wasn't Miss Mu, what then?"

Prince Wu was not surprised in the slightest. "It doesn't matter much. How many people in this world end up with their true love? Most just settle for companionship. However, if you thought of someone while listening to me speak, that person must hold a special place in your heart."

Chang Nian tried to argue, but then realized there was no need. She decided against it and helped Prince Wu up. "Let's find a place to stay first. Someone will come to pick us up later."

"Alright," Prince Wu agreed, following her while observing the pedestrians on the street with a complex expression. Soon, he became lost in thought.

Chang Nian didn't disturb him and led him to the Drunken Immortal Pavilion. They enjoyed a delicious meal before boarding a carriage, halfway through which they were joined by Beitang Miao, and together, they headed for the outskirts of the capital.

Inside the carriage, Prince Wu gazed at Beitang Miao for a long while before remarking, "You look familiar."

The recognizable one bowed and replied calmly, "I had the honor of witnessing Your Highness's swordsmanship when I entered the palace half a month ago."

Slapping his thigh, Prince Wu widened his eyes, "One of the Beitang family's scions!"

Confused, Chang Nian glanced at Prince Wu's agitated expression and whispered to Beitang Miao, "Have you had a conflict with His Royal Uncle?"

Beitang Miao shook his head. "No, I accompanied His Majesty on a visit to see His Highness. The latter, not wanting to show his age, wanted to display his precious saber skills. So, I exchanged moves with him."

"Then what happened?"

Prince Wu grumbled angrily, "I realized that brandishing swords and sabers is utterly useless! It's better to dig dirt and plant flowers!"

Unable to hold back, Chang Nian chuckled.

Beitang Miao bowed in response, "If it were twenty years ago, I would certainly not have been a match for Your Highness. Now, it's only by sheer luck of age."

Prince Wu was delighted to hear this, and his expression softened. He snorted and looked sideways, saying, "It's rare for a young one like you to have self-awareness. Your martial arts skills are decent enough, and you haven't brought shame to the Beitang family."

"Thank you for your compliment, Your Highness," Beitang Miao acknowledged with a bow.

Chang Nian silently calculated how old Beitang Miao would have been twenty years ago. Then, she discreetly counted on her fingers and gently kicked him.

If he was so careless with his flattery, it was fortunate that the prince didn't take offense; otherwise, he might have drawn his sword and attacked him!

A fleeting smile touched the corners of Beitang Miao's eyes as he turned to look at her. His gaze was soft like a gentle spring breeze, tinged with amusement.

Suddenly, Chang Nian realized that there was indeed a reason why this man, despite his bad temper and disdain for socializing, was revered by many. Setting aside his accomplishments and abilities, just the allure in his eyes was enough to captivate people. Coupled with his feats and skills, he was genuinely worthy of being sought after by the noble ladies of the capital for marriage.

Throughout the journey, Prince Wu engaged Beitang Miao in conversation, discussing topics from palace security to border defense. The prince asked, and Beitang Miao answered, revealing a remarkable rapport between them in matters of warfare. By the end of their conversation, Prince Wu slapped his thigh, exclaiming, "Why weren't you born sooner, boy?"

Beitang Miao replied, "If Your Highness had been born a decade later, perhaps we could have enjoyed drinks together at the border, fighting side by side."

"Sigh, sigh!" Prince Wu sighed repeatedly, shaking his head. "It's too late now. For the rest of my life, I'll only be able to find comfort in the red silk canopy of my bed. Where would I find the chance to draw blood with a longsword? It's been almost a decade since I last saw my soldiers and subordinates..."

Ten years... Time had aged heroes and turned beauties gray. Back then, they had sworn brotherhood in blood amidst the siege, promising to stand together through life and death. Now, with peaceful days, it was challenging to reunite. Even the occasional letters were scrutinized by the palace attendants before reaching him, leaving them with barely any room for casual conversation.

Beitang Miao's expression shifted slightly, and he, too, felt a sense of wistfulness.

