Crown Prince Chu Chengli stood beside Emperor Wen. He narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at Luo Lingyue, who was nestled in Xiao Jinghan's arms with the demeanor of a weak young lady.
Chu Chengli's eyes darkened, and he couldn't help but feel a trace of doubt in his heart. Was this woman in front of him really Luo Lingyue? Or was she just someone with a similar name?
In his memory, Luo Lingyue was a woman with a strong character and was brave and fearless.
She had experienced countless life and death tests with him, and every time she stood in front of him, protecting him with her thin body.
But now, the woman in front of him was completely different. She would actually snuggle in the man's arms for shelter like an ordinary woman.
Chu Chengli couldn't help but recall the time they had spent together. Back then, Luo Lingyue was always full of energy, her face brimming with confidence and determination. Her laughter was bright and clear, bringing immense warmth to people.
But now, the woman in front of him seemed so fragile and helpless.
Chu Chengli stared at Luo Lingyue, trying to find some familiar trace in her eyes. However, he only saw confusion. Had she truly lost her memory? Or was this all just a misunderstanding?
Thinking of this, Chu Chengli raised his eyebrows and thought to himself: I still need to confirm in person whether the Luo Lingyue now is the bounty hunter Luo Lingyue who used to be by my side!
After all, he had known Shu Shu for a long time and was well aware of her personality and thoughts. Perhaps in Shu Shu's eyes, Luo Lingyue's appearance posed a potential threat to her. This made Chu Chengli even more confused and thoughtful about the current situation.
The Third Prince's lips curled up into a malicious smile, and he deliberately said loudly to the King of Qin, "Second brother! Look at your cousin-in-law. He holds a special place in the heart of the Emperor! When you returned to the capital with Princess Nanzhi, the Emperor didn't even come out to greet you!"
Upon hearing this, the King of Qin showed no displeasure on his face. Instead, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, and he responded with a playful smile, "Third brother, please stop talking nonsense! Xiao Jinghan is not only my brother-in-law, but also our cousin! Have you forgotten? His grandmother is the eldest princess of Dazhao, and also our father's aunt!"
After hearing what King Qin said, the Third Prince looked a little embarrassed, but he quickly recovered and laughed dryly a few times to hide his dissatisfaction.
He thought to himself, normally the King of Qin doesn't like to talk much, but he didn't expect that today he would speak up for Xiao Jinghan without hesitation. Humph! What's this about a close relationship? It's just a relationship of interest!
Seeing that the Third Prince had been turned down, the Fourth Prince was secretly delighted, with the corners of his mouth slightly raised, and he said with a hint of pride: "The Prince of Wu'an is returning to the capital this time to return the tiger talisman! The military power of Nanyi has always been in the hands of the Xiao family. Now it has finally returned to the hands of my father. It is really a cause for celebration!" He deliberately raised his voice so that people around him could hear it.
After hearing this, the King of Qin's face suddenly became gloomy. He snorted coldly and responded in a cold tone: "The purpose of Prince Wu'an going to Nanyi was to help my father take back the military power. This is his mission and responsibility. How come it becomes the fault of successive Prince Wu'an in your mouth?" His eyes were full of majesty and dissatisfaction, staring straight at the Fourth Prince.
The Fourth Prince's face turned pale instantly, realizing he had said the wrong thing. He secretly glanced at the generals around him and found that they all had angry expressions, staring at him closely, their eyes revealing obvious displeasure and anger.
These generals all respected Prince Wu'an, and they were very dissatisfied with the Fourth Prince's slander of Prince Wu'an.
The Fourth Prince was filled with regret. He knew his words had offended the generals and might have aroused their resentment and hostility. He regretted his hasty words and his failure to consider the consequences. However, the situation was now irreversible. He could only glance away, not daring to meet the King of Qin's gaze.
He laughed dryly and said, "Haha! Second brother is really good at joking! The Wu'an Palace has always been loyal to the Dazhao Imperial Family! How could I have such messed up ideas!"
Hearing this, the King of Qin was filled with contempt for the Fourth Prince.
The Fifth Prince glanced at his three brothers calmly, then turned to look at Luo Lingyue. His gaze lingered on her, and an indescribable feeling welled up in his heart. His thoughts gradually became confused, and he couldn't help but think of Luo Xiaoliu.
The Fifth Prince thought to himself: If Luo Xiaoliu were a girl, perhaps he would be as beautiful as Luo Xiaoqi...
Luo Lingyue felt the Fifth Prince's gaze and looked up to meet his, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes. Their eyes met, and Luo Lingyue's brows furrowed, her eyes filled with doubt.
The Fifth Prince quickly recovered and realized his own gaffe. He quickly looked away, trying to conceal his inner turmoil.
At this moment, the Fifth Prince turned his gaze to the Crown Prince standing beside Emperor Wen. He looked at the Crown Prince and couldn't help but sigh. The Crown Prince had actually chosen the delicate and pretentious Li Jingshu as his fiancée, while ignoring the stunningly beautiful Luo Xiaoqi.
"How blind!" the Fifth Prince muttered to himself. He couldn't understand the Crown Prince's choice and thought it was simply absurd.
Emperor Wen quickly stepped forward, holding Xiao Jinghan's arm tightly with both hands. His face was full of worry and heartache. He asked in a trembling voice, "Han'er, how are you feeling now? Are you feeling unwell? I heard that bastard Xiao Jingyi actually poisoned you! It's absolutely lawless!"
Xiao Jinghan smiled slightly, his eyes gleaming with determination, and he replied softly: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am no longer seriously ill. The genius doctor has detoxified me, and I feel much better now."
He gestured to the guards beside him, who immediately handed Xiao Jinghan an exquisite box. Xiao Jinghan took the box, carefully holding it in his hands. Then he respectfully walked before Emperor Wen, knelt on one knee, raised the box high above his head, and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, please take a look! This is the military power and tiger talisman that I confiscated from Xiao Jingyi. I have fulfilled my mission. Thank you, Your Majesty, for your trust and support. I am willing to go through fire and water for you, no matter what!"
The ministers behind him shouted in unison: "Congratulations, Your Majesty, for taking back the military power of Nanyi!"
Emperor Wen smiled happily and said, "I will keep the tiger talisman safe. Nanyi will continue to be the fiefdom of Prince Wu'an! As for where to live, it is entirely up to Prince Wu'an's mood! No one is allowed to interfere!"
Everyone was shocked when they heard Emperor Wen's words. For generations, those who were granted fiefdoms were not allowed to enter the capital without a summons! This was a rule established since the founding of the Great Zhao Kingdom, intended to prevent kings of other surnames from becoming too powerful and threatening the central government.
However, now, Emperor Wen broke this convention and allowed Prince Wu'an to freely choose his residence, which was undoubtedly a special care and trust for Prince Wu'an.
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