As she was about to board the sedan chair with Xiuzhu’s assistance, Lady Zhangsun remembered something: “Has Elder Brother-in-law returned?”

Xiuzhu thought for a moment: “When this servant came out, I didn’t see the Crown Prince. He should be helping the Prince handle His Majesty’s funeral arrangements now. Does Miss need the Crown Prince for something?”

“I have some matters I’d like to ask him about.” Saying this, Lady Zhangsun continued: “Later, send someone to the Crown Prince’s residence to inquire. If Elder Brother-in-law has returned, inform me immediately.”

“Yes.” Xiuzhu acknowledged, lowered the sedan curtain, and commanded the bearers waiting to the side to lift the chair.

As they traveled toward the Prince of Tang’s mansion, countless white banners fluttered in the Great Prosperity Hall. Inside the hall burned white candles thick as a child’s arm along with incense, filling the entire hall with the scent of candles and incense.

Yang You’s coffin was placed at the very front. The dagger from his chest had been removed and his clothes changed, so the chest wound was invisible. Aside from his paler complexion, he looked as though he were merely sleeping, as if one gentle call would cause him to open his eyes and sit up.

However, this was ultimately just an illusion. Fourteen springs, summers, autumns and winters—that was the entirety of Yang You’s life. From now on, there would be no more Yang You in this world, only a cold memorial tablet.

A crowd of ministers and palace servants knelt below, weeping and crying sorrowfully. Paper money as white as Yang You’s complexion was continuously thrown into fire basins, turning into scattered sparks.

Xin’an knelt at the very front and was the most heartbroken among them all. Since entering the Great Prosperity Hall, her crying hadn’t stopped, weeping until she was breathless.

Li Jiancheng, kneeling behind her, said: “This subject knows the Princess grieves over His Majesty’s death, but the deceased is gone. Please restrain your grief, Princess.”

“Restrain grief…” Xin’an murmured, repeating his words, then shook her head: “Whenever I think of His Majesty, I simply cannot restrain my grief. He was only fourteen years old.” She took a deep breath, choking out: “I can say I watched His Majesty grow up. When Father Emperor was alive, he said His Majesty was intelligent and progressive, destined for great things in the future. Father Emperor was truly right—His Majesty always steadfastly protected Chang’an City. Even in the most dangerous times, he never abandoned the people of Chang’an to flee alone. Later, when the Prince of Tang supported His Majesty’s enthronement, just when everything was getting better and better, His Majesty… died at the hands of his own aunt!” At this point, she was sobbing uncontrollably, covering her face and weeping. Only after a long while did her crying subside slightly as she said sorrowfully: “His Majesty’s heart must have been so pained and grieved at that moment—that’s why he refused to close his eyes even in death!”

“This matter has not yet been concluded. Perhaps…” Before Li Jiancheng could continue, Xin’an had already opened her bloodshot eyes, saying sternly: “It was Jinyang—it must have been her. She…” Halfway through her words, she suddenly swayed backward softly, falling right into Li Jiancheng’s arms.

Li Jiancheng was startled and quickly supported her, calling: “Princess! Princess!”

No matter how Li Jiancheng called, Xin’an only kept her eyes tightly closed with no response. Seeing this, Li Yuan walked over: “The Princess must have fainted from excessive grief. Take her back and let her rest well.”

“Yes.” Li Jiancheng acknowledged, had someone bring a sedan chair, and together with Lülí helped the unconscious Xin’an onto the sedan, traveling all the way to Shuangyue Hall. Upon reaching the bedchamber, Li Jiancheng carefully carried Xin’an to the bed, then said to Lülí: “The Princess hasn’t had a drop of water since this morning and has cried several times—her vitality is greatly damaged. Immediately go prepare a ginseng soup to nourish your mistress’s body. Remember to use aged ginseng, or it won’t be effective.”

“Yes.” Lülí acknowledged, then looking at the still-sleeping Xin’an, hesitated: “Then the Princess…”

“I’ll watch over the Princess here—just go.” With Li Jiancheng’s words, Lülí delayed no further, curtsied, and withdrew.

After the footsteps faded away, Xin’an suddenly opened her eyes. The next moment, a pair of jade arms coiled around Li Jiancheng’s neck like serpents as she breathed fragrance: “I’ve done what you asked me to do—what’s my reward?”

Before she finished speaking, her full rose-like lips were fiercely kissed, kissed until she couldn’t breathe, before being released. Li Jiancheng said with a half-smile: “Are you satisfied with this reward?”

Xin’an’s pink face flushed red: “Satisfied, but… it’s not enough.” With these words, she tightened her arms, her eyes becoming silky and seductive.

Li Jiancheng understood her meaning and embraced her soft waist, chuckling softly: “I wouldn’t mind, but… aren’t you afraid Lülí might come in and catch us?”

Xin’an’s expression darkened as she said coldly: “If that wench dares to speak nonsense, I’ll gouge out her eyes and cut out her tongue.” Despite saying this, her arms ultimately loosened.

Li Jiancheng affectionately stroked her cheek: “Don’t worry—we have a long future ahead of us. There’s no rush for this moment.”

Hearing this, Xin’an’s heart warmed as she glanced at him sideways: “At least you have some conscience and aren’t crossing the river and tearing down the bridge.”

Li Jiancheng pinched her nose: “How dare you think of me this way—you truly deserve punishment!”

Xin’an lowered her head and smiled, then lightly bit his earlobe, whispering: “Fine—how do you want to punish me?” The longer they spent together, the more she liked this man, especially after that night. Whenever she recalled that night’s passion, her heart stirred with desire, longing to taste that flavor again.

Li Jiancheng leaned back slightly: “Enough, stop fooling around. You wouldn’t want all our efforts to be wasted for a moment’s pleasure.”

Xin’an could distinguish priorities and didn’t persist further upon hearing this, instead saying: “Speaking of which, why did you keep speaking for Li Shimin in Mingse Hall earlier? Don’t you wish he were dead?”

Li Jiancheng’s eyes grew slightly cold as he said slowly: “What I think is one thing—how others see it is another.”

Hearing this, how could Xin’an not understand? She pointed her slender finger at Li Jiancheng’s cheek: “You’re quite thorough in your thinking, but… aren’t you afraid I’ll tell the Prince of Tang about all this?”

Before she finished speaking, Li Jiancheng had already embraced her, whispering: “Could you bear to?”

Xin’an struggled pretentiously, saying insincerely: “What’s there to be reluctant about? You’re nothing to me anyway.”

How could Li Jiancheng not see through her thoughts? He laughed softly: “Is that so? I was planning to inform Father after this matter is over and take you as an equal wife.” Though he had several concubines, they were merely concubines—only Jirong held the position of equal wife.

Xin’an’s heart surged with wild joy as her beautiful eyes stared intently at Li Jiancheng: “Are you serious?” She had done so many things for Li Jiancheng just for these words, and now she had finally heard him say them.

“Of course, but from your expression, you don’t seem to want it. Perhaps…”

“No!” Xin’an hurriedly covered his mouth: “Since you’ve said it, you’re not allowed to take it back, or I won’t forgive you.”