Chang Nian listened quietly throughout the journey, observing their melancholic moods before interjecting with a comforting smile, "Uncle, don't worry. We'll see each other soon. It's just that... as your nephew, I'm not aware of which close subordinates you have. Therefore, I've arranged for the most renowned vice general from your past to join us."

"Li Changan?" Prince Wu's eyes glistened with moisture. "Good, as long as he's still alive."

"Uncle, who else would you like to see?" Chang Nian inquired. "I'll make the necessary arrangements."

Thanks to Feng Jingxian's expanded network due to the grain collection in Jiangxi, Chang Nian now had more resources at her disposal. In the past, it would have been difficult to secure leave for these military vice generals, but now, it was merely a matter of handling the logistics.

Prince Wu pondered and recited his closest few generals and vice generals from back then, "Zhao Feilong, Han Zikai, Qin Shuang..."

A dozen names later, he paused and looked at Chang Nian. "It's hard to remember so many. There's no paper or pen here, so just bring me the first three."

Chang Nian agreed.

Unbeknownst to Prince Wu, the seventh prince, despite appearing unremarkable, possessed an exceptional memory. She could recall every name he mentioned. Upon leaving the carriage, Chang Nian jotted down the list and handed it over to Beitang Miao.

Beitang Miao glanced through it and whispered, "Most of them should be manageable, but Han Zikai is quite unpredictable and difficult to deal with."

"In that case, leave him to me," Chang Nian replied with a smile. "Since we're working together, it's only fair that I share the burden."

Fixing her with a deep gaze, Beitang Miao said, "I'd rather exhaust myself."

"Are you looking down on me, Brother?" Chang Nian placed her hands on her hips. "I'm quite capable. Feng Jingxian even praised me the other day, saying I'm full of wit and not as rigid as the other princes."

Observing her proudly raised chin, Beitang Miao smiled and gently adjusted the jade crown on her head. He whispered, "If you're so capable, why were you so ill the other day, like a sheet of white paper?"

At the mention of that incident, Chang Nian's eyes dimmed slightly.

"Is there something you're hiding from me, Nian'er?" Beitang Miao frowned. "In the past, you would at least tell me about the things you encountered. Why aren't you mentioning a single word now?"

"How should I put it?" Chang Nian scratched her temple. "I... I have a relationship with Duke Fu Guo..."

No sooner had she begun than Beitang Miao's expression darkened. Gently taking her wrist, he spoke in a cold, firm tone, "I warned you before not to get entangled with him."

"I know, but there's nothing I can do about it," Chang Nian murmured. "When he sets his mind to scheme against someone, there's no escape for me."

Beitang Miao's lips thinned, a hint of wrath shimmering in his eyes. Seeing this, Chang Nian hurriedly reassured him, "But now, everything is better. I finally have my own princedom. After the grand wedding, he won't be able to associate with me as much."

At least not openly.

Speaking of the grand wedding, Beitang Miao still had concerns. "I've heard that Miss Mu is rather difficult to get along with."

"Those are just rumors," Chang Nian replied with a grin, gesturing to him. "Miss Mu is actually very kind, righteous, and free-spirited. She's the woman I admire the most. I'm truly happy to be marrying her."

Beitang Miao frowned even more and shook his head secretly. He thought to himself that with her personality, she would see the good in anyone. He still needed to keep an eye on things for her.

With the itinerary for the next three days arranged, Prince Wu was overjoyed. Upon seeing people, he hugged them, weeping and chatting away. When Chang Nian said she was returning to the capital, he waved his hand grandly. "Go back then. I'll stay here and have someone settle me. Come back tomorrow to fetch me."

Squatting uneasily beside him, Chang Nian looked up earnestly and asked, "Uncle Emperor, you won't run off suddenly, will you?"

Prince Wu glared at her. "What nonsense are you talking? My family is all in the palace. Where could I possibly run to?"

That made sense, so Chang Nian nodded and returned to her residence with Beitang Miao.

She asked him, "What's your impression of Prince Wu?"

