With the affairs of the court mostly settled, Emperor Jingcheng handed over the reins of government to Emperor Jingyuan, his younger brother whom he trusted completely.
Emperor Jingyuan was happy to help his elder brother, partly because it was his duty, and partly so that his brother could spend more time with Azi. Upon hearing that his brother was going to take Azi on an inspection tour, he secretly vowed to protect the court.
Before leaving, Di Jingyuan wanted to see Azi one last time. These past few days, he could only catch a glimpse of her from afar, and suppressing his feelings was proving difficult. Besides, the journey was long; when would they meet again? He had no idea.
The day before their departure, Azi pulled Di Jingcheng into the Qian Yuan Palace to prepare the things they would take with them.
Di Jingcheng watched the little girl bustling about in the bedchamber, thoroughly enjoying herself. As she worked, she muttered to herself, explaining who this gift was for, what that was for, and what the other one was…
Di Jingcheng stood to the side with his arms crossed, watching Qinghe pack the things with her. She was squatting on the carpet, a small, cuddly ball, moving around, and she was extremely cute!
"Ah Zi brought so much stuff, are you not planning to come back?" Di Jingcheng teased with a smile.
Azi reached out and tugged at his hem, without turning her head, and muttered, "What do you know? I need to bring gifts for everyone. There are a lot of things we don't have where we are! Besides, my storeroom is already full, so it's a good opportunity to clear it out."
"Oh dear! Cheng, don't just stand there, help me!"
Di Jingcheng shook his head helplessly: "Alright, alright, Azi, bring as much of whatever you want. I'll have Zheng He and the others make a few more cartloads."
As he spoke, he threw himself into Azi's battlefield, diligently preparing things for her. Midway through, Zheng San came in to announce that Di Jinghan and Di Jingyuan had arrived.
No sooner had Zheng San finished speaking than Di Jinghan's lively voice came from outside the door: "Royal sister-in-law! Royal sister-in-law! Royal brother, are you there!?"
Looking at his younger sister's impulsive and boisterous manner, which lacked any semblance of ladylike demeanor, Di Jingyuan sighed helplessly. But when he thought about meeting the woman he admired soon, Di Jinghan became less important.
Azi got up from the carpet, and as soon as she stood up, Di Jinghan hugged her tightly: "Sister-in-law! I missed you so much!"
When Di Jingcheng saw Di Jinghan's reckless manner, how he immediately grabbed his Azi and wouldn't let go, showing no respect for elders and wondering where he had learned his manners.
"Jinghan, stand properly." Di Jinghan pouted and reluctantly let go of his beautiful sister-in-law.
"Changning greets the Emperor and his sister-in-law."
"Royal brother, royal sister-in-law." Di Jingyuan greeted them, his gaze subtly sweeping over Azi, but Di Jinghan still caught it.
Sure enough, even though Jingyuan hid it well, unlike in his previous life when it was so blatant, he still liked Azi. Although he felt a little uncomfortable, when he thought of Jingyuan's protection and feelings in his previous life, Di Jingcheng slowly felt relieved. He only hoped that Jingyuan could keep it a secret and that Azi would not find out.
Azi smiled sweetly, dazzling all three of them, making it difficult to look away. Di Jingcheng stepped forward and pulled her to sit on the soft couch: "Jingyuan, Jinghan, please sit down."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Azi had tea served to them, then sat obediently to the side, enjoying the snacks and watching Qinghe tidy up. Her cheeks puffed out, and her big eyes watched Qinghe's movements, occasionally offering guidance.
After speaking with the two, Di Jingcheng's attention naturally shifted to Azi. A beauty is a beauty; everything she does is pleasing to the eye. Di Jingcheng gently brushed the crumbs from the corner of her lips and smiled indulgently.
He looked up and saw the two men opposite him staring at his girl, and a surge of displeasure welled up inside him. He could understand Jing Yuan, but what was wrong with Jing Han?
Could it be that Jinghan has some unusual fetish? But she didn't have any in her previous life! In her previous life, Jinghan had a happy marriage and many children and grandchildren.
Moreover, her relationship with Azi in her previous life was just so-so, not as good as it is in this life. What happened? Could something have changed?
Di Jingcheng was engrossed in his thoughts, A Zi was engrossed in watching, the other two were staring intently, and Qing He was tidying up. For a moment, the only sound in the room was the rustling of things being packed, and no one spoke.
Looking at the lovely girl before him, Di Jingyuan felt an overwhelming tenderness in his heart. He felt as if he had come here specifically for her, wanting to protect her forever, even if they couldn't be together openly, even if she didn't know his feelings...
Looking at her beautiful sister-in-law, Di Jinghan thought of the stunningly handsome young man from yesterday; his face was deeply imprinted in her heart. She, too, longed to find a soulmate like her brother!
After finishing the pastry in her hand, Azi squeezed the man's large hand on her waist and said, "I'm thirsty."
Di Jingcheng snapped out of his daze and quickly took the tea from the side and fed it to her, his every move full of care and affection: "Drink slowly." While feeding her, he also gently patted her back.
Emperor Jingyuan smiled with relief. She was being well taken care of, and he hoped she would be happy forever; otherwise, he wouldn't let even his imperial brother go. He firmly wanted her to be happy! As long as she was happy.
Di Jinghan stood up and finally revealed the purpose of his trip: "Royal brother, royal sister-in-law, Jinghan would like to go with you!"
Di Jingcheng refused without hesitation, giving her a dismissive glance. He was there to propose. What was she going there for? To cause trouble?
Seeing that her elder brother wouldn't agree, Di Jinghan resorted to coaxing and pleading with Azi. Azi watched the pleading princess with amusement and chuckled, "Why doesn't Acheng take her?"
Di Jingcheng patted her little head: "Baby, the journey is long and arduous. She has been pampered since she was a child and can't endure this hardship."
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