After Becoming a Concubine, I Took Down the Princess - Chapter 45

The weather today was exceptionally bright, sweeping away the clouds of the past few days, a scene full of the vibrant life of spring.

Liang Shu got up, preparing to go out.

Eunuch Zhao hurriedly followed: “Is Your Majesty planning to take a stroll in the Imperial Garden?”

Liang Shu waved his hand: “I want to go and see Wan Yi Pavilion.”

He hadn’t been unaware before that the furnishings in Wan Yi Pavilion remained unchanged, and he had even tacitly allowed Liang Xiao’s monthly cleaning.

But he had never dared to go near the place; as soon as he got close, an overwhelming sense of guilt would wash over him.

He slowly walked, arriving at the entrance of Wan Yi Pavilion.

The vermilion gate was mottled and peeling; he stretched out a hand and gently pushed it open.

“You don’t need to follow,” he waved, signaling Eunuch Zhao to withdraw, and then walked in alone.

The heavy gate slowly closed, leaving behind a feeling of belated regret.

**

“That’s truly gratifying.” Upon hearing the news of Consort Yu’s death, Yan Heng felt a bit dazed at first, but remembering the wicked deeds she had committed, she felt it was a deserved punishment.

Liang Xiao turned to ask her: “Now that the matter is finally clear, Ah Heng no longer needs to worry about these dirty things.”

Yan Heng turned Liang Xiao’s shoulders, and the two looked at each other: “Your Highness, your mother’s honor has been restored, we should celebrate properly.”

“His Majesty has granted you a holiday, let’s rest for a while, and then I’ll take Your Highness to Liuyun Mountain,” Yan Heng contemplated for a moment, “I also need to ask Granny if there’s a way to help people live longer.”

Liang Xiao smiled indulgently: “Whatever you wish.”

**

Life became much more comfortable, and Yan Heng simply moved into Liang Xiao’s courtyard to live with her, though they still slept in separate rooms for the time being. In the courtyard they shared, Liang Xiao specially installed a swing set and ordered people to plant Yan Heng’s favorite flowers, although they had only just sprouted and no scenery could be seen yet.

Yan Heng sat on the swing, swaying, when suddenly someone behind her gave her a hard push, sending her swinging high up.

She gripped the swing ropes and laughed: “Your Highness, sneak attacks don’t make a true gentleman.”

Liang Xiao exerted more force with her hands, pushing her even higher: “I wouldn’t call myself a gentleman.”

The two laughed unrestrainedly, brighter than the spring day.

Tired of swinging, Yan Heng pressed her feet against the ground, slowly bringing the swing to a stop.

Liang Xiao was still standing behind her, she cupped Yan Heng’s chin to make her turn her head, bent down, and pressed her lips against hers.

Their bodies involuntarily trembled slightly, receiving each other’s surging love.

**

After dinner in the evening, Yan Heng felt Huazi was acting strangely.

She suspiciously looked at Huazi: “What’s been wrong with you this afternoon?”

Huazi seemed somewhat dazed, lost in thought, and with that call, she actually shivered all over.

She opened her mouth, then closed it.

Yan Heng’s curiosity was piqued by her actions: “What on earth happened?”

Huazi quietly walked to the side and sat down, pouring herself a cup of water.

After arriving at the Princess’s residence, the old rules were gone; both Yan Heng and the Princess treated her only as a younger sister.

Although she still performed tasks to serve Yan Heng, she had much more freedom.

Yan Heng gently tapped the table, looking at her with an inquiring gaze.

“This afternoon…” Huazi lowered her head, her voice getting softer and softer.

“What about this afternoon?”

“I saw Your Highness kiss the Young Lady!” After saying this, Huazi immediately stood up and quickly ran away, leaving Yan Heng sitting blankly on the couch.

Yan Heng sat on the couch in a daze for a long while before realizing what Huazi had just said.

Her face instantly flushed crimson; she wanted to go out and find Huazi, but felt too ashamed.

How could she have seen that? Yan Heng annoyedly scratched her hair, but finally got up and went out.

She slowly walked to Liang Xiao, stopping without a word.

“What happened? Why do you look like this?” Liang Xiao was dealing with official documents and put down her brush, puzzled by the sight.

“Huazi saw us on the swing this afternoon…” She fiddled with the corner of her clothes.

Liang Xiao felt her temples throb twice.

“Did she really see it?”

“She did.”

Liang Xiao lightly coughed: “I’ll handle this matter.”

Yan Heng felt a little relieved: “Actually, they were going to find out eventually, but today was just too sudden.”

Liang Xiao pondered for a moment: “Why not just tell them directly, to avoid future complications?”

Yan Heng: “Huh?”

**

Everyone gathered in the main hall, all looking bewilderedly at Liang Xiao and Yan Heng seated at the head.

Only Huazi had a complicated expression, quietly standing at the very back.

Yan Heng’s gaze swept across the crowd, then she placed a hand on her forehead.

There was murmuring among those below.

“Why did Her Highness call us here so late?”

