Chapter 1174: The Princess Consort Whose Memories Were Altered (49)

Following the sound naturally, Shangguan Yi eventually arrived outside Tang Guo's palace. The moment he recognized the familiar entrance, his expression darkened.

Yet the lingering melody surrounding the place prevented him from leaving. He even half-closed his eyes and listened quietly. After only a short while, he felt the exhaustion of the entire day melt away.

Even the irritability in his heart gradually subsided.

Only when the music ceased did he slowly open his eyes and ask the attendant beside him, “Who is playing the qin inside?”

“Your Majesty, only Consort Jiao resides in Jiaoling Palace. This melody should be from Consort Jiao herself.”

At the mention of the words “Consort Jiao,” Shangguan Yi frowned with displeasure.

This was Jiaoling Palace, but the person living inside was not his Jiao'er.

Perhaps due to the influence of the music, he did not lose his temper.

“Let's go in and have a look.”

He had only taken two steps when another melody drifted to his ears.

Unlike the previous one, which dispelled fatigue and soothed the spirit, this tune was permeated with sorrow.

Shangguan Yi paused briefly before continuing inside, finally laying eyes on the person playing.

Standing not far away, Shangguan Yi found himself in an odd state. He clearly disliked her and had even transferred his resentment over Tang Jiao's disappearance onto her, detesting her by association.

Yet under the influence of the music, he could not bring himself to hate her.

When the tune ended, Shangguan Yi remarked, “Your playing is indeed excellent, but this piece is inferior to the previous one.”

Tang Guo first rose to salute him and instructed the palace maids to bring refreshments before saying, “If Your Majesty prefers the previous piece, then this concubine shall play it again for Your Majesty.”

Before Shangguan Yi could stop her, her fingers had already descended onto the strings, and a gentle, beautiful melody flowed into the air.

At that moment, Shangguan Yi no longer wished to stop her.

The music was simply too pleasing. It relaxed both body and mind, leaving no room for anger.

His eyes drifted to the refreshments placed nearby. Picking up a pastry and taking a bite, his eyes lit up.

The taste was strangely familiar.

Previously, he had often brought Consort Jiao to Prince Jing's Manor and had eaten many dishes prepared by the Princess Consort.

The Princess Consort had been excellent in every regard.

The only flaw was that she wasn't Jiao'er.

And because she wasn't Jiao'er, no matter how wonderful she was, she could never be considered good in his eyes.

Soon, Shangguan Yi was led into a carefree and joyful mood by the music. While savoring the delicious snacks, he leisurely listened to the qin.

By the time the sun had set and evening approached, the music finally stopped.

Only then did Shangguan Yi come back to himself. Glancing at the empty plates beside him and noticing the exhaustion on her face, he stood up.

“This emperor will leave first.”

Seeing her standing there with lowered brows and submissive eyes, he stepped in front of her and said, “Remember this. Jiaoling Palace is only your temporary residence. Your identity is not Consort Jiao. One day, the real Consort Jiao will return.”

Seeing her complexion turn pale, his mood improved immensely, and he turned away with light steps.

This damn bastard!

System cursed angrily.

Although it knew that Host's pale expression was merely an act.

Her acting, however, was simply too convincing.

Coupled with everything they had experienced before, seeing Host like this inevitably brought back memories.

Back then, it had still been a muddleheaded, foolish little system that knew nothing except urging Host to properly play the role of the female supporting character.

It had never cared about her own wishes.

And at that time, Host herself had been lost and ignorant, believing that her fate was simply to perform the role of a supporting character in every world.

Back then, even though she was like a drifting duckweed floating upon the water, she had still desperately sought a place where she could anchor herself.