After all, this was the place where she had lived the longest since leaving the Liuyun Imperial Palace. All along, she had been like a flying feather, drifting aimlessly and having no fixed abode. Although traveling around the world and seeing all the beautiful sceneries was quite pleasant, she still yearned for a home.
After marrying Yong Yaxuan, she finally had a home. Although there were more rules than in Liuyun, it didn't dampen her enthusiasm. In her youth, she and Yong Yaxuan had once had a very wonderful time.
People always tend to want to go out and see the bigger world after having a home. However, the imperial palace was not a very free place. As a princess in her mother - country, it was okay to sneak out occasionally. But in Dayong, as the mother of the nation, if she often went out, she would surely be criticized by the censors. Thus, some of her wishes and emotions were gradually suppressed, which became the fuse for subsequent events.
Ji Feiyu was soaking in the pool that was usually exclusive to Yong Yaxuan. Relaxing both physically and mentally, she thought through the whole story from beginning to end. After experiencing so much, she finally understood things that had puzzled her before. Maybe this was a kind of growth?
After all, this trip out had fulfilled some of her wishes and released the repressed longings in her heart. So she didn't feel so averse to coming back. Moreover, it might not be better outside than in the palace.
When she was among the common people, she had witnessed some life and death, partings and reunions. She found that every stratum had its own helplessness, and no one was absolutely free. The daughters of rich families might be forced by their parents to marry someone they didn't like, while the daughters of poor families had to work hard and be on guard against being coveted. She had been quite lucky on this journey, she comforted herself.
Ji Feiyu soaked for a while. After her body got warm, she began to wash her hair. After washing it, she scooped up some water with a ladle and placed it beside the pool. She then opened the powder from the Flower Butterfly and dissolved it in water. Using the liquid in the ladle, she carefully and gently washed off the disguise on her face. Just then, a maid entered the room and placed a set of clothes outside the screen. Due to Yong Yaxuan's order, she didn't dare to stay long. Even if she was curious, she quickly retreated.
As soon as Ji Feiyu saw the clothes, she didn't want to delay any longer. She got out of the pool. A few drops of water remained on the lotus - shaped birthmark on her back after being soaked in water, making it look especially charming.
Ji Feiyu dried her body and put on a clean set of women's clothes. It was just an ordinary daily dress without any special style. It seemed that Yong Yaxuan wasn't sure what she was coming back for. Judging from the maid's attitude when she entered and left, Yong Yaxuan was still trying his best to protect her identity.
After changing her clothes, she let her hair fall to one side, tilted her head and began to dry her hair. While drying it, she opened the door and walked out. Yong Yaxuan was waiting outside. Hearing the sound of the door opening, he turned around and saw Ji Feiyu in her true, feminine form. He was so shocked that he almost stopped breathing.
Ji Feiyu didn't think there was anything strange. She just urged, "Go and take a bath quickly. You can't be careless now that it's getting cold."
Yong Yaxuan couldn't help asking, "Why did you change your face back?"
Ji Feiyu said, "I'll tell you later."
Yong Yaxuan then nodded. Coming back to his senses, he said, "By the way, I've asked someone to prepare charcoal fire. Your hair will dry faster this way."
Ji Feiyu said, "Okay." Then she walked straight to the charcoal fire.
Yong Yaxuan quickly went in to soak in the pool. He still had a lot to say to her.
When Yong Yaxuan came out again, Ji Feiyu was still combing her hair by the charcoal fire.
His hair was loose and wet, which was completely different from his usual well - groomed and energetic appearance. As soon as Ji Feiyu saw him come out, she said, "Come here quickly."
Yong Yaxuan was stunned for a moment, then he smiled and walked towards her. He felt that something about Ji Feiyu had changed since she came back this time.
The two of them sat around the charcoal fire. At first, they were silent.
After a while, they almost spoke at the same time.
"Why did you enter the palace?"
"I came back this time to..."
Both of them were stunned and stopped. They were actually talking about the same thing. Yong Yaxuan made a "please" gesture to her. "You go first."
Ji Feiyu then said, "I came back this time to ask you to announce to the world that I'm not dead." She finally said out the purpose of her return at the beginning and felt greatly relieved.
Hearing this, Yong Yaxuan was puzzled. He frowned slightly and asked, "Why do you want this? Are you worried that I can't handle this matter well?"
Ji Feiyu shook her head. "No, this matter is closely related to me. Now the whole of Dayong is a bit restless. This is a sign of an unstable country. How can I watch the common people get in turmoil just for my own self - interest?"
Hearing this, Yong Yaxuan's expression became serious. He said, "I've received reports about the unrest among the common people, but I didn't feel it as clearly as you did among the common people. We were set up this time. I'm investigating the mastermind behind it."
Ji Feiyu said, "Yes, indeed. It's obvious that someone is fanning the flames behind this. Actually, I quietly asked those emotional common people when I was among them. I learned from them that there is an organization called the Tongpao Society. Maybe you can check it out based on this clue."
"The Tongpao Society?" Yong Yaxuan squinted his eyes. "Is it the 'Tongpao' from 'I share my robe with you'?"
"Exactly." Ji Feiyu nodded.
"'The king is going to war. I'll repair my spear and halberd.' It seems they don't even bother to disguise themselves." Yong Yaxuan snorted.
Ji Feiyu said, "So, our top priority now is to quickly issue an imperial edict to tell the whole world that I'm still alive. In this way, their indignation will have no reason."
Hearing this, Yong Yaxuan's expression softened. He said gently, "But if so, you won't be able to go out again."
Ji Feiyu said, "I won't go out anymore."
"What did you say?" Yong Yaxuan was stunned when he heard this. He stared at her blankly.
Ji Feiyu met his gaze and said word by word, "I said I won't go out anymore."
Yong Yaxuan was almost overjoyed to tears, but he just looked at her in disbelief and couldn't say a word.
Ji Feiyu suddenly laughed when she saw his expression. When she laughed, the whole room brightened up a lot. She summoned up her courage, stretched out a hand to Yong Yaxuan and said, "Let's get to know each other again. My name is Ji Feiyu."
Looking at her relaxed and naughty appearance, Yong Yaxuan held back the tears in his eyes and also laughed. He said softly, "I've long admired you. I'm Yong Yaxuan." He reached out his hand and gently shook Ji Feiyu's. They both looked at each other. At that moment, they temporarily reconciled with each other, and Ji Feiyu also reconciled with herself. Maybe they really should get to know each other again.
Their hands quickly separated after the handshake, just like people shaking hands as a courtesy when they first met. Ji Feiyu withdrew her hand and averted her gaze. She played with her hair and said, "My hair seems to be dry."