Chapter 43
He never imagined that his hesitation would cause the girl so much suffering.
Yes, for her, being a woman meant that her innocence was of utmost importance. If she lost her innocence, she could neither tell her family nor dare to come to her.
How frightened and pained they must have been.
At this moment, Song Xuan felt both ashamed and heartbroken.
Compared to his own doubts, the pain Qing Nian endured was unimaginable to him.
Thinking of this, Song Xuan couldn't help but lean forward and embrace the girl who was covering her face and crying.
He said remorsefully, "I'm sorry, Qingnian, I'm so sorry. It's all my fault. I'm sorry. You don't have to be afraid anymore. I will stay with you and protect you."
Song Xuan felt that the girl's soft body was perfectly suited to him, just like that day in the dilapidated temple.
He was both excited and eager; his heart, which had been calm for so many years, was now boiling over.
Shen Qingnian was locked in Song Xuan's arms. When she heard what he said, she finally couldn't help but cry out. As she cried, she pounded his shoulder with her fists.
Her voice was filled with grievance: "Do you know how much I suffer? Do you know how scared I am? Every time I want to tell you, I don't dare. You are the Crown Prince, you are a member of the royal family, and I am just a young lady in my boudoir. If I am not careful, I will be doomed!"
The girl's emotions, which she had suppressed for so long, finally burst forth as she poured out her sadness and fear.
Feeling the warm tears on his neck, Song Xuan's heart ached. He gently patted the girl's back with his large hand, offering silent comfort.
After Shen Qingnian had cried and vented her emotions, he solemnly said, "Qingnian, after I return to the palace, I will have my father bestow a marriage upon us. I want you to become the Crown Princess!"
Shen Qingnian looked up from Song Xuan's arms. Her eyes were red from crying and glistening with tears. Her collar was disheveled from her earlier excitement, and a glimpse of her collarbone was revealed, shimmering beautifully.
Song Xuan lowered his eyes and immediately caught the girl's delicate smile on her straight collarbone. The scene in the temple that day vividly appeared before his eyes, and his Adam's apple bobbed slightly.
"Your Majesty, will you grant us a marriage? After all, I am no longer innocent..." Shen Qingnian seemed unaware of Song Xuan's gaze. She spoke with some worry, her expression filled with sorrow.
Song Xuan withdrew his gaze with some restraint. He raised his hand to tidy the stray hairs on Shen Qingnian's forehead and spoke gently, "You have given your innocence to me, how could Father not grant you marriage?"
A faint blush rose to Shen Qingnian's cheeks.
At this moment, Xia Zi's voice came from outside the door: "Your Highness, the Emperor just sent someone to tell you to return to the palace immediately. It seems to be about Lord Lin."
The Emperor just sent someone to the Lin residence; I overheard that he intended to bring Miss Lin back to the palace with him.
After receiving Shen Qingnian's letter, Song Xuan rushed over without even listening to Lin Minxin's words in the Imperial Study.
Shen Qingnian paused upon hearing Xia Zi's words.
Before pushing her into the water, Lin Yue'er said that Lin Minxin was already in the palace and was going to report her and Shen Zheng.
Song Xuan looked at the girl in his arms and asked, "Lin Minxin wants to frame you and Prime Minister Shen. Qingnian, do you want to come to the palace with me?"
It seems that Lin Minxin wanted to make trouble for Qing Nian. Since Lin Yue'er was not destined to become the Crown Princess, the father and daughter naturally disliked Qing Nian.
Thinking of this, Song Xuan's gentle eyes gradually turned cold.
Lin Yue'er pushed Qing Nian into the water today, so it's a good opportunity to deal with her as well. Lin Yue'er has just been released from confinement, and she has already harmed Qing Nian again. This time, she will definitely not let her go. Those old officials who speak out have nothing to say.
Shen Qingnian nodded in Song Xuan's arms and said softly, "I want to go to the palace with you. My father also rushed into the palace early this morning and has not returned yet."
Lin Minxin had just entered the palace when Shen Zheng followed suit.
"Is your body still able to handle it? If you are not feeling well, there is no need to force yourself. I can handle things with Lin Minxin and Lin Yue'er myself," Song Xuan said with some concern.
Qingnian fell into the water, and her body is probably weak now.
Shen Qingnian shook her head and insisted, "Your Highness need not worry, my body can handle it."
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