Xiao Jiu fell silent for a moment, its tone turning cautious. “Then… do you still love him?”
The woman lowered her eyelids. “I don’t hate him anymore, and I don’t want to like him again.”
As for love, she couldn’t quite say herself. It was like those months before today—from Bei Xi to Xi Liang, she could get along with her imperial brother and Su Miao so easily and happily. Without Xiao Hanjin, she’d still lived quite well.
If he hadn’t taken Jiang Jiang, she might never have come back.
Yet she still hoped that, when she occasionally thought of him, she could know he was living well in Bei Xi, safe and healthy.
In this lifetime, she’d never love anyone the way she’d once loved him.
Perhaps she couldn’t even muster a sliver of love anymore.
…
Dragon Chant Palace.
The man on the dragon throne looked pale, pointing to the blood-soaked bandages on the table. “Take them out and leave.”
Fan Jiang nodded, but seeing the emperor’s dim expression, he couldn’t help adding, “Your Majesty, I overheard the princess say she ‘doesn’t want to like you again,’ not that she ‘doesn’t like you.’ So… there’s still a good chance for you two to reconcile.”
He paused. “Besides, with the little princess here, she definitely won’t want to leave her. Over time, she might not want to leave you either.”
“Is that so?”
But he didn’t want to force her anymore.
Last time, he’d used every trick to keep her, and though he succeeded, it ended with her faking her death by jumping off a cliff, suffering years of pain.
This time, she might not die—perhaps for Jiang Jiang’s sake, she’d live well.
But he was a little afraid now, unwilling to push her like that again.
So, if she didn’t want to, then let her not like him.
Xiao Hanjin closed his eyes briefly. “Don’t eavesdrop on her anymore.” His voice was faint. “Get out.”
Fan Jiang could only nod, aggrieved. “Yes.”
…
Nighttime.
Di Ronghua had been sleeping with Jiang Jiang in her arms, but Jiang Jiang struggled to sleep without someone familiar. With Su Miao and Xiao Hanjin absent, and now moved from the Dragon Chant Palace to her side, she was restless again.
Xiao Hanjin had suggested letting her try, but tonight clearly wasn’t working out.
Her heart aching, Di Ronghua picked Jiang Jiang up. “Mama will take you to the Dragon Chant Palace, okay?”
Jiang Jiang nodded, but then quickly shook her head. “No good.”
Di Ronghua frowned. “Why not?”
Jiang Jiang timidly reached out, clutching at her collar. “In a couple days, Jiang Jiang can sleep.” Her soft, sweet voice seemed meant to comfort. “Pretty Mama, Uncle said your health isn’t good, and you need to sleep well.”
Di Ronghua’s breath caught, her voice tender with pain. “It’s fine. It’s still early—Mama’s not sleepy.”
No sooner had she spoken than she scooped Jiang Jiang up, draping her in a loose robe and carrying her outside.
“Pretty Mama, won’t Uncle be asleep already?”
“It’s still early. Uncle’s very busy—he might still be handling state affairs.”
Jiang Jiang’s big eyes widened, brimming with curiosity. “What’s state affairs?”
Di Ronghua thought for a moment, smiling. “It’s… figuring out ways to make sure everyone lives well.”
The art of governance—whether selecting officials or setting taxes and laws—wasn’t it all to ensure the people thrived?
“Wow…”
Jiang Jiang gasped. “Uncle’s so amazing!”
