Chapter 103: The Strange Conversation

Lin Miaomiao noticed that recently Li Yanhe had become exceptionally busy, though she had no idea why. She herself continued to shuttle between various factories, occasionally crafting desserts. For the shops in the capital, she would regularly turn the latest seasonal creations into blueprints and have them delivered there.

Watching leaves fall from the trees, Lin Miaomiao observed Lin Langluan’s daily routine of leaving early and returning late. Apart from his studies, Lin Langluan seemed full of vigor, determined to become a successful person.

To earn money, Lin Langluan devoted immense effort to figuring out how to sell goods, manage his subordinates effectively, and ensure customer satisfaction without incurring complaints.

Meanwhile, Lin Langze was learning from Jiang Luohan how to become a competent doctor. Lin Miaomiao took note of Lin Langze’s dedication. Every day, Lin Langze followed Jiang Luohan tirelessly, sometimes even rising earlier and traveling more than his mentor.

To advance his medical skills, Lin Langze had taken up the role of a military doctor, tending to many wounded soldiers. Their injuries varied, and though Lin Langze initially felt nauseated at the sight of rotting wounds, he eventually grew capable of excising decayed flesh with a knife.

Watching these two children mature seemingly overnight, Lin Miaomiao felt her own age growing heavier in her heart. In truth, she was only twelve, but her spirit felt much older, even if her appearance did not reflect it.

Gazing out at the trees, she realized she had been in this world for eight years now. Quietly, she sat by the window.

Li Zheng approached, and Lin Miaomiao said to him, “You’ve been so busy lately; I don’t even know what you’re up to.”

Li Zheng sighed deeply upon hearing her words, then looked up and replied, “What am I busy with? I’m handling affairs in the capital.”

Lin Miaomiao nodded in response. Seeing her silence, Li Zheng raised an eyebrow with a hint of curiosity and said, “Why do you keep pressing for answers?”

A faint smile curved Lin Miaomiao’s lips as she replied, “I suspect these matters are far from simple. If you don’t want to say, that’ll only make things awkward later.”

“If my curiosity is too strong and I ask anyway, and you want to use me to pass along messages, I might not be happy about it.”

Li Zheng shook his head with a wry smile. “Actually, it’s not as complicated as you think.”

He took the cup of tea she had just poured, sighed, and spoke softly, “Your Majesty, this is the prime of spring and autumn, and the princes have all grown up.”

His voice was low, and Lin Miaomiao looked at his expression, sensing something elusive in that instant.

“Just say what you mean. I think I can handle it,” she said.

Li Zheng was momentarily stunned, then smiled bitterly and said, “It’s really nothing major.”

After a pause, he glanced at her and continued, “I’ve always known you see yourself as an outsider, but being an outsider is not as easy as it seems.”

He looked at her again and said, “The waters in the capital are turning murky. The Crown Prince, as well as the seventh and ninth princes, are all eyeing that position fiercely.”

A faint smile played on Li Zheng’s lips as he said to Lin Miaomiao, “Tell me, can there be no bloodshed and turmoil?”

“If the Crown Prince or the seventh prince fails, the balance will tip, and then you all will have to leave.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Miaomiao couldn’t help but smile sarcastically. She looked up at Li Zheng and said, “What’s so great about that position? Fighting so hard for it—is it really worth it?”

“Being emperor isn’t the only way to find happiness, nor does it guarantee respect. On the contrary, it’s an exhausting role.”

Li Zheng’s expression darkened suddenly. He stood up, covering Lin Miaomiao’s mouth and whispered fiercely, “Are you mad? How dare you speak such treasonous words!”

Lin Miaomiao met Li Yanhe’s gaze and said calmly, “I understand. Speaking such words could lead to a death so sudden, you wouldn’t even know how you died.”

“But the truth remains the truth, no matter how much people try to cover it up. What’s there to hide?”

