Chapter 430
**Chapter 428: [Extra] Li Qingxun (6)**
Zhang He'an lowered his gaze. "Princess, please take care of yourself."
Li Qingxun clicked her tongue in response.
Zhang He'an was always meticulous, cold and aloof, adhering strictly to rules in everything he did. Even the auspicious knot on his collar was always tied perfectly square.
The more he adhered to these rules, the more intrigued Li Qingxun became.
She wanted to pluck this high and distant flower.
In the days that followed, Li Qingxun deliberately pushed aside her homesickness, focusing all her attention on teasing Zhang He'an. She often left Qiuliang Palace, wandering around the palace paths.
Perhaps luck was on her side; she encountered Zhang He'an about half the time.
Li Qingxun would always approach him with a bright smile, greeting him, "Hey, Lord Zhang, you seem even more handsome today."
"Good afternoon, Lord Zhang. You look best in that red official robe."
"I had a pear today. Guess what kind? You're in my heart."
"It's scorching hot; why wear so many layers?"
Zhang He'an was like an unyielding moon, while Li Qingxun buzzed around him like a bee.
There’s no wall that doesn’t let the wind through; gradually, the news of the Sixth Princess's affection for Zhang He'an spread like wildfire. The Seventh Princess, Li Qingling, was furious and wanted to confront Li Qingxun, but the Empress held her back.
There was no need to take a spoiled, unruly princess seriously. The more Li Qingxun acted brash and uncouth, the more the Emperor would come to despise her.
In the current state of Qing, with the threat of Yue to the north and the incursions of Yelang to the south, the Emperor had already decided to send a princess to marry for peace.
A princess who was not favored would be sent off for such a union. With Li Qingxun's arrogant and crude nature, if she went to another country, she would surely face torment from wicked people, destined to meet an early demise.
There was no need to bother with a short-lived person.
...
In Qiuliang Palace.
The summer heat was oppressive, and the room felt stifling, with no large trees in the courtyard to provide shade. Li Qingxun sat on a deck chair on the steps, fanning herself with a hand fan. Beside her was a large wooden contraption, her makeshift air conditioner.
The courtyard was hot, but it was slightly cooler next to the "air conditioner."
Yuan'er sat beside Li Qingxun, curiously gazing at the large wooden box, mumbling, "Princess, this is amazing! You spray cold water into the box, and it comes out cool here."
Li Qingxun squinted her eyes. "This is called an air conditioner, but unfortunately, it's the simplest version."
When water evaporates into gas, it takes away heat from the air, lowering the surrounding temperature. Using basic thermodynamic principles, Li Qingxun had created a simple air conditioner.
Unfortunately, the materials were insufficient, and the cooling effect was not very noticeable.
Li Qingxun looked at the bare courtyard and instructed Yuan'er, "When we have time, let's go to the Imperial Garden and dig up a tree to plant here for some shade."
Yuan'er nodded eagerly. "Sure!"
Li Qingxun closed her eyes to rest, while Yuan'er embroidered a handkerchief beside her.
As Yuan'er stitched, she said, "Princess, you used to often embroider handkerchiefs for Lord Zhang. Recently, you've been looking for him so often, but I haven't seen you give him any pouches or handkerchiefs."
Li Qingxun lazily replied, "What’s the point of giving gifts? I just find him interesting; I’m not planning to marry him."
Li Qingxun pursued Zhang He'an purely for amusement, teasing him when she was happy and ignoring him when she wasn’t.
Just a bit of fun.
No need to take it seriously.
In the dull days of ancient times, teasing Zhang He'an and admiring his ascetic, cold face was a spice to her life.
...
...
Li Qingxun's good days didn’t last long. Soon, she received news that Yue wanted to sign a peace treaty with Qing in Liangzhou.
The Crown Prince of Yue was personally heading to Liangzhou. On Qing's side, the Emperor sent the Third Prince, Li Ang, to sign the treaty and promoted Zhang He'an to be the youngest Prime Minister of Qing, accompanying him on the journey.
