She rubbed her temples. "It's the same as before. It's your behavior that makes me uncomfortable." With that, she threw down the messy handkerchief she was holding, stood up, and decided to go out into the yard for some fresh air.

Xiao Tao and Xing Chun quickly followed.

Rong Qingqing's face darkened. "You don't need to follow me. I'll just take a walk in the garden."

"It's still quite cold outside. I'll go get you a cloak," Xiao Tao said immediately.

Xingchun also said, "This servant will go and get you a hand warmer."

Rong Qingqing glanced at the bright sunshine outside, and her lips twitched uncontrollably again.

A cloak is one thing, but a hand warmer?

While the two went inside to get something, she quickly ran away.

I really don't understand whether these two girls are her people or Xie Jingrun's people.

She was internally complaining when she walked into the yard, but she was startled when she saw someone striding towards her.

"Father, why are you back?" She was stunned for a moment, then realized what was happening and shouted.

When Xiao Zhen saw her, his tense face finally relaxed, but he said in a rather irritating tone, "I heard you ran away from home last time?"

Rong Qingqing hadn't expected her father to interrogate her as soon as he returned. Feeling guilty, she quickly stepped forward and hugged his arm in a flattering manner. "No, it's not that. I just missed you and wanted to go to Suzhou to find you, but I was..." She coughed lightly to change the subject and asked, "Why did you suddenly come back?"

Xiao Zhen sighed, "The Emperor urgently summoned me back to discuss your marriage." As he said this, his face was gloomy, which showed how dissatisfied he was with Xie Jingrun.

"Are you really going to marry her?" He looked at her sharply.

Rong Qingqing's heart skipped a beat. Under his sharp gaze, she nodded and said, "Mm."

Xiao Zhen frowned and said, "When you ran away from home last time, wasn't it because you wanted to escape your arranged marriage?"

Rong Qingqing chuckled dryly, "Of course not." This matter cannot be known to her father. Otherwise, if he finds out that she is not so willing to enter the palace, he will probably do anything to make her happy.

If that's the case, things could get very difficult to handle.

Although my father holds military power, he is still a subject. Moreover, he has devoted himself to the country and the court for many years and has made many sacrifices, earning him a good reputation. It would not be a good thing if he developed a rift with Xie Jingrun because of her, since Xie Jingrun is now the emperor of Daliang.

"You're not lying to me?" Xiao Zhen looked down at her.

"Really not." Rong Qingqing shook her head. It wasn't that she disliked Xie Jingrun, but she was still hesitant and confused about entering the palace. Seeing that he was about to ask again, she quickly changed the subject, "Father, you must be tired from your journey. Why don't you go in and have some water?"

"Okay." Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhen had no choice but to follow her into the living room.

Rong Qingqing poured him a glass of warm water herself.

"You must be thirsty after traveling so far. Have a glass of warm water to soothe your throat."

Xiao Zhen did feel better after drinking the water.

Looking at his well-behaved daughter beside him, he put down his cup, paused, and then said, "Qingqing, you are my precious daughter. No one can force you to do anything you don't want to do, and you don't have to compromise."

“I know,” Rong Qingqing nodded. “I am the daughter of Prince Su. No one in this world dares to force me.”

Xiao Zhen paused for a moment and said, "Since you are willing to enter the palace, tomorrow, officials from the Ministry of Rites will come to your home to formally propose marriage and finalize your engagement to the Emperor."