Chapter 27 I can't wait any longer
The Crown Princess felt a chill run down her spine and quickly straightened her clothes to greet him. Zhu Xin was the Empress's confidante, and her arrival at this moment must have a deeper meaning.
After bowing, Zhu Xin smiled politely and said, "Her Majesty the Empress has decreed: Crown Princess Li is virtuous and kind, and should prioritize maintaining harmony within the palace and raising the imperial heir. Consort Su is pregnant, which is a blessing for the nation. You should always take good care of her and ensure her safety. If anything goes wrong, I will hold you responsible. I hope you will act accordingly."
These words, seemingly caring, were in fact a warning! The Empress was clearly telling her: she must ensure that Su Jingyu's pregnancy is foolproof and not have any improper thoughts!
The Crown Princess's face turned pale then red, then red again, and finally she could only grit her teeth and accept the decree: "Your Majesty's teachings will be obeyed!"
After Zhu Xin left, the Crown Princess slumped into a chair, her heart turning cold. With the Empress so clearly protecting her, how could she dare to lay a finger on Su Jingyu?
Inside the Lizheng Hall, the Empress was leisurely sipping tea.
The trusted nanny whispered, "Your Highness, isn't your reprimand of the Crown Princess a bit too obvious?"
The Empress put down her teacup and said calmly, "It's better to be more obvious. With Zhan'er gone, the Eastern Palace cannot be in chaos. Su's pregnancy cannot be compromised. If Li is smart, she should know to behave herself. If she is ignorant..." A cold glint flashed in the Empress's eyes, "Then the position of Crown Princess should be changed."
Now, nothing is more important to her than her grandson. Anyone who dares to get in her way is considered her enemy.
Thousands of miles away, Xiao Jingzhan received a secret report from the capital, learning that the Empress had reprimanded the Crown Princess. A cold glint flashed in his eyes, which quickly turned into warmth. With his mother protecting him, his Yu'er would be safe.
He gazed towards the capital, his heart yearning to return. Good heavens, just a few more days and it will be fine.
Less than half a month later, on the evening of the tenth day, Crown Prince Xiao Jingzhan arrived in the capital, weary from his journey. Eager to return home, he briefly reported to the Emperor at the palace before riding straight to the Eastern Palace, leaving his entourage far behind.
Inside the Glazed Pavilion, the candlelight was warm and inviting.
Su Jingyu, who was pregnant and prone to sleepiness, had already bathed and changed her clothes and was asleep on the inner side of the bed. Her breathing was even, and there was a serene smile on her lips, perhaps she was dreaming of something good.
The palace door was gently pushed open, and a figure, travel-worn and carrying the coolness of a summer night, silently entered the inner chamber.
Xiao Jingzhan waved his hand to dismiss Yun Shu and the others, who were overjoyed and about to pay their respects. His gaze immediately locked onto the beautiful figure he had been longing for on the bed.
He hurried to the bedside and, by the dim candlelight, gazed greedily at her sleeping face. Ten days had passed, yet his darling remained beautiful and radiant, her complexion excellent. A healthy blush tinged her fair cheeks in her sleep, and her slightly rounded belly outlined a gentle curve beneath the thin blanket. An indescribable sense of peace and contentment instantly filled his entire being.
He leaned down, and carefully, as if handling a rare treasure, gently kissed those long-awaited lips. At first, it was a tender touch, filled with pity, but soon, the longing that had accumulated over ten days of separation surged forth like a tidal wave, and the kiss became deep and urgent, carrying an irresistible sense of possessiveness.
"Ugh..." Su Jingyu's breath was taken away in her sleep. She let out an uncomfortable moan, her long eyelashes fluttered, and she opened her eyes groggily. What came into view were those phoenix eyes, deep as the night, now filled with burning love and longing.
"Your Highness..." She wasn't fully awake yet, her voice soft and sweet from just waking up, mixed with uncertain surprise.
"My goodness, I'm back." Xiao Jingzhan pressed his forehead against hers, his voice hoarse and tired, but filled with overwhelming joy at having regained what he had lost.
He kissed her again, and this time, Su Jingyu was fully awake, overwhelmed by immense joy. She reached out and wrapped her arms around his neck, passionately responding to the lingering kiss.
When the kiss ended, both of them were still breathless. Su Jingyu's face was flushed, and her eyes were full of charm as she softly scolded, "Why did Your Highness return early? You didn't even send someone to tell me... You startled me."
"I can't wait any longer." Xiao Jingzhan pulled her, blanket and all, into his arms and held her tightly, as if he wanted to meld her into his very bones. "The flood has subsided, and I am eager to return home. I can't wait a moment longer." He gently kissed the top of her head and her eyebrows, expressing his longing over the past ten days.
After lingering for a while, Xiao Jingzhan finally said, "You're covered in dust, I'll go take a bath first." He didn't get up, but instead looked intently at her, "Will you come with me obediently?"
Su Jingyu's cheeks flushed even more, and she gently pushed him away, saying, "Your Highness, please go ahead. I... I've already washed up."
"It's alright, let's take another bath." Without saying a word, Xiao Jingzhan picked her up and carried her to the white marble bathtub connected to the bedroom.
The bath was filled with warm, misty steam. Xiao Jingzhan carefully placed her in the water, then quickly removed his clothes and stepped in himself. He didn't make any further inappropriate moves, but simply held her in his arms, letting her sit in the water with her back against him. He picked up a soft cotton towel and patiently and gently wiped her smooth back and arms, as if performing a sacred ritual.
Su Jingyu leaned against him, feeling the gentle touch of his fingertips and the warmth of his chest, her heart filled with immense happiness. After ten days apart, how could she not miss this warm and reassuring embrace?
"Yu'er," Xiao Jingzhan rested his chin on the top of her wet hair, his voice deep, "Have you missed me while I was away?"
"I want to..." Su Jingyu answered softly, her ears turning bright red.
"How much do you want to?" he persisted.
"I just... I really, really want to." She buried her face in his arms, her voice muffled and shy.
Xiao Jingzhan chuckled softly, his chest heaving with a joyful resonance. He turned her around and, in the misty steam, kissed her lips again, his kiss lingering with tenderness. Ripples spread across the water, and a silent, passionate warmth filled the room…
It was late at night when Xiao Jingzhan carried the powerless Su Jingyu out of the water, carefully dried her with a soft cloth, changed her into clean nightgown, and put her back on the bed.
He held her in his arms, inhaling the familiar fragrance of her hair, and all the fatigue of the past few days vanished. He quickly fell into a deep sleep, the most restful night's sleep he had had in days.
The next day, at the Golden Palace.
Crown Prince Xiao Jingzhan, dressed in court attire and exuding an air of grandeur, gave a detailed report to the emperor and all the officials on the process and results of flood control. His presentation was clear and logical, and his measures were appropriate. In particular, his considerations regarding epidemic prevention and disaster relief were thorough and effective, earning him the praise of the entire court.
The emperor nodded repeatedly, overjoyed, and praised him in public: "The Crown Prince has taken on this critical mission in a time of crisis, showing compassion for the people and implementing effective measures. His contributions to the nation are immense! I am deeply gratified! It is truly a blessing for all the people of Dasheng to have such a crown prince!"
His gaze toward the crown prince was filled with pride and satisfaction. This son was both learned and skilled in military affairs, and he cared deeply for the people. He had never let him down.
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