After wearing a mask for too long, one loses their true self.

Breaking the shackles of the past, only today do I realize I am who I am...

These words exploded in Li Changle's ears like a thunderclap, lingering for a long time.

All along, she was Princess Changle, adored and respected both in and out of court.

But was she happy?

No, not at all. That wasn't the real her.

She didn't want to wear a fake smile or do things she didn't want to do.

Sometimes, Li Changle envied ordinary people because they had things she couldn't have.

Companionship, happiness, and the right to pursue what they truly loved.

Just like Su Jue said, Li Changle is Princess Changle, not that Princess Changle is Li Changle.

She shouldn't be defined, nor should she be locked in the shackles of the title "Princess Changle."

"Su Jue, why do you understand so much?"

Li Changle's eyes reddened as she gazed at Su Jue, speaking softly.

"Maybe it's because I've experienced a lot?"

Su Jue replied casually, unable to tell her about his two lifetimes.

Li Changle shook her head, her beautiful eyes misty, and asked, "That's not what I meant. I meant, why do you understand me so well?"

Su Jue felt the atmosphere was too heavy and joked with a smile, "Maybe I'm the reincarnation of the God of Literature?"

"Aren't you the reincarnation of someone who can't live without me?"

Li Changle's cheeks flushed as she giggled.

In her heart, she thought, if you really are willing to be the reincarnation of the God of Literature, then I'll marry you!

She wasn't impulsive or irrational.

Suddenly, she felt there couldn't be anyone more suitable for her than Su Jue.

Someone who saw through her, understood her, comforted her, was full of knowledge, exceptionally talented, and extraordinarily handsome.

Could there be anyone more suitable?

The answer was no.

"Don't mind the details."

Su Jue cleared his throat.

"I'll remember these words in my heart, always!"

Li Changle said seriously.

"I believe the princess will remember."

Su Jue nodded with a smile.

"Breaking the shackles of the past, only today do I realize I am who I am."

The more Li Changle pondered these words, the more meaningful they seemed. She looked at Su Jue with a smile, "Su Jue, you still say you're not the reincarnation of the God of Literature?"

"I wouldn't dare. If I were, wouldn't I become the consort?"

Su Jue quickly shook his head.

"What, does it seem like being my consort would be a grievance for you?"

Seeing Su Jue like this, Li Changle felt a bit aggrieved.

"Not at all. If I were to marry the princess, the betrothal gifts would have to be extremely valuable, and Su Jue can't afford them."

Su Jue said with a bitter face, as if it were true.

"If you're really willing, I'll decide for my mother and not take a single betrothal gift from you."

Li Changle said directly.

But as soon as she said it, her cheeks turned red, realizing her words were somewhat inappropriate.

Wasn't this like offering herself to Su Jue?

Wasn't she saying she wanted to marry Su Jue?

Su Jue gave a thumbs up and laughed, "The princess is generous. In that case, Su Jue has nothing more to say. Tomorrow, the Su Clan will come to propose!"

"Hmph, just because you propose doesn't mean I'll marry you."

Li Changle blushed and gave Su Jue a sidelong glance.

"It's just a joke."

Su Jue laughed heartily.

He wasn't confident enough to think that a casual remark would make a girl, especially the Eldest Princess of the Zhenguan Dynasty, want to marry him.

It was just that he enjoyed talking with Li Changle and felt she wasn't someone who fussed over small matters, so he made such a bold joke.

"Hmph."

Li Changle muttered to herself in a voice only she could hear.

Having the desire but lacking the courage~

"What did the princess say?"

But Su Jue, with his exceptional hearing after the fusion with the Sword Embryo Heart, still caught it. However, he didn't hear it clearly, only catching a few words.

Something about heart and courage.

"Nothing, nothing."

Li Changle didn't expect Su Jue to hear that, her face turning red as she asked, "Su Jue, do you have the ears of the wind?"

"My ears are just a bit more sensitive."

Su Jue smiled. Since she didn't want to say, he let it go.

Li Changle glared at Su Jue, deciding never to mutter again, lest he hear it.

If Su Jue heard it, where would she put her face?

They had only known each other for a few days, met a few times, and she was already thinking of marrying him. She was too unreserved.

It would make Su Jue think she was an easy woman.

"Your Highness, it's time to go."

At this moment, a woman dressed in a white robe, with a heroic spirit between her brows and an exceptionally beautiful face, entered.

Like a jade branch planted in the black mountains and white waters, she exuded a glass-like brilliance throughout her life.

Carrying the aura of the battlefield, Su Jue immediately recognized her as a female general who was not inferior to men!

"I know, Sister Wan'er."

Seeing Shangguan Wan'er, Li Changle sighed softly.

Time passed so quickly, it was time to leave.

She had come here with her mother's consent, and only after a set time was she allowed to come.

An hour had passed just like that, and beautiful times always seemed to fly by.

"This must be Young Master Su, indeed a talent worthy of the title of the first prodigy."

Shangguan Wan'er glanced at Su Jue, noting his excellent bone structure, abundant spiritual power, and calm gaze, indicating a steady temperament.

