Drunk on Madness - Chapter 88 [FINALE]

In the early morning, faint light pierced through the clouds, casting the first rays of dawn. The three of them had breakfast in the room, and Zhou Mingxuan suggested they return to the capital to live together. Li Xiang didn’t refuse.

She missed Yiyi and Qingqing dearly, and living in the capital would mean she could see them anytime. But the current relationship between the three of them left her at a loss for words.

Her brows furrowed even tighter, her expression clouded with worry. “At this point, how should we explain our relationship to others?” She sighed. Never mind the emperor and empress, she couldn’t even bring herself to face Su Mo’s mother, Auntie Su.

Seeing Li Xiang’s dejected expression, Zhou Mingxuan took her hand to comfort her. “Xiangxiang, don’t worry. I’ll explain everything to them. If they truly can’t accept it, then so be it, I’ll give up being the crown prince.”

During the four years they were apart, he had tried to forget her, to let her go. He had tried to move on with someone new, but he couldn’t.

He could never forget the hardships they had endured together in Wutong Village, nor the kindness she had shown him. Those cherished memories had nourished his longing for four long years, his love for her etched deep into his bones. In the end, he had no choice but to accept the truth, he couldn’t live without her. For the rest of his life, he wanted no one else.

Li Xiang’s lips parted slightly, but no sound came out. She couldn’t believe he was willing to go this far. By making this choice, he had already prepared for the worst.

A mist gathered in her eyes, and her fingers trembled slightly as they clutched Zhou Mingxuan’s wrist.

Soon, a trace of blood seeped through the white silk bandage on her palm. Sensing the pressure on her wound, Zhou Mingxuan immediately loosened his grip and checked her injury.

He took her hand, unwrapped the bandage, and gently blew on the cut. “Be careful, it’s bleeding again,” he said softly.

Li Xiang let out a quiet laugh, her peach-blossom eyes glistening like intoxicating wine, her long lashes damp.

Seeing the concern in Zhou Mingxuan’s gaze, she finally let go of her worries. “Alright,” she said.

Beside them, Su Mo noticed Li Xiang’s emotional state and tugged at her sleeve. “Don’t worry about my mother, I’ll make things clear to her. Now that His Highness has set aside his pride to accept this, my mother naturally won’t dare to stand in the way.”

A trace of guilt flashed across Li Xiang’s face. Her voice was hoarse as she whispered, “Is it worth it? I’m just an ordinary woman. I don’t deserve such devotion from either of you.” At this moment, she felt lost and insecure.

She lowered her head, unable to fully grasp the weight of their love.

Zhou Mingxuan cupped her face, his gaze unwavering as he met her eyes. “I don’t know what’s worth it or not. All I know is that if I lost you, my life would have no meaning.”

A warmth brushed her ear as Su Mo leaned in and embraced her. “Xiangxiang, don’t carry this burden. Every choice we’ve made is of our own will. Let’s just be happy and enjoy what we have. As for the opinions of the world, why should we care?”

Li Xiang’s throat tightened. After a long silence, tears spilled from her eyes one by one. Unable to hold back, she returned Su Mo’s embrace.

Zhou Mingxuan watched as a teardrop clung to the tip of her nose, trembling precariously. Unable to resist, he reached out and wiped it away.

…

East of the capital, in the imperial summer retreat.

The imperial garden was a sight to behold in all seasons, each with its own unique charm. Summer had now arrived, with lush green trees providing shade and the chirping of cicadas bringing a hint of coolness. Magnificent palaces and pavilions were scattered harmoniously throughout, their roofs covered with glazed tiles that shimmered brilliantly under the sunlight.

Zhou Mingxuan had brought Qingqing from the palace for a short stay, while Yiyi remained in the palace to accompany his grandmother. They had already been there for several dozen days. Last time, Yiyi had come for a visit, and this time it was Qingqing’s turn.

The two children, having not seen each other for many years, had long forgotten their birth mother, Li Xiang. Fortunately, Qingyi was there to accompany them, giving them time to adjust. Blood ties prevailed, and within a day, they had accepted Li Xiang.

Qingyi’s child, Zhao Mingyu, was now three years old. Together with Su Yiran’s children, the group was lively and bustling with energy.

Su Mo had returned to the capital to report on his duties, and Su Danian moved back to their former residence, only occasionally visiting them. Without the pressure from her mother-in-law, Li Xiang felt much more at ease.

Su Mo had been reinstated to his position, and he was rarely seen during the day. He spent most of his time with Zhou Mingxuan, inseparable as they had been back in the days of the Yan Prince’s residence.

The emperor, upon learning of their affairs, nearly had Li Xiang executed. Zhou Mingxuan knelt in the Qianqing Palace for two days, willing to relinquish his position as crown prince and leave the capital. After days of persuasion from the empress, though the emperor never verbally consented, he made it clear that the throne would not be passed to Zhou Mingxuan. While he did not strip him of his title as crown prince, he began heavily grooming Yiyi and Qingqing as potential heirs.

Zhou Mingxuan was pleased with this outcome. He never neglected his duties as crown prince, shuttling between the palace and the outskirts of the capital. Occasionally, Gu Ci would drop by for meals, and the whole family would gather for barbecues, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.

Looking at the children, Li Xiang, and the friends by his side, Zhou Mingxuan sometimes regretted not realizing these truths earlier, perhaps he could have avoided so many detours.

For the rest of his life, free from the pressures of the throne and surrounded by those he cared about, he was content.