the times spent in pretense

10

Seeing that Hua Liuli truly could not appreciate the plum blossoms, the crown prince didn’t insist at all. “It’s been especially cold these past few days. It’s a good idea for County Princess to remain inside.”　　

In fact, he also didn’t want to admire those crappy plum blossoms in such cold weather.

As heavy the snow and wind was, if one took a step outside, one’s foot would sink deeply into the snow. If a person truly wanted to pose as a person of culture, reciting poetry and painting, then they were too content and desired a dose of suffering.　　

As a result, both parties let out a sigh of relief.

In a flash, Hua Liuli found this crown prince pleasant to eye.  She had feared he would tell her to exercise more outside due to her poor health. She checked the sky. It was dark, as if it were about to snow again. “Your Highness, Her Majesty the empress dowager is still praying to Buddha. Your honored self should go sit inside for a while.”　　　　

“Alright.” The crown prince noticed the expectation in Hua Liuli’s eyes. It must really be boring for a young girl like herself to be stuck in Shoukang Palace, unable to run or jump or play.　　

Since the crown prince had agreed, Hua Liuli was overjoyed. So much so that her steps became more steady. A smile blooming on her lips, she said, “Yuanwei, have the palace maids prepare several kinds of delicious fruits and light refreshments.”　　　　

At the sight of Hua Liuli’s sparkling smile, the crown prince, who had originally planned to sit for just fifteen minutes, felt his heart soften. “County Princess need not be this polite.”　　

“It’s necessary, it’s necessary.” Hua Liuli followed the crown prince into the palace. They took their seats in the drawing room. “A few days ago, Your Highness personally brought this official’s daughter here from Her Highness Consort Xian’s palace. This official’s daughter has yet to express my thanks.”　　

“No need to be so ceremonious. I have revered Defender General as a great hero in my youth. In my childhood, Defender General crafted a wooden sword for me by his own hands. He even taught me the sword and bow and arrow. He can be considered half my teacher.” The crown prince reclined in his seat in an indolent manner. He wasn’t someone who would make himself suffer just to put up appearances in front of others. “What a pity you hadn’t been born yet. Otherwise, I would have sent you a hundred-day gift.”　　　　

Sixteen years ago, right after he had heard that Great General Hua’s wife was a few months pregnant, news of Jinpo Country crossing the borders spread. Three days later, Great General Hua and his wife rushed to the battlefield with their army.　　

He had held the hand of Great General Hua’s wife and asked the following: if she went to the battlefield, would the baby in her womb be afraid? Could she not go to the battlefield?　　　　

She did not respond to him perfunctorily due to his young age. Rather, she answered him seriously.　　

“Many thanks to Third Prince for the concern. But General and I have learned and practiced the art of war since our childhood. And it was all for the sake of guarding our home and defending the country. So that the common people wouldn’t suffer and be humiliated by our enemies. As such, I must go. As the son of General and me, he would definitely understand. There is nothing more important in this world than the common people.”　　　　

For many generations, the members of the Hua clan did not take on concubines. However, they never lacked descendants. What was even more strange was that in three generations, the Hua clan had never produced a daughter. As such, when Mistress Hua followed her husband to the frontier, everyone thought she was pregnant with a son.