"Although he has been secluded in the palace for many years, his authority still holds sway. He can still mobilize troops from three regions without relying on military seals," Beitang Miao explained. "By enlisting his help, Your Highness need not worry about any sudden changes in the Eastern Palace for now."

Feeling a slight relief, Chang Nian smiled. "Thank you, General, for today."

Pausing in his stride, Beitang Miao turned sideways and gazed down at her. "Between you and me, what need is there for thanks?"

Chang Nian offered a silly grin, folding her hands in front of her chest and playfully bowing towards him. Beitang Miao accepted the gesture, gently assisting her to rise, his eyes shimmering with warmth.

The scene was picturesque; if undisturbed, it could have been frozen as a painting on a wall.

Unfortunately, fate had other plans, as someone chose this moment to make a grand entrance.

"Cough! Cough! Cough!"

A series of coughs erupted like firecrackers, startling Chang Nian so much that she took a small step back and hastily turned her head. Beitang Miao paused too, following her gaze.

In the adjacent courtyard, Ye Jiangbai stood with only an inner robe on, his back to them. Seemingly oblivious to their presence, he staggered a few steps before leaning on the nearby stone railing, coughing again.

Beitang Miao failed to recognize the figure at first. Just as he was about to approach, Zhao Chang Nian grabbed his arm.

"This person is... recovering from an illness in my residence... Why is he here?" She gritted her teeth as she explained, "Regardless, they're an ailing guest in my home with an infectious disease. It's best, General, that you don't go near."

Beitang Miao was uncertain. "Who is it?"

"A beggar on the streets," Chang Nian replied with her eyes closed.

Upon hearing this, the incomparably noble Duke of State coughed even more violently, his rhythm rising and falling like a tumultuous ocean wave, as if he were about to cough out his lungs.

Chang Nian hastily pushed Beitang Miao away. "We'll meet your brother again early tomorrow morning. It's already late today. Your Highness should rest early."

"Nuannuan…" Beitang Miao protested in dissatisfaction.

Chang Nian had no choice. If he saw Ye Jiangbai here, she wouldn't be able to explain herself even if she had a thousand mouths. She could only hastily agree. "I'll come over early in the morning."

Beitang Miao sighed softly and said, "How about inviting Miss Mu to join us tomorrow?"

"Okay, okay, okay!" Agreeing to everything he said, Chang Nian sent him to the door with a smile and waved goodbye. "Be careful on your way."

Beitang Miao bowed to her and glanced behind her. His brows remained knitted, but he turned around and got into his carriage.

After sending him off, Chang Nian let out a huge sigh of relief. As soon as she turned around, her brows shot up, and she questioned the doorman, "Why is the Duke still here?"

The doorman's face was full of distress. "How would we know? He refuses to leave. Who dares to chase him away?"

Has this person become clingy to her? Chang Nian crossed her arms and stormed back to the courtyard where Ye Jiangbai was still standing.

She strode forward, grabbed his arm, and asked, "What are you doing?"

His inner robe was thin, and as she held his arm, she could feel his heat seeping through the cloth. Chang Nian's anger turned into concern. She lifted her foot to touch his forehead, feeling a mix of anger and helplessness. "Your fever seemed to have subsided this morning. Why is it burning up again?"

Taking a closer look at his attire, she frowned. "You're wandering around in such light clothing even when you're ill?"

Perhaps he was delirious from the fever, Ye Jiangbai's gaze was unfocused, and it took him a while to recognize her. He spoke softly, "I woke up and didn't see you."

"Of course, I'm not your eyelash to be there the moment you open your eyes," Chang Nian turned and dragged him into the house, settling him on the bed, covering him with a quilt. She touched his hand again and became angry. "Your forehead is scorching, but your body is cold. Are you intentionally torturing yourself, Duke?"

Ye Jiangbai pressed his lips together before responding, "No, I came out to look for you, but couldn't find you."

"Didn't you think to ask the servants?"

"They said you would return at night, but it's already so late, and you've come back much too tardily." A hint of hurt appeared in his fox-like eyes. He lowered his gaze and softly added, "And you returned with someone else."