USWHC -Chapter 494 If You Love, Then Love Deeply (Part 4)

Ji Yi clasped his fists firmly in greeting—not in a servile or obsequious manner, but with a bright, open smile. Princess Lanxin couldn’t help but blush; her cheeks flushed as she unconsciously lowered her voice and said softly, “There’s no need for such modesty, young master. It is I who should be thanking you.”

Looking at her frail and delicate appearance, her voice so soft it seemed to linger at her lips—so quiet that one had to lean in to hear—Ji Yi couldn’t help but sigh again.

He softened his tone as well and said, “You are a princess. Why must you endure all this? I don’t believe any father would have the heart to let his child suffer such grievances. If you were to refuse outright, I’m sure His Majesty would not force you.”

“Refuse outright?” Princess Lanxin shook her head blankly. “No… He is not a father. He is the Emperor.”

Seeing the despair on her face, Ji Yi’s heart ached. The sorrow of being born into the imperial family… He let out a quiet sigh and said, “If it truly comes to that… then leave.”

“Leave?” Princess Lanxin trembled slightly. The thought was like a seed suddenly planted in her heart, gnawing at her, making her restless.

Would he take her with him?

She wanted to ask so badly, yet she didn’t dare. She had always been timid. Yes—she wasn’t gentle, nor kind—she was timid. So timid that she always accepted whatever came her way.

“Though it may not necessarily be a good choice, it’s still better than staying here and doing nothing,” Ji Yi said softly, his voice filled with helplessness.

But Princess Lanxin’s gaze dimmed. At this moment, she felt utterly powerless—powerless to resist any of it. Suddenly, she spoke with deep longing, “May I say… I truly envy your wife? Though she left this world too early, though she lived a life of hardship… I still envy her. At least… she had someone who loved her.”

“You are such a good person. Someone will love you too,” Ji Yi replied with a smile. “Perhaps you just haven’t realized it yet… perhaps he simply hasn’t confessed.”

He hasn’t confessed?

Was that… a confession?

Princess Lanxin’s heart stirred again. She couldn’t help but ask eagerly, “Then… do you still regret it? Regret not loving her deeply?”

Before Ji Yi could answer, a sweet voice suddenly called out, “Fourth Sister, why are you here? I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”

Princess Lanxin was startled. Turning around, she saw Zhu Jie already standing behind them with a gentle smile. Panic flickered across her face as she looked at Zhu Jie—yet Zhu Jie’s smile remained as natural as ever.

Ji Yi’s face instantly lit up with a radiant smile. Looking at Zhu Jie standing under the sunlight, his eyes seemed to fill with light as well.

Yet Zhu Jie didn’t even spare him a glance. Instead, she turned and linked her arm with Princess Lanxin, smiling softly. “Fourth Sister, who are you with? He looks unfamiliar.”

Unfamiliar? There’s not a single part of me you don’t know! Ji Yi deliberately put on an annoyed expression as he looked at her.

At that moment, Princess Lanxin raised her head and said with a smile, “Have you forgotten, Sister? This is Young Master Ji from the other day.” But when her gaze landed on his sulky expression, she paused in confusion. What was he upset about? Could it be that Princess Lanqin had interrupted them?

“Ah, I really did forget,” Zhu Jie said bluntly.

“You’ve been busy, Sister—it’s only natural to forget,” Princess Lanxin quickly said with an awkward smile, trying to smooth things over.

She hurriedly changed the subject. “By the way, what brings you here in such a hurry? Is something the matter?”

“I simply came to say goodbye,” Zhu Jie said with a smile. “I’ll be returning to the palace in a few days.”

But clearly, those words weren’t meant for Princess Lanxin alone.

Sure enough, Ji Yi immediately looked at her anxiously. His eyes blinked rapidly, as if silently protesting.

Zhu Jie, however, acted as though she hadn’t seen a thing and continued smiling. “In a couple of days, envoys from Qi State are expected to arrive in the capital. Father wants me to return to the palace early.”

“So soon?” Princess Lanxin and Ji Yi exclaimed almost at the same time.

Hearing Ji Yi echo her, Princess Lanxin quickly turned back to look at him in surprise.

Zhu Jie let out a soft sigh. “It was originally meant to last just over a month. Besides, this time it’s not only about marriage negotiations—there are also long-standing peace talks between our two nations. The Emperor of Qi has specially sent his Second Prince to visit our Great Liang court. It is a great honor for our Liang, isn’t it?”