It's not that Zhou Jing'an is particularly hypocritical or pretentious.

Rather, it was the deep emotion in his expression and tone when he said those words.

The affection was so deep that Jian Yang felt a profound sense of unease.

In her mind, ambitious and shrewd people like Zhou Jing'an are usually the least concerned with matters of the heart.

At this moment, he put on a deeply affectionate demeanor, which was completely inconsistent with his public image.

But having gone through thick and thin together, Jian Yang no longer felt the same resistance and disgust towards him as she had before in the palace.

She simply smiled and said, "What merit do I have to be favored by my second brother? However, I am not a good match. I hope my second brother will find his destined one soon and not waste his time on me."

As they were about to enter the palace again, Jian Yang abandoned his unrestrained manner on the road and began to speak in an official tone.

Zhou Jing'an smiled, adopting an attitude of "you can say whatever you want, I won't listen," which left her speechless.

"As we prepare to depart, let me see the Empress off into the city," Zhou Jing'an suddenly said.

Jian Yang said, "Whatever you say."

Zhou Jing'an: "?"

As Zhou Jing'an watched Jian Yang's carriage disappear through the city gate, his smile grew ever deeper.

Interesting, truly interesting.

Previously, he only wanted to subdue Jian Yang and make her work for him.

After spending this time together, he realized that Jian Yang was unlike any of the women he had been with over the years.

This further fueled his possessive desires.

With someone like that by your side, life wouldn't be boring.

Because the emperor had suppressed the matter of Jian Yang's previous disappearance, and because she had always lived a secluded life, very few people in the palace knew about it.

No one was surprised by her return; they simply assumed that the Empress had finally made an appearance.

Those around her nearly burst into tears.

"Your Majesty, I have been living in fear these past few days. Thank God, you have finally returned."

The speaker was Xiqiu.

Since Jian Yang disappeared, she had been crying almost every day. Now that she had finally welcomed her back, she was overjoyed and started crying again.

Jian Yang stepped forward and hugged her, saying gently, "Don't cry. I neglected you before, but I won't do it again."

This sounds like something a prodigal son who has turned over a new leaf would say.

But these were Jian Yang's truly honest words.

Previously, Lianxia was sweet-talking and lively, and seemed much more clever than the honest and steady Xiqiu.

As a result, Jian Yang developed a slight preference for Lian Xia and spent most of his time with her.

Xiqiu, who was also a personal maid, was sent to manage finances. It seemed like a sign of high regard, but in reality, it was a demanding and tiring job.

After being betrayed by Lianxia, ​​Jianyang realized that Xiqiu was the true loyal servant.

She decided that from then on, the two of them would be best friends.

At this time, her other "good sister" Consort Xian learned that Jian Yang had returned to the palace, and she was both shocked and frightened.

She is now very worried that Jian Yang will investigate the truth, and she is so frightened that she can't even eat.

However, her maid Yi Cui comforted her, saying, "Your Highness, don't overthink it. If this matter is really investigated, the Second Prince will be the first to be implicated. You can just put all the blame on him, and no one will be able to find out."

Consort Xian felt that there was some truth to this. The only eyewitness that night, Lianxia, ​​had already been killed by Zhou Jing'an. As long as Zhou Jing'an didn't say anything, no one would know that she was an accomplice.

Of course, even if Zhou Jing'an brought her out, she could still turn around and accuse Zhou Jing'an of framing her.

Anyway, he can't produce any evidence.

The emperor left the palace on the second day.

The destination was Zhou Jing'an's residence.

Zhou Jing'an didn't know if his injury had "worsened." He was still full of energy yesterday when he got off the carriage to say goodbye to Jian Yang, but today, when the emperor came to visit him, he suddenly couldn't get out of bed.

The emperor was not angry at all, and even took the initiative to come to Zhou Jing'an's bedside to comfort him.

After exchanging pleasantries, the emperor smiled and said, "I have come here today not only to visit my elder brother, but also to thank him in person for taking care of the empress along the way."

"Your Majesty is too kind. I am more than happy to take care of A-Yang."

"Ayang?" The emperor frowned.

"I spoke carelessly," Zhou Jing'an hurriedly explained. "Your Majesty, please don't misunderstand. My relationship with the Empress has been completely innocent throughout the journey, and I have not done anything improper. I hope Your Majesty will not make things difficult for the Empress."

It would have been better if he hadn't explained. But once he did, coupled with his guilty expression, it was clear he was telling the emperor, "I'm having an affair with your wife."

The emperor was not annoyed at all upon hearing this.

He smiled and said, "I knew that my brother was a virtuous gentleman, and the relationship between the Empress and me is as solid as a rock. It would be as difficult as ascending to heaven for anyone else to take her place."

This statement has a double meaning.

It expresses both that his relationship with Jian Yang is one that no one else can interfere with, and that no one can take his throne.

Zhou Jing'an naturally understood the implication in his words, so he smiled and said, "Your Majesty is right."

On the way back to the palace, Zhao Ziyi said indignantly, "What is he pretending to be? He clearly kidnapped the Empress."

The emperor said calmly, "We haven't found any evidence yet, so you really shouldn't say this to anyone else. Otherwise, his officials will impeach you, and I won't be able to protect you."

"Your Majesty, I understand." Zhao Ziyi hesitated again, then asked, "Your Majesty, do you truly trust the Empress?"

The emperor smiled and said, "Of course."

Upon returning to the palace, the emperor went straight to Weiyang Palace, where Jian Yang had just served up some crispy fried pork and was eating it without any proper sitting posture.

Upon seeing the emperor, she felt a flush of embarrassment and quickly lowered her legs from the chair.

Strangely enough, she used to walk around in front of the emperor without makeup, without feeling any impact whatsoever.

But ever since she went abroad, or more precisely, after being rescued by the emperor, she has become somewhat concerned about her image in front of him.

The emperor was already used to her carefree manner, and upon seeing this, he simply smiled and said, "Why aren't you eating? Eat more; I see you've lost a lot of weight."

Jian Yang chuckled and said, "Perfect for losing weight."

The emperor said, "I still need to gain some weight; it feels better to hold someone who's fleshy."

Jian Yang: "..."

It hasn't been long, and he's already flirting with her again!

Jian Yang pretended not to hear and asked with a flushed face, "I heard from the servants that the Emperor went out of the palace to see the Second Prince?"

The emperor nodded and said, "Stay away from him in the future."

Jian Yang thought the emperor was questioning her, so she quickly explained, "Your Majesty, I have no connection with him whatsoever. I hope Your Majesty will see the truth."

The emperor laughed and said, "I don't doubt you, but my elder brother has been cunning since childhood, and for so many years he has been openly and secretly competing with me for the throne. You are no match for him."

Jian Yang nodded: "Your Majesty, I understand. Would you like to try some of my fried crispy pork?"

The emperor nodded, and Jian Yang quickly told someone to bring tableware.

The emperor waved his hand and said, "I will use yours."

After saying that, he reached out and took the chopsticks from in front of Jian Yang, and picked up a small piece of crispy pork and ate it.

Jian Yang felt her face getting hotter and hotter as she watched his actions.

Does this count as indirect kissing?