Chapter 5 Returning to the Eastern Palace with Me
She felt wronged. Was it because of his distrust?
His grip loosened unconsciously, and his thumb even lightly caressed the inside of her delicate wrist without his noticing. The sensation sent a shiver down his spine.
"Yu'er..." he called her, his voice low and hoarse, carrying a hint of compromise and coaxing that he himself was unaware of, "Tell me, you don't like him like that, do you?"
Su Jingyu turned her face away, her voice choked with sobs: "Why should I like him? I have nothing to do with him..."
"Then what kind do you like?" Xiao Jingzhan persisted, raising his other hand to gently pinch her chin, forcing her to turn towards him. His gaze was fixed on her eyes, not allowing her to escape.
Su Jingyu was cornered by him, her mind in turmoil. He was so close, his intense masculine presence enveloping her, his phoenix eyes so deep they seemed to suck in her soul. Her mind went blank, and she could only murmur instinctively, "I...I don't know...Your Highness, please let me go..."
Her delicate, helpless, and submissive demeanor completely pleased Xiao Jingzhan. It also made him finally understand why he had been acting strangely these past few days.
He wasn't admiring, nor was he curious.
He wanted her.
From the first moment he saw her, he wanted to transplant this secluded orchid to his own warm chamber in the Eastern Palace, to face her every day and enjoy her fragrance alone.
All hesitation and deliberation vanished at that moment.
He released his grip on her chin, but did not let go of her wrist. Instead, he gently pulled her into his arms in that position.
Su Jingyu gasped softly, unexpectedly bumping into a firm, warm chest. His scent, carrying the fragrance of medicine and ambergris, instantly enveloped her.
"It's okay if you don't know." Xiao Jingzhan lowered his head, his thin lips almost touching her earlobe, his warm breath spraying onto her sensitive earlobe, causing a shiver to run through her.
His voice carried an undeniable strength and a strange tenderness, "From now on, all you need to know is that you like me, and that's enough."
Su Jingyu froze, her heart pounding like a drum, feeling as if she were floating on clouds, lightheaded and unaware of what was happening.
What...what is he saying?
Feeling the gentle trembling of the delicate body in his arms, Xiao Jingzhan felt the emptiness in his heart fill with something. He tightened his arms, gently resting his chin on the top of her fragrant hair, and said in a low, clear voice, as if making a declaration:
"Yu'er, once I'm healed, come back to the East Palace with me."
After dinner, the atmosphere in the main hall of the Su family was even more somber than the deepening night outside the window.
Crown Prince Xiao Jingzhan sat upright at the head of the table. Although he was still dressed in ordinary clothes, the majesty of the heir apparent was inadvertently revealed, making the already uneasy Su Mingyuan and his mother even more restless. Su Jingyu sat with her head bowed below her mother, her fingers tightly twisting her handkerchief, her heart pounding so hard it felt like it would burst out of her chest. She knew that what was coming had finally arrived.
Xiao Jingzhan put down his teacup, his gaze calmly sweeping over Su's parents before finally settling on Su Jingyu. He paused for a moment before speaking slowly, his voice steady and powerful: "Magistrate Su, Madam Su, my injuries are no longer serious, and I will soon be setting off back to the capital."
Su Mingyuan quickly stood up: "Your Highness is blessed with great fortune, which is a great fortune for all people. Your humble servant has already ordered people to make all the necessary arrangements and will ensure Your Highness's safe return to the capital."
Xiao Jingzhan slightly raised his hand, gesturing for him to sit down. "Before I depart, there is something I need to discuss with you both." He paused, his tone more solemn than ever before, "I wish to take Jingyu with me back to the Eastern Palace."
Despite having a premonition, Su Mingyuan was still so shocked by these earth-shattering words that he almost dropped his teacup. His mother turned pale and instinctively grabbed her daughter's hand.
"Your Highness!" Su Mingyuan's voice trembled, "My daughter...my daughter is dull-witted and unruly, she really dares not presume to be associated with the imperial family, I'm afraid...I'm afraid she will tarnish the reputation of the Crown Prince!"
“Magistrate Su is too modest.” Xiao Jingzhan turned his gaze to Su Jingyu, who was bowing her head, and a barely perceptible soft light flashed in his eyes. “Jingyu is gentle and intelligent, with a pure and kind heart. She took good care of me when I was in danger, which comforted me greatly. My mind is made up.”
This statement was made very clearly, carrying the unquestionable determination of the crown prince.
Mother Su felt sorry for her daughter and mustered her courage, her eyes brimming with tears as she spoke: "Your Highness's kindness is a great blessing for Yu'er. However... however, the rules of the Eastern Palace are very strict. Yu'er has been pampered by the wives of officials since childhood and is simple-minded. I'm afraid... I'm afraid she won't be able to adapt to such a complicated situation. If she makes a mistake or suffers injustice in the future..." Her voice choked with emotion, full of a mother's worries.
Xiao Jingzhan understood their concerns. He looked at Su Mingyuan, a seventh-rank county magistrate. Although his official position was not high, his eyes were clear and upright. He was a good official who truly cared for the country and the people, and also a father who truly loved his daughter.
He stood up and walked into the hall. This action startled Su's parents, who both stood up.
Xiao Jingzhan, however, solemnly clasped his hands in a half-bowing gesture towards Su Mingyuan.
"Your Highness! You mustn't!" Su Mingyuan was so frightened that he was about to kneel down, but Xiao Jingzhan raised his hand to support him.
“Magistrate Su, Madam Su.” Xiao Jingzhan looked at them, his gaze frank and sharp. “This bow is to thank you both for raising such a wonderful daughter as Jingyu, and it is also a promise to you both.”
His voice was clear and resonant, his words distinct, echoing in the silent hall: "I know you two love your daughter dearly and fear that she may suffer injustice in the deep palace. Today, I assure you both that my decision to bring Jingyu back to the East Palace is not a spur-of-the-moment thing. I will welcome her with the rank of Liangyuan."
A Lady of High Rank! Su Mingyuan gasped. Under the Eastern Palace system and with his official rank, a Lady of High Rank was an unattainable high rank! This far exceeded his imagination.
"As for the grievances..." Xiao Jingzhan's lips curled into a confident smile befitting an absolute powerhouse. "Since I've taken her away, I will protect her under my wings. Within the Eastern Palace, she need not concern herself with the tedious rules; everything will be under my control. Wherever I am, that will be her rule. I will ensure that she remains as peaceful and joyful as she is today."
His words were extremely domineering, yet strangely powerful, they carried a compelling force. This was not sweet talk; it was a promise from a future emperor.
Looking at the unwavering determination in the eyes of the young crown prince, Su Mingyuan glanced at his daughter, who had remained silent since the crown prince spoke, her cheeks flushed but who had not uttered any objections. He was filled with mixed emotions.
He knew full well that the Emperor's will was not something a mere county magistrate like himself could defy. Moreover, the Crown Prince's words truly demonstrated sincerity and respect.
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