Chapter 1161: The Princess Consort Whose Memories Were Altered (36)

“This person will forget the past and continue living with new memories.”

Daoist Yang looked at Shangguan Jing and asked, “Your Highness, do you want the reversible kind or the irreversible kind? You should think it through carefully. This spell can only be performed once.”

Standing to one side, Shangguan Jing pondered for a while before saying, “Then use the reversible spell on Jiao’er. As for the Princess Consort…” He hesitated for a brief moment before finally deciding, “Make hers irreversible.”

Jiao’er would live with him in Prince Jing’s Manor in the future. It was impossible for her to continue living under someone else’s identity forever.

By the time ten years had passed, there would be little room left to salvage the situation. During those ten years, all he had to do was treat Jiao’er well. Once she recalled the beautiful years they had spent together, surely she would not be unable to forgive him.

As for the Princess Consort, she would eventually enter the imperial palace. With her rigid and proper temperament, if she regained her memories after ten years, who knew what she might do?

She had once been Prince Jing’s Consort, yet upon awakening would inexplicably find herself transformed into the Emperor’s concubine. If she made a scene over it, no one would come out looking good.

If she never remembered her true identity for the rest of her life, she could at least live peacefully in the palace. Forgetting was better for everyone—for herself and for Jiao’er. After all, if the truth came out, she probably would not be able to survive. In a way, he would be saving her life.

Perhaps even Shangguan Jing himself felt that what he was doing was dishonorable, because a trace of guilt had arisen in his heart.

Recently, he had been treating Tang Guo exceptionally well. After speaking with Daoist Yang, he had even invited her out for an excursion.

“This prince feels that Your Highness has been in Prince Jing’s Manor for over a year now, yet I have never once accompanied you outside for leisure. The weather is bright and pleasant today. Why not go out and enjoy the spring scenery?”

Tang Guo smiled at Shangguan Jing and answered, “Very well.” Delight could clearly be seen in her expression.

Shangguan Jing thought to himself that he had merely bestowed a little favor, yet she was so happy over it. Women truly could be foolish beyond words.

But none of that mattered. She did not have much time left in the manor. Accompanying her on an outing could be considered compensation.

Once she entered the palace, days like these, where she could freely go out and wander, would become rare.

The two rode in a carriage along the most scenic route outside the imperial city. Whenever they encountered a place worth admiring or stopping at, they would descend from the carriage and enjoy the sights.

Seeing that she still carried herself with impeccable manners and the bearing of a noble lady, Shangguan Jing no longer mocked her. For when she stood quietly amidst the scenery, she herself became a unique sight.

Just looking at those scholars nearby, whose eyes had practically gone straight with fascination, was enough to understand how captivating she was at that moment.

Having practiced martial arts since childhood, his senses were exceptionally sharp. He had already overheard the scholars discussing her beauty. Some recognized him and came forward to pay their respects. They dared not look directly at her in his presence, yet after retreating, they secretly stole glances in her direction.

There were even some who had begun painting. Shangguan Jing casually swept his gaze over them. Although the beauties on their papers had yet to have their eyes drawn, he could tell from the details that the woman they were painting was none other than her.

“Princess Consort, let us go elsewhere.”

She was watching several dragonflies darting above the lake, occasionally skimming the water’s surface. The joy in her mood was evident between her brows and eyes, while the corners of her lips curved upward in the restrained smile she always maintained.

Yet he found himself hoping to see once more that fleeting, brilliant smile she had shown before—a smile as dazzling and short-lived as an epiphyllum in bloom. It truly had been enchanting.

If those people secretly admiring her were to witness such a radiant smile, they might very well tumble straight into the lake.