Tao Lengshuang hadn't expected Mo Lingxi to be so perceptive. She smiled without revealing anything and said, "Where else can I go? I can't go back to Shilipo Village, and I have nowhere else to stay, so I can only live here for now."
Mo Lingxi grabbed her hand, his face ashen. "No, you're not telling the truth, Tao Lengshuang. I know you've always wanted to leave me. Have you been doing something behind my back?"
Tao Lengshuang retorted, "May I ask Prince Mingrui, what could I possibly do behind your back? I basically never leave my courtyard. Where could I go?"
Mo Lingxi couldn't be reassured. In his eyes, Tao Lengshuang at this moment was like a bird ready to fly away at any moment.
"Can you tell me what your plans are?" he softened his tone.
Tao Lengshuang looked at the vast sky again, her voice distant, "I've told you my plans before, perhaps you didn't take them to heart."
Mo Lingxi slowly shook his head, indicating that was not the case. "I want to be a part of your future. I don't want a future where you are not in it."
Tao Lengshuang turned and looked at him directly. "Then why do you want to be a part of my future? We are not truly husband and wife."
Mo Lingxi gazed into her clear, bright eyes and said word by word, "I don't know why either, but I want to be involved, and I don't want another man in your life."
Tao Lengshuang tilted her head, wanting to say, 'Mo Lingxi, are you jealous?' but she wasn't sure if he was. Perhaps it was his male chauvinism at play.
"Many people will be involved in my life. How they participate is a matter for the future."
Mo Lingxi realized she was evading the topic of her future plans. "Tao Lengshuang, is there no place for me in your future plans?"
Tao Lengshuang withdrew her hand and said calmly, "That depends on what you do. As I said before, if you've thought it through, we might still have a chance. If you haven't thought it through, or if you've realized we can't be together, then we can only be friends."
Mo Lingxi immediately replied, "I don't want to be friends with you! I've also said that I will never divorce you."
Hearing this, Tao Lengshuang knew the conversation couldn't continue and changed the subject. "Keep a close eye on Princess Anning. Be careful in your daily life."
"Tao Lengshuang!" Mo Lingxi was about to question her evasion, but when he saw the unwavering look in Tao Lengshuang's eyes, he couldn't ask.
Tao Lengshuang said calmly, "Mo Lingxi, please don't just think from your perspective. Consider my situation and thoughts more."
"Some things that seem good to you are not necessarily good to me. For example, moving to Prince Mingrui's mansion is a very bad thing for me right now."
Mo Lingxi couldn't truly understand Tao Lengshuang's words. In his opinion, Tao Lengshuang was his wife, and Xiao Feng was his child. They should move back to Prince Mingrui's mansion.
As for the rumors or dangers, he had the ability to handle them.
"Calm yourself." With that, Tao Lengshuang returned to her courtyard alone.
Mo Lingxi stood stunned in place, his eyes unfocused as he gazed at the sky, unsure how long he had been looking.
"Your Highness Prince Mingrui."
Hearing General Sheng's words, Mo Lingxi collected his thoughts and nodded. "General Sheng, is there something you need?"
General Sheng nodded. "I heard from the servants that you and Lengshuang had an argument. Did something happen?"
Mo Lingxi rubbed his forehead and sighed. "I can't understand Tao Lengshuang. I understand that she doesn't want to be confined to a place like Prince Mingrui's mansion, but why does she insist on escaping from me?"
General Sheng immediately understood the crux of the conflict between Mo Lingxi and Tao Lengshuang. "Have you ever considered what it means for a woman who grew up in the wilderness to enter a place like Prince Mingrui's mansion?"
This was something Mo Lingxi had never considered. He looked puzzled. "Does that matter?"
General Sheng stated that it mattered greatly. "The strict hierarchy, and the stark difference between where Lengshuang grew up and a place like Prince Mingrui's mansion. She would have to restrain herself due to your status and position, cater to people she dislikes, and not offend anyone easily."
"More importantly, there are rules and etiquette everywhere. A slight mistake could cost her life. Unlike in the wilderness, where she could do as she pleased freely, without regard for etiquette or rules, and without worrying about her life being in danger at any moment."
"If you were Prince Mingrui, which kind of life would you choose?"
This time, Mo Lingxi finally understood Tao Lengshuang's concerns. "If it were me, I would also choose freedom."
He also did not want to be bound by that world.
General Sheng added, "Furthermore, your status is noble. In the future, it's hard to guarantee you won't have multiple wives and concubines. Lengshuang's status is not good enough, and those secondary consorts and concubines will not truly respect her. There will be calculations and targeting, so what will you do then?"
General Sheng also mentioned that even if Mo Lingxi didn't want secondary consorts or concubines, the Emperor might bestow marriages, or to appease the court, he might have to marry daughters of officials.
There were many other things to consider, and it wasn't simply a matter of Mo Lingxi wanting to be with Tao Lengshuang for them to be together.
After listening, Mo Lingxi was shocked to realize there were so many complexities. "No wonder Tao Lengshuang has been unwilling to be with me."
Tao Lengshuang had said similar things to him before, but he hadn't grasped the seriousness of the issue. After hearing General Sheng's words this time, he finally realized the gravity of the situation.
General Sheng thought to himself that his attitude was also a significant problem. A woman with her own mind would make the right choice after understanding the man's attitude and intentions.
Mo Lingxi asked, "General Sheng, what must I do to make Tao Lengshuang change her mind?"
General Sheng replied, "First, you must clearly understand what you want. Do you want Lengshuang to accompany you, or do you hope to walk through life with her? There is a significant difference between these two."
Mo Lingxi's brow furrowed. "I'm not entirely sure either."
General Sheng patted his shoulder and smiled, telling him not to rush and to think about it slowly. In the meantime, he should appease Tao Lengshuang.
"Hurry and go appease Lengshuang."
Mo Lingxi thanked him and returned to the courtyard to appease Tao Lengshuang.
"General Sheng and I were just talking, and I finally understand your thoughts."
Tao Lengshuang was a little surprised. She hadn't expected General Sheng to discuss such matters with Mo Lingxi; it was truly unexpected.
"What good does it do if you understand?"
Mo Lingxi held her hand and said earnestly, "I will respect your thoughts, but I hope you have me in your future. Can you consider it?"
Tao Lengshuang looked at him deeply. "Mo Lingxi, have you thought it through?"
Mo Lingxi told the truth. "I haven't thought it through, but one thing is very clear: I must have you in my future."
Tao Lengshuang was not surprised, her eyes slightly distant. "There are many ways for me to be involved in your future, and it doesn't have to be as husband and wife."