Chapter 510: House Fight Turns into Thriller 49
However, after this battle, the capital seemed to have returned to its former tranquility, but Princess Jing'an's heart had quietly changed. Every night when it was quiet, she would always stand alone in front of the window, staring into the distance, with a hint of confusion and melancholy in her eyes. Liu Hui also noticed the princess's changes, but he did not ask much, just silently guarded by her side.
One day, the emperor held a banquet in the Imperial Garden to celebrate the victory over the Netherworld Cult Leader, and also praised Liu Hui's heroic performance and contribution. At the banquet, gold, silver, jewelry, silk and satin filled the table. The emperor personally poured wine for Liu Hui, and his words were full of gratitude and respect: "Liu Hui, you not only saved my beloved daughter, but also made great contributions to the capital. From now on, you will be my right-hand man, and I will grant you a high position and a generous salary, and you will enjoy endless glory and wealth."
Liu Hui took the wine glass respectfully and said modestly: "Your Majesty, I am grateful for your kindness. But all I want is peace in the world and well-being for the people. As for personal honor and disgrace, I don't care."
After hearing this, the emperor was full of praise for Liu Hui, saying that he was not only a martial arts expert, but also a man of noble character. The queen mother also nodded and smiled, her eyes full of admiration.
However, at this moment, Princess Jing'an suddenly stood up, walked to Liu Hui, raised her glass, and said with a barely perceptible tremor in her voice: "Liu Hui, this glass is for you. I will never forget your great kindness."
Liu Hui quickly stood up and responded respectfully: "Princess, you are too kind. It is my honor to serve you."
The two clinked their glasses and drank the wine in one gulp. But Princess Jing'an's expression became even more complicated, as if she had thousands of words to say but couldn't express them.
After the banquet, Liu Hui was about to leave when Princess Jing'an called her: "Liu Hui, can you walk with me?"
Under the moonlight, the two strolled along the path in the Imperial Garden, surrounded by the quiet night and the occasional chirping of insects. Princess Jing'an suddenly stopped, turned around, and looked directly at Liu Hui: "Liu Hui, do you know? During the days when I was imprisoned by the Netherworld Cult Master, it was you who gave me hope. Your voice and your figure became my only support."
Liu Hui was overwhelmed with emotion when he heard this, but he remained calm and at a distance: "Princess, that's what I should do. You are a royal family, and Liu Hui is just doing his duty."
Princess Jing'an shook her head, with a firm look in her eyes: "No, Liu Hui, you are not only my savior, but also the most important person in my heart. I am willing... willing to do anything for you."
Liu Hui was shocked. He didn't expect the princess to say such a thing. He took a deep breath and tried to make his tone more firm: "Princess, I appreciate your kindness. But I am a man of the rivers and lakes, accustomed to wandering and freedom. And you are a princess of the capital. Our futures are destined to be two different paths."
Princess Jing'an's eyes dimmed after hearing this, but she quickly regained her determination: "Liu Hui, don't worry. I will find a way for us to be together."
From then on, Princess Jing'an began to frequently summon Liu Hui to discuss state affairs, drink tea and play chess, but she would always find an opportunity to be alone with Liu Hui, trying to get closer to them. Although Liu Hui was aware of this, she could only endure it silently due to her status as a princess.
As time went on, Princess Jing'an's behavior became more and more obvious. She began to interfere in government affairs and even directly followed Liu Hui's opinions on certain decisions. All of this attracted the attention of the emperor and the queen mother.
One day, the emperor summoned Liu Hui to his study room and said solemnly, "Liu Hui, I heard that you have been very close to the princess recently?"
Liu Hui's heart tightened, but she remained calm: "Your Majesty, the princess is working for the country and the people. Liu Hui is just doing her best to share the princess' worries."
The emperor sighed: "Liu Hui, I know you are loyal. But the princess is a member of the royal family after all, and her marriage is related to the country. Do you understand what I mean?"
Liu Hui lowered her head, feeling mixed emotions: "Your Majesty, Liu Hui understands. But the princess's feelings towards Liu Hui may just be... just temporary gratitude and dependence."
The emperor was silent for a moment, then slowly said: "Liu Hui, I hope you can understand your identity and responsibilities. The princess's future should be arranged by me. As for you, I will grant you more wealth and status to commend your achievements."
Liu Hui knew that the emperor had made it very clear that he could no longer cross the line with the princess. He bowed respectfully and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty. Liu Hui will do his best to serve you."
However, Princess Jing'an did not give up. She began to secretly use her power to seek more benefits for Liu Hui, and even spoke directly for Liu Hui on some important court affairs. All of this made Liu Hui feel both moved and helpless.
One night, Liu Hui was secretly summoned by Princess Jing'an to the Princess's Mansion. Inside the Princess's Mansion, the lights were on, and Princess Jing'an, dressed in plain clothes, sat quietly at the desk, waiting for Liu Hui's arrival.
Liu Hui walked into the room and saw the princess's appearance. She couldn't help but feel an inexplicable emotion in her heart: "Princess, it's so late, what do you want to see me for?"
Princess Jing'an raised her head and looked directly at Liu Hui: "Liu Hui, do you know? I can no longer bear the pain of separation. I am willing to give up everything, just to be with you."
Liu Hui was shocked. He didn't expect the princess to be so resolute. He took a deep breath and tried to make his tone more firm: "Princess, why are you doing this? I am a man of the rivers and lakes, accustomed to wandering and freedom. And you are a princess of the capital. Our futures are destined to be two different paths."
Princess Jing'an's eyes flashed with tears: "Liu Hui, don't you understand my feelings? I am willing to give up everything for you, including my identity and status."
Liu Hui felt mixed emotions. He knew that he had fallen into the emotional web woven by the princess and could not extricate himself. But he also knew that if he accepted the princess's feelings, it would bring endless troubles and dangers to himself and the princess.
At this moment, Princess Jing'an suddenly stood up, walked to Liu Hui, and held his arms tightly with both hands: "Liu Hui, are you willing to be my support? I am willing to be your puppet as long as you are willing to stay with me."
Liu Hui was shocked. He didn't expect the princess to say such a thing. He looked at the princess' eyes full of desire and determination, and an indescribable emotion surged in his heart. He knew that he couldn't refuse.
From then on, Princess Jing'an began to summon Liu Hui more frequently, and even let Liu Hui speak for her on some important court affairs. Liu Hui gradually got used to this change in status, and began to intervene more deeply in court affairs, using his influence to seek more benefits for the princess.
Although the emperor and the queen mother noticed this change, they could only turn a blind eye due to the princess's status and Liu Hui's achievements. The ministers in the court began to discuss the relationship between Liu Hui and the princess, but no one dared to question it publicly.
However, this superficial peace did not last long. One day, urgent news came from the border that a powerful enemy army was approaching the capital. The emperor immediately summoned court officials to discuss countermeasures, but at this time, the court had become fragmented because of the relationship between Liu Hui and the princess, and it was difficult to form a unified opinion.
At this time, Liu Hui volunteered to lead the army to fight the enemy. Although the emperor had some concerns, he had no choice but to trust Liu Hui when the country was in danger.