However, it couldn't be accomplished in one action.
After considering and weighing all relevant facts, Yun Shang said softly. "I have been thinking about what you said the other night, and yes, I will try to accept you."
Prince Jing's hand paused while in the middle of turning a page. After a long silence, Prince Jing said. "Okay."
What? Yun Shang froze. That was it?
She waited for a while, but Prince Jing made no other statement. Yun Shang looked down and thought, 'Such a cold man.' However, she didn't notice his curved lips and the joy in his eyes.
After about half a day of travel, they arrived at the Imperial City. Prince Jing sent Yun Shang back to the Palace to greet Emperor Ning and then he left.
As soon as she returned Qingxin Palace, she heard a cry. "Her Highness is back! Her Highness is back..."
Then Qin Yi and Qian Yin ran to her. They looked quite unhappy. Before Yun Shang could apologize, she was led into the inner Hall by Qian Yin.
Yun Shang was made to sit on a chair while Qin Yi and Qian Yin stood before her and looked at her. Qian Yin complained. "Your Highness, you asked me to disguise myself as you and pretend to be sick that day, and then you just disappeared. Do you know how worried and afraid Qin Yi and I have been? We almost broke into the Princess Palace! Luckily, I got back my sanity and went to see Ning Qian. She told us you were with Prince Jing. But when we went to look for you, Prince Jing said you had left a long time ago. Are you happy that we had so much fun, Your Highness?"
Yun Shang grinned with guilt. "Sorry. I promise I'll never do that to you. It was rather sudden, so I wasn't thinking clearly..."
Qin Yi sighed. "Please don't do this again, Your Highness. One of us has to be with you no matter where you go in the future, or we'll be really worried."
Yun Shang hastened to nod. Thus, Qian Yin and Qin Yi were finally pacified.
"Your Highness must be tired from the long journey. Let me get some water and help you freshen up." Qin Yi smiled and left.
Qian Yin whispered to Yun Shang. "Your Highness, the Empress has been released."
Yun Shang nodded. "I heard from Prince Jing earlier."
"But Her Majesty seems to have changed a lot this time." Qian Yin frowned.
Yun Shang turned and looked at Qian Yin. "Oh? Like how?"
Qian Yin lowered her voice. "I think the Empress is much calmer than before. The new Lady missed the customary greeting to the Empress because she was chosen to serve His Majesty three nights in a row and didn't manage to get up on time. Even when the other ladies criticized her disrespect, the Empress, instead of getting mad or jeering at her as usual, forgave her with a smile. What's more, Her Majesty even promoted her grade as a reward for taking care of His Majesty."
Yun Shang pondered it over and said, "It's not surprising. Liu Qingya is the sister of Zhuangyuan, who has no background or support in the government. That's why the Empress chose her that night. There are too many women in this imperial household, and she knows that she is not one of His Majesty's favorites. Compared with those from respectable families, Liu Qingya is a perfect choice to help her gain His Majesty's favor. At that time, Liu Qingya will be grateful to her as well, which makes it easier for the Empress to manipulate her."
Nevertheless, Qian Yin shook head. "But I really think Her Majesty is different. It's difficult to explain, but she looks like a total different person now. Your Highness will know once you meet her."
Yun Shang nodded and smiled. "Now, I'm looking forward to seeing her. I'll go to Qiwu Palace later and pay my respects to her, although she must hate me like hell."
"Your Highness, the water is ready. Would you like to bathe now?" Qin Yi spoke as she walked in.
Yun Shang nodded and went into the bathroom. Qin Yi helped her take off her clothes and climb into the bathtub. "Mother is having a good time in Laifeng Palace. Her belly looks much bigger now, and she will give birth soon."
It was joyful news for Qin Yi as well. "I'm so happy to hear this. With Master Xiao around, Lady Jin should be very safe."
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