Dapeng's Time Travel Life

Chapter 2 The Whirlpool of Love

Ever since that night at Chunxiang Pavilion when he met Xia Lijuan, Zhang Peng's heart felt as if it were being gripped tightly by an invisible hand, and her pitiful appearance kept involuntarily appearing in his mind. After not seeing her for several days, his longing grew wildly like weeds, and finally, on a warm afternoon with the sun high in the sky, he stepped into the doors of Chunxiang Pavilion once again.

The madam, with her sharp eyes, spotted Zhang Peng immediately. Her face instantly lit up with a fawning smile as she swayed her hips and hurried over, saying, "Oh, Your Highness, you've finally arrived! Miss Lijuan has been so lovesick these past few days, she can't eat or drink, she's been talking about you every day." Zhang Peng's lips curled up slightly, secretly pleased. He waved his hand and said, "Quickly take this prince to see her."

Passing through winding corridors and past several exquisitely crafted rockeries, Zhang Peng, led by the madam, arrived at Xia Lijuan's boudoir. The door opened slightly, and a delicate fragrance wafted out. Xia Lijuan, dressed in a moon-white silk dress, stood quietly by the window like a blooming lily. Hearing the sound, she slowly turned around, a flicker of surprise in her eyes, which then transformed into boundless tenderness. With graceful steps, she approached Zhang Peng and knelt down, saying, "Your Highness, you've finally arrived! Lijuan thought you'd forgotten me."

Zhang Peng quickly reached out to help her up, holding her soft hands in his, his eyes full of affection: "How could that be? I've been busy with affairs of the manor these past few days and really couldn't get away. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting." Xia Lijuan gently shook her head, a thin mist rising in her eyes, her voice tinged with grievance: "As long as Prince has Lijuan in his heart, it's worth waiting no matter how long."

The two sat down on the couch, and a maidservant brought out delicate pastries and fragrant tea. Xia Lijuan personally poured tea for Zhang Peng, her movements gentle and elegant. She lowered her head slightly, revealing a section of her fair neck, as graceful as a swan's. Looking at her, Zhang Peng's love grew stronger. He picked up the teacup, took a small sip, and exclaimed, "This tea is indeed fragrant and delicious." Xia Lijuan covered her mouth and chuckled, "This was specially prepared by Lijuan for Your Highness. It's new tea from the South. I heard Your Highness loves tea, so Lijuan went to great lengths to find it." Zhang Peng felt a warmth in his heart, thinking that Xia Lijuan's thoughtfulness was truly rare in this world.

After tea and refreshments, Xia Lijuan offered to play a piece on the zither for Zhang Peng. She walked to the zither table, sat down slowly, and gently plucked the strings. Melodious music flowed out like a gentle stream. Zhang Peng leaned back on the couch, closed his eyes, and listened, completely immersed in the beautiful music. When the piece ended, Zhang Peng opened his eyes, clapped, and praised, "Lijuan, your zither playing has become increasingly exquisite! This piece captivated this prince." Xia Lijuan's cheeks flushed slightly, and she said softly, "As long as Your Highness enjoys it, Lijuan is willing to play for you every day."

As dusk settled, the light inside softened. Looking at the beautiful woman before him, Zhang Peng felt a surge of emotion. He reached out and pulled Xia Lijuan into his arms. Xia Lijuan struggled slightly before nestling against him. Zhang Peng looked down into her eyes and said earnestly, "Lijuan, I, this prince, wish to redeem you and take you back to my manor. Are you willing?" A flicker of joy flashed in Xia Lijuan's eyes, followed by tears. "My lord, I have no way to repay your great kindness. But I come from a brothel, and I fear it will tarnish your reputation." Zhang Peng held her tightly, saying firmly, "I don't care about such things. As long as I can be with you, nothing else matters."

Xia Lijuan smiled through her tears and nodded vigorously: "Lijuan is willing, and will spend the rest of her life by Prince's side." Zhang Peng was overjoyed and immediately decided to come and redeem her the next day.

The next day, Zhang Peng arrived at Chunxiang Brothel with a hefty ransom. Although the madam was reluctant to part with this cash cow, seeing the gleaming silver, she smiled obsequiously and agreed. After the formalities were completed, Zhang Peng took Xia Lijuan's hand and left Chunxiang Brothel. Xia Lijuan glanced back at the brothel that had imprisoned her for so many years, her eyes filled with resolute determination, then tightly grasped Zhang Peng's hand, as if holding onto her only hope.

Back at the Prince's residence, Zhang Peng specially arranged a secluded courtyard for Xia Lijuan, filled with various flowers, where it was spring-like all year round. The maids had prepared hot water and new clothes early in the morning to help Xia Lijuan bathe and change. Zhang Peng sat on a stone bench in the courtyard, his heart filled with anticipation. A short while later, Xia Lijuan emerged from her room. She wore a light pink dress, her hair simply tied up with a jade hairpin, and she looked ethereal and otherworldly, like a fairy descended from heaven.

Zhang Peng was stunned until Xia Lijuan walked up to him and gently called his name, bringing him back to his senses. He took Xia Lijuan's hand, led her into the room, and said to her, "From today onwards, this is your home. If there's anything you want, just tell me, Your Highness." Xia Lijuan was moved to tears and threw herself into Zhang Peng's arms, saying, "Your Highness, you're so good to Lijuan. Lijuan will never let you down."

Days passed, and Zhang Peng and Xia Lijuan became inseparable, their love as deep as ice. Every morning, Zhang Peng would accompany Xia Lijuan for a walk in the courtyard, admiring the blooming flowers; in the afternoon, the two would read and write in the study, occasionally exchanging thoughts; at night, they would sit in the courtyard, gazing at the stars, and sharing their innermost feelings. The servants in the mansion, seeing the couple so affectionate, all sighed with admiration, saying that the Prince had finally found his happiness.

However, beneath the surface calm, undercurrents were surging. One day, Zhang Peng's personal guard approached him in a panic and whispered a few words in his ear. Zhang Peng's face instantly darkened, he clenched his fists, and a flash of anger crossed his eyes: "Is what you said true?" The guard nodded hurriedly: "Absolutely true, Your Highness, Xia Lijuan probably has ulterior motives." Zhang Peng took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down: "I understand. You may leave now. Do not make a fuss about this."

After the guards withdrew, Zhang Peng sat down in a chair, lost in thought. He recalled his interactions with Xia Lijuan, a sense of unease creeping into his heart. Xia Lijuan's behavior was sometimes indeed strange; subtle gestures and glances always made him feel that she was hiding something. He decided to investigate secretly to find out Xia Lijuan's true identity and purpose.

Meanwhile, in her courtyard, Xia Lijuan looked at a letter in her hand, a sinister smile spreading across her face. She carefully hid the letter, a glint of ruthlessness flashing in her eyes: "Zhang Peng, do you really think I love you? Hmph, once my plan is complete, you'll know you've regretted it."