Presence is built through repeated exposure.
Xi Hongrui had made three attempts. The first was right after her rebirth.
Through the novel’s plot, she learned that the Chongwen Emperor was nearby at the time, so she deliberately used the storybook as a pretext to say things like wanting to marry the emperor.
This straightforward approach directly involved the Chongwen Emperor. Whether positive or negative, it would leave a trace in his heart, and if she were luckier, it might even reach the emperor himself.
However, she clearly wasn’t that fortunate, so the first opportunity slipped away without a surprise.
Next was the incident where Bai Lian’er fell into the water. This time, it went a step further—a face-to-face encounter. Under normal circumstances, it should have been foolproof.
But who could have guessed that the Chongwen Emperor would suddenly take a fancy to the idea of traveling incognito? And so, it failed again!
Since the first two attempts had fallen through, the third one didn’t need to be rushed.
The Chongwen Emperor seemed to suffer from some kind of amnesia. He could easily forget even a direct meeting, let alone a casually overheard remark.
So she needed to remind him—to remind him completely. Every effort she made to assert her presence couldn’t go unnoticed!
If she had succeeded on the first try, it would have been a coincidental encounter, a beautiful case of love at first sight.
If she had succeeded on the second try, it would have been a twist of fate—missing each other once, only to realize it was still meant to be.
But if she succeeded on the third try, what would that be?
It would be nothing short of incredible destiny!
Only fate could bring two people with no reason to cross paths to brush past each other twice and reunite on the third attempt.
In that instant, the Chongwen Emperor felt an indescribable sense of predestination.
The way he looked at Xi Hongrui was no longer simply captivated or curious—it was one of disbelief.
He stared at her in amazement, and an undeniable thought arose in his heart.
Could it be that this young woman was heaven-sent for him?
The Great Qi Dynasty was the most culturally prosperous of all dynasties. Even the Chongwen Emperor was well-read and highly knowledgeable.
He was well-versed in poetry and literature, skilled in both the qin and painting, and widely learned. Among all his studies, he particularly favored Daoist philosophy. Not only did he promote Daoist temples and often engage in discussions with accomplished Daoist masters, but he also believed in governing by following one’s heart and embracing non-action.
Once he realized this, he immediately decided to accept fate’s arrangement, for in his life as an emperor, destiny had always given him the best.
When he looked at the young girl before him again, his resolve was unwavering—he was determined to have her!
Xi Hongrui sensed the shift in his gaze and hid her face behind a fan, revealing an innocent and guileless expression.
Entice with beauty, move with emotion, bind with fate.
The prey had fallen into the trap.
No wonder men loved the thrill of the hunt—the pleasure of hunting was truly intoxicating~
…
The Chongwen Emperor and Xi Hongrui were like “the meeting of the autumn wind and jade-like dew, surpassing all worldly encounters.” The more they talked, the more delighted they became, and before they knew it, the sky had darkened.
Xi Hongrui looked at him and said, “Huang Daguanren, perhaps we should call it a day here. When new goods arrive, I’ll personally visit your residence to inform you~”
Since the Chongwen Emperor had genuinely taken a liking to the idea of traveling incognito, De Ren had naturally made flawless arrangements.
A perfect courtyard was set up in Huojia Lane on Huojia Street, and an impeccable identity was fabricated, referring to him publicly only as “Huang Daguanren.”Huang Daguanren glanced at the sky outside—the sun was already setting in the west. Time had passed so quickly.
He then looked at the mountain of items piled beside him, all bought under the little maid’s enthusiastic urging.
He couldn’t help but chuckle to himself. Today had been quite a fruitful trip.
Calling over the others to carry the purchases, he was about to head downstairs when something suddenly occurred to him.
Turning to Xi Hongrui, who was seeing him off, he said, “I recall you live at the Prince’s Residence, right? That’s quite far from here. Why don’t I escort you back?”
If he personally saw her home and Ran’er saw him, she would surely understand his intentions.
He could then ask her to take better care of this little maid and spare her from such menial tasks in the future.
Xi Hongrui giggled, revealing two small white teeth, and looked at him with wide-eyed surprise. “Huang Daguanren, you’re too kind! I’ve never met a nobleman who cared whether a servant’s journey home was long or not!”
The Chongwen Emperor raised an eyebrow slightly.
Truth be told, he didn’t usually care either. But this little maid was just so endearing.
Yet, as he watched her eyes suddenly sparkle with countless bright glimmers, she seemed even happier than when he had gifted her gold leaves.
Why? Could it be because of such a trivial gesture of concern?
An unprecedented feeling stirred in the Chongwen Emperor’s heart—like the sweet, clingy nuzzle of his pet cat after being fed.
The Chongwen Emperor was no fool. He knew well that others respected, feared, or admired him largely because he was the emperor.
But this kind of affection was different. “They” knew nothing of his true identity, so their attachment might simply be for “Huang Daguanren” alone.
His heart softened further, and he cheerfully replied, “It’s nothing, really. I’m just heading that way.”
Xi Hongrui wrinkled her nose and sniffed. “Don’t underestimate me, sir. How could the Prince’s Residence and Huojia Lane possibly be on the same route? I thank you for your kindness, but there’s no need to worry. I don’t live at the Prince’s Residence anymore, and someone will come to pick me up soon~”
The Chongwen Emperor was initially pleased that his goodwill had been so transparently “seen through.”
But suddenly, a flicker of alarm rose within him.
Looking more closely, he noticed that while Xi Hongrui had spoken normally at first, when she mentioned “someone will pick me up,” she suddenly lowered her head, blushing shyly.
His heart skipped a beat, and he pressed, “Who is coming to pick you up?”
At his question, Xi Hongrui seemed lost in thought, overcome with bashfulness. She stammered, head still bowed, “It’s… it’s no one important, really. Just another servant from the Prince’s Residence, someone who also works for the Prince~”
The Chongwen Emperor: …
Her demeanor suggested otherwise. His earlier good mood instantly plummeted into gloom.
Qin Xingchao, having finished moving the items, stood downstairs and bowed to the Chongwen Emperor above. “Sir, shall we depart now?”
But the Chongwen Emperor relaxed his posture, retracting his steps, and smiled gently and kindly at Xi Hongrui. “No rush, no rush. I’ll wait until the person picking you up arrives before I go.”
Xi Hongrui looked up again, her expression unchanged from before. “Huang Daguanren, how could we trouble you like that?”
Yet the Chongwen Emperor’s earlier pure delight had faded, replaced by a determined gentleness and benevolence. “What does it matter? How could I rest easy leaving you here alone?”
Xi Hongrui was once again swept up in pure, heartfelt gratitude.What fun is there in a one-sided hunt? The real thrill comes from the back-and-forth exchange~
How could one’s own wife compare to the allure of another man’s?
Pei San, how fortunate you are—your wife has caught the eye of the Emperor himself~