For some unknown reason, the Emperor also decreed that the Sixth and Seventh Princesses should accompany them.
Just being able to leave the palace was wonderful; Li Qingxun cheered inwardly, packing her bags to join the main party.
The convoy set off along the official road, estimating it would take two months to reach Liangzhou.
Li Qingling shared a carriage with Li Qingxun. Throughout the journey, Li Qingling was sullen, while Li Qingxun ate and drank happily.
After satisfying her hunger, Li Qingxun, with nothing better to do, went to tease Zhang He'an, enjoying her days. Li Qingling could hardly bear to watch; her eyes reddened as she said to Li Qingxun, "Sixth Sister, do you think we’re going to Liangzhou for fun?"
Li Qingxun took a bite of a pastry. "Then tell me, what are we going to Liangzhou for?"
Li Qingling lowered her head gloomily. "To be chosen by someone, of course."
In Da Qing, there were only two unmarried princesses, and the Emperor was sending them to Liangzhou for the Crown Prince of Yue to select from.
Whichever he favored would be sent to Yue for marriage.
If the Crown Prince liked both, they would send them both.
The more Li Qingling thought about it, the sadder she became, stroking her beautiful face, lamenting, "I’ve heard that the Crown Prince of Yue is a notorious womanizer, fond of collecting beauties. There are nearly a thousand beauties in the Eastern Palace. I’m beautiful; he will surely choose me."
Tears streamed down Li Qingling's face.
She had always thought that as the daughter of the Empress, favored by her father since childhood, she would surely escape the fate of being married off. But in the face of national interests, what father-daughter bond was there?
Her father had unhesitatingly sent her to Liangzhou, allowing the Crown Prince of Yue to choose her like a courtesan in a Qin Tower or Chu Pavilion.
For the first time, Li Qingling felt the cruelty of imperial power. She looked enviously at Li Qingxun. "Since ancient times, beautiful women have often met with misfortune. You’re lucky; you’re plain-looking and don’t have so many troubles."
Li Qingxun: ...
To be honest, Li Qingxun thought she was quite good-looking.
Not wanting to deal with the weeping Seventh Princess, Li Qingxun lifted the luxurious carriage curtain and called out to Zhang He'an, who was riding not far away, "Prime Minister Zhang, come here for a moment."
The surrounding guards all turned to look, then pretended not to hear.
Zhang He'an, now a Prime Minister, wore an even more exquisite and splendid red official robe, topped with a black cap, his face like a jade crown—extremely handsome.
Li Qingxun felt her heart flutter.
If it weren’t for the large number of people in the convoy, she would have really wanted to drag him into the woods for a private moment.
Zhang He'an remained unmoved.
Li Qingxun continued to call out, "Lord Zhang."
"Prime Minister Zhang!"
"Little He'an, come here~"
After calling for a long time, Zhang He'an finally rode over, his horse matching pace with the carriage.
Zhang He'an's expression was calm as he asked, "What is it, Princess?"
Li Qingxun's eyes sparkled as she teased, "Nothing much, just wanted to see you. That outfit looks great on you, red really suits you."
Zhang He'an's expression remained unchanged. "Princess, please conduct yourself appropriately."
Li Qingxun propped her chin on her hand, playing with the golden tassels of the carriage curtain, her eyes rolling over Zhang He'an's face. With a half-smile, she said, "What do you mean by 'conduct yourself appropriately'? I’m not heavy, and if you don’t believe me, you can hug me when no one’s around."
In the desolate wilderness, with the wind blowing through the mountains, Zhang He'an remained unperturbed, seemingly unfazed by Li Qingxun's boldness.
After teasing him for a while, Zhang He'an still maintained his aloof demeanor. Li Qingxun, feeling dry-mouthed from talking, decided it was pointless and snapped the carriage curtain down, preparing to take a nap inside.
Inside the carriage, Li Qingling's face flushed with anger as she said, "You, you, you are simply shameless! How can you tease Lord Zhang like that?"
