"Your Highness, the night breeze is too chilly. Your leg has only just started to feel better, so you should go back and rest early!"
"If the Princess returns, I will be the first to report to you!"
Xuan Shuang stood behind Xie Zhun, carefully trying to persuade him.
Knowing it was useless, Eunuch Xu sent over a blanket.
A cold, authoritative voice sounded from behind, "Hong'er, what are you doing?"
Xie Zhun turned around, and the person who came was none other than his mentor, Wei Xunfang.
This man was extremely tall and thin, with deep-set eyes and a high nose, his gaze sharper than an eagle's.
Because of their close relationship, he was one of the few people who used his childhood nickname.
He knew perfectly well why Xie Zhun was out at that moment; he was simply expressing his stance.
He didn't want Xie Zhun to become too attached to a woman, even though her maternal grandfather was a respectable man, her father was ruthless...
Even though they hadn't met, and even though Xie Zhun, Eunuch Xu, and Qin Yuan had said many good things about her, Wei Xunfang still didn't have a good impression of her.
Moreover, Xie Zhun's entrepreneurial journey was arduous, and if he were to eventually attain that position, he would certainly ensure that those who provided assistance and possessed outstanding character would occupy the six palaces.
Now that the two are married, if their feelings for each other are not deep, even if that day comes, letting Ning Xi'er leave, or confining her to the cold palace, would not be so bad...
But now, Xie Zhun's attitude is completely different. Rather than saying Wei Xunfang is dissatisfied, it's more accurate to say he's worried.
"Your Highness! Look, there's the sound of horses' hooves over there. Are they returning?"
Xuan Shuang suddenly pointed into the distance, and Xie Zhun immediately told him to push himself forward.
Actually, he didn't need to, because there were sentries everywhere ahead, and if it really was Ning Xi'er, Zheng Ye, and the others returning, the sentries would report immediately.
Xuanfeng knew Xie Zhun's mood, so he led a horse out from the side and galloped away.
In less than the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, Xuanfeng returned. He was faster than Zheng Ye and thus arrived first.
He immediately reported to Xie Zhun, "Your Highness, General Zheng and Young Master Qin are on their way back..."
Xie Zhun was taken aback and slowly looked at Xuan Feng.
Upon hearing this, Xuan Shuang also sensed something was wrong and immediately asked, "Where is the Princess? Hasn't she returned?"
Xuanfeng noticed the fleeting disappointment on Xie Zhun's face and replied, "I didn't see the Princess Consort, I only saw two maids beside her."
Xuan Shuang asked, "Weren't there four? Why are there only two?"
It's obvious that they're with Ning Xi'er, and if nothing unexpected happens, they should be Bai Zhi and Gan Cao, who know kung fu.
So, Ning Xi'er did not return.
Xie Zhun couldn't quite describe his feelings; his heart felt as if it had been suspended high in the air, warm and comforting, before suddenly plummeting to the ground...
Xuan Shuang scratched her head, trying to comfort her, "Your Highness, anyway, the Princess Consort promised to return in five days..."
"It's alright, we can just wait a couple more days. The Princess is the most trustworthy!"
Xie Zhun grinned, revealing a bitter smile.
Xuanfeng and Xuanshuang exchanged a glance, both feeling a pang of heartache.
When has Your Highness ever cared about someone so much?
They truly cherish people.
Not far behind, Wei Xunfang forcefully flicked his sleeves and went back into the house with a livid face.
The horse quickly came into view, and Zheng Ye excitedly dismounted, throwing down the reins, which were immediately caught by the guards beside him.
Zheng Ye spotted Xie Zhun at a glance, unable to hide his smile, and knelt on one knee before Xie Zhun.
"Your Highness, I have not failed in my mission!"
Xie Zhun leaned down, personally helped him up, looked him over carefully, and comforted him, "You've worked hard!"
Qin Yuan released his horse and walked over, "Your Highness..."
Xie Zhun smiled and said, "Thank you for your hard work, Senior Brother!"
Qin Yuan looked behind him but didn't see Wei Xunfang. He guessed what was going on and smiled without saying a word.
The guards, Haitang, and Aoxue lined up to greet Xie Zhun's luggage.
Xie Zhun told them to hurry inside and rest before having a welcome dinner for them.
Even though Xie Zhun had pondered Ning Xi'er's name in his mind several times, he ultimately didn't ask it out.
Xuan Shuang, unlike Xuan Feng who was less talkative, spoke boldly, "General Zheng, why haven't I seen the Princess and the other two young ladies beside her?"
Zheng Ye was happy to see Xie Zhun, but worried that he would blame him and let the princess leave alone, so he deliberately didn't bring it up...
I never expected that Xuan Shuang, who usually seems reliable, would be so talkative at a crucial moment!
Knowing he couldn't avoid it, Zheng Ye had no choice but to take two steps back and slowly explain that Ning Xi'er had originally planned to travel with them, but changed her route at the last minute, saying she was going to teach the prefect a lesson...
Xie Zhun understood almost immediately that, besides beating or physically injuring her, Ning Xi'er would likely empty the prefect's ill-gotten gains, just as she had done with the Prince's mansion and the Imperial Street before...
It's not impossible, but...
Zheng Ye misjudged the situation; Xie Zhun didn't retaliate. He retreated too early, but Xie Zhun's gaze was as cold as a blade, as if he wanted to cut him to pieces!
Zheng Ye shrank back slightly and explained in a low voice, "I stopped them..."
They just couldn't stop them.
After saying that, he turned to look at Qin Yuan.
This person also played a part in the failure to keep up.
Qin Yuan chuckled and simply reassured her, "Don't worry! The Princess will only do what is within her capabilities."
"After all, if things escalate, it will only bring you more trouble... Your Highness has handled it well."
As expected of his senior brother, those words truly soothed Xie Zhun's heart, and his sharp gaze gradually softened.
Qin Yuan added, "The Princess said she'll arrive about half an hour later than us..."
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