Su Jue's feats had already spread throughout Chao Ge and even the Vast Land, with astonishing speed.

"You're too kind. Is 'the first prodigy' my title?"

Su Jue was puzzled, wondering who was so bored to give him such a title.

Li Changle winked at Su Jue, "That's right, Su Jue, you've now been crowned with the title of the first prodigy."

"I'm afraid once recognized, no one will call you Su Jue, but the first prodigy."

Shangguan Wan'er was taken aback. When had she ever seen Li Changle act like a little girl?

"It sounds nice, just a bit rustic."

Su Jue chuckled. It was normal, but couldn't they come up with a better title?

"The first prodigy is quite nice. Which title do you think is better? I can have someone spread it."

For Li Changle, this was a simple matter.

"The first handsome guy or the first beautiful man would work."

Su Jue replied boastfully.

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"....."

Li Changle's mouth twitched. Fine.

She directly ignored Su Jue's words, not even bothering to respond.

She shouldn't have asked.

Li Changle stood up, looking at Su Jue, her phoenix eyes rippling, "I have to go, Young Master Su. When will you return to the Sword Sect?"

"In two days."

Su Jue also stood up. This was a princess; he had to see her off.

"When will we meet again?"

Li Changle bit her lip and asked.

This time, when she returned, her mother would definitely not let her leave the palace again, so she couldn't see Su Jue off.

She didn't know when they would meet again after this parting.

"I'm not sure. Does the princess miss me?"

Su Jue asked with a smile.

Shangguan Wan'er's expression froze. Was this something you could say to the princess?

Even though Su Jue was the first prodigy and the treasure of the Sword Sect, she could still say something.

Just as she was about to speak, Li Changle's next words shocked her!

"That's right, I will miss you."

Li Changle knew that once she left the Su Mansion's gates today, her mother wouldn't let her leave the palace for the next few days.

So she became bolder.

"Ahem."

Shangguan Wan'er immediately coughed. Your Highness, is this appropriate?

Li Changle didn't care about Shangguan Wan'er. She looked at Su Jue, wanting to hear his response.

"I'll come back during the New Year. Then I'll visit the princess to catch up."

Seeing Li Changle's hopeful eyes, Su Jue couldn't bear to disappoint such a beauty and smiled.

"Really?"

Li Changle's eyes lit up.

It was already late autumn, and in a few months, it would be the New Year. Wouldn't their next meeting be just around the corner?

Su Jue smiled, "Of course, Su Jue wouldn't dare deceive the princess."

"That's good. If you deceive me, then I'll..."

"I'll..."

"I'll ignore you!"

After thinking for a long time, Li Changle came up with what she thought was the most severe punishment and huffed.

"....."

Shangguan Wan'er felt her worldview collapsing. Wasn't the princess supposed to have no interest in men?

But what was with this little girl's demeanor?

"This punishment is too severe. I promise not to deceive the princess."

Su Jue smiled slightly.

Li Changle's eyes sparkled with joy, "Then can you call me Li Changle once more?"

"Why?" Su Jue asked curiously.

Li Changle's phoenix eyes were bright, "Because I want to hear you say the real me."

Su Jue was slightly taken aback, then smiled, "We will definitely meet again, Li Changle. I promise our next meeting will be soon."

"Then I'll visit, just hoping the court won't throw me out."

"They wouldn't dare!"

Li Changle's eyebrows rose, "If anyone dares to stop you at the door, I'll make sure they regret it!"

"With the princess's words, I'm relieved."

Su Jue chuckled.

"I'll return the poetry scroll once I've finished copying it."

Li Changle's phoenix eyes showed deep reluctance, "I'm leaving, Su Jue. I'll be waiting for you in the palace!"

"Wait."

Su Jue called out to Li Changle.

"What is it?" Li Changle paused.

"Give me a minute."

With that, Su Jue returned to the main hall.

"What is Young Master Su doing?" Shangguan Wan'er asked curiously.

Li Changle looked at Wan'er, "I'm not sure, but I hope Sister Wan'er won't tell my mother about today's events."

"I won't."

Wan'er smiled wryly. Both were her masters, both were people she couldn't afford to offend, so she could only pretend to be blind.

"I knew Sister Wan'er was the best!"

Li Changle giggled, her beauty like a blooming flower.

Shangguan Wan'er suddenly felt a bit dazed. If it were before, Li Changle would never have smiled at her like this or said such things.

How did everything change after coming to the Su Mansion today?

They say love changes a person.

Thinking of that handsome young man in white, could it be that the two of them were in love?!

Thinking of this, Shangguan Wan'er shivered, deciding to feign ignorance. It had nothing to do with her.

"This is for you."

Su Jue leaped to Li Changle's side, handing her a paper scroll with writing on it.

"A poem you wrote?" Li Changle's eyes lit up.

"Written for you. Read it when you get back." Su Jue smiled.

"Okay!"

Li Changle smiled brightly, bidding farewell to Su Jue. The poetry eased the sadness of parting as she left the Su Mansion joyfully.

As she left, she tucked the paper scroll Su Jue gave her into her bosom, holding it tightly, afraid someone might snatch it away.