Li Qingxun yawned. "I tease him because I like him."
Li Qingling was momentarily speechless, then tried to retort, "We are both women; how can we forget propriety and shame? We should follow the 'Lessons for Women' and behave ourselves."
Li Qingxun dismissed her concerns. "It's natural for men and women to love each other. Just tear that old 'Lessons for Women' apart."
Li Qingling was left speechless.
...
Meanwhile, Zhang He'an dismounted and went to discuss matters in the carriage of the Third Prince.
Inside the carriage, Zhang He'an reminded Li Ang, "On this trip to Liangzhou, do not be careless; the Empress must have a backup plan."
Li Ang set down the documents in his hands and laughed, "Like a mantis stalking a cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. The Empress has wanted to kill me for a long time; I’m prepared. But you, He'an, must be quite troubled by my Sixth Sister along the way, right?"
Throughout the journey, Li Qingxun's activities consisted of eating, sleeping, and teasing Zhang He'an.
Zhang He'an had a good temper and never got angry.
Even Li Ang admired Zhang He'an's patience.
Li Ang joked, "It's strange; Sixth Sister used to be timid and weak, but ever since she was beaten by Seventh Sister that day, her personality has changed completely. I hardly recognize her anymore. Though she speaks without a filter, she can't hide her innocence and is quite charming."
Zhang He'an lowered his gaze, deep in thought. "Her temperament has indeed changed significantly."
Li Ang continued teasing, "I rarely saw you in red before, but lately, you seem to be wearing it all the time."
Zhang He'an replied calmly, "It's just an official robe; there's nothing intentional about it."
Li Ang burst into laughter.
...
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, two months had passed. They were just a few days away from Liangzhou.
That night, Li Qingxun had just fallen asleep on the shabby bed at the relay station when suddenly, a deafening sound of battle erupted outside.
Bandits were attacking!
Li Qingxun shared a room with Li Qingling, who turned pale with fear.
Li Qingxun sprang up like a fish out of water, opening the window to look down. The guards and bandits were already engaged in a fierce fight, the smell of blood filling the air. Li Qingxun scanned the room and found a hidden spot to hide.
She grabbed Li Qingling's arm and shoved her behind a wooden cabinet in the room. "Stay here and don’t move."
Li Qingling, terrified, instinctively curled up behind the cabinet.
Li Qingxun picked up a kitchen knife from under her pillow, holding it calmly. The door to the room burst open, and Zhang He'an appeared in his red attire.
Zhang He'an said, "This place is not safe."
Li Qingxun smiled. "Then take me away."
The sounds of battle grew louder downstairs. Zhang He'an grasped Li Qingxun's arm and led her to climb out the window. Li Qingxun felt a sharp pain in her right leg, as if something sharp had pierced it.
She gritted her teeth against the pain.
Zhang He'an mounted his horse and took her away from the relay station.
...
...
Li Qingxun had no idea what happened next. She lost too much blood from her right leg and soon fell into unconsciousness.
When she awoke again, she found herself in a dry, cool cave. Her whole body ached, and she grimaced as she sat up to survey her surroundings.
The cave was clean, without dust, and not far away was a burnt-out fire pit. As for herself, she was wrapped in a thick red official robe.
It was Zhang He'an's clothing.
She winced, feeling a sharp pain in her right leg. Li Qingxun lifted the robe to see her right leg. It was bare, with only a cloth bandage wrapped around her thigh, exposing her fair calf and foot.
She could also smell a faint medicinal fragrance.
Moving her right leg slightly sent a wave of pain through her, causing her to break out in a sweat.
"You’re awake." Zhang He'an's voice came from outside as he entered the cave, holding several fresh herbs.
Li Qingxun raised her eyebrows slightly, immediately understanding.
After the relay station was attacked by bandits, Zhang He'an had saved her, and now they had ended up in a remote cave.
Li Qingxun, with her mischievous nature, deliberately said, "Prime Minister Zhang risked his life to save me last night. Who would have thought you were such a good person?"
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