Chen Xiao had no recollection of how things ended up; he only remembered that everyone eventually dispersed and went home.
Xu Ruyu had already obtained her permission to stay at the Prime Minister's residence, but for some reason, she proposed to return to the palace with her. As a result, the three of them ended up riding in the same carriage.
Inside the carriage, Chen Xiao sat in the middle, Xi Xi on the left, and Xu Ruyu on the right.
Chen Xiao secretly glanced at Xu Ruyu, who was sitting upright, and secretly rejoiced that Xi Xi was with him, otherwise the scene would have been so awkward.
Just as she thought this, Xi Xi seemed to have guessed her thoughts and disappeared in a flash, just like last time in the Dark Pavilion.
Chen Xiao's first reaction was not to worry that Xu Ruyu would see this strange scene, but to fear that something might happen to Xixi.
Before she could even ask, Xixi's voice came through: "Don't worry, I'm just a little tired and can't maintain my physical form for now."
Hearing this, Chen Xiao breathed a sigh of relief.
However, she noticed Xu Ruyu's thoughtful gaze, and her heart sank again, fearing that he might ask something.
If he asks, I don't know how to answer, and I can't bear to lie.
Therefore, Chen Xiao silently prayed in his heart that Xu Ruyu would not speak.
Perhaps because her expression was too straightforward, Xu Ruyu, despite witnessing this unbelievable scene, only twitched her eyebrows slightly, as if nothing had happened, and didn't ask any further questions.
She had escaped a disaster, but a new problem arose: only she and Xu Ruyu were left in the carriage!
Sigh, forgive her. She was single for twenty years in her original world and has been single for more than ten years in this world. She really can't stay calm after suddenly having a 'husband', especially since this 'husband' is a super handsome guy.
Being with such a handsome guy, and having lost all my previous memories, is truly a sweet burden!
During the meal, she was so engrossed in being teased by everyone that she didn't notice the tenderness and joy in Xu Ruyu's eyes.
Even now, she still hasn't discovered it.
---
Before long, the carriage arrived at the palace gate. Chief Steward Shen had received the news well in advance and was waiting in front of the palace gate with Yun An.
After the two alighted from the carriage, they saw the two of them standing there respectfully with a group of servants. Upon seeing them, the servants immediately bowed and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty, Consort Yu."
Chen Xiao was almost tired of saying "No need for formalities" but when he saw the familiar Steward Shen and Yun An, he calmly told everyone to stand up and then went up to chat with them.
Xu Ruyu lagged half a step behind Chen Xiao and did not try to find out what they were talking about.
At first, Chief Steward Shen was fine, reporting some matters to Chen Xiao in a low voice. But for some reason, in the end, his voice unconsciously became louder: "Your Majesty, are you going to choose a concubine again tonight?"
The volume of the sound was incredibly subtle.
It was loud enough that the other servants didn't hear it; but it was also quiet enough that Xu Ruyu, standing behind Chen Xiao, heard it clearly.
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiao could feel Xu Ruyu's deep gaze, as if it were a physical presence, on his back without even turning around.
She could only force a smile and say, "I have something to discuss with Consort Zhao, so I won't be choosing a concubine tonight."
Yun An immediately asked considerately, "Your Majesty, would you like me to invite Consort Gui to the Qianqing Palace?"
After these thoughtful words, Chen Xiao seemed to feel Xu Ruyu's even more ardent gaze behind him, as if she wanted to see right through him.
She couldn't help but rub her forehead, almost suspecting that Yun An was sent by Chu Yanxi to deliberately mess with her.
Chen Xiao forced a smile and said, "No need, it's getting late, I'll go to his palace."
Upon seeing this, Yun An immediately replied, "Yes."
However, her "torture" of Chen Xiao did not stop there.
Then, with great tact, she said, "Your Majesty, the Noble Consort resides in a side hall of Changchun Palace."
Chen Xiao immediately understood that Yun An was afraid she would forget where Zhao Cheyu lived. However, Chen Xiao couldn't say anything about it, since she didn't know where Zhao Cheyu lived in the first place.
Yun An continued considerately, "Changchun Palace is connected to Jingyang Palace."
Good heavens, Yun An really has a keen eye. At this moment, Chen Xiao was filled with disbelief and had no other thoughts.
At this moment, Xu Ruyu, who was behind her, said at the opportune moment, "Your Majesty, may I ride in the sedan chair with you? I happen to have some important matters to discuss with you."
Upon hearing this, both Steward Shen and Yun An burst into laughter.
Chen Xiao didn't bother with them. After all, these two were senior, and she knew in her heart that they just wanted to watch the show; they were natural-born bystanders.
Faced with Xu Ruyu, she couldn't find a reason to refuse, so she agreed immediately.
She herself couldn't tell whether it was because she couldn't refuse Xu Ruyu in the first place, or because she couldn't refuse his words.
The two boarded the sedan chair, but the interior was completely silent.
Although Xu Ruyu had just mentioned that he had something to discuss with Chen Xiao, he remained silent after they got into the sedan chair.
Although Chen Xiao felt something was strange, he did not ask.
Before long, the sedan chair arrived at Changchun Palace.
Seeing that Xu Ruyu was still sitting in the same place, Chen Xiao took the lead in getting off the sedan chair, leaving Xu Ruyu alone on it.
Just as Chen Xiao was about to step into Changchun Palace, Xu Ruyu suddenly spoke up: "Your Majesty, spring is approaching, you should remember to go to bed early, it will be good for your health."
Chen Xiao turned around and looked at him blankly, only to see that he still had that gentle smile on his face.
This time, however, Chen Xiao was smarter. She carefully examined Xu Ruyu's face and quickly discovered the helplessness and slight unnaturalness hidden deep in his eyes.
After a moment's thought, Chen Xiao understood the true meaning behind Xu Ruyu's words.
It's still deep winter, there's no sign of spring approaching.
Telling her to rest early? This is clearly an implication that she "shouldn't be fooled by Zhao Cheyu's beauty."
In other words, Xu Ruyu thought that Chen Xiao's trip to Changchun Palace was not only to discuss matters with Zhao Cheyu, but also that he might ask Zhao Cheyu to serve him in bed.
Moreover, they will be setting off for Xunyang tomorrow, giving Chen Xiao and Zhao Cheyu plenty of opportunities to spend time alone together.
Is he... well, a little jealous?
Chen Xiao thought to himself.
This time, although Chen Xiao understood Xu Ruyu's thoughts, he remained calm and pretended not to understand. He did not offer any explanation, but simply smiled and replied, "Okay, thank you, my beloved consort."
After saying that, he walked into Changchun Palace.
Xu Ruyu watched Chen Xiao's retreating figure, the gentle smile still on her lips, but a complex look flashed in her eyes.
He knew he had no right to stop Chen Xiao from doing things, but he still said those words against the rules, fortunately without Chen Xiao noticing.
He silently lowered the curtain of the sedan chair, as if trying to hide all those complex emotions.
As the curtain fell, he disappeared into the shadows of the sedan chair, mirroring his somewhat gloomy mood.
Then, the sedan chair slowly drove away from the gate of Changchun Palace.
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