Balance?

What is that?

That is something only useless people need. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Lu Ziyuan again recalled the day of the palace coup in his past life, when his father, known as a benevolent ruler, kept saying, ’An Emperor, especially one with a mandate from heaven to rejuvenate the dynasty, cannot have weaknesses.’

Thus, the old emperor tacitly approved of Wanwan being poisoned to death.

He thought he could raise a master of destiny for the dynasty, to save the empire on the brink of collapse, and prolong the life of the Great Khan for a hundred years.

Little did he know he had unleashed a madman.

A complete madman.

......

As evening approached at Hezhou Dayang Lake, the sky was aglow with red clouds reflected on the lake’s surface, rippling in the water, creating a dazzling, breathtaking scene.

A gigantic two-story pavilion ship floated gently on the water. Xie Wanqing stood at the second-floor window sill, gazing at the crystal-clear lake surface, her emotions calm.

’Knock knock,’ came two knocks at the door, followed by a maid’s voice from outside, "Miss Xie, it’s time for your meal."

Speaking, she entered without waiting for Xie Wanqing’s response.

Upon seeing Xie Wanqing standing well by the window, she quietly exhaled a breath of relief and said, "Please change attire for your meal, Miss."

Xie Wanqing pressed her lips together, looking at the clothing the maid carried in her hands.

After being knocked unconscious that day, she awoke on this decorated boat. Except for meals, she wasn’t allowed to leave the room. The window was sealed with two wooden bars, leaving no space for her to jump out.

The room’s walls were all made of wood; there were no teacups, needles, or any sharp objects. She’d also been drugged with a soft muscle potion, which didn’t affect her daily movements but weakened her jaw muscles, forcing her to eat soft, easy-to-digest food, preventing her from finding a way to bite her tongue to end her life.

Only after being subjected to such helpless circumstances did she realize how laughable her threats to Lu Ziyuan were that day.

No need to dislocate her jaw or sever her hand and foot tendons to stop her from seeking death—a single vial of soft muscle potion was sufficient.

Perhaps there were other methods; people playing power games are full of ways to make dying unattainable.

However, Lu Ziyuan was reluctant to use them on her, which was why he was susceptible to her threats.

Just a casual mention of seeking death made him uneasy, frightening him into concession.

But the Jin Dynasty Crown Prince paid no heed to this; he used the soft muscle potion on her, and would sit in her room each day. Though his words and demeanor were respectful, a lone man and woman together in a room for almost half a month, daily.

During meals, he would have her accompany him downstairs.

Each time, he’d prepare a new outfit for her to wear out.

Xie Wanqing glanced at the smoky rouge-colored chiffon dress, noting it was not the typical Great Khan crossover collar but a strapless design reaching the chest. The fabric was thin, smooth, and comfortable to the touch, embroidered with large peony flowers, vividly colorful.

This was a Jin Dynasty woman’s attire.

Judging by its revealing style, perhaps it was something worn by the Jin Dynasty dancing girls?

Xie Wanqing looked at it, about to toss it on the ground as she had done every day before, when the maid said, "The Crown Prince commands, Miss, please change."

Speaking, the maid, always respectful in demeanor, raised her head slightly, "Please, Miss, do not make it difficult for this servant."

Seeing this maid about to dress her, this outfit was something she had no choice but to wear.

Xie Wanqing slightly pressed her lips, "What if I refuse to wear it?"

"The Crown Prince orders that you must wear this outfit whether you want to today," the maid gently replied. "The Crown Prince also commanded that, with the autumn wind chilly, you may wear a cloak outside."

This seemed a gradual erosion of her boundaries, starting with the thin dancing dress, perhaps escalating progressively?

Or as they got closer to the Northern Border, he, who disliked Lu Ziyuan’s beloved, grew less inclined to be courteous to her, wanting to humiliate her to vent his hatred for Lu Ziyuan?

Xie Wanqing remained unmoved for a long time.

The maid asked, "Miss, would you like this servant to assist you in changing clothes?"

Being able to follow the Crown Prince into unfamiliar territory, even a maid was one skilled in martial arts.

This dancing dress: she either wore it herself, or the maid helped her wear it.

......

Moments later, wrapped in a bright red cloak, Xie Wanqing descended the stairs.

In the hall below, Jin Wuji sat at the head of the dining table. Seeing the girl descend slowly, his eyes slightly brightened, "Missing a set of hair accessories."

He wore a blue robe, with a jade crown binding his hair, sword-like brows and starry eyes, features deeply defined, possessing a beauty distinct from the Great Khan people.

Xie Wanqing glanced at him, and said flatly, "Would the Crown Prince dare provide me with a hairpin?"

Since waking up, she hadn’t had even a wooden hairpin. These days, she relied on silk ribbons to bind her hair, her long black hair hanging low at the back, her face without powder, showing a compliant look.