Chapter 1159: The Princess Consort Whose Memories Were Altered (34)

Hidden within his sleeves, Shangguan Jing clenched his fists tightly.

Soon.

Very soon, Jiao'er would belong to him.

As for the woman before him, she would no longer be his Princess Consort. She would replace Consort Jiao and spend the rest of her life in the imperial palace.

“These days, you've worked hard, Princess Consort.”

Thinking about how she had managed the entire Prince Jing Manor and how the businesses under his name, including the restaurants and shops, had flourished under her care, Shangguan Jing couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Just recently, the batch of rough stones purchased from Northern Yan merchants had yielded many treasures.

Several jade ornaments in his study had been carved from those stones.

Suddenly, he realized that she had never asked for anything in return.

For some reason, guilt surfaced in his heart.

Perhaps because she was too obedient, he couldn't help feeling a little reluctant.

But if blame was to be assigned, it could only be blamed on fate.

She shouldn't have met him, Shangguan Jing.

She shouldn't have been Jiao'er's elder sister.

And she certainly shouldn't have looked exactly like Jiao'er.

Then he remembered the finest piece of jade he had selected some time ago and had crafted into a bracelet.

Originally, he had intended to gift it to Jiao'er.

But now, he'd changed his mind.

At the very least, this woman was obedient.

Jiao'er would eventually come to his side anyway.

A mere jade bracelet might as well be given to the woman before him.

As for whatever treasures Jiao'er desired in the future, he would search the world to find them for her.

“Your Highness, is there anything else you require of this concubine? If not, this concubine shall take her leave.”

Seeing Tang Guo turn to depart, Shangguan Jing stopped her.

As she looked at him in confusion, he said in his usual indifferent tone, “Wait here. Before this Prince returns, you are not to leave.”

“Yes, Your Highness. This concubine shall wait.”

Shangguan Jing couldn't understand her.

Could she not think for herself?

Could she not resist?

Didn't she know that he had no feelings for her whatsoever?

This foolish woman.

Naive to an absurd degree.

He walked away swiftly and entered his study, retrieving the box containing the jade bracelet before hurrying back.

Then he saw her.

Standing under the blazing sun.

His heart suddenly tightened.

It had only been a short while, yet her little face had already turned red from the heat.

He hurried to her side.

“This Prince told you to wait here. Did you not think to move into the shade?”

Then he saw her raise her head with a confused expression, somehow looking a little adorable.

“Princess Consort, standing beneath the scorching sun—aren't you afraid of fainting from heatstroke?”

“But didn't Your Highness tell this concubine to wait here?”

“This Prince told you to wait here, and you simply obeyed?” Shangguan Jing asked in bewilderment. “Couldn't you think a little? What if something happened?”

“Is Your Highness concerned for this concubine?”

Despite her flushed face, she asked eagerly, eyes shining with expectation.

Shangguan Jing sneered.

“You're thinking too much. Princess Consort really is skilled at flattering herself.”

“You've always been intelligent, so why do you refuse to think when it comes to this Prince? Not everything I say is necessarily right.”

“Your Highness is this concubine's husband. There is nothing wrong with listening to one's husband.”

Shangguan Jing found himself unable to communicate with such stubbornness.

He handed her the box.

“Take it. In consideration of your hard work this past year, this Prince rewards you with it.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Tang Guo opened the box right before him.

Under the sunlight, a crystal-clear jade bracelet came into view.

The moment she saw it, the smile on her face changed.

No longer the faint, dignified smile she usually wore—

But a bright, radiant smile.

For a moment, Shangguan Jing fell silent.

Unable to summon even the slightest thought of reproach.