Pampered
Eunuch Ming had white hair and a youthful face, looking kind. He smiled and walked at the front of the team, holding Bi Chen in his arms.
Behind him, a young man in a black brocade robe walked over. His face looked normal, without any sign of weakness or injury. He walked steadily towards her.
Jing Yao suddenly felt his heart beating like a drum, the sound continuing.
Baili Wenfu greeted him with a smile and bowed slightly with his men behind him, but there was little sincerity in his smile: "Greetings, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
Si Pei ignored Baili Wenfu's fake smile, waved and turned away, his eyes only on Jing Yao who looked confused.
They looked at each other, unable to say a word.
"Um……"
"you……"
Jing Yao hadn't properly greeted Si Pei in a long time, so she just stood there in a daze. When she realized what was happening and was about to kneel down to greet him, Si Pei held her arm and said, "There's no need for these empty formalities."
Jing Yao looked at the young man's pale hands with distinct knuckles, raised his eyes to his boss Pei's, which were particularly revealing of deep concern and affection, and nodded: "Okay."
Si Pei's eyes moved slightly, and he quickly withdrew his hand as if realizing something.
Jing Yao knew from his expression that Si Pei was afraid she would resent his touch. If it were her in her previous life, when she was still unaware of the situation, she would probably be filled with disgust, even ridiculing him. Si Pei wouldn't even have the chance to touch her hand.
But now she has figured it all out.
If he wanted to live comfortably in his next life, he would have to continue on the path of escaping the Eastern Palace. Just entangled with Si Pei would consume most of his time, which was too tiring. In this life, he would just consider it as fulfilling Si Pei's wish from his previous life, and at the same time, let himself go.
In her previous life, many people said that she was domineering because she relied on Si Pei's favor, so Jing Yao was destined to be the evil concubine.
Thinking of this, Jing Yao's expression changed, and he looked guilty. His big watery eyes drooped with tears in them: "Is your injury... very painful?"
When these words were spoken, everyone present was shocked.
Only His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was overjoyed. He suppressed his ecstasy and replied calmly, "Yaoyao, I... I'm fine. Really, it doesn't hurt at all."
Jing Yao saw that Si Pei's expression didn't change much, and wondered if his attitude hadn't softened enough.
That’s right, maybe Si Pei hasn’t reacted yet.
So she hardened her heart and threw herself into Si Pei's arms and cried, "That's great... I was really scared..."
"hiss-"
Si Pei gritted his teeth to endure the pain, and Jing Yao realized that he had not looked carefully and had pounced on his injured shoulder.
Just as she was about to turn to the other side calmly, Si Pei raised his hands and hugged her: "Don't be afraid."
Eunuch Ming was smiling with satisfaction and couldn't help but applaud quietly. Only Xing Feng and Baili Wenfu had complicated feelings.
Is it true that Jing Yao stabbed the prince in the shoulder himself?
Why does it seem like neither of them takes this seriously?
"Your Highness, I will take Madam Jing to the Dali Temple for interrogation..."
Baili Wenfu smiled and reminded Si Pei that he and a group of brothers behind him were still waiting here.
Upon hearing this, Jing Yao crawled out of Si Pei's arms, turned his back, and felt a belated shyness.
The prince looked at Kong Huaibao with a lingering look, then raised his eyes and glanced at Baili Wenfu and his group: "This is just a misunderstanding, the Dali Temple does not need to investigate further."
Baili Wenfu didn't want to go through a real trial. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince had spoken with all his might, and the Dali Temple naturally couldn't disobey his order, so he just took his leave.
Before leaving, Baili Wenfu's gaze lingered on Jing Yao for a moment. He vaguely felt that she was a little different from before, especially her attitude towards Si Pei.
Was it a momentary guilt after the impulse, or was she really moved to accept Si Pei?
No matter which one it is, at least the girl in front of me is mature and knows how to deal with it.
Jing Yao winked at Baili Wenfu to signal him not to worry about her, and when she turned around, she bumped into Si Pei who was staring at her intently.
"Yaoyao..."
"Let's go back first." The others had almost left, and Jing Yao was tired. "I want to take a shower."
I was covered in blood at the banquet and spent a night in jail. I stink all over and have to go back to take a shower and change clothes.
Seeing that she had no objection to returning to the Eastern Palace, Si Pei naturally agreed and immediately arranged for a carriage to come over.
The car was covered with thick soft mats, and Jing Yao couldn't help feeling drowsy as soon as he lay down.
"I didn't sleep much last night..." She pursed her lips slightly, and despite feeling a little tired, she still forced her eyes open, "Si Pei."
