sjar Chapter 747 I think they will be 'grateful to tears'.
Chapter 747 I think they will be 'grateful to tears'.
Zhao Heng leaned on Commander Li's shoulder, turned his head, made a face at Gu Qingchen, and whispered, only mouthing the word "bad guy."
Gu Qingchen couldn't help but chuckle at his adorable appearance and waved at him.
The lake bay returned to tranquility only after the group of people had completely disappeared behind the hills.
All that remained was the nearly burnt-out campfire and the lone roasted rabbit leg lying in the snow.
“The Fifth Prince and the Seventh Prince,” Gu Qingchen picked up a twig and poked at the last embers in the fire, “when did they become so close that they could share a pair of pants?”
“It’s never been good,” Qian Zhenyun sat back down next to her, tore off a piece from the half-eaten roasted rabbit, and ate it slowly. “It’s just that we have a common enemy and have formed a temporary alliance.”
Gu Qingchen curled his lip: "Crown Prince?"
“Who else could it be?” Qian Zhenyun handed her a piece of roasted meat that smelled delicious. “Regarding the matter in the West Garden, the Crown Prince has secured his position with the Duke of Zhenguo’s mansion even more firmly. Naturally, the Third Prince and the Seventh Prince are getting anxious.”
Gu Qingchen took the meat but didn't eat it. He just stared at the flickering embers in the fire, lost in thought.
"So, they deliberately brought the twelfth prince out, and then deliberately lost him?"
“Perhaps it wasn’t intentional, but negligence is certain.” Qian Zhenyun’s tone was very calm. “The twelfth prince, Zhao Heng, has no power base in the palace because his mother, Consort Shu, has no influence. He himself has always been timid and has not won the emperor’s favor.”
"Bringing him along won't steal the spotlight, and if something unexpected happens, it won't be a big deal. We can also use it to criticize the Crown Prince for his lax supervision and ineffective governance. It's killing several birds with one stone, so why not?"
His words were calm, yet they thoroughly dissected the cold indifference and scheming among the royal siblings.
Gu Qingchen suddenly felt a strange taste in the meat in his mouth.
She remembered Zhao Heng's clear yet somewhat timid eyes, how he could cry so loudly over a rabbit, and how he hid behind himself in fear of the guard's knife.
“He’s only five years old,” she whispered.
“In the royal family, age is never a criterion for judgment.” Qian Zhenyun looked at her. “From the moment they are born, they are pawns.”
Gu Qingchen remained silent.
She suddenly understood Qian Zhenyun's purpose in bringing her here.
He didn't want her to run away, but rather to see things clearly.
She saw through the complexities of the world, understood the methods of her opponents, and also realized her own position.
The restlessness and confusion dissipated, replaced by an unprecedented clarity and determination.
“Gun Gun,” she looked up at him intently, “I understand.”
Qian Zhenyun smiled slightly, took the meat from her hand, ate a bite himself, and then put it back into her hand.
"Then eat something. Only when you're full will you have the strength to fight those blind jackals."
Gu Qingchen looked at him and suddenly laughed. The smile was bright and radiant, like sunshine that dispelled all the gloom.
She took a big bite of rabbit meat and chewed it hard, as if she was venting something or gathering strength.
“You’re right,” she mumbled, “this rabbit meat is really quite delicious.”
Qian Zhenyun watched as she regained her spirits, his smile growing even gentler. He stood up and tidied up the water bag and the rest of the items on the ground.
"It's getting late, we should go back."
Gu Qingchen stood up, patted the grass clippings off his body, stretched out a big yawn, and his bones crackled softly.
"Let's go."
She turned and strode toward the carriage. Her steps were more steady and resolute than when she had come.
The sunlight cast a long shadow over her. Qian Zhenyun followed behind her, watching her straight back, a faint smile always playing on his lips.
Some roads, in the end, you have to walk alone.
