Chapter 5 — In my previous life, I took the name for him, in this life I just stand and watch

He seemed to be choked by my words. Look at me deeply. In those eyes, there is scrutiny, suspicion, and emotions that we cannot understand. In the end, he said nothing. Turn around and leave. I looked at his back, the smile at the corner of my lips gradually becoming cold. Tieu Huyen. The blessing banquet... will be a very good stage. The big play I prepared for you is about to open. Are you… ready yet? Full moon day, full moon day. I dressed splendidly to attend. A white royal palace outfit, a skirt embroidered with dark yellow cloud patterns. Her hair was tied in a high bun, with only a white jade and pearl-encrusted bow tied sideways. Dressed elegantly, it just barely covered her haggard appearance during the days of detention. When I appeared at the gate of the Royal Palace, even Tieu Huyen was momentarily stunned. Tonight he also wore a royal robe embroidered with golden dragons, his figure was straight and handsome like a god. Just the eyes looking at me, still cold as before. We ride together in a horse-drawn carriage to the palace. Didn't say a word the whole way. The air in the car was heavier than the night outside. At the palace gate, he got out of the car first. But unlike before, he didn't reach out to help me. I didn't care at all and let Thanh Nhi help me out of the car, still looking leisurely and elegant. The banquet was held at Thai Hoa Palace. In the hall, bright lights and torches and golden jade cups intertwine. As soon as we entered, we immediately became the focus of everyone. The eyes of noble ladies continuously evaluated me. There is pity. There is also investigation. We all pretend we don't see it. Go directly to your position and calmly sit down. Tieu Huyen sat in the main position, equal to the Emperor. His expression was cold, as if everything around him had nothing to do with him. Nhuoc Van also came today. She sat in an unremarkable corner, following her father who was working at Han Lam Institute. She kept looking at Tieu Huyen, her eyes were filled with unconcealed affection. And Tieu Huyen occasionally looks back at her. Those eyes contained a gentleness that he had never shown me. I'm too lazy to look at them anymore. My target is the Queen Mother sitting on the throne. He was sitting at the end of the row of princes. Tinh Vuong, Tieu Triet. The Queen Mother saw me and waved. I stood up and slowly walked forward.

"My concubine pays a visit to the Queen Mother and wishes the Queen Mother a lifetime of happiness and peace."

“Good boy, get up quickly.”

The Queen Mother held my hand and pulled me to sit next to her. Human hands are very warm.

“You've gotten thinner.”

People look at me with sadness.

“Is Huyen Nhi bullying you again?”

I shook my head, smiling slightly.

"The Queen Mother is worried. It's just that in the past few days, I have had a bit of cold and my taste is not good."

“Child…you are too understanding.”

The Queen Mother sighed and patted my hand.

"If you have any resentment, just tell someone, someone will take care of you."

“Thank you for your love, Queen Mother.”

I replied softly. We told each other some intimate stories. The corner of my eye glanced at Tieu Triet. He was holding a cup of wine, looking extremely bored watching the singing and dancing. His appearance is handsome, but between his eyebrows he carries a look of laziness that is hard to dispel. Like a cat without claws. It's no different from the leisurely Prince who doesn't ask about the world in rumors. But we know, it's all just a disguise. A fierce tiger retracts its claws Claws, compared to wild beasts baring their fangs and claws, are much more dangerous. He seemed to recognize my eyes. Gently raise the cup towards me. The corners of his lips curled up into a smile as if it were nothing. That smile has a deep meaning. In my heart I understood. Halfway through the banquet, I used an excuse to change my clothes and leave Thai Hoa Palace. Thanh Nhi guided me, walking on the quiet palace road.

“Miss, everything has been arranged.”

She spoke in a low voice.

“His Royal Highness Tinh Vuong is already waiting for you at Tinh An temple.”

I nodded. Tonight, is the first step in my plan. Also the most important step. Success or failure depends on this time. The road leaving the palace was soon arranged smoothly. The relationships our mothers left us, at critical times, always have unexpected effects. A small car covered with an unremarkable green curtain stopped next to the side door of the palace wall. I changed into the prepared civilian clothes and, along with Thanh Nhi, quietly blended into the night. Tinh An Tu is located in the west of the citadel. Incense fire is not too prosperous, but wins in purity. At this time, it was late at night, there was no more noise in the temple during the day. There was only one novice monk carrying a lantern, standing in front of the door. Seeing us, he clasped his hands and bowed.

“The donor would like to follow the young monk.”

He led us through the hallway, to a deserted monastery. In the yard, under a hundred-year-old Bodhi tree. A figure stood with his hands behind his back. Moonlight fell on him, covering him with a layer of silver light. It is King Tinh and Tieu Triet. He had changed into royal robes and was only wearing a moon-white plain clothes. There's less laziness in the palace banquet, and a little more coolness in the world.

“Wen Jing, see His Royal Highness King Jing.”

I walked over, bowed and bowed. He turned around, his eyes sharp as torches. Those eyes were bright and sharp, not at all drunk or leisurely.

“The king-in-law took the risk to come here late at night, what is the reason?”

His voice was as clear as gems and stones colliding together.

“For the sake of alliance.”

Let's get straight to the point.

“Ally with me?”

He seemed to hear something interesting and laughed softly.

“Wang-sister, are you joking?”

"Right now the Regent's power is falling, and you are his Royal Highness, why do you want to ally with me - a leisurely Royal Family?"

“Because, the Royal Family is not a leisurely person.”

I looked straight into his eyes.

“And I... will soon no longer be the Princess Regent.”

My words made his eyes pause slightly.