"What's wrong, Yaoyao?" Si Pei was sitting in the corner farthest from her on the other side of the carriage. The next second he heard her calling his name, he was next to Jing Yao.
When Si Pei learned that she was thrown into the imperial prison, he was heartbroken beyond words. Knowing that it was the order of the Empress Dowager, he did not scold the guards around him any more, but rushed over to pick her up without stopping.
The scene in front of Jing Yao's eyes was a little blurry, and he could only vaguely see the look of pity and cherishment on the young man's face.
"There are some things I have thought about for a long time, but I still don't know how to tell you."
Jing Yao spoke the truth in a half-asleep state. Si Pei listened attentively, his clenched hands tightening unconsciously.
He is nervous.
"It's okay, go ahead."
Seeing his panic, Jing Yao found it both amusing and heartbreaking. Si Pei, the crown prince and the true ruler of Xijing, always seemed to be extremely cautious in her presence.
She rarely cared about Si Pei's emotions, but now just because her attitude softened slightly, Si Pei was so happy.
Jing Yao closed his eyes and tilted his head, seeming to be in a deep sleep. He murmured, "Let's talk about it when I wake up..."
After saying that, she fell asleep.
Expensive pear incense was burning in the incense burner of the carriage. The wisps of smoke dissipated quickly, and the lingering fragrance filled the entire carriage.
Si Pei stared at the peaceful sleeping face of the girl in front of him for a long time without disturbing her sweet dream.
What does Jing Yao want to say?
Si Pei didn't dare, nor did he want to think deeply about it.
He knew that wasn't what he wanted to hear.
Si Pei tucked the blanket in for her, his fingers accidentally brushing against the girl's creamy cheek.
Jing Yao's sleeping posture was not very good. After a while, he turned over and wanted to find something to hold in his arms.
The blanket was not enough, so her hands, as tender and white as scallions, climbed up Si Pei's waist.
The girl murmured a few satisfied words in her sleep, holding Si Pei tightly and refusing to let go.
Si Pei was startled at first, but after a moment, his breathing calmed down. He looked at Jing Yao's bulging cheeks, and his heart softened.
Such a beautiful scene has only appeared in Yao Yao's dreams since he was fourteen years old.
Si Pei only hoped that this moment could last longer, longer.
The journey from the Imperial Prison to the Eastern Palace was neither long nor short. Si Pei felt as if thousands of years had passed, yet it also felt like a fleeting moment, and in the blink of an eye, he had arrived.
The carriage stopped outside the East Palace, and Xing Feng reminded in a low voice: "Your Highness, we're here."
Si Pei motioned him to draw open the curtain, gently moved Jing Yao's arm around his waist to his neck, leaned over and hugged the sleeping girl around the waist.
Jing Yao wasn't short, but she was very light, and she felt soft and boneless in his arms. The beauty's breath was as fragrant as orchids in his arms, and Si Pei could touch her hair with a slight bow.
The girl really has a very beautiful face, and even when she is sleeping with her eyes closed one can still make people feel pity for her.
Si Pei held her in his arms and walked quickly but steadily.
Jing Yao's bedroom was located on the west side of the East Palace. It was the largest and most luxurious room besides the Crown Prince's bedroom. Before Si Pei brought her in, he had specially decorated it into a magnificent palace according to her preferred style.
The guard pushed open the door and welcomed the two in. What they saw was a dazzling array of gemstone decorations. Even the lamps were made of forged glass, and when they were lit, they shone brightly and were so exquisite.
Guarding the palace were the two personal maids he had originally assigned to Jing Yao. Before the door opened, they were leaning against each other, sobbing. Upon hearing footsteps, they quickly wiped away their tears and came forward. Seeing the master in the Crown Prince's arms, they were overjoyed: "Greetings, Your Highness..."
"No need to be polite." Si Pei said softly, "Madam Jing needs to take a bath, you guys go and prepare it. ... Be gentle."
"yes."
The maid took the order and left, leaving only the two of them in the bedroom.
Si Pei walked step by step towards Jing Yao's bed and placed her on it with extremely gentle movements.
"Yaoyao?"
Si Pei tried to call her softly. Jing Yao seemed to hear him but did not want to wake up from her sleep. She frowned and turned over with her back to Si Pei.
Si Pei gave up the idea of waking her up and just turned her back to bed.
Because of the leaning posture, Si Pei's face was extremely close to hers, and their breaths could blend with each other. He couldn't help but be a little absent-minded.
To be fair, he is not a gentleman.
But now, looking at the person he had been thinking about for many years, he was afraid that it would be defiled if he even looked at her for one more moment.
"Ayao... Lingyi..."
