“No!”
She abruptly turned around and fled out of the door, leaving behind a beaming Jing Rong. When he recalled Ji Yunshu’s expression, he became certain that even if it was only a small place, he had taken root in her heart.
At that very moment, Lang Po came in and saw Ji Yunshu fleeing from the room. He had some doubts but still entered. He was startled to see Jing Rong’s lips in the state they were in. “Your Highness, what happened to your lips?”
“Nothing!”
“But they’re bleeding! Should I summon the physician?”
“I said it’s nothing. I just got bitten by a crafty little fox.” He couldn’t help smiling as he spoke. He was simply overflowing with joy.
Lang Po had a question mark on his forehead, but after Jing Rong turned and entered his room, he was hit by a sudden realization.
‘Oh my! It is possible that his Highness and Teacher Ji already…’ Lang Po smirked, even a rustic man like him also felt shy from imagining the scene.
After Ji Yunshu ran back to the East Courtyard, she rushed into her room and shut her door. Her heart was still beating wildly. She pressed on her chest strongly and slowly calmed down. She still felt as if her heart was about to jump out of her throat.
“Ji Yunshu, it’s impossible. I tell you it’s impossible! He is a prince and you a concubine-born child. It’s impossible!” She nibbled her lips while brainwashing herself. Since the moment she learned of Ji Pei’s death, her heart had died as well. Her heart could not accommodate someone else! Love should have disappeared from it with Ji Pei. Yes! It was impossible for her to have fallen in love again.
———————
Zhangzhi hall.
Ever Jing Xuan had been sitting in the hall since Ji Yunshu had left with Wei Yi, staring into empty space. She was devastated. She didn’t move or make a sound. The palace maids came to her several times and spoke a few words out of concern. But, she paid them no heed. She still couldn’t accept that Ji Yunshu had turned out to be female although a few hours had passed since she had learnt of it.
Several voices shouted “Your Ladyship!”
After Concubine Xiao had sent the ladies she had invited to her banquet away, she went to Qi Zhen, now she hurried to her daughter. She waved at Sang Lan. “Wait outside. No one is allowed to come inside without my permission.”
“Yes, Your Ladyship!” Sang Lan obeyed.
As everyone withdrew, Concubine Xiao walked into the hall. She saw her daughter sitting blankly. She sighed and walked over while calling her. “Xuan’er!”
Jing Xuan lifted her eyes but turned away in anger when she saw her mother.
“I didn’t get angry at you when you blatantly left with Teacher Ji, but you actually had an attitude with me.”
Jing Xuan didn’t respond.
Although Concubine Xiao was angry, Jing Xuan was still her treasured daughter. After several hours, her anger was almost completely gone. “Xuan’er, I have a few things to say. It’s impossible between you and Teacher Ji.”
“Yes, it’s impossible because imperial mother already knew she is a woman.” Jing Xuan glared at her mother with red eyes.
Concubine Xiao wasn’t shocked by Jing Xuan’s words. On the contrary, her anger rose, but she did her utmost to repress it. “Even if she was a man, it would still be impossible for you to be together.” She scolded.
“Of course, you already knew the truth.”