Hall of Mental Cultivation.
After returning to the palace, Sheng Jin was distracted while handling government affairs. There were no major issues recently, but he was constantly dealing with a lot of trivial matters!
Even offering wild fruit requires a written request for approval; if it's refused, another request is made. These officials must have far too much free time!
Sheng Jin became increasingly annoyed as he looked at the paper, so he simply threw the pen aside and closed his eyes to rest.
His mind, however, was focused on the doorway, anticipating the arrival of the Crown Princess.
The mere thought of living in the same space as the Crown Princess filled Sheng Jin with joy.
It's great to see her again!
Time passed second by second, and the sun was about to set, but the West Warm Pavilion still hadn't welcomed its owner, and Sheng Jin's heart sank.
Just as Sheng Jin was considering whether to send someone to check again, a notification came from the doorway.
Then, Bai Qing came over to report.
"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess request an audience."
"!"
Upon hearing this, Sheng Jin almost jumped up from the dragon throne in excitement, but fortunately, she managed to control her expression at the last moment.
He assumed the other party had come to express their gratitude, so he gave the order.
"Let them in."
"yes."
Bai Qing had ordered him to tidy up the West Warm Pavilion as soon as the Emperor returned, which made him guess that the Emperor was about to make a big move.
Could this major move be related to the Crown Prince and Crown Princess?
If that's the case, then things are getting a bit complicated...
How should I explain this to the Empress?
Bai Qing barely suppressed his doubts and bowed respectfully as he withdrew.
After he went out, he conveyed the Emperor's decree to the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. After they went inside, they stood closer to the palace gate.
He needed to hear what the Emperor, the Crown Prince, and the Crown Princess had said so he could report to the Empress and get her to take action as soon as possible.
However, Bai Qing, who was trying to eavesdrop, was unaware that a dark figure in the corner was watching him closely, recording his every move.
Let's leave those aside for now.
Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
The gilded dragon-head incense burner exudes a delightful peach blossom fragrance that is refreshing and pleasant to the senses; you can smell this wonderful aroma as soon as you enter the room.
The prince smelled the familiar scent of peach blossoms, but a bitter smile remained in his heart.
My conversation with the Emperor last month is still fresh in my mind. I thought he had developed some new hobby, but it turns out—
He's coveting his crown princess!
How blind and ignorant I was before! I didn't even notice such a huge flaw. I deserve to die!
As the prince thought this, his fists clenched tightly, and his lips pressed together firmly.
Fortunately, Liu Lingxi noticed his unusual mood and gently called out "Your Highness," which brought him back to his senses.
The Crown Prince took a deep breath, and then, seeing his Crown Princess's worry, he gave her a genuine smile.
"Don't worry, let's go inside."
"good."
Although Liu Lingxi was worried, she had already arrived at the entrance of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, and after thinking about it, she nodded.
This is not a good place to talk, and she can't say anything carelessly. If the Emperor's men hear her... the consequences would be unimaginable.
Well, let's just take it one step at a time.
The Crown Prince and his consort entered the palace. When they arrived in front of Sheng Jin, they both bowed and knelt before this high and mighty monarch.
"Your subject greets Your Majesty, may Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings."
No need for formalities.
Finally seeing the person he had been longing for day and night again, Sheng Jin's heart raced, and his gaze was fixed on Liu Lingxi.
He looked at the woman who had obediently lowered her head as soon as she entered the room. Even without seeing her full face, he knew how stunning she was.
The woman was dressed in a red palace gown, her figure graceful and elegant. The belt tightly bound her supple waist, while the wide sleeves of the robe added to her charm.
So beautiful, so beautiful that one dares not blink, for fear that this celestial concubine before one's eyes will disappear.
However, although she was absolutely beautiful, the slight trembling of her clasped hands in front of her betrayed her unease.
Sheng Jin really wanted to ask her if she was afraid of him, but he knew that he wouldn't get the truthful answer if he asked, so he could only give up.
However, he remembered something else and began to speak.
"Now that we've moved to the West Warm Pavilion, Your Highness can rest assured. My people are here to take care of us, and no one else will dare to reach out to us."
"If there's anything inconvenient for either of you, please tell me, or simply tell them to do it."
Sheng Jin lowered her voice to an extremely gentle tone, a thousand times, ten thousand times gentler than when she dined with the Crown Prince that afternoon.
The crown prince heard this and felt only irony, but he could not show the slightest dissatisfaction.
While speaking, Sheng Jin did not notice the Crown Prince's unusual behavior, only noticing that the woman's slender body seemed even stiffer.
Looking further up, her red lips seemed tightly pursed, and she appeared to be in a state of extreme tension, like a frightened bird.
Sheng Jin sighed inwardly; he knew that the task ahead was arduous and the road ahead was long.
He's still a long way from getting the Crown Princess to lower her guard.
"Sit down."
Sheng Jin was worried that the Crown Princess might not be able to stand steadily, and considering that she was pregnant, he gestured to the Crown Prince to help her to a chair.
Unexpectedly, none of them moved, and at this moment, Sheng Jin had a vague premonition of something bad.
The next moment, this premonition became a reality—
"Father, I have a request. I hope you will not be offended. I wish to rest and recuperate in Chonghua Palace. I dare not disturb your peace. I beg you to grant my request!"
After saying this, Liu Lingxi slammed her head to the ground.
A loud "thump!" was heard!
This blow struck Sheng Jin squarely in the heart, shattering it completely.
The Crown Prince's heart skipped a beat. He never imagined that he would fail to protect his Xi'er during his trip, causing her to suffer such a terrible ordeal!
This bump could cause a huge bump on your head, and you won't be able to use any medication to reduce swelling and bruising afterwards...
"Xi'er—"
How could you be so silly? You should have let me explain everything!
I'm tough and fearless; I can even withstand a few kicks from Father. How can you, with your frail body, possibly take it?
The prince reached out to help her, but withdrew his hand halfway.
He hid his hands under the wide sleeves of his robe, clenching them tightly, barely managing to suppress the resentment and grievances in his heart.
No, he couldn't let the Crown Princess's hard work go to waste, he couldn't let her kneel for nothing!
"Father, the Crown Princess is currently pregnant, and her body cannot withstand such a bumpy ride. I beg you to grant her wish to show her filial piety."
After the prince finished speaking, he also kowtowed heavily, with an even greater force.
Sheng Jin looked at the two star-crossed lovers in front of her, her heart trembled, and anger surged uncontrollably from her heart!
Good, good, they've actually pushed him this far!
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