Sure, here’s the translated text:

Speaking of it.

His current embarrassment can only be compensated for by these things.

It could also be considered her kindness to him.

Lin Zichan just watched quietly.

Somewhat ironic, and yet, he looked serene.

From the beginning, he was just wishful thinking.

He knew early on how deep her feelings were for that person.

It was him.

Overestimating himself.

Lin Zichan changed into his guard uniform and entered the palace.

He hadn’t slept the entire night, yet he seemed not at all sleepy.

He walked into the Imperial Palace, heading to the Crown Prince’s chamber.

As he entered the palace, he heard several eunuchs gossiping.

Lin Zichan didn’t want to listen,

But because they were talking about the Empress, he deliberately slowed his steps.

"The eunuchs from the Imperial Kitchen said Her Majesty went there early this morning to choose ingredients, intending to cook personally."

"I’ve heard Her Majesty’s culinary skills are remarkable."

"Yes, I’ve heard Princess Anqi say Her Majesty’s cooking is better than the Imperial Chef’s."

"Is Her Majesty cooking specifically for His Majesty?"

"Who else besides His Majesty could taste the meals prepared by Her Majesty’s own hands; it’s like renewed passion after a long separation."

"His Majesty and Her Majesty have such a good relationship..."

Lin Zichan had already left.

Renewed passion after a long separation.

Indeed, it’s been a long separation!

Lin Zichan walked into the East Palace.

Song Yanqing was teaching Xiao Luming.

Lin Zichan stood properly to the side, waiting.

Until the lessons ended midway.

Xiao Luming walked up to Lin Zichan.

"Greetings, Crown Prince." Lin Zichan was respectful.

Xiao Luming looked proud.

After all, Lin Zichan had rejected him before; he had his dignity.

"Why are you here?" Xiao Luming asked.

"I’m here to inform His Highness that I’m resigning and leaving the Imperial Palace." Lin Zichan spoke frankly.

Xiao Luming’s expression changed immediately.

The arrogance just now turned into panic, "Why are you leaving? Is it because I forced you to stay by my side, or did my mother dislike you because of your trip to Wenzhou?!"

"No, Your Highness shouldn’t be upset. It’s due to personal reasons, unrelated to you or Your Highness the Empress. I hope Your Highness can grant my request." As he spoke, Lin Zichan knelt on one knee.

Xiao Luming bit his lip, feeling uneasy.

He looked at Lin Zichan for a long time, at his determined demeanor, and finally said, "Have you made up your mind?"

"I have decided."

"Do you truly not wish to stay in the palace? Even if not by my side."

"Yes, please grant my request." Lin Zichan affirmed.

Xiao Luming was reluctant.

But he didn’t like to make things difficult for others.

Slowly, he said, "You belong to Guard Wu’s contingent; you should inform him. There’s no need to tell me personally."

"Thank you, Your Highness." This clearly meant consent.

With that, Lin Zichan prepared to leave.

"When will you go?" Xiao Luming couldn’t help but ask.

"It depends on Lord Wu’s arrangements." Lin Zichan replied.

Xiao Luming nodded, saying no more.

But when he turned around, his eyes were visibly red.

Xiao Luming himself didn’t understand why he was so reluctant to see Lin Zichan leave.

After all, he was just a guard.

Lin Zichan noticed Xiao Luming’s red eyes.

His fingers tightened slightly.

But ultimately, he said nothing more and chose to leave.

He walked out of the East Palace.

"Guard Lin."

Someone called him from behind.

Lin Zichan paused his steps.

Song Yanqing strode towards him.

Lin Zichan bowed, "Lord Song."

"No need for formalities," Song Yanqing said.

"Yes."

"Why is Guard Lin suddenly resigning?" Song Yanqing asked bluntly.

He had little interaction with Lin Zichan before. Had they not crossed paths at the Crown Prince Palace, he wouldn’t have any impression of him.

Nonetheless, hearing that he had accompanied the Empress to Wenzhou, he regarded him differently.

Anyone who could earn the trust of the Crown Prince and Empress likely wasn’t ordinary.

"For personal reasons," Lin Zichan replied.

Clearly, he didn’t want to elaborate.

Song Yanqing, being so astute, naturally understood.

He said, "Staying in the palace, gaining the Crown Prince’s favor, could lead to prosperity. Surely you know Wu, Lord Wu. Because he’s been by His Majesty’s side, he’s not quite ’second only to one.’ Even I must show him respect. If you remain by the Crown Prince’s side, once he ascends the throne, you’d also attain such status."

"Thank you, Lord Song, for the advice, but everyone has their own aspirations. I’m not suited for palace life. I ask Lord Song not to persuade me further." Lin Zichan declined.

Song Yanqing frowned.

Few could refuse such temptation.

If it weren’t for seeing the Crown Prince’s reluctance, he wouldn’t have tried to persuade Lin Zichan.

After attempting to persuade him, he realized this person wouldn’t listen.

"Have we met before?" Song Yanqing suddenly asked.

Lin Zichan’s eyes flickered slightly.

"Though your face seems unfamiliar, I can’t help feeling a sense of familiarity." Song Yanqing scrutinized Lin Zichan.

Lin Zichan looked at Song Yanqing.

The corners of his mouth seemed to lift slightly.

He said, "Perhaps it’s just a connection."

Song Yanqing nodded.

Some people naturally leave a good impression.

Like Lin Zichan before him.

Clearly not sociable and resistant to influence.

Yet still, a sense of unspeakable familiarity.

He understood why the Crown Prince was fond of Lin Zichan and wanted him to stay.

This man has that charm.

"I must take my leave," Lin Zichan didn’t delay further, turning to leave.

Song Yanqing watched Lin Zichan’s back.

Clearly unfamiliar, but somehow different.

Reflecting on the recent times with His Majesty, he realized nothing had changed, yet everything felt different.

Song Yanqing felt somewhat withdrawn.

At moments, he wondered if something was wrong with him.

He dared not speak of his suspicions about His Majesty.

Uttering them might accidentally aid others with ulterior motives, leading to execution.

Ever since marrying Ruotong and having a daughter, he became more cautious and meticulous in dealing with others.

Perhaps because there was someone he couldn’t bear to leave behind, whom he wished to accompany for life, he dared not expose himself to any danger.

...

Lin Zichan walked through the Imperial Palace.

He went to the lakeside, which An Youyou liked.

Yet he didn’t see An Youyou’s figure.

His status precluded him from directly visiting An Youyou’s quarters—it wasn’t proper.

Thus, he waited by the lake.

He had promised Youyou that he would inform her if he had to leave.

From applying for resignation to actually leaving, it would take about a month.

A month later, he would depart from Xun City.

Then, he would drift without a fixed abode.

After that, they may seldom meet again.

He stood by the lakeside.

Waiting for a long time.

A long time.

Instead of seeing An Youyou arrive, he saw An Ning.

She appeared with a group, probably coming from the Imperial Kitchen.

By her side, palace attendants carried many ingredients, likely chosen by her to prepare a meal for His Majesty.

At that moment, An Ning stopped.

She didn’t expect Lin Zichan to enter the palace suddenly.

Thinking about it, perhaps he went to see Luming, as he should report to him after returning.

An Ning hesitated for a moment.

Then, she walked past Lin Zichan.

Having promised Fu Xingyi, she must honor her word.

She had already sent Lin Zichan a letter, trusting him to understand.

An Ning left with her attendants.

Lin Zichan’s mouth formed a faint, indifferent smile.

A hint of bitterness.

Has it come to the point where she wouldn’t even glance at him anymore?