Chen Xiao didn't pay much attention to Zheng Pianran's condition. Seeing that it was already midnight, he dismissed the palace servants and quickly left Changchun Palace.
The palace servants watched His Majesty's hurried departure, filled with doubt. Just moments ago, His Majesty had remained calm and composed while in Changchun Palace; why was he in such a rush as soon as he left?
Chen Xiao was completely unaware of this.
She walked familiarly towards Jingyang Palace, only to find the courtyard completely silent, the moonlight shining down, and the palace pitch black.
She wondered to herself, could it be that Xu Ruyu didn't mean to say those words? Could it be that he didn't understand her hint?
That's impossible! Didn't Xixi say that Xu Ruyu was extremely cunning and meticulous?
How could they not understand such an obvious hint?
Just as Chen Xiao stood bewildered in the wind in the courtyard, a thick cloak was draped over her shoulders, still retaining a trace of warmth.
Chen Xiao guessed who was behind her, and all her previous chaotic thoughts vanished instantly. She calmly turned around and looked at the person: "You're still awake? You've been here the whole time?"
This person was none other than Xu Ruyu.
He could see Chen Xiao's face clearly by the moonlight; her eyes and brows revealed concern and worry.
Xu Ruyu smiled slightly and nodded, saying, "To have His Majesty's concern is enough."
Upon hearing this reply, Chen Xiao was speechless for a moment, muttering under his breath, "You really are..."
The last few words were gently carried away by the breeze, and Xu Ruyu didn't hear them clearly. So she lowered her head slightly, moved a little closer to Chen Xiao, and asked, "What did Your Majesty just say?"
As Chen Xiao saw the two of them getting closer, Xu Ruyu's lips were close to her ear. She could even see her own reflection in his eyes by the moonlight and smell his faint fragrance.
Chen Xiao couldn't help but suspect that this guy was doing it on purpose! He was definitely trying to seduce her with his good looks!
Although she was indeed somewhat tempted, how could she give up so easily!?
She smiled, then turned and gave Xu Ruyu half of her warm cloak. She then slowly leaned close to his ear and said, "I was just saying, you are really... captivating."
Xu Ruyu was slightly taken aback when she heard Chen Xiao's words, and then a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. Her eyes were like a bright star that suddenly lit up in the night sky, shining softly in the moonlight.
He admitted that at this moment, he had lost.
"Is what Xiao Xiao said true?" Xu Ruyu's voice was deep and magnetic, like a gentle breeze brushing against the strings of a zither, with a faint tremor mixed in, which was the joy that he tried to suppress but still revealed.
His breath gently brushed against Chen Xiao's cheek, carrying a hint of warmth, mingling with the delicate fragrance emanating from him, and lingering around Chen Xiao.
Chen Xiao felt a slight stirring in her heart upon seeing his reaction and the name 'Xiao Xiao', but remained outwardly calm.
She raised an eyebrow slightly, but did not answer his question. Instead, she stated, "Do you know that being moved is a dangerous sign, especially for me?"
Her fingers unconsciously brushed against the cloak draped over her shoulders, the delicate touch emanating from her fingertips.
Xu Ruyu's smile did not fade. He took a small step forward, bringing the two of them closer together, close enough to feel each other's heartbeats.
"Xiao Xiao, I'm so happy." His gaze was intense and unwavering, as if he wanted to imprint Chen Xiao deeply in his eyes.
His hand tentatively and gently grasped Chen Xiao's wrist, the force gentle yet firm, as if conveying his determination to Chen Xiao.
Chen Xiao's heart skipped a beat, and a hint of panic flashed across his face, but he quickly regained his composure.
She gently pulled her hand away from Xu Ruyu's and looked at him with a half-smile: "It's good that you're really happy. Ruyu, don't try to fool me."
As she spoke, she turned and walked into the hall, her steps seemingly calm, yet carrying a hint of barely perceptible panic.
Xu Ruyu watched Chen Xiao's retreating figure, his eyes filled with smiles and doting affection. He quickly followed, walking alongside Chen Xiao.
"I have never lied to you, and time will prove everything." His words echoed in the night sky, gradually disappearing into the depths of Jingyang Palace along with the sound of their footsteps.
Meanwhile, on the other side, in the side hall of Changchun Palace.
Unlike the enchanting atmosphere of Jingyang Palace, Zheng Pianran stood quietly by the window, the moonlight casting a silvery glow over his figure.
His gaze was distant, lost in thought, pondering Chen Xiao's words before he left. His brows furrowed slightly at times, as if a thousand entanglements were weighing on his mind.
He knew this decision was of utmost importance. If he told His Majesty the truth, he might be able to rekindle his romance with his beloved. But if he accepted His Majesty's suggestion, how could he face his father?
He had not forgotten the instructions his father had given him when he first entered the palace.
Just then, there was a soft knock on the door, followed by a young man's voice: "Brother Zheng, may I come in?"
That voice belonged to Zhao Cheyu.
Zheng Pianran couldn't help but wonder, what was he doing here so late?
Zheng Pianran walked slowly to the door, opened it, and saw Zhao Cheyu standing outside with a smile on his lips and clear, watery eyes.
He wore a light blue cloak, which was quite different in style from his robes and looked somewhat out of place.
Zheng Pianran glanced at him, then invited Zhao Cheyu into the room and closed the palace door.
In terms of rank, Zhao Cheyu was a Noble Consort, while Zheng Pianran was only a Consort. Their statuses were different, so according to common sense, Zheng Pianran should have paid her respects to Zhao Cheyu.
However, Zheng Pianran had no such intention, and Zhao Cheyu did not care about these formalities. Compared to treating Zheng Pianran with the respect due to an imperial concubine, he preferred to interact with her as a daughter of an official.
In this way, he can deceive himself.
Zheng Pianran was unaware of Zhao Cheyu's purpose in coming, but her gaze involuntarily fell on his peculiar outfit.
Zhao Cheyu naturally noticed it. He calmly lifted his cloak slightly, letting Zheng Pianran scrutinize him, just as he had been when Chen Xiao had examined Zheng Pianran before.
Zheng Pianran's gaze lingered on the cloak for a long time before she noticed something unusual about it.
Under the moonlight outside the hall, the cloak looked ordinary, but once inside, under the flickering candlelight, it shimmered with iridescent light.
The cloak is made of the finest fabric, and it is embroidered with patterns in gold thread.
After careful examination, Zheng Pianran discovered that the pattern was a symbol used by the royal family.
Seeing that Zheng Pianran had finally figured out the clue, Zhao Cheyu became even more pleased and his smile deepened. He pretended to be troubled and said, "Just now His Majesty had something to ask me. Seeing that I was dressed thinly, he was worried that I would catch a cold, so he took off his own cloak and put it on me himself."
Looking at his appearance, Zheng Pianran immediately understood his purpose and was speechless.
This little fool is still the same as before, so innocent and naive that he's almost brainless.
However, he still wore a flattering expression and said, "It is truly a fortunate thing that the Noble Consort is deeply favored by His Majesty."
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