Chapter 71 He just couldn't bear to part with her
Inside the imperial study, the air seemed to freeze from the murderous intent in his words. Gao Wuyong was horrified. His Highness the Crown Prince, usually as composed as a mountain, was now displaying a sharp edge, possessing an aura that seemed to swallow the heavens and scorch the sun!
The emperor gazed at his son for a long time, looking at the unwavering determination and sharpness in his eyes, as if he saw his younger self—no, even more decisive and courageous than his younger self! After a long while, he slowly exhaled, his eyes flashing with a sharp light: "Very well! I grant permission!"
"Thank you, Father Emperor!" Xiao Jingzhan knelt on one knee, clasped his hands in acceptance of the order.
"Rise." The Emperor stepped down from his throne, personally helped him up, patted his shoulder, and said in a deep voice, "I know your intentions. The unrest on the border makes me uneasy. I am at ease with your departure. But remember, you are the Crown Prince of Dasheng. A son of a noble family should not sit under a dangerous roof. You must act with caution and prioritize your safety. I grant you the authority to make decisions on the spot. You may handle all military and political affairs in the northern border as appropriate. Zhou Feng is a veteran general who is familiar with border affairs; you can rely on him. I am in the capital, awaiting your report of victory!"
"Your subject will certainly not fail your father's trust!" Xiao Jingzhan solemnly replied.
That night, inside the Glazed Pavilion.
After taking a bath, Xiao Jingzhan, with his black hair loose and wearing only a moon-white nightgown, leaned against the headboard, holding a scroll of northern border map in his hand and studying it intently, his brows furrowed with lingering thoughts.
After bathing, Su Jingyu, still damp and fragrant with a sweet scent, wore only a thin, soft silk robe, her long hair cascading over her shoulders. She tiptoed over, not disturbing him, but sitting down next to him. Then, she naturally rested her head on his lap, turning to find a comfortable position.
Xiao Jingzhan's gaze shifted from the map to her smooth forehead. He put down the map, his slender fingers stroking her soft, black hair, gently combing it with light, caressing strokes.
Su Jingyu rubbed her cheek against his warm, firm leg, her voice languid after her bath, "Does Your Highness have something troubling you?"
Xiao Jingzhan remained silent for a moment, his fingers tracing her delicate cheek: "Yes. The border people are suffering, and the soldiers are on high alert. This matter needs to be resolved as soon as possible. My father has granted me permission to go there personally."
Su Jingyu's heart skipped a beat. Although she had a premonition, hearing him say it himself still made her involuntarily clutch the corner of his robe. She looked up and met his deep eyes, which held reluctance, concern, and an undeniable determination.
"How long will it take?" she asked softly, trying to make her voice sound calm.
"At most two months." Xiao Jingzhan's fingers stopped at her brow, as if trying to smooth out the faint furrow. "I will return as soon as possible."
Two months... not too long, but certainly not short. The battlefield is ruthless, and the north is bitterly cold. Even though he was the crown prince, a veteran of countless battles, how could she not worry? But she also knew that this matter concerned the very foundation of the nation, the safety of the border people, and, more importantly, his responsibility as the heir apparent.
Su Jingyu propped herself up, knelt before him, cupped his face in her hands, and looked into his eyes with gentle yet firm eyes: "Your Highness, please rest assured. Your Majesty, Yu'er, Ye'er, Ning'er, and I will be fine in the palace and wait for Your Majesty's safe return. Your Majesty need not worry about us. Focus on the affairs of state. Your safe return will be the greatest comfort to your Majesty."
Xiao Jingzhan's heart softened, and he pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on the top of her head, deeply inhaling her comforting fragrance. He simply couldn't bear to part with her.
"I have already spoken with the Empress Dowager. If you feel homesick, you are welcome to return to the Su residence for a short stay. I have also spoken to your parents-in-law." He explained in detail, "Furthermore, I will leave Lu Chen here..."
“No.” Su Jingyu gently interrupted him, lifting her head from his embrace with a serious expression. “General Lu is Your Highness’s confidant, highly skilled in martial arts, and utterly loyal. With him by Your Highness’s side, I can feel more at ease. Your Highness needs capable people by your side on this journey, and General Lu must go with you.”
"Can……"
"Your Majesty, I am safe in the capital, in the Eastern Palace, surrounded by layers of imperial guards, as well as the secret guards Your Highness left behind." Su Jingyu covered his lips with her small hand, her voice soft yet undeniable, "Your Highness's safety is paramount. With General Lu here, I can sleep more soundly at night. I beg Your Highness, please grant my request."
Her eyes held complete trust and affection, as well as earnest concern for his safety. Xiao Jingzhan's Adam's apple bobbed. How could he refuse such a gaze? He sighed, pulling her closer again, his voice low and husky: "Alright, as you wish. I will take Lu Chen with me. But for the defense of the Eastern Palace, I will double the manpower. When you go out, you must bring your shadow guards with you and cannot act alone."
"Yes, Your Highness, I will obey." Su Jingyu obediently agreed, leaning back into his arms, feeling his steady heartbeat, and silently praying that he would return safely.
As parting drew near, their hearts were filled with tenderness. Xiao Jingzhan lowered his head, found her lips, and kissed her. His kiss was passionate and lingering, filled with deep reluctance and longing. Su Jingyu responded obediently, her hands climbing up his neck, pulling herself closer into his embrace.
The red curtains fell, concealing the room's allure. He transformed all his longing and reluctance into endless tenderness and possessiveness; she poured all her worries and love into every tremor and gesture of submission.
Even as night deepened, he held her tightly in his arms, as if he wanted to embed her into his very bones.
Three days later, before dawn, carriages and horses were already prepared outside the East Palace Gate.
Xiao Jingzhan stood tall and straight in the dim morning light, clad in light black armor, a long sword at his waist, and a dark cloak embroidered with gold dragon patterns. His hair was tied back with a black jade crown, which further accentuated his cold and handsome face, his features were exquisite, and he was as handsome as a god, yet he exuded an aura of inviolable majesty and murderous intent.
On this northward journey, in order to wipe out those cunning and ruthless border bandits, he was prepared to personally take the lead. Therefore, he traveled light, mainly with cavalry, and naturally rode on horseback without a carriage.
Su Jingyu hurriedly put on her clothes and got up. Before she could do her hair and makeup properly, Yun Shu and Jin Shu quickly tied her hair into a simple bun and put a plain jade hairpin in her hair. She wore a light blue brocade cloak embroidered with magnolia branches on top and a matching casual dress underneath. The simple and elegant clothes made her skin look even whiter and her eyebrows and eyes even more beautiful. Without any makeup, she had a unique and charming demeanor.
Ignoring the cool morning dew, she personally escorted him to the palace gate. Her face wore a gentle and dignified smile, but her eyes were brimming with a faint glimmer of tears, which she tried her best to hold back.
Upon approaching, she took a lake-blue brocade pouch embroidered with auspicious cloud patterns from Yun Shu and handed it to Xiao Jingzhan.
“Your Highness,” her voice was soft and clear, sounding particularly distinct in the morning mist, “the journey is long, and the border is harsh and dangerous. I urge you to take good care of yourself. Inside is a peace sutra that I copied and sincerely offered before the Buddha, wishing Your Highness a safe and smooth journey. There are also… some emergency pills.”
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply for a long time.
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