“I don’t know, hope nothing serious has happened again.”

Liang Xiao cleared her throat, speaking slowly: “I have something to tell everyone.”

As she spoke, she enclosed Yan Heng’s hand, which was resting on the table, in her palm.

“Yan Heng and I—”

“Cough, cough, cough.”

Yan Heng suddenly coughed violently, interrupting her words.

Her earlobes were tinged with pink, clearly from embarrassment.

Liang Xiao smiled helplessly: “I have feelings for Miss Yan. From now on, she will be the second mistress of the residence. All of you must serve her wholeheartedly.”

Yan Heng hadn’t expected her to be so direct and was instantly dumbfounded.

Everyone gasped sharply.

Even Yue Hua was stunned in place; she turned her head and cautiously asked: “Is Your Highness serious?”

Liang Xiao nodded: “Absolutely.”

Yan Heng buried her head extremely low, wishing she could dig a hole and crawl into it right then and there.

Liang Xiao continued: “This is all for today. Everyone may return to rest.”

The crowd looked at each other, but finally suppressed their confusion and retreated one by one.

“Your Highness—” Yue Hua tried to say something, but Liang Xiao interrupted her with a wave of her hand.

“I know what you mean, Auntie. Don’t worry, even if Father and Mother find out about this in the future, I will not change my mind.”

A surge of warmth flowed through Yan Heng’s heart. She looked up at Liang Xiao’s profile, her heart completely filled with love.

The two of them, in the past, would never have imagined that they would one day become such intimate lovers.

Liang Xiao took Yan Heng’s hand and stood up: “Starting tonight, Miss Yan will move in and live with me.”

Yan Heng hadn’t even processed it before she was being pulled away.

It was already April, and the nights were no longer cold.

The two of them strolled slowly, hand in hand, in the garden.

Yan Heng bit her lip and asked the question in her heart: “Is Your Highness not afraid of inviting criticism with this action?”

Liang Xiao smiled: “If I were afraid, I wouldn’t have brought you out of the palace to settle you in my residence.”

Yan Heng reached out and hooked her arm through Liang Xiao’s, leaning her weight halfway onto her: “Your Highness is so good to me.”

The moonlight was hazy, illuminating the silhouettes of a pair walking together.

**

After court that day, Liang Shu kept Liang Xiao back.

“Xiao’er, I intend to send you to the Shangnan area to inspect the spring planting and the people’s livelihood. Are you willing?” As soon as the words left his mouth, he coughed violently several times.

“Go to Shangnan?” Hearing the place name, Liang Xiao’s eyes lit up.

“Indeed. That area is in the south, the spring scenery in Jiangnan is just right, and it will be a good chance for you to clear your mind.”

Liang Shu knew in his heart that the matter with Consort Lian would inevitably be a blow to Liang Xiao, which was why he thought of this method.

Besides the time he took her on a private visit when she was a child, Liang Xiao had not left Yandu for a long time.

Liang Xiao bowed in respect: “Your subject is willing to go.”

Liang Shu rubbed his temples, nodding approvingly: “Good. This trip is also a form of experience for you, so make the most of it.”

Liang Xiao: “Thank you, Imperial Father.”

The father and daughter were no longer as close as they once were; instead, they resembled monarch and subject. A subtle barrier always existed between them; seemingly close at hand, yet practically worlds apart.

Liang Shu felt deep sorrow in his heart, but it was irreversible.

**

As soon as Liang Xiao rushed back to the residence, she told Yan Heng the news.

“Are we really going to Shangnan?” The fox immediately jumped up in excitement upon hearing this news.

Aside from her trip back to Liuyun Mountain to ask her father about sorcery, Yan Heng hadn’t been outside for several months.

The two brought a few attendants and hurried non-stop towards Shangnan.

At this time, the blossoms of April were in full bloom, and the vibrant spring air swept across their hearts. The mountains were green, the water clear—the scenery of Jiangnan was at its best.

The journey to Shangnan would take at least half a month. Away from the backstabbing and intrigue of Yandu, their mood became much lighter.

“After we arrive in Shangnan, we’ll first take Your Highness on a good tour of the area, and then, after Your Highness finishes the official business, we’ll go to Liuyun Mountain.” Yan Heng counted on her fingers, calculating the itinerary.

Liang Xiao was puzzled: “Why not go to Liuyun Mountain first?”

Yan Heng waved her hand: “I’ll send a message to my family first, to prepare them mentally.”

Liang Xiao understood in her heart. After all, a daughter falling in love with a woman would indeed be a significant shock.

Yan Heng disliked riding in carriages; after just half a day on the road, she felt completely uncomfortable. She closed her eyes and leaned against Liang Xiao’s shoulder, her head heavy and dizzy.

Liang Xiao said sympathetically: “Why don’t you lie down on my lap? Perhaps that will be more comfortable.”

Yan Heng shook her head: “That will make Your Highness’s legs go numb.”

Liang Xiao stroked her hair, and a thought suddenly flashed through her mind: “How about you change back into a fox and lie on my lap?”

