"Host, your lantern with the female lead has been sunk by Huo Chengjin," 502's voice sounded, and Qin Zhao stopped and said to Qi Yan Su Luo, "Wait here for me for a moment."
Although puzzled, Qi Yan Su Luo still nodded.
Qin Zhao returned to the riverside and saw that Huo Chengjin had not gone far. She shouted, "Huo Chengjin, stop!"
As if spellbound, Huo Chengjin looked back and saw a streak of blue-gray figure leap in front of him!
Before he could react, he felt a tightness in his abdomen as his whole person flew out like a kite with its string cut!
Immediately there was a splash in the water!
Seeing his general ambushed, Zhong Lin immediately looked towards Qin Zhao and drew out his sword, shouting loudly, "You little thief, you're asking for death!"
Qin Zhao was completely calm and said, "Huo Chengjin doesn't seem to know how to swim. If you don't save him, he'll die for sure!"
Zhong Lin knew that Huo Chengjin could swim, but he heard that Qin Zhao was a woman. Recalling the figure he had seen earlier, he immediately realized that the person in front of him was Princess Zhao Yang and did not dare to act rashly.
But he could not just stand there blankly either, so he also jumped into the river!
After struggling for a few breaths in the water, Huo Chengjin found his balance and looked at Qin Zhao standing on the shore. Swallowing his anger, he asked, "What is Your Highness's intention?"
Qin Zhao said, "You sunk my lantern. I thought it would be lonely in the water, so I sent you to accompany it. Do you disagree?"
Huo Chengjin remembered that it was only after he saw Qin Zhao walk away that he had played his little trick. He didn't understand how she knew about it.
Thinking of certain possibilities, Huo Chengjin's gaze towards Qin Zhao held a hint of surprise!
Could it be that Princess Zhao Yang had sent someone to monitor him?
If so, would she already know about him raising a concubine in another courtyard?
As Huo Chengjin gazed at Qin Zhao, his expression gradually became uneasy. He replied, "It was this subject's mistake tonight, but Your Highness kicking this subject into the water makes us even!"
Qin Zhao noticed the change in Huo Chengjin's expression but was not concerned. She only said, "Who's even with you? You're nobody.
If you know what's good for you, don't wander in front of me in the future, or your outcome will be bleak."
Huo Chengjin thought Qin Zhao was only joking. He swam to the shore, climbed up and said, "Your Highness, we will soon be husband and wife. There is no need for such hostility between us."
Qin Zhao sneered coldly, "Let's wait and see if you can successfully become the son-in-law."
Huo Chengjin also smiled, "This subject will definitely work hard for it!"
Qin Zhao didn't bother speaking with him anymore and strode away with large steps.
She returned to Qi Yan Su Luo's side.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Qin Zhao said apologetically.
Qi Yan Su Luo took Qin Zhao's hand and said, "Let's go back to the manor."
As they walked, Qin Zhao raised her hand to take a careful look at their clasped hands, "This is the first time you've taken my hand on your own initiative. Don't tell me you're starting to like me?"
Qi Yan Su Luo was surprised at Qin Zhao's sensitivity. She looked rough on the outside but was meticulous on the inside.
Even such an inconspicuous thing was remembered.
Qi Yan Su Luo did not deny it, "Even a cat will have feelings after being together for a long time, let alone a person."
Qin Zhao: "..."
She patted her chest and thought to herself: Fortunately Qi Yan Su Luo didn't compare me to a dog, or there would be trouble again tonight.
Qin Zhao asked, "What will it take for you to love me?"
Qi Yan Su Luo curled her fingers and said, "Perhaps until the day the hatred I bear disappears."
Looking at Qi Yan Su Luo's profile, Qin Zhao's heart stirred. She forcefully pulled her into her arms.
Embracing her, she said, "To hasten that day's arrival, I will help speed up your revenge process. Please believe me."
Qi Yan Su Luo hesitated, wondering if she should hug her back.
After a long moment, she lightly embraced her, not daring to hold too tightly.
At this moment, there was a sudden bang from the sky!
Qi Yan Su Luo was startled and unconsciously tightened her hold around Qin Zhao!
Qin Zhao responded by holding her even more forcefully.
Against the backdrop of brilliant fireworks, they embraced on the deserted road.
...
After the Lantern Festival, the weather turned warm. People took off their heavy winter clothes and put on colorful spring outfits.
Pleasant scenes met the eye everywhere.
Therefore, when the Sixth Prince returned to the capital covered in dust and fatigue, he stood out glaringly.
He rode a horse, no longer as dashing as before.
He had become obese, unkempt, and looked old despite his young age.
Originally forty-three had accompanied him to Min Prefecture, but only four remained on the return journey.
Qin Song did not return home to change clothes and freshen up, but went directly to see Qin Zheng.
In Jingyang Palace, Qin Zheng saw Qin Song's appearance and almost did not recognize him.
Qin Song knelt down to pay respects, but did not hear Qin Zheng's "rise" for a long time.
He could only keep kneeling.
He secretly pondered the holy intent.
Qin Zheng stared at the top of Qin Song's head, his eyes as cold as icy!
After half a minute, he finally said, "Rise."
Qin Song stood up straight.
He had previously written everything about handling the plague in Min Prefecture in a memorial and submitted it to Qin Zheng.
He was full of anticipation, waiting for Qin Zheng's praise.
But he heard Qin Zheng say, "You did very well, but appearing like this has damaged the royal family's reputation. I order you confined in your manor for one month. Take this time to do something about your unsightly appearance."
Qin Song replied drearily, "Your son obeys."
Qin Song returned home dispirited. He had thought from Qin Zheng's attitude that all his efforts in Min Prefecture had been in vain.
Thus he resented Qin Zhao for goading him to deal with the plague!
But the next day, Qin Zheng had Qin Lie loudly sing Qin Song's praises in court!
While praising Qin Song, Qin Lie was calm on the surface but raging inside!
For a time, the mood at court changed. Ministers who had previously wavered between the three princes mostly turned to the Sixth Prince Qin Song!
The common people also sang Qin Song's praises!
Some literati even composed folk songs to eulogize Qin Song for saving the people from illness!
When Qin Song learned of this, he was delighted.
His mood improved immediately, and he thought of Qin Zhao again, feeling that she was his benefactor!
He sent a few exquisite jewelry pieces chosen from his manor's treasury to Qin Zhao as gifts.
When Qin Zhao received the gifts, she was discussing important matters with Nangong Ling.
Looking at the excited words in Qin Song's letter that came with the gifts, she calmly said, "He's happy too soon. The good show is still to come!"