He subconsciously called out twice, but Jing Lingyi, who was in her sleep, couldn't hear clearly. She just felt something calling beside her and hummed twice.
"Stop messing around...Xiaoli..."
Her unconscious mumbling in sleep touched Si Pei's heart, and there was a hint of surprise in his eyes.
"Xiao Li" was the flower name Jing Yao gave him when he was young, because he was born in late March, when pear blossoms were in bloom, and his courtesy name was "Li Hong." At the time, she was a spoiled, naive, and arrogant person, and naively thought that giving him such a nickname would anger Si Pei. Little did she know that Si Pei actually liked it.
But he hadn't heard Jing Yao call him like that for a long time.
He couldn't help but think that Jing Yao subconsciously called him in his dream... Was it because he felt a little soft-hearted?
Her attitude today was much better than before, so much so that Si Pei couldn't quite believe it.
Just treat this as a dream.
He raised his hands and gently covered her eyes, then leaned over and placed a kiss on the girl's lips.
Just the gentle touch of their lips was enough to make Si Pei's heart restless. He felt that his heartbeat was louder than a beating drum, and his eyelids and eyelashes were trembling slightly.
Si Pei was afraid that Jing Lingyi would wake up, so he didn't go any deeper. He just gave her a devout kiss and then immediately stood up straight.
Jing Lingyi was still sleeping soundly, completely unaware that she had been "molested" by someone.
Si Pei's face was solemn, and he kissed her forehead before leaving.
This was the scene the maid saw when she came in. Through the layers of gauze curtains, she could only see two figures standing very close to each other.
If you look up secretly, you can see that the Crown Prince, who is cold and upright in the eyes of outsiders, is now leaning over and kissing his lover's forehead with great cherishment.
Even though I could only see a blurry figure, I could still tell the affection in that kiss.
Si Pei pulled aside the bed curtains and stepped out. The hot water bucket was ready, and the maid was crouching by the door. Glancing at the still-drowsy figure on the couch, he whispered, "Try not to wake the young lady."
"Yes, Your Highness."
—
At night, the lights in the prince's bedroom were on brightly, and the imperial physician was carefully changing the dressing on Si Pei's shoulder wound.
The wound wasn't deep, but it was treated a little late, so it would recover more slowly. After wrapping the wound with new gauze, Si Pei continued to correct the memorials in his hand.
Since the emperor became furious during the palace coup and his old illness relapsed, leaving him paralyzed in bed, the administration of the country has been handled by the Crown Prince Si Pei.
Although he was called an acting emperor, everyone in the court knew that Si Pei was the future new emperor. Many people even regarded him as the emperor.
Si Pei's succession to the throne is a foregone conclusion.
However, Si Pei temporarily postponed the succession on the grounds that "the government affairs are not clear" and "the country is not stable", and still regarded himself as the crown prince of the Eastern Palace.
Moreover, because of Jing Lingyi's incident, some ministers in the court were dissatisfied and believed that the prince was blatantly favoring a guilty minister.
Si Pei disagreed and directly rejected such memorials.
This action also made some ministers more willing to oppose him, and they often made things difficult for him in the court. However, Sima Pei had never done anything wrong, and they could not stand up to their own defense no matter how much they picked on him.
"Your Highness, the Imperial Physician said you need to rest. Is it better not to approve it tonight?"
Eunuch Ming couldn't bear to see him working so hard and wanted to persuade him to rest. Si Pei glanced at the night outside the window and asked, "How is the young lady?"
Eunuch Ming refilled his ink: "The maid over there said that Madam Jing is still sleeping. I'm afraid she is very tired and needs to rest well."
After saying that, he couldn't help but sigh. He really couldn't tell who was injured.
Si Pei nodded, and suddenly remembered something: "Tell the kitchen to prepare some light soups. She might get hungry in the middle of the night."
"yes."
Jing Yao hadn't eaten anything today, and Si Pei was very worried.
Thinking of today, he couldn't help but recall the way Jing Yao threw herself into his arms. So delicate... so warm and soft...
Jing Yao rarely takes the initiative to get close to him, so this one time is enough to make him happy for a long time.
Si Pei was lost in thought and accidentally pulled the wound on his shoulder, subconsciously groaning in pain.
"Your Highness..." Eunuch Ming sighed silently in his heart and tried to persuade him, "Don't you think that you are too indulgent towards Madam Jing? This may make it more difficult for her to change her mind."
"Really?" Si Pei frowned.
Eunuch Ming screamed inwardly, "Your Highness, you even let her stab you and didn't care at all. Isn't this called indulgence?!"
He just smiled and said nothing.
Si Pei touched the wound on his shoulder thoughtfully: "It seems that I have spoiled her a little."
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