Chapter 725: Chapter 705: Extra 2: Tang Zhaozhao, the Beloved (Part 6)

Tang Zhaozhao lifted her head, sighing, "No need to go to such trouble."

Chu Mu held onto Tang Zhaozhao’s hand.

"It’s no trouble, because I am fond of you. Anything I do for you is of my own free will."

When Chu Mu was holding her hand, Tang Zhaozhao didn’t feel much, strangely enough, but she knew in her heart that she liked Chu Mu.

As someone who values appearances, Chu Mu’s looks were exactly her type.

Moreover, they had gone through life and death together.

Chu Mu smiled, "You’ve just returned and must be tired. Let me escort you back to your chamber, and I can take the opportunity to stretch my leg a bit."

Tang Zhaozhao nodded with a smile.

On the way, Chu Mu talked a lot with Tang Zhaozhao. The awkwardness of their months-long separation quickly faded, as if they were back to traveling companions as before.

Tang Zhaozhao shared some of the hardships she encountered on the journey and mentioned fighting alongside Tao Hai, though selectively.

Chu Mu frowned as he listened, "Zhaozhao, I really regret not being with you. I didn’t want you to face all that alone."

Tang Zhaozhao was touched, shaking her head, "Your leg was injured. Even if you had come, you couldn’t have done much. But now that your leg is better, we have plenty of time to explore more places together."

"You can see more of the sights you want. I’ll accompany you." 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

Chu Mu’s eyes lit up, and he immediately hugged Tang Zhaozhao.

"Zhaozhao, how are you so wonderful? Meeting you is my greatest fortune."

Tang Zhaozhao felt warm being praised, and Chu Mu’s embrace was genuinely comforting.

After being dropped off at her chamber, Chu Mu smiled and said, "Then I’ll take my leave now. I have acupuncture therapy later."

Tang Zhaozhao nodded with a smile, before walking into her chamber, only to find Tao Hai standing right in the middle of the courtyard.

Tao Hai’s eyes were deep, and he was without a smile, just quietly watching Tang Zhaozhao.

His gaze made Tang Zhaozhao feel as if she had done something wrong, even though she hadn’t done anything at all. They were merely comrades in arms.

Tao Hai said, "Tang Zhaozhao, how much do you like Chu Mu?"

Tang Zhaozhao replied, "He’s handsome; naturally, he suits my taste best. Of course, I like him the most."

Tao Hai stepped up to stand in front of Tang Zhaozhao, towering over her, his gaze filled with sadness.

"What’s so good about him? A sickly lad, not afraid of being exhausted to bits on the wedding night?"

Tang Zhaozhao furrowed her brow and retorted angrily, "Tao Hai, don’t be too much."

Tao Hai felt a bit short of breath, "Am I too much? What do I have that’s too much? What’s so good about him, Tang Zhaozhao?"

Tang Zhaozhao said, "He’s just really good, much better than you."

Tao Hai let out a self-deprecating laugh, "Indeed, I thought that over time you might remember me, but no. I thought that our time together would outweigh your time spent protecting Chu Mu, but it doesn’t."

"Tang Zhaozhao, so is it because he’s a bit weak that you see him as someone in need of care, while I’m hale and hearty, I’m indestructible?"

Currently, Tang Zhaozhao was still annoyed over having her first kiss taken by Tao Hai, so her tone wasn’t particularly friendly.

"Yes, so can you please stop bothering me?"

The love Tao Hai mentioned didn’t convince Tang Zhaozhao at all. This man spouted words as if without a filter, likely saying the same to many women.

As for the things he did with her, he probably did them with others as well. She was likely just prey in his eyes.

Tao Hai nodded, "Alright, let it be then."

From that day, Tao Hai truly vanished from Tang Zhaozhao’s world, while Chu Mu and Tang Zhaozhao became closer with each step.

Chu Mu said, "I heard that Tao Hai is now considering marriage with the Grand Secretary’s daughter. They make a fine match, and the Grand Secretary favors Tao Hai as a successor."

Tang Zhaozhao was stunned for a moment. Hearing this, she only felt an emptiness in her chest, followed by an inevitable sense of frustration.

There was a moment when she thought, perhaps, she was different in Tao Hai’s eyes because she was genuinely moved by some things Tao Hai had done before.

But now, hearing this news, she realized she was too naive.

If Tao Hai truly had any genuine feelings, he wouldn’t be preparing for marriage with another woman just half a month after returning.

Indeed, she was just a temporary plaything for Tao Hai.

Fortunately, she guarded her own heart.

Chu Mu laughed, "Look, others are already talking about marriage. Shouldn’t we also consider our situation?"

Tang Zhaozhao was still a bit dazed, "Huh?"

Chu Mu playfully tapped Tang Zhaozhao’s nose, "Shouldn’t we also get engaged, then choose an auspicious day to marry?"

Seeing Tang Zhaozhao silent, Chu Mu smiled and said, "I adore you, and you adore me too, don’t you?"

After a pause and seeing Tang Zhaozhao remain silent, Chu Mu continued, "Moreover, even if you don’t like me now, I’m confident I can make you fall for me. I have a lifetime to accomplish that."

With Chu Mu’s words, Tang Zhaozhao felt touched and secure.

Honestly, she did like Chu Mu’s appearance and enjoyed being with him, but she always felt something seemed lacking.

However, with Chu Mu granting her time, she no longer felt the urgent impulse to flee.

Tang Zhaozhao said, "I’ll think about it."

Chu Mu smiled and said, "I’ll wait for you here in three days. If you come, then it means you’ve accepted my proposal. I’ll personally ask the Emperor for your hand, willing to be your Prince Consort, willing to join your household."

Then, Chu Mu’s smile faded as he added, "But if you don’t come in three days, then I’ll probably have to leave the Imperial Palace. It wouldn’t be proper for an outsider like me to remain here, and besides, your brothers have already asked after me a few times."

After saying this, Chu Mu said, "Zhaozhao, one must look forward in life. When choosing a partner, they may not be your favorite, but they must be the most compatible with you."

"Isn’t Tao Hai about to get engaged too? There’s no need for you to dwell on him."

With Chu Mu’s words, Tang Zhaozhao immediately lifted her head.

"No, I could never like someone like Tao Hai, such a flirt."

Chu Mu walked over with a smile, embracing Tang Zhaozhao.

"Zhaozhao, I know, you like me the most, don’t you?"

Chu Mu’s voice was so gentle, his gaze so affectionate, his entire being like porcelain made of jade, making Tang Zhaozhao reluctant to refuse.

She nodded.

Chu Mu’s face lit up with a genuine smile, one Tang Zhaozhao had never seen during their time together.

However, not far away, Tao Hai stood for a long time, his face pale.