All he could do was light a lamp for her when she was lost, and light a fire for her when she was tired.
This is enough.
The two walked side by side, their footsteps crunching on the snow, creating a unique melody in this tranquil lake bay.
Back at the carriage, Qian Zhenyun lifted the curtain first, held onto the door frame, and gestured for Gu Qingchen to get in first.
Gu Qingchen didn't stand on ceremony and nimbly slipped inside using a footstool.
The carriage was lined with thick, soft cushions, and a small heater in the corner was still radiating warmth, creating a world apart from the freezing cold outside.
Qian Zhenyun then got into the carriage, lowered the curtain, and whispered to the driver waiting outside, "Return to the city."
The carriage started slowly, its wheels rolling over the snow with a dull thud.
The carriage was quiet for a moment, with only the occasional soft crackling of the silver charcoal in the heater.
“That little guy, Zhao Heng,” Gu Qingchen broke the silence first, leaning back on the cushions, her gaze fixed on the rapidly receding snow outside the window, “what will happen to him?”
Qian Zhenyun picked up the teapot and poured a cup of hot tea for her and himself. The aroma of tea instantly filled the small space.
“Commander Li dares not be negligent.” He handed her the teacup. “Before tonight, His Majesty will know that His Highness the Twelfth Prince went missing at the frozen lake and was rescued by the eldest daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo’s mansion.”
"As for the Fifth Prince and the Seventh Prince, they will inevitably be reprimanded."
"Just a reprimand?" Gu Qingchen took the teacup, feeling the warmth of the tea on his fingertips.
"Otherwise what?" Qian Zhenyun's tone was very calm. "After all, the Twelfth Prince is safe and sound. The royal family values face the most. Without any real harm, His Majesty will not investigate such a minor squabble between brothers."
"But today's events will ultimately leave a thorn in His Majesty's heart."
A thorn in the side of the Third and Fifth Princes' unrestrained behavior and narrow-mindedness.
Gu Qingchen stroked the warm cup and said softly, "One thorn is far from enough."
She raised her eyes and looked at Qian Zhenyun across from her. In those bright eyes, there was no longer any confusion, only a clear and cold light.
“In the past, I always thought that as long as I behaved myself and did what I was supposed to do, I would be fine. But now I understand that even if I don’t go looking for trouble, trouble will come looking for me. Giving in and being patient will only make me look weak and easy to bully.”
Her voice wasn't loud, but every word was clear, carrying a resolute determination.
Qian Zhenyun listened quietly without interrupting her.
He knew that this was a truth she had figured out herself, and it was more effective than a hundred lectures from anyone.
Qian Zhenyun raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of approval in his eyes: "What do you plan to do?"
"I do not know."
Gu Qingchen shook his head frankly, then laughed, a smile that carried a hint of cunning and arrogance.
"But I know that I can no longer passively wait for things to happen and for others to solve them, like before."
She leaned closer and lowered her voice, as if sharing a secret.
"Gungun, do you think the Fifth Prince and the Seventh Prince would like a 'big gift' from me?"
Looking at the clever glint in her eyes, Qian Zhenyun felt as if he were seeing that spirited young girl from his childhood again.
Now, however, she has shed some of her naivety and gained a more restrained sharpness.
His smile deepened as he downed the hot tea in his cup in one gulp.
"I think they will be 'deeply grateful'."
Gu Qingchen burst into laughter, his clear, crisp voice echoing in the small carriage.
The pent-up frustration in my heart has now been completely swept away.
She is no longer the girl who felt lost about the future; she is Gu Qingchen, the eldest daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion who wields a sharp blade and knows how to protect herself and her family.
The carriage traveled through the countryside and headed towards the tall and majestic city gates of the capital.
Gu Qingchen lifted a corner of the curtain on the car window, watching the familiar outline of the city wall get closer and closer, his gaze becoming incredibly determined.
Now that the game has begun, she will not be a piece, but the one who wields the pieces.