Chapter 1 Returning to the Capital "Why did you decide to marry me, sir?"...

Extra 1

Even if it is delayed any longer, the time has come when I will have no choice but to return to the capital.

Xie Lang wanted to ride a horse, but Liu Qingqing refused.

He wasn't riding a horse; he was riding alongside her, with people coming and going and staring. What kind of scene was that? Liu Qingqing was shy and naturally refused.

If he refused, then he refused; Xie Lang did not press the matter.

Xie Wu watched helplessly as the master and his wife boarded the carriage together.

In the past, even when adults were drunk from social engagements, they insisted on riding horses. They once said that carriages were for women, and what use would a tough and unyielding military general like him have for a carriage?

Now, the lady simply watches the master quietly, without him having to say a word, and the master gets into the carriage without any trouble. It's truly a world apart from what it used to be.

Xie Wu touched his nose; he had figured out who was the boss in the family. Therefore, Xie Wu, who had been gripping the reins tightly, did not send his horse forward.

Although he pretended not to know, his eager and obedient gaze betrayed his true thoughts.

Xie Lang glanced at him with a half-smile, then turned his gaze away and got into the carriage when he heard Liu Qingqing lightly knock on the carriage door.

Once inside, looking around, it was even more exquisite than the carriages in the Marquis's mansion; even the walls were covered with fine, soft cloth. Touching it, it felt soft and yielding.

Xie Lang was unaware that Liu Qingqing had spent a fortune to specially tailor-make the frame for him. He was already covered in bruises, so what if he got hurt again?

Xie Lang didn't realize it either, taking it as just a woman's playful banter.

The journey back was not as fast as the journey there. They traveled along the way, stopping frequently. Whenever they reached a town, Xie Lang would have Xie Wu stop and take Qingqing to explore.

Go to the market to buy some trinkets.

As they drew closer to the capital, the urgent letters arrived more frequently.

Xie Lang told Xie Wu to put them away carefully, so as not to disturb the lady's sight.

Xie Lang felt increasingly that this period of time was quite good; since their reunion in Yingcheng, everything had been like a beautiful dream.

"Let's go out for a stroll again in a while."

He made the suggestion to Liu Qingqing.

Upon hearing this, Liu Qingqing simply smiled at him, as if laughing at his naivety and cuteness.

How could high-ranking officials in the court be so free? This time, they're just using the excuse of needing to recuperate from serious injuries.

Seeing her indifferent gaze, Xie Lang pursed his lips, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

She seemed reluctant to return to the capital, yet she was trapped there because of him.

Will he get tired of me one day and leave without a word?

This matter cannot be rushed, Xie Lang reassured himself.

Then I remembered another matter that I could no longer delay.

"What are your thoughts on the matter concerning the Princess Consort?"

At this point, Liu Qingqing rested her chin on her hand and sighed softly.

She originally thought she could just let it go on like this, but the noble princess seemed to think otherwise and always wanted to make amends to her.

What's there to make up for? What's there to make up for? It's just to put your mind at ease, isn't it?

She had long since grown up, and the belated care seemed useless, even mocking, amidst the daily coldness and leftovers.

Upon hearing this, Liu Qingqing let out a long sigh of relief. Instead of answering the question, she asked him about something else out of curiosity.

"Why did you decide to marry me in the first place?"

She thought back to the situation back then. Aunt Jia, who had maintained the marriage agreement, had "passed away." All the prominent families in the capital thought the marriage would be impossible to proceed, after all, the Liu family and the Marquis's family were far inferior. In addition, Xie Lang had become increasingly prominent since returning to the capital in recent years, and everyone knew that he would become a key minister in the future. Xu was going to enter the cabinet at such a young age. It would be a waste to marry such a fine young man into the Liu family.

If two powerful forces join forces, they can ensure prosperity for at least three generations!

In no time, families with daughters of marriageable age began to make plans and visit each other.

It's a pity that the mistress of the Marquis's mansion is no longer here, and the old lady is enjoying her retirement and doesn't show her face in public. For a while, there's nothing to hold onto.

To be honest, even Liu Qingqing thought the engagement was off.

She prayed every night then, and sometimes she would even cry secretly in her anxiety.