Li Zheng’s face grew even grimmer. He looked up at her, and she returned his gaze steadily, saying, “Someone like you surely knows what should be said and what shouldn’t.”

“You only say these things to me so I’ll tell Li Yanhe that our good days are numbered, urging him to settle affairs quickly.”

After speaking, Lin Miaomiao glanced at Li Zheng and added, “Honestly, sometimes I really hate how you act. It’s not as wise as you think.”

She sighed deeply. Li Zheng said quietly, “If you weren’t involved with the second prince, if there was no future between you, your life wouldn’t be entangled in this.”

Lin Miaomiao picked up her tea and took a slow sip. “Oh? Is that so? I doubt His Majesty would agree.”

Li Zheng’s lips twisted into a bitter smile. “You know well that what I say is not His Majesty’s true meaning.”

Lin Miaomiao drained her cup and, after a long pause, looked up at Li Zheng. “Life holds so many possibilities. Why do you find it so difficult?”

Li Zheng regarded her for a long moment, then smiled bitterly. “I underestimated you. You are truly a clever woman.”

Lin Miaomiao shook her head. “Clever? That’s flattering. If you’re talking about cleverness, anyone you pick from your ranks surpasses me by far.”

“Honestly, my little cleverness only ensures I stay alive; beyond that, there’s nothing left.”

Pouring herself another cup of black tea, she gazed at its rich color and said to Li Zheng, “I’m not one to overthink things.”

“I don’t like to do too much, nor do I want to be strong-willed or overly ambitious.”

“For people like me, the motto is simply: ‘Cross the river when you come to it.’”

She patted her skirt lightly. Li Zheng watched her walk into her small kitchen, his gaze lingering on the tea in his cup.

The leaves still floated gently. After a long moment, he sighed heavily.

Lin Miaomiao brought out a freshly baked cake. Li Zheng inhaled its aroma and said, “Sometimes I really wonder if you’re just a child.”

Lin Miaomiao smiled and shook her head. “Probably not. It’s just that some spirit or demon took possession of this little girl’s body.”

Li Zheng looked at her seriously and said, “I guess you’re not. You said I don’t believe in ghosts or spirits, mainly because if all those creatures looked like you, then the legend of the beautiful fox spirit wouldn’t hold up.”

Lin Miaomiao almost wanted to smash the cake right into his handsome ‘fox’ face upon hearing that.

Li Zheng smiled charmingly and reached out his slender hand, slicing into the cake.

Raising an eyebrow, Lin Miaomiao teased, “Aren’t you in a hurry to leave?”

Li Zheng laughed. “I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. Actually, I’m in no rush at all.”

Lin Miaomiao cut herself a piece, and the two sat together, enjoying the cake.

When Li Yanhe returned, he saw the two sitting there eating cake. Lin Miaomiao noticed his pale expression.

Curious, she asked, “What’s wrong? Your face suddenly looks awful. Has the northern nomadic tribes started harassing the Central Plains again with the cold weather?”

Li Yanhe shook his head. “No, just overwhelmed with too many things. I’m tired.”

Lin Miaomiao nodded and, seeing him about to leave, went to the kitchen to instruct Cui Liu and Nurse Zhao to prepare dinner.

After Lin Miaomiao left, Li Yanhe sat in her place, picked up her cup, and sipped his tea. “Aren’t you anxious to return to the capital? If you’re not, shouldn’t your father be worried?”

Li Zheng’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “Why so nervous? Are you afraid?”

Li Yanhe’s mouth twisted into a strange smile as he glanced at Li Zheng. “What would I have to fear? Someone once failed to hold onto the one they loved and could only pine in unrequited love for a lifetime.”

“As for me? Though it’s miserable, stuck at Da’an Pass unable to return to the capital, at least it’s not a prison like it is for some.”

Li Zheng looked coldly at Li Yanhe. “Tsk. With that face, saying such things really annoys your imperial uncle.”