Chapter 1166: The Princess Consort Whose Memories Were Altered (41)

“Perhaps Your Highness does not like this concubine because we did not know each other before, but I cannot simply stop caring about everything because Your Highness does not return my feelings.”

“Then you don't love this prince either?” Shangguan Jing asked.

Tang Guo shook her head. “Your Highness is admired by all the women in the imperial capital. How could this concubine not love Your Highness?”

So she did love him?

A heaviness settled in Shangguan Jing's heart. “Are you not afraid that this prince might hurt you?”

“What kind of hurt does Your Highness mean?” Tang Guo asked softly. “If Your Highness means that you may never love me in this lifetime, then that does not count as harm. In truth, Your Highness has treated me very well and has never restricted me in any way. Love cannot be forced. Your Highness has already done very well, at the very least granting this concubine respect.”

“I do not ask for Your Highness's heart or affection. I only wish to remain by Your Highness's side for this lifetime.”

Shangguan Jing stood frozen for a long time before finally shaking his head with a bitter smile. “Princess Consort, I'm afraid your sincerity has been misplaced.”

“I have no regrets.”

The unwavering determination in her eyes nearly startled Shangguan Jing into taking a step back. Fortunately, he steadied himself in time. He truly could not understand how someone like her could exist in this world.

“This prince cannot give you his heart.”

Seeing the dimness that crossed her face, he felt no satisfaction. Instead, his chest tightened with discomfort.

“Let this prince paint a portrait of you.” Shangguan Jing glanced at the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone placed nearby. “Consider it a gift from this prince. You have indeed managed Prince Jing's Manor admirably.”

Seeing the happiness in her expression, he found himself at a loss for words.

She chose a seat by the pavilion railing and leaned lightly against it, naturally assuming the graceful posture of a quiet beauty. Lowering her head slightly, she gazed at the fish swimming leisurely in the lake.

“Just like that,” Shangguan Jing said. “Perfect.”

With that, he began to paint.

He remembered that day during their outing when many people had been painting her. She truly was beautiful—something he could no longer deny. In terms of bearing and elegance, she was even a little more stunning than Tang Jiao.

Time passed unnoticed, and half an hour had long since gone by.

Shangguan Jing seemed to have forgotten the passage of time entirely, devoting himself to completing the painting with utmost care. Looking at the finished work before him, he could not help but smile with satisfaction. Raising his head, he called softly, “Princess Consort, this prince has finished.”

She did not move.

“Princess Consort?” Shangguan Jing called again.

Still, there was no response.

His expression changed as he hurried over. He did not know why his heart had suddenly become so tense, but just as he reached her, he froze in place.

He remembered.

The medicine should have taken effect by now. She had fallen asleep.

Even if he shook her gently, she would not wake.

And he remembered his purpose—to exchange her memories with Tang Jiao's, send her to the imperial palace, and keep the Tang Jiao he had long yearned for by his side.

Slowly, he walked before her and, for the first time, observed her from such close proximity.

He had to admit that she was breathtakingly beautiful.

And sleeping, she possessed another kind of beauty entirely.

A beauty that stirred pity.

Her delicate brows were faintly furrowed, as though she had encountered something unpleasant even in her dreams.

At that moment, he found himself reluctant to disturb her.

His gaze drifted downward and landed on one of her hands, which was clasping the wrist of the other. In her grasp was that exquisite jade bracelet.

The only gift he had ever given her.

“Princess Consort, this prince has painted you,” he murmured quietly. “I think the portrait turned out rather well. What a pity… you won't get to see it.”

He carefully rolled up the painting and summoned a trusted attendant, instructing him to store it in the study.

Then, bending down, he lifted Tang Guo into his arms and carried her to the bed in her room.