She could only see Xie Lang once or twice a year, and they could only talk from afar. How could she know what Xie Lang was thinking?

But if Xie Lang doesn't marry her, she's finished.

Liu Xu is too lazy to get involved, and Xiao Yingshi will definitely not find her a good match. It would be a miracle if she could find her a decent man to be her second wife.

At that time, she felt like she was in the darkest of times, but unexpectedly, things took a turn for the better. After a period of silence, the Marquis and Xie Lang came to the Liu residence to discuss the wedding date.

That was the day that changed her fate. She would always remember the venomous look in Xiao Ying's eyes as she hid behind the corridor that day, and the faint glance Xie Lang seemed to have given her unintentionally as he left.

He nodded slightly to her then.

Seeing Qingqing's curiosity, Xie Lang's Adam's apple bobbed.

They've been through some ups and downs, and now they can finally open up to each other.

"I visited the Liu residence a few times back then, and saw you hiding in the back, I..."

Xie Lang frowned, carefully choosing his words, "...I just thought it shouldn't be like this."

"Compassion? You certainly didn't like me back then."

"Maybe."

As he spoke, Xie Lang kept a close eye on her expression, and did not say anything nice to win her favor. "But I have never thought about marrying anyone else."

Liu Qingqing was slightly surprised, "The fulfillment of the marriage contract wasn't due to pressure from the Regent's Palace?"

Why would you think that?

Xie Lang frowned. "Although I am not a gentleman, I would not scheme about marriage. Although my marriage was not entirely pure, as I had some suspicions and wanted to investigate further, I did not marry for the purpose of investigation."

Liu Qingqing suddenly realized, "So that's how it is."

Xie Lang noticed her calm, slightly disappointed gaze, and gripped her hand even tighter. Liu Qingqing noticed and smiled at him.

"I bought you fish."

He suddenly said.

"What kind of fish?" Liu Qingqing asked in surprise.

His gaze was deep and somber. "The fishmonger on the back street of the Liu residence."

Liu Qingqing blinked, suddenly recalling the years when she was starving in the Liu family mansion, when fishmongers would appear in the back alley every now and then. Not only fish, but also peddlers carrying loads, and seasonal peaches and plums, all sold at very low prices.

"It's all because of you?"

Xie Lang shook his head, "It's not all me, Xie Wanyan is also part of it."

He pursed his lips. "I never expected that Xiao Ying would be so bold back then, nor did I expect Liu Xu to be so unreliable, and I certainly didn't expect Liu Yuanzhou to be so cowardly."

He assumed that even if she wasn't favored, her usual allowances would still apply, so he would occasionally send her some treats to make up for it.

At that time, he didn't know why he wanted to make amends to her.

Perhaps he didn't want to see her star-like eyes grow increasingly dim.

Now I understand, but it's too late.

Xie Lang felt a pang of sadness followed by a slight sense of relief.

This was the first time Xie Lang had ever heard of this. When he looked up, he saw Liu Qingqing resting her chin on her hand, looking at him with a smile in her eyes.

"What are you laughing at?" he asked knowingly, slightly uncomfortable.

Liu Qingqing shook her head.

Just as Xie Wanyan said, he was indeed dull-witted.

"The princess's place..."

She then changed the subject back, saying, "We've been apart for so long, I don't want anything to happen."

When she spoke again, her tone was much lighter, which was quite pleasant to listen to.

Xie Lang also smiled.

He's become a bit more perceptive now. He used to think there were some things he didn't need her to know, but now it seems like she'd be happier if she knew.

Turning her gaze, she saw him looking down as if lost in thought. Liu Qingqing nudged him, and when he looked up, she gave him a light glare before saying, "If I don't acknowledge you, will I treat you badly?"

"How could you treat me badly?"

Seeing the unease in her eyes, Xie Lang quickly reassured her, "Do whatever you want, don't worry about me."

My mind gradually cleared.

"Then so be it!"

Seeing that she smiled, Xie Lang replied in a low voice, "Then so be it!"

In an instant, Xie Lang remembered that Ying Yucheng had proposed to marry him without his consent, and his eyes flickered slightly.

When General Ying returns to the capital, he should treat General Ying to a proper welcome again.

