The Dreamer in the Spring Boudoir

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"You certainly thought this through." The crown prince narrowed his eyes. "Nie Sangyu, if you're willing to be my woman, perhaps, I would be willing to dismiss my harem for you."

If men were reliable, then pigs could climb to the top of trees. A man would say all types of flowery, but insincere words in order to obtain a woman. Ji Man's smile bared her teeth as she said, "Sangyu is lacking in virtues and talent. It's enough for me to just accompany the marquis. It's not worth it for the crown prince to go through such trouble for a fallen woman like Sangyu."

The smile on Zhao Zhe's face froze. He pursed his lips and said, "Do you ever say anything sweet with your mouth?"

Ji Man saluted, "Sure. May the crown prince and princess consort live a long and happy life together."

The crown prince was momentarily stifled by her words. His gaze sunk and he said, "Nie Sangyu, you really don't know how to appreciate a good thing. You don't even have a tiny spot in Marquis Moyu's heart. Why do you cling to him so tightly? Don't you think this prince is offering the better way out of your difficult situation?"

Ji Man smiled. This person must think she was stupid. What kind of relationship did they have? How could Nie Sangyu be with the crown prince? As soon as Nie Sangyu showed feelings towards the crown prince, someone would deliver this information to Marquis Moyu and the relationship between Nie Clan and Ning Clan would be over. Did Zhao Zhe assume she was easy to bully based on her appearance and think her head was filled with tofu?

"Your Highness, have you heard of this saying? There are some people, who you can't clearly say what's good about them, but nonetheless, they're irreplaceable to you." Ji Man was still showing a beaming smile to the person standing in front of her, but inwardly she cursed him from top to bottom. "To say it in a slightly more artistic way, "Compared with the clouds on Wu Mountain, the clouds elsewhere are beneath my notice."* Your Highness, you're also very good. Perhaps, if Sangyu hadn't married the marquis six years ago, Sangyu might be willing to be with the crown prince for a lifetime."

* (T/N: This is a line froma poem, Thoughts of Departure. The writer of this poem wasmourning the death of his wife and saying that no one could be compared to her,like the way a river can't be compared to the sea.)

But, perhaps, things could change.

Zhao Zhe raised his eyebrows and chuckled. "I really can't get angry with you after hearing these words."

"Sangyu still has something that needs to be embroidered. Sangyu will leave first." Ji Man saluted, then she meekly retreated to her room.

Gancao and Dengxin were currently tidying the room.

Seeing Nie Sangyu coming inside, Dengxin hurriedly went over and closed the doors. Looking at her with worry, she said, "Master..."

"It's fine. There's nothing to worry about." Ji Man waved her hands. She saw through the crown prince's plot and absolutely wouldn't fall into his trap.

—

Lost in his thoughts, Zhao Zhe stood at the deck of the boat for a while. His trusted aide, Taxue, whispered, "My prince, shouldn't you be returning to the other boat? If the emperor ends up looking for you later on ..."

Zhao Zhe raised his hand and said, "It's fine." He stood at the prow of the boat for a long time and looked at the river. When he finally closed his eyes and reopened them, he had on a gentle smiling expression again. "Since I boarded this boat, I'll just stay here without worrying. Third imperial brother rarely has a chance to talk with imperial father. I'll be generous and give him this opportunity."