"Your Highness, what brings you here?"
At this moment, Rong Qingqing exclaimed in surprise.
Xie Jingxuan was somewhat surprised to see that she seemed to know the man.
Upon seeing Rong Qingqing, Xiao Zhen's stern expression softened instantly. He raised the imperial edict in his hand and said to her in a gentle and loving voice, "I have rendered meritorious service in quelling this rebellion. I have obtained an imperial edict from the Emperor to adopt you as my goddaughter and bestow upon you the title of Princess. From now on, you will be the Princess of my Prince Su's Mansion, and no one will dare to look down on you or bully you."
Rong Qingqing was taken aback, not expecting him to act so quickly. While surprised, she couldn't help but sigh that he was such a thoughtful person. Taking her in as an adopted daughter and directly recognizing her were completely different things.
If she were to be recognized directly, it would inevitably have a negative impact on the reputation of the Lan family. If that were the case, the uninformed people would surely think that the Lan family was unfaithful, having married Rong Shiqing yet giving birth to the daughter of the Prince of Su. Where would that leave her?
Although Lady Lan has been dead for many years, people in ancient times valued reputation. It was a terrible thing to be criticized after death. It was truly remarkable that Prince Su could think of protecting her posthumous reputation.
Seeing his stunned daughter, Xiao Zhen's expression softened even more, and a hint of expectation flickered in his weathered eyes. "Girl, aren't you going to call me father?"
Rong Qingqing came to her senses and looked at the man who was looking at her with a gentle expression. She opened her mouth, but couldn't bring herself to call out.
But seeing the man's expectant and hopeful eyes, she couldn't bear to disappoint him, and finally awkwardly called out, "Father!"
Xiao Zhen was overjoyed and stepped forward to hug her. "Oh, my precious daughter."
Xie Jingxuan, standing to the side, could not hide his surprise upon seeing this.
Prince Su's Mansion? King Su?
Isn't that Xiao Zhen, the only prince of a different surname in this dynasty?
As for Prince Su, Xiao Zhen, there is probably no one in the entire Great Liang Dynasty who does not know him.
Although Xie Jingxuan was in the capital, he had heard a great deal about Prince Su and often heard people mention him.
King Su was stationed in Suzhou for many years, blocking the ambitious Xiongnu people and giving the people of Daliang a peaceful life. He was the most admired and respected person by the people, and even three-year-old children knew about King Su.
Xie Jingxuan has always admired him.
Those were true heroes and great men.
Whenever he went to the teahouse, his favorite story to hear was about Prince Su, Xiao Zhen.
Unexpectedly, one day, this hero in his heart would actually appear in front of him.
Xie Jingxuan was surprised, excited, and delighted.
But when he saw Rong Qingqing being embraced by Prince Su, he couldn't help but feel a lot of doubts.
If he hadn't misheard, Prince Su had already adopted her as his goddaughter and even petitioned the emperor to bestow upon her the title of Princess.
What exactly happened?
Why would Prince Su suddenly take Qingqing in as his goddaughter? What is the connection between them?
Xie Jingxuan was deeply puzzled.
Just then, a figure walked in from outside.
He looked up and saw Xie Jingrun, who had been named Crown Prince, striding toward the father and daughter who were embracing each other.
Rong Qingqing had never been held in the arms of an elder like this before. Although Xiao Zhen's hug was purely out of happiness and contained no other impurities, she still felt a little awkward. Just then, a hand suddenly reached out and grabbed her arm.
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