"It seems that the young general has been rewarded for his outstanding military achievements."

Xie Lang casually mentioned, "This marriage will be even more sought after."

As he spoke, he fiddled with the little gadget in his hand, glancing at her intentionally or unintentionally out of the corner of his eye.

Liu Qingqing found it amusing.

How could she not have known before that Xie Lang had such a secret intention to hide?

He's always been good at pretending!

She remained silent for a while, and Xie Lang's heart sank slightly as he looked at her. He saw her smiling broadly, as if teasing him.

Xie Lang's ears turned slightly red, and he turned his face away.

Liu Qingqing held his hand and coaxed him quietly, "Then Lord Xie is very resourceful. If there is a suitable one, we can take a look at his family background."

Xie Lang's folded internal organs finally relaxed slightly.

But thinking that she was still making plans for Ying Yucheng, she still felt a little uneasy.

He pulled her over and lowered his head to kiss her soft lips.

Xie Lang only reluctantly stepped back a little when Liu Qingqing pushed him away, sobbing.

"Do you miss me, my love?"

There was still lust in his eyes.

Liu Qingqing blushed. "What are you thinking about?"

Xie Lang whispered something close to her ear, and Liu Qingqing's face instantly turned bright red. She raised her hand and punched him.

What do you mean he's already free and will find a free day to try it out according to that storybook?

He also guaranteed that she would feel extremely comfortable!

Liu Qingqing: "..."

This guy has become incredibly shameless these days!

After this experience, the two seemed to have grown even closer.

Xie Wu was the most deeply moved.

Since their reunion, Xie Lang has revealed his true colors and can no longer maintain the airs of a proper gentleman. Every time she is a fraction away from him, she can feel his wet and heavy gaze as if it were an invisible rope binding her. But in a moment, he will step back to her side.

Xie Wu thought to himself, "The adult is being a bit clingy."

They're more than just clingy; they're inseparable.

The two ate their dinner. The lady put down her spoon and went back to the inner room to get something, and the adults all got up and followed her.

The journey was slow, and even though Xie Lang deliberately lingered, he would eventually reach the capital.

The day they returned to the Marquis's residence was in the twilight of the setting sun, and everyone was already waiting in front of the main gate.

As soon as the carriage arrived, the old lady and Xie Wanyan hurriedly descended the steps to greet it.

Xia Rushi did not show herself, but waited expectantly behind the screen wall.

The carriage came to a slow stop. A hand with distinct knuckles lifted the curtain, revealing Liu Qingqing's fair face. Xie Lang followed closely behind, took a long stride, turned around, wrapped his arms around her waist, and lifted her down. He then looked down at her expression to see if she was in any discomfort.

The anticipation of everyone's return was abruptly interrupted, especially for Xie Wanyan, whose expression froze, looking as if she couldn't bear to watch.

Even the old lady froze for a moment before taking another step. She first glanced at her grandson, then carefully examined Liu Qingqing.

Seeing that both of them had rosy complexions and seemed to be alright, he breathed a sigh of relief.

"It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back."

"I'm sorry to have worried you. It's your grandson who's making you worry."

Xie Lang bowed to his grandmother, cupping his hands and bending over, but he still held Liu Qingqing's hand tightly.

All the worries in Xie Wanyan's heart, like a flood bursting its banks, were instantly released.

As Xie Lang straightened up, his grandmother took Qingqing's hand and began to speak.

Xie Wanyan teased Xie Lang, "You've finally been waiting for this moment."

Xie Lang smiled calmly, "What elder sister says is absolutely right."

Without lingering at the gate, the old lady, knowing that Jia'er was concerned about her two young children, quickly sent them inside.

But as they were about to cross the threshold, he couldn't help but remind them, "The situation in the manor is complicated right now, so don't be surprised."

Both of them looked on with curiosity.

The old lady sighed, her words tinged with sadness, "Your father and second uncle have both returned to the mansion."

They all understood the unspoken meaning behind it.

The two exchanged a glance.

Turning past the screen wall, one sees Xia Rushi smiling broadly.

And behind him, on the left and right, stood two tall men like guardians.

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Author's Note: Next Chapter Preview:

Xie Lang smiled faintly, "If Qingqing won't let me say it, then I'll do it."