When Lin Jingyuan was studying in the Imperial School, Song Jinglan was always praised by the teachers. Lin Jingyuan was the least fond of studying, so naturally he did not like Song Jinglan. He used to splash ink on his clothes and tease him with the other princes.
However, Song Jinglan was never annoyed. He always seemed to be smiling, treating everyone in a gentle and humble manner. Eventually, Lin Jingyuan became bored of his reactions and rarely provoked him ever since then.
After hearing this, Lin Feilu felt that this handsome little brother was a little pitiful.
As expected, God was fair. If someone was bestowed with an appearance that was in defiance of the natural order, God would accordingly take something else away from that person. In any case, Destiny did not allow him to lead a smooth sailing life.
It’s really true that fellow sufferers can empathize with each other.
Hypothetically speaking, if the Song Empire was the stronger state, the Great Lin Empire would need to give away an imperial princess under the pretext of diplomatic marriage. Undoubtedly, the candidate for such a role would definitely be herself.
The abandoned one.
She was feeling a little depressed from all these thoughts. However, she was careful to not let Lin Jingyuan know, as she happily spent a fishing session with him all afternoon. The eunuch in charge of the lake also took good care in serving them. Finally, they handed over the fishes they caught to the eunuch and instructed him to send the fishes to their respective palaces.
Lin Jingyuan originally wanted to escort her back to her palace. However, as they were halfway there, Consort Xian had sent a messenger to Lin Jingyuan. The Emperor was on his way to Changming Palace to check on his studies, so he must return at haste. Hearing this, Lin Jingyuan became so scared that he ran off immediately.
Lin Feilu was slowly trailing behind the eunuch who was leading the way back to her palace.
As they passed by Cuizhu Villa; wind was rustling through the bamboo forest, as the golden rays of the setting sun draped the silhouette of the building — creating a scenic impression. She thought to herself for a while, then she lifted two fishes from the bucket and said to the eunuch, “Wait for me here.”
The eunuch bowed and Lin Feilu walked up to Cuizhu Villa with two fishes in her hands.
Thinking back, she knew that her Mingyue Palace was considerably remote and deserted. She did not expect that this Cuizhu Villa would be even more desolate than Mingyue Palace. When she pushed past the front gates, paint was peeling off from the wooden door as it opened with a loud creak. This was a clear sign of neglect.
Inside, Song Jinglan’s servant boy was crouched down while brewing medicine. Seeing someone had come in, he began to look flustered as his stern face turned wary.
He had seen this little girl tag alongside the fourth prince just this afternoon. The fourth prince used to bully his master, so he concluded that this little girl was just as bad of a person.
Unexpectedly, she just walked up to him with a pleasant smile on her face. She handed over the fish and said in a clear voice, “This is for you.”
The little servant boy was stunned. He did not dare to respond.
Lin Feilu said again, “I heard that His Highness was sick? With this, you can make fish soup for him, it’s very nourishing.”
The boy looked at the fish, then looked back at the harmless little girl. In the end, he thought to himself, Is this fish poisoned?
Lin Feilu knew exactly what he was thinking. She chuckled and said jokingly: “You don’t want it?”
The little servant boy was at a loss. A door that was obscured behind him was pushing open. Song Jinglan was standing at the door, draping a cloak over his body. He spoke gently, “Tiandong, just accept it.” Then he turned to Lin Feilu, “You have my thanks, Fifth Princess.”
Lin Feilu was a little surprised, “How did you recognize me?”
He nodded with a smile, “I’ve heard many things about the Fifth Princess.”
He seemed to have just gotten up from his bed, as his hair was looking a little messy. He looked pale and weak, but his manners were impeccably on point. The longer she looked at him, the more pleasing he was to look at. Lin Feilu was feeling satisfied just from appreciating his beautiful visage. Once she had finished her objective of delivering the fish, she walked away with a skip in her step.
She even tenderly closed the gates behind her as she left.
As soon as she had left, Tiandong immediately said, “Your Highness, I will go and bury this fish right now.”
Song Jinglan weakly waved his hand, “No need to do that. Just cook and eat it.”
Tiandong hesitated, “But, what if it’s poisoned…”
He smiled, “The princess has personally delivered it to us by hand. No one would be as bold and reckless to do that. Be at ease.”