Yan Heng perked up: “That’s a good idea.”

As soon as she finished speaking, the woman who had been sitting in the seat disappeared, leaving only a white-furred fox curled up on the bench.

The fox flicked its tail and leaped onto Liang Xiao’s lap in a few bounds.

Yan Heng found a comfortable position to rest, narrowing her eyes.

Liang Xiao gently stroked its back, her heart overflowing with tenderness, thinking Yan Heng was absolutely adorable.

It snuggled on Liang Xiao’s lap, rubbing its head against her Highness’s palm, and then drifted off to sleep in a haze.

Liang Xiao felt a playful urge and took advantage of Yan Heng being asleep to pinch its ears for a while and then stroke its tail.

The fluffy fur brushing against her palm caused a ripple in her heart.

The journey continued almost like this every day. Whenever they were in the carriage, Yan Heng would turn into a fox and snuggle close to Liang Xiao.

In this way, Yan Heng no longer felt dizzy, while Liang Xiao began to feel like she had adopted a fox that could speak human language.

Four days later, the carriage finally rattled to a stop at a small courtyard in Shangnan.

“We’re finally here,” Yan Heng stretched, leaping off Liang Xiao’s lap.

She changed back to her human form, straightened her clothes, and got out of the carriage with Liang Xiao.

Since they planned to stay for a while, Liang Xiao had Moon Shadow and Moon Heng come ahead to secure a small courtyard.

The house was not large, just enough for their party to stay.

Yan Heng naturally shared a room with Liang Xiao. Although they had shared a bed and pillow for the past few days, they hadn’t yet done anything out of line.

To be frank, it was merely ‘pure conversation’ under the covers.

After settling their luggage and enjoying a delicious meal at a local restaurant, Yan Heng contentedly dragged Liang Xiao to wander through the streets and alleys of Shangnan.

The soft, lilting dialect here was so pleasant it could melt one’s bones. However, Liang Xiao couldn’t understand it, so the entire way depended on Yan Heng, the ‘local native,’ to translate.

“What are you going to do with all this mugwort?” Liang Xiao looked at the handful of green leaves in Yan Heng’s hand, puzzled.

Yan Heng shook the mugwort: “Make Qingtuan (Green Dumplings).”

Then she explained: “The Jiangnan region has a custom of eating Qingtuan on the Qingming Festival. Although we were delayed on the road and missed the festival, Qingtuan is still a must-eat.”

“Qingtuan?” Liang Xiao had never eaten this and grew increasingly curious.

Yan Heng was quite proud: “Exactly. Although I’m not much of a cook, I can certainly make this Qingtuan.”

As soon as they returned to the small courtyard, Yan Heng immediately plunged into the kitchen.

Liang Xiao followed her in: “I’d like to try, too. Can Ah Heng teach me?”

Yan Heng readily agreed: “Of course.”

They prepared the ingredients for Qingtuan, planning to make some with red bean paste filling.

Among the group they brought, only Yan Heng knew how to make this treat, so everyone else was eagerly waiting outside the kitchen.

“Pour the mugwort powder into a bowl, then add boiling water, and stir evenly…” Yan Heng guided Liang Xiao while demonstrating.

Although Liang Xiao was someone who had never done manual labor, she learned remarkably quickly and soon got the hang of it.

After about an hour, the first batch of Qingtuan was finally ready.

Yan Heng was the first to pick one up to taste, but ended up yelling in pain from the heat.

After she finished eating the second one, Liang Xiao carefully asked: “How does it taste?”

Yan Heng put down her chopsticks and turned around with a serious expression.

Liang Xiao was startled: “Is it too awful to eat? I’ll get you some water.”

Unexpectedly, Yan Heng burst out laughing: “Not at all! Your Highness’s cooking is excellent.”

Liang Xiao slowly breathed a sigh of relief, then suddenly realized Yan Heng had played a trick on her.

She grabbed a handful of flour and quickly smeared it on Yan Heng’s face while she was still basking in her prank.

Yan Heng was stunned for a moment, then belatedly wiped her face with her hand. Seeing the clump of flour stuck there, she immediately grimaced: “Well, Your Highness, you attacked me!”

Saying that, she also grabbed a handful of flour and chased Liang Xiao around the room.

In the end, both were covered in flour on their faces. They looked at each other and finally couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

After finally calming down, Yan Heng carried the first batch of Qingtuan out, and the two set about preparing the second batch.

She had just stood in front of the counter when Liang Xiao turned her around with a hug. They stood facing each other. Just as Yan Heng was wondering, Liang Xiao leaned in and kissed her.

It was a delicate, lingering, and gentle kiss, like the spring breeze of Jiangnan sweeping across the heart.

Liang Xiao’s kisses moved from her lips to the side of her neck, leaving behind an ambiguous red mark.

Yan Heng reached out to push her: “What if someone sees us?”

Liang Xiao held her waist: “Why be afraid? They already know about our relationship.”

Their noses touched, and their lips met once again.

Such a simple and beautiful life is the true joy of the world.

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