Chu Qingluan's lips brushed against the corner of his mouth, her voice so low that only he could hear it; "Once I ascend to the throne, I will not marry into the Qin Dynasty, nor will I belong to you alone..."
Her fingertips traced his Adam's apple, tentatively.
Qin Yuan's eyes darkened, he grabbed her waist and pulled her into his arms.
"Your Highness, when do you think I started to covet you?"
His voice was hoarse and gentle, not as loud as Chu Qingluan's. He continued, "When you were ten years old, you were surrounded by assassins. I was just an insignificant guard at the time. When I stood in front of you with a knife, I had only one thought in my mind: to protect you in this life, that would be enough."
So, what if she doesn't belong to him alone?
As long as he can stay by her side and have a place in her heart, it is enough.
He had also thought about being with her for the rest of his life, but if this was based on her having to give up the things she cared about most and sacrifice her own preferences and responsibilities, then what was the difference between her and those ordinary women trapped in the harem?
She would be unhappy and sad.
Qin Yuan was unwilling to do anything that would make her sad.
Therefore, even though he knew that he was going to walk a very difficult road, he still chose to stand by her side without hesitation.
Support her, understand her, and respect her.
"Your Highness." Qin Yuan stared at her. "I have never forgotten. I only wanted to be a knife by your side, to cut through the thorns on your path. Now I can stand by your side. This is already much more than I ever dreamed of back then."
"So, those external forces have never been important."
Chu Qingluan was suddenly speechless.
He understands everything and is willing to tolerate everything.
How could she not love such an affectionate and persistent man?
She suddenly stretched out her arms, wrapped them around his strong waist, buried her face in his chest, and rubbed her nose against his collar.
"Fool!"
"Who wants you to be a sword..."
Qin Yuan laughed, then suddenly lifted her chin and kissed her...
Chu Qingluan also stood on tiptoe and deepened her response.
The moonlight shines through the branches of the sycamore tree, casting mottled shadows on the two of them. The night wind also brings bursts of floral fragrance, which mixes with the scent of each other, creating the most intoxicating fragrance in the world.
——
The next day, Li Linyuan brought the latest news from Daqin.
When he entered the room, he didn't look very happy.
"Your Highness, there is a letter from the capital."
Qin Yuan was sorting out the betrothal gift list. After hearing this, he reached out and took it, unfolded the letter, and quickly read the contents.
As he read further, his face gradually became gloomy and his eyes were unusually serious.
"Your Highness, the Second Prince's temperament has suddenly changed over the past month. Not only has he proposed a new policy for the grain transport system, he has also resolved the problem of overdue military pay for the border troops. Now, nearly half of the ministers in the court have sided with him..."
Li Linyuan frowned and paused, "The Second Prince has always been incompetent. How could he suddenly become like this? Is there someone behind the scenes directing him?"
Qin Yuan didn't say anything, but suddenly thought of something and a deep meaning flashed in his eyes.
"Have you investigated clearly? Has anyone suspicious appeared around him recently?"
Li Linyuan thought for a moment and said, "I heard from the messenger that a counselor has indeed appeared recently beside the Second Prince. However, this person is very low-key and rarely goes out. Even when he does go out, he always wears a bamboo hat. So far, no one has seen what he looks like."
After hearing what he said, Qin Yuan became more certain of his guess.
He folded the letter, stuffed it into the envelope, and instructed, "Get ready. We'll set off today and return to Daqin."
If he was not mistaken, this must be the work of Xie Yunqi.
He said that he hadn't heard any news about Xie Yunqi recently, and it turned out that he had gone to Daqin with the intention of provoking civil unrest in Daqin.
Being able to come up with strategies and help Qin Xuan win over court officials and put pressure on the emperor's grandfather in just a few days, and considering the current situation in the Western Regions, he couldn't think of anyone else except Xie Yunqi who had this ability and motivation.
So, Xie Yunqi is going to use a trick on him, to cut off the source of his trouble?
Qin Yuan stood on the city wall, looking at the scenery in the distance, his eyes dark.
Oh!
Xie Yunqi, I'm afraid I'm going to disappoint you this time.
…
The next day, Qin Yuan bid farewell to Emperor Chu in the court. Before leaving, he went to the princess's residence to see Chu Qingluan and told him that he was going back to the court.
When Chu Qingluan heard that he was leaving suddenly, she was a little surprised at first, but after thinking about it for a while, she quickly understood what was going on.
Without hesitation, she put down the teacup, suddenly stood up and walked towards the inner room.
When he came out, he had a red sandalwood box in his hand. "Take this."
Qin Yuan opened the wooden box, and inside lay a black iron token, with the word "Zhaoyang" engraved on the front and the phoenix emblem of the Great Chu on the back.
"This is..." Qin Yuan's mind moved slightly.
"My personal order." Chu Qingluan reached out to straighten his collar and explained, "With this token, you can mobilize 100,000 troops stationed along the border of Great Chu. You can command them at your will."
Qin Yuan's breathing stagnated, his heartbeat suddenly accelerated, and his pupils dilated instantly.
She actually gave such an important token to herself?
In an instant, Qin Yuan was enveloped by great joy. He felt as if he was immersed in a honey pot, and even the air around him became sweet.
"Your Highness..."
Qin Yuan's voice was low and hoarse, his fingers tightly gripped the token, feeling it was hot.
Chu Qingluan raised an eyebrow and looked at him: "Why? You don't want it?"
"How come?"
He immediately put the token into his arms, carefully ensuring it rested securely against his heart, and said with a smile, "I'm afraid I'll have to sleep with it in my arms every night."
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