Xiao Jingzhao pretended not to understand Jiang Shuyue's words that he didn't come in through the main gate, and he walked up to Jiang Shuyue and stopped.
A faint scent of roses lingered at the tip of my nose. Looking down, I saw a woman with long, black hair draped over her shoulders, her eyebrows naturally dark and her lips naturally red.
Her crescent-white dress made her look like a fairy descended from heaven.
The beauty mark between her eyebrows seemed to be branded into his heart, impossible to erase.
Perhaps it was because Xiao Jingzhao's gaze was too piercing, Jiang Shuyue took a step back and said, "Your Majesty has come today to..."
"I have something to ask of you."
Xiao Jingzhao seemed to sense that Jiang Shuyue was a little uneasy, so he walked over to her and sat down on one side of the small table.
He truthfully recounted how he lost a portrait, how his mother and sisters came to the capital, and how his mother and sisters wanted to see Sui Sui.
From the day she agreed to let Sui Sui enter the Imperial Academy, Jiang Shuyue had already decided that Sui Sui needed a father's love, and that she had the love of her grandmother and relatives. Xiao Jingzhao was behaving properly in front of her, so she only needed to face him openly and honestly.
She agreed almost without hesitation: "No problem. Sui Sui is naturally lively. As long as you don't restrict the child, everything else is negotiable."
“My eldest sister Yonghe and second sister Changle are looking forward to meeting you. Changle is also mischievous, and Suisui should be able to play with her.” Xiao Jingzhao said, looking out the window.
The lights under the eaves reflected on the trees, and the leaves, washed by the rain, shimmered with a warm glow.
He stood outside for a while when he entered Xingyue Courtyard, and seeing that Sui Sui and Su Nan were having fun, he didn't disturb them.
"Your Majesty, please have some tea."
After putting down the tea, Qiuju wisely withdrew. The Emperor never climbs over the wall unless there's something wrong.
Jiang Shuyue was thinking about the restaurant when she said, "I have other matters to attend to tomorrow. Would it be alright to invite the two princesses to my residence in a couple of days?"
Xiao Jingzhao nodded slightly, "Alright, they've had a long journey, so they should rest for a couple of days."
His dark eyes fell on Jiang Shuyue's face again. After a moment of silence, he said, "I have already had people investigate Su Huai Ren's case. It's difficult to find all the witnesses and physical evidence, but that's not important anymore. Some things take time."
Jiang Shuyue never expected that Xiao Jingzhao, who was extremely busy with his affairs, would still think of overturning the case for Uncle Su.
She smiled faintly, looking at Xiao Jingzhao with utmost sincerity, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"No need for thanks. Our relationship is special, so it's inappropriate to say thank you."
“You…” Jiang Shuyue’s face turned bright red when she heard the word “special.”
Xiao Jingzhao pretended not to see her glaring at him in embarrassment and continued, "You may not know that Miss Su is engaged to my eldest brother."
"Young Master Xiao and Su Hui?" Jiang Shuyue looked at Xiao Jingzhao with delight.
"Yes, the Empress Dowager was busy coming to the capital to see Sui Sui, and the engagement was arranged in a hurry. The Su brothers set off from Yannan first, and they don't know it yet."
A gentle and refined gentleman, and a graceful and dignified young lady—they were truly a perfect match.
"That's good. Young Master Xiao is very learned, and Ah Hui is beautiful and intelligent. The two are a good match."
Jiang Shuyue was genuinely happy for Ahui. Young Master Xiao was a highly cultured and talented man, someone she could entrust her life to.
Seeing the smiling face of the person opposite him, Xiao Jingzhao raised his eyebrows slightly, "We are already related by marriage, so we should visit each other often in the future."
Jiang Shuyue was speechless, but she couldn't quite put her finger on what was wrong. She felt there was a hint of ambiguity in his words.
Just as Jiang Shuyue was at a loss for words, Xiao Jingzhao picked up his teacup and took a sip. "Your tea is very fragrant. You rest, I'm going to see Sui Sui."
"I'll have Qiuju bring it over."
Before Jiang Shuyue could finish speaking, she had already left the flower hall.
When she chased after her, only Qiuju was standing under the eaves.
"Miss, the Emperor has led his entourage into the garden. Should we follow them?"
"Never mind, let's get some rest. We'll be busy tomorrow." Jiang Shuyue said as she walked towards her bedroom.
...
The next day, Jiang Shuyue, Gao Mu, and Qiu Ju arrived at the blacksmith shop in the north of the city.
There weren't many craftsmen in the blacksmith's shop, and even though the master craftsman was rushing, he could only make four wheels.
Just as Jiang Shuyue had instructed, Gao Mu removed the wheel and placed it on the shaft.
Jiang Shuyue said to the blacksmith, "You made them very well. Make ten more."
"Young lady, I may not be able to finish making this quantity on time," the blacksmith said truthfully.
"No time limit, as fast as you can. I'll have someone come and pick some up in a few days."
After giving her instructions, Jiang Shuyue left the blacksmith's shop and returned to the carriage. Just as she stepped off the saddle, she caught a glimpse of a familiar figure emerging from the alley.
That person was Jiang Zhengming. Now he doesn't have to attend the morning court session, and he leaves home later than before.
Perhaps because it is rare for luxurious carriages to come here, Jiang Zhengming stood beside a simple carriage and glanced in this direction.
With just one glance, Jiang Shuyue quickly looked away and went straight into the carriage.
As the carriage drove away, Jiang Zhengming remained standing there, lost in thought.
"What is she doing here?" Although he only saw one side of her, Jiang Zhengming was certain that it was his daughter who had broken ties with him.
"Master, it's getting late," the servant urged.
"Wait a minute, I'll be right back."
Jiang Zhengming strode towards the blacksmith's shop.
"Sir, what would you like to buy?" Although the blacksmith was a rough man, he recognized Jiang Zhengming in his official robes.
Perhaps it was the blacksmith's booming voice that instantly cleared Jiang Zhengming's mind.
He shook his head. "No need, I'm just passing by."
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