262 An Actual Princess (2/2)
”I didn't say it was you, but if the shoe fits…”
”You're a bully,” Hu Dengxiao exclaimed. ”I'm going to tattle on you to Tiantian.”
”She'll kill you if you call her that.”
”Heh, but it's cute when she punches me… it hurts a lot though,” Hu Dengxiao retorted. Subconsciously, he rubbed his upper arms even though the area didn't hurt.
Hu Dengxiao got to his feet and dusted off his clothes. He stretched his tense muscles and let out a quiet yawn. ”When do you plan to bring Princess Li to Hanjian?”
”I don't know,” Yu Zhen truthfully answered.
”I see,” Hu Dengxiao said in understanding. His tone was soft and gentle because he knew the Crown Prince's struggle.
The politics in court was still turbulent. There was still the opposing faction who favored the First Prince. Additionally, Yu Zhen hadn't finished weeding out the moles and corrupted officials.
It would be horrendous timing if Xueyue was to step foot in Hanjian. She would have many enemies left and right, specifically, in the form of women who'd envy her relationship with the Crown Prince.
”I heard she was intelligent,” Hu Dengxiao abruptly spoke up. ”Wasn't that the reason you visited her? To see the candidate that talked her way out of Hanjian.”
Yu Zhen silently nodded.
”I think she'll do well in Hanjian. It will be rough for her here, but I feel like she can handle any problem that comes her way. A sharp tongue can get someone very far.”
”Until it's cut off,” Yu Zhen deadpanned.
”If she's going to become the Empress, she'll need to learn how to curb her tongue then,” Hu Dengxiao answered. ”Or else her emotions will get the best of her and she'll fail every obstacle that comes her way.”
”I just want her to live blissfully.”
”Then she shouldn't become the Empress,” Hu Dengxiao said. ”She should just become a concubine or your second wife. The Emperor is allowed to take two or three wives, you know. I hear the Emperor of Wuyi has half a hundred concubines.”
Yu Zhen didn't respond. He merely observed the infinite sky. It was the only thing that connected him to Xueyue. They were all under the same moon.
”The higher we climb, the harsher we fall,” Hu Dengxiao explained. ”If she wants to rise to power here, she'll have to maintain that position for the rest of her life.”
”Go to bed,” Yu Zhen finally answered in a low voice.
”I'm just looking out for you.”
”I know,” Yu Zhen grumbled.
”Have you made up your mind? I saw you were lost in thought,” Hu Dengxiao said.
”I have.” Yu Zhen nodded.
”And what is it?”
”She'll adapt.”
”You're still going to bring her to Hanjian?” Hu Dengxiao asked. ”Even after what I said?”
Yu Zhen merely smiled in response. He tore his eyes away from the moon that reminded him of her.
Hu Dengxiao sighed. There was no point in changing the Crown Prince's mind. He was simply too stubborn.
”Fine then,” Hu Dengxiao said. ”I will respect your decision, but you should get ready to announce it.”
”I've always been ready,” Yu Zhen responded. ”Ever since I met her.”
Hu Dengxiao let out a deep laugh. ”Save this mushy talk for her. I almost gagged.”
”Just go to bed,” Yu Zhen retorted.
”Fine, fine. I will, you mother hen,” Hu Dengxiao huffed. ”You too. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.”
Yu Zhen nodded. He watched as Hu Dengxiao bowed his head before sauntering off. ”Don't wander to Lu Tianbi's bedroom.”
”I-I wasn't!” Hu Dengxiao said. ”But you know, it's a shortcut to my bedroom and—”
Yu Zhen threw a pointed look.
”Fine!” Hu Dengxiao huffed. ”I won't check on her to see if she's asleep,” he angrily bit out before stomping off like a child throwing a tantrum.
Yu Zhen shook his head in amusement before retreating to his own bedroom. As he walked down the dark hallways illuminated by the moonlight, he couldn't help but think of her. Li Xueyue had always shrouded his mind.
Yu Zhen continued walking down the dimly lit hallways. He stepped into the darkness and disappeared within it.