TFWYH – Chapter 716 The Two Talk

When Huangfu Yi arrived at the palace quarters that had once belonged to Gu Yanshuang, Tang Wan was carefully comforting Jiang Shi.

Jiang Shi’s emotions had gradually settled down.

But the moment Huangfu Yi appeared, she became nervous again.

As soon as she saw him, she quickly concealed the complicated emotions in her eyes, stood up, and gave him a proper curtsy.

“This concubine greets Your Highness, the Second Prince. May Your Highness be well.”

Huangfu Yi stared blankly at her face.

It was exactly the same face.

Yet, unlike when he had looked at Gu Yanshuang, he no longer felt restless or conflicted.

“You may rise.”

He made a slight gesture to help her up before taking two steps back, maintaining a respectful distance like a true gentleman.

“Prince’s Consort, there are a few things I’d like to say to you.”

“Yes.”

Jiang Shi glanced at Tang Wan.

Tang Wan immediately understood and left with Aunt Qiuwen.

Soon, only Huangfu Yi and Jiang Shi remained in the room…

Well, except for Su Xi, who was now crouching on the roof.

This time, she had resolved never to leave Jiang Shi’s side again.

She also intended to stay ready for any unexpected situation at all times.

If another poisoning incident happened, she felt she might as well just go die.

Although Huangfu Yi sensed someone on the roof, he pretended not to notice and walked over to the seat of honor before sitting down.

Jiang Shi tactfully poured him a cup of tea.

She didn’t dare look directly at him, doing her best to remain calm.

“Your Highness, it’s already well past mealtime. Please have some tea to moisten your throat. I’ll have someone prepare your meal shortly.”

Huangfu Yi didn’t answer immediately.

Instead, he stared at her without blinking.

His unwavering gaze made Jiang Shi’s scalp tingle.

Although she was frightened, she remained composed on the surface.

Her hands, weathered by the passage of time, were neatly folded over her abdomen.

Her back was perfectly straight.

Her eyes remained respectfully lowered, fixed on a spot below where Huangfu Yi sat.

She never once met his gaze.

Her features radiated gentleness and meekness, her expression humble and respectful.

After a long silence, Huangfu Yi finally let out a soft sigh.

“You’re completely different from her.”

Except for that face.

Jiang Shi smiled faintly.

“My temperament is much quieter. I have no interest in fame or wealth. All I’ve ever wanted is a small place where I can live in peace.”

Huangfu Yi understood the meaning behind her words.

After a moment of thought, he continued,

“I can tell that your personality is the complete opposite of that vicious woman. You’re staying here not for my sake, but for your children.”

Jiang Shi lowered her eyes and remained silent.

Her silence was an admission.

Huangfu Yi nodded.

“The past is over. That vicious woman has already paid for her crimes. Rest assured—from now on, you’re the rightful Second Prince’s Consort. I won’t force anything upon you. The peaceful place you desire, I’ll give it to you. Even the things you don’t ask for… I’ll still provide them.”

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Jiang Shi replied meekly.

“In that case, I’ll be leaving now. I’ll return later to have dinner here.”

“This concubine respectfully sees Your Highness off.”

Ever since she was little, Prime Minister Gu had hired tutors to teach her etiquette.

Her manners were therefore impeccable.

Maintaining the proper distance of three paces, she escorted Huangfu Yi to the palace entrance.

After walking a few steps, Huangfu Yi stopped.

He didn’t turn around.

But the sigh that escaped him drifted on the wind into Jiang Shi’s ears.

“If, back then, that vicious woman hadn’t deceived everyone and taken your place in the marriage… I think the two of us would have respected each other as husband and wife, lived together in harmony, and our child would never have suffered through any of this.”

“After all…”

“You’re a truly gentle woman.”

“And a devoted mother.”

With that, he shook his head and let out a bitter laugh before walking away.

Jiang Shi watched his receding figure, her emotions indescribably complicated…