Honestly, ever since Liang Jingchen's father went from Prince Duan to Emperor, his status had soared. From being an unknown second son of the Prince Duan's estate, he had become Prince Chen. This was more than just an honorary title. Compared to his previous status as the second son, he now wielded frightening power. Wealth, status, and power could easily intoxicate a person and change their original intentions. Su Xiaoqi, understanding this, felt that although they had discussed this matter before, it wasn't enough. At least, she wanted to see with her own eyes if he had changed. Thus, she decided to summon Liang Jingchen herself to ascertain his intentions.
Upon seeing Liang Jingchen listen to her words with exceptional seriousness, his dark eyes filled with sincerity, devoid of the superficiality and falseness of someone seasoned in the world of fame and profit, Su Xiaoqi, having studied psychology, considered herself a good judge of character. At this moment, she was almost certain that regardless of Liang Jingchen's true intentions, he was still the same Liang Jingchen from before, untainted by the world of fame and fortune.
"I do not get along with Prince Zhou, and Noble Consort Li detests me as if I were a venomous snake. If they gain power, I fear I will not have good days," Liang Jingchen said. Not only would he not, but those who were deemed to follow him by Noble Consort Li and her son would also meet a dire end.
Su Xiaoqi nodded; she understood Noble Consort Li's mindset. It was like two boats racing. For the people on one boat to win, they either had to row faster than the opponent, or if that was not possible, then the only other way was to use a pole to capsize the opponent's small boat. If everyone on board fell into the water, they would surely lose. Otherwise, there was no other way but to lose.
Although Su Xiaoqi had only met Noble Consort Li a few times, her sharp features and competitive spirit were evident. Otherwise, Shen Yun's scheme would not have succeeded in having her present her attending maids for Emperor Yongxing's pleasure. She merely saw a threat in the newly arrived Mingzhu.
"So, whether I fight or not, I must fight," Liang Jingchen had already provided the answer. Su Xiaoqi asked directly, and he answered directly. Su Xiaoqi nodded; it was the expected answer, bringing her peace. It wouldn't do for Shen Yun and the others to be causing trouble while Liang Jingchen acted like a saint, talking about brotherhood and filial piety, which would only hold them back.
As Su Xiaoqi looked at Liang Jingchen, he was also looking at her. Sensing the affirmation in her eyes, he felt a sense of understanding. He thought that Xiaoqi also hoped he would act this way, and he certainly wouldn't disappoint her. He was also happy to have her help him. To others, Su Xiaoqi was just a delicate woman, but he knew her capabilities and her influence over Shen Yun, the Duke of Yu's mansion behind him, and even several ministers in court.
"Since that is the case, then you still need to pay more attention to your image. Do not let them ruin your reputation. Remember, reputation is everything. A good reputation can smooth your path, but if your reputation is tarnished, reaching the peak will undoubtedly be arduous."
Su Xiaoqi's words seemed to have struck Liang Jingchen's weak spot. He blurted out, "I am not afraid of hardship, I only fear..." He only feared... Liang Jingchen stopped himself at the opportune moment, but his heart felt heavy, as if he had many things he wanted to say to Su Xiaoqi but didn't know where to begin.
"Your courage is commendable, but you should know better than I that the Emperor of the Great Liang dynasty cannot be someone who likes men." He could like men, but he must take concubines, have children, and leave a suitable heir. Liang Jingchen finally understood Su Xiaoqi's meaning; she was undoubtedly referring to the recent rumors circulating in the capital that he did not like women and preferred men. He knew that his good brother, Prince Zhou, had instigated this through his people. He had not responded to it, but that did not mean those things were true.
Seeing Liang Jingchen suddenly fall silent, Su Xiaoqi realized her words might have been too blunt. She said with a hint of embarrassment, "I apologize. I believe there must be some misunderstanding. I care about you, so I don't want you to be hurt by rumors."
Liang Jingchen's heart leaped. He suddenly lowered his voice and looked up at Su Xiaoqi, "You care about me, and I appreciate it. However, do you not already know whether I prefer men or women, Xiaoqi?" His preference knew no gender. If Xiaoqi was a woman, he liked women; if Xiaoqi were a man, he would like men.
Su Xiaoqi took a moment to react, realizing that he was actually confessing his feelings. She might not have understood Liang Jingchen's feelings for her before, but now, looking at her with such affectionate and deep eyes, his voice carrying a hint of accusation, even though he didn't finish his words, Su Xiaoqi could read his expression: I like you, don't you know? And you still suspect me of liking men!
With the conversation having reached this point, Su Xiaoqi felt that the discussion could no longer continue. She looked around, trying to find a topic unrelated to this one. Liang Jingchen noticed her awkwardness and stood up proactively, saying, "Thank you for your hospitality today, Xiaoqi. I will visit again another day." Seeing that he wasn't pressing the issue, Su Xiaoqi quickly returned the courtesy and saw him out.
Just as the two of them exited the flower hall, they saw Shen Yun returning. He rode his horse into the front courtyard. Upon seeing them, he reined in his horse, dismounted, and walked a few steps forward to embrace Su Xiaoqi. His movements were natural, his expression calm, with no intention of asserting dominance, yet Liang Jingchen felt his overwhelming possessiveness. This was a corner he could not touch.
He cupped his hands in greeting. Suddenly, he felt an urge to speak his mind to Shen Yun. Coincidentally, Shen Yun also had something to say to him. The two men exchanged a glance, each reading the other's thoughts. They both bade farewell to Su Xiaoqi and went to Shen Yun's study.
Liang Jingchen, with his sharp eyes, immediately noticed a small vase on the desk by the window, containing two large roses. They were a tender pink, clearly the work of a woman. Shen Yun saw it and explained proactively, "This was arranged by my wife. She always says the name 'moon season' is not elegant, but the flowers are truly beautiful. And they aren't arrogant; they bloom many times a year, satisfying the flower-lover's desire to admire them."
Liang Jingchen chuckled softly. These words sounded just like something Su Xiaoqi would say. He casually added, "Xiaoqi has always thought differently from others." That was also what attracted him to her.
Shen Yun said, "Xiaoqi also says that good flowers need to be cultivated and cared for by someone who understands and loves them. Otherwise, no matter how beautiful a flower is, if it experiences a great storm, its petals will fall, it will wither, and fade away."
Liang Jingchen's heart tightened. The hint was too obvious. He assumed Shen Yun meant that Xiaoqi was the flower, and he, Shen Yun, was the one who understood and loved her. As for himself, he was a superfluous observer from beginning to end, or perhaps just a passing admirer of flowers. "An admirer of flowers appreciates their bloom, praises them, compliments them, but a flower's blooming period is very short. How long can these empty praises last? The most important thing is the companionship of the person who plants the flower. In each other's most ordinary moments, to give the deepest companionship."