She habitually fastened her cloak, and upon hearing Zheng Pianran's words, the corners of her mouth turned up slightly, revealing a sweet smile. She said generously and without hesitation, "I was eager to see you."
The four simple words struck Zheng Pianran's heart like a heavy hammer, causing ripples to spread across his heart.
Upon hearing this, Zheng Pianran felt even warmer inside. After thinking about it for a while, she realized that the woman must have received a message from Zhao Cheyu and knew that she was here, which was why she rushed over so hastily without regard for her image.
Seeing the two of them like this, Chen Xiao smiled meaningfully and got off the carriage.
Seeing this, Zhao Cheyu and Yin Yuyao also got off the carriage.
Seeing the knowing looks on their faces, Zheng Pianran's usually cold and stern face showed a rare hint of embarrassment.
Seeing Chen Xiao's teasing look, he coughed lightly and introduced her to Chen Xiao: "This is my lover, Lin Ling."
His tone carried an undisguised deep affection.
Lin Ling looked at the three of them, gave a slight bow, and greeted them with a smile, "Hello, everyone."
Her voice was clear and melodious, reaching the ears of the three people.
Hearing that Zheng Pianran did not address Chen Xiao as "Your Majesty," Lin Ling knew that His Majesty had to conceal his identity outside.
Therefore, she did not address Chen Xiao as "Your Majesty," but instead performed a respectful bow, her every move exuding elegance and grace, which made people feel even more favorably toward her.
Chen Xiao smiled and looked at Lin Ling, his eyes full of admiration: "Miss Lin is as beautiful and charming as the rumors say. No wonder Zheng Pianran is so fond of you."
Lin Ling blushed slightly and chuckled, "You flatter me, sir. I am just an ordinary woman."
Chen Xiao's lips curled up slightly, revealing a meaningful smile, and he said softly, "Miss Lin, you are too modest. You are the daughter of the Prefect, and your status in Xunyang City is highly respected, just like a princess of golden branches and jade leaves. How could you be an ordinary woman?"
Chen Xiao's words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating ripples.
Zheng Pianran's face turned deathly pale instantly, and fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead. Her once gentle eyes were now filled with terror.
Lin Ling was also startled, biting her lower lip lightly, a hint of panic flashing in her eyes. The expressions of the two of them were like flowers touched by frost, instantly stiffening.
Zhao Cheyu was also full of surprise. He originally thought that His Majesty knew nothing about these matters, after all, these matters had been hidden in the dark for a long time, as if they were covered by layers of fog.
But now, he suddenly realized that His Majesty was like an all-seeing god, knowing everything.
However, what exactly did His Majesty mean by those words? Was it an unintentional remark, or did it conceal a hidden meaning? They were completely bewildered, daring not to speculate, much less to seek the answer.
But deep in his heart, a strange chill rose up, like the cold wind of winter, penetrating straight into his bones.
The two seemed to suddenly remember something extremely terrifying. Their faces grew even paler, their lips trembled slightly, and their eyes were filled with fear. They didn't even have the courage to look Chen Xiao in the eye. They just lowered their heads and didn't dare to breathe.
Chen Xiao took in the changes in their expressions and understood that they must know the secret.
The smile on her lips gradually faded, leaving only a faint chill. She said to the two of them, "It's getting chilly outside, let's talk in the carriage."
The two exchanged a glance, seeing deep worry in each other's eyes, but still silently followed Chen Xiao, Zhao Cheyu, and Yin Yuyao into the carriage.
A small incident occurred when boarding the vehicle.
Out of gentlemanly manners, Zheng Pianran carefully tried to help Lin Ling into the carriage, but Lin Ling was forthright and generous, and did not care about details. She walked lightly, like a butterfly dancing, and with a light step, she gracefully boarded the carriage.
This caused another change in the seating arrangement within the carriage.
As if governed by an invisible law, Chen Xiao and Yin Yuyao sat motionless in the middle of the carriage.
Beside Yin Yuyao, Zheng Pianran and Lin Ling sat together, while next to Chen Xiao was Zhao Cheyu, a solitary figure.
They all seemed to have their own companions, relying on each other, while Zhao Cheyu appeared to be all alone.
However, he remained calm. After Chen Xiao's previous "reprimand," he was like a stagnant pool, with no more interest in such trivial matters.
As soon as Lin Ling sat down, before Chen Xiao could speak, she knelt down directly in front of him with a "plop".
She lowered her head, not daring to look at Chen Xiao, her voice trembling with regret: "Your Majesty, I know I was wrong!"
Normally, Chen Xiao couldn't stand seeing others kneel before her. Whenever someone did so, she would immediately reach out and help them up, her eyes full of gentleness and concern.
But this time, seeing Lin Ling kneeling so humbly before her in the cramped carriage, she did not make a move.
She sat there quietly, like a cold statue, simply watching Lin Ling with eyes as deep as the endless night, unfathomable.
The people inside the carriage seemed to sense the unusual atmosphere. His Majesty was always kind and would never be so indifferent.
It seems that Lin Ling must have a story that no one knows about, and this story is probably quite serious.
As a result, everyone's eyes fell on Lin Ling, their eyes filled with curiosity and doubt.
Zheng Pianran frowned, his eyes filled with worry. Seeing Lin Ling like this, he knelt down without hesitation.
Chen Xiao glanced at him slightly, his gaze like a cold blade slicing across Zheng Pianran, making him shiver involuntarily.
After a long pause, Chen Xiao feigned suspicion and asked, "What, do you know about this too?"
Zheng Pianran smiled bitterly to himself. He knew that Chen Xiao was asking a question he already knew the answer to, but since His Majesty was willing to ask, it was already a great favor to them, giving them a chance to explain.
He slowly shifted his gaze to Lin Ling beside him, sighed deeply, and then slowly said, "Your Majesty, I have always known this."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Cheyu and Yin Yuyao's curiosity grew even stronger.
What exactly do they know? What secrets are hidden behind this? Their eyes were fixed on Zheng Pianran and Lin Ling, eager to know the answer.
Almost the instant Zheng Pianran finished speaking, Lin Ling spoke up.
She remained kneeling on the ground, her body trembling slightly, her voice filled with dejection and self-reproach: "Your Majesty, I have always known that my father is a corrupt official. Over the years, he has abused his power to plunder the people and committed unforgivable crimes. But I... I never reported him because of our father-daughter relationship. I... I am guilty. I beg Your Majesty for mercy."
Chen Xiao listened quietly, his face ashen, and remained silent for a long time.
The carriage was deathly silent, save for Lin Ling's soft sobs.
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