TFSRITA Chapter 34

After one person finished speaking, the others quickly followed with their explanations.

The Empress Dowager’s status and Yan Qing’s commanding presence intimidated these inexperienced young girls, causing them to tremble with fear.

Song Yu remained silent throughout, his expression growing increasingly complex.

The palace intrigues had changed this timid and weak girl. Her current appearance suggested she must have endured a difficult time in the harem, leading to such a transformation.

If she had been well-treated, how could she speak like this now, having once been so gentle and kind that she couldn’t even bear to punish servants?

Song Yu bit his lower lip to calm himself.

Yet, his heart was unsettled, constantly replaying the rumors he had heard about Yan Qing over the past few months.

Indeed, as a target of attention, everyone knew she was the most favored. How could she remain as she was during her time in the inner quarters?

Qing’er~~

He felt a deep regret, wishing he hadn’t prioritized establishing his career before starting a family.

He only wanted to build his future first, then use his achievements to win her, making everyone envious of her for marrying him.

He wanted to turn the woman he loved into someone others envied.

But it seemed he had made a mistake. This delay had changed everything; the disparity between their statuses had become so vast!

Song Yu let out a soft gasp, his heartache nearly making it hard to breathe.

However, the surrounding maidens were too nervous to hear the soft gasp, except for Zhu Yin, who stood beside Yan Qing. She glanced at him unexpectedly, her expression complex as she lowered her gaze.

…

Yan Qing looked back at the people who had fallen into the water and happened to meet Yan Zhen’s gaze.

As expected of the protagonist, Yan Zhen’s appearance was indeed striking. Despite being wet and her face still damp with water, her delicate features remained unspoiled, looking as fresh as a lotus emerging from the water.

“Elder Sister~~” Her timid voice sounded as if she were accusing the original owner of some wrong.

Yan Qing smiled gently, like a caring older sister: “Although today’s incident was an accident, you can no longer remain as maidens. Consider it as if you were directly eliminated. After the selection ends, you should leave with the other eliminated candidates.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” The maidens quickly nodded in agreement.

Although the saying “the law does not punish the masses” might seem a bit unfair, it was indeed the case here. Zhu Yin’s intervention increased the number of those who fell into the water, and those who had reached this stage typically had influential families.

If one of them had married Song Yu, the others would naturally have been married off as well. However, with the Song family’s prominence, no one would dare agree to such a thing.

So, it had to be treated as if it had never happened.

The maidens continued as usual. The ones who fell into the water were sent to rest, and the others continued with the selection. Yan Qing turned to look at Consort De and Consort Xian, who were following closely behind her. She asked with curiosity, “Why are you following me?”

Consort De gritted her teeth. Even though their ranks were lower, Yan Qing had moved, so how could they just sit back?

Consort Xian, with a milder temperament, smiled, “Your Majesty, should we return now?”

“Go ahead.”

Yan Qing waved her hand impatiently.

Consort De, still fuming, wanted to say something but was stopped by Consort Xian. The two of them walked back, leaving only Yan Qing’s attendants and Song Yu by the lotus pond.

Drenched and looking anything but embarrassed, Song Yu remained on one knee, his head lowered, concealing his expression.

Once everyone had left, Yan Qing dismissed Granny Qian and the others, leaving only Zhu Yin. She then said, “Come with me.”

Song Yu obediently followed, a few steps behind, and finally looked up, gazing at her back with a pained expression. His once lively and proud eyes now lacked their former vigor.

He dared not look directly, fearing he might see resentment in her eyes.

He was also afraid he might lose control and cause her harm.

The two walked behind a fake mountain that blocked others’ view. Yan Qing closed her eyes briefly and said softly, “Don’t you have anything to say?”

“… I’m sorry,” Song Yu replied slowly, his voice hoarse and suppressed, as if trying to hide everything. Yet, after speaking, he couldn’t help but gaze at her, his affection evident.

Yan Qing pressed her lips together and shook her head slowly, “You have nothing to apologize for. It’s just the way fate turned out.”

That fate was Ji Yecheng, the damned bastard! He broke up a loving couple. When the opportunity arises, she would have to teach him a lesson!

Her gentle voice seemed to return to its former liveliness and softness, making Song Yu feel even more pained.

He was momentarily speechless.

Seeing this, Yan Qing took the initiative, “What’s the situation with you and Yan Zhen?”

She only wanted to confirm. Yan Zhen had taken the initiative, and this novel was about the woman pursuing the man, with the enthusiasm of the time-traveling woman making this reserved man feel the warmth of passion for the first time.

Song Yu was momentarily stunned, his eyes filled with surprise, seemingly not understanding why she asked. He honestly replied, “She saved me once, and that’s all.”

Afterward, Song Yu recalled the incident with the water.

At that time, he had been disoriented, but he still remembered that it was Yan Zhen who had actively thrown herself toward him. As he thought about it, Song Yu’s expression became serious, his gaze more cautious.

Yan Qing did not notice this. She was currently too apprehensive to look directly at him. Song Yu was much taller than her, about the same height as Ji Yecheng. She only reached their shoulders. Song Yu was also slimmer than Ji Yecheng. Although his official robes were filled with grandeur, they still gave him a floating appearance.

His looks were high enough; with a fair, refined face, his slightly furrowed brows seemed full of concerns. Seeing him, Yan Qing’s heart ached fiercely again. She had to force herself to look away, feeling somewhat reassured by his response, and said in her accustomed manner: “Song Yu, she likes you, but I don’t want you to like her!”