Chapter 129 Requesting the Emperor's Grace for Marriage
Xiao Xuanyou didn't say anything, but stepped closer.
Their breaths mingled, trapping Jiang Zhi in a small space, unable to move forward or backward. The scent of ambergris emanated from him, carrying an intense pressure. Without even looking up, Jiang Zhi could feel his gaze, like a wild beast locking onto its prey, making it hard for her to breathe.
Jiang Zhi was truly pushed to the limit, and no longer cared about the etiquette between ruler and subject. She said sternly, "Your Highness, taking advantage of someone's misfortune is a despicable act. How can you be worthy of being the crown prince? I am now the Princess of Qinghe, personally appointed by His Majesty. If you continue to be disrespectful, I will have no choice but to report this matter to His Majesty and see if he will punish you!"
“If Father finds out, he might betroth you to me as a concubine, which would be a wonderful thing,” Xiao Xuanyou said casually. “Please keep your word, Princess Qinghe.”
"You!" Jiang Zhi's eyes turned red with anger.
This Xiao Xuanyou is nothing like a prince; he's more like a scoundrel than a local ruffian!
She tried to push him with one hand, but he didn't budge. He just looked down at her with a smile, as if he were teasing a pet bird.
Xiao Xuanyou felt that Jiang Zhi, though angry, was still very alive in front of him. From the moment he learned that she was in danger until now, the surging anger in his heart finally dissipated a little.
Fortunately, he saved her.
Otherwise, even if he had to search the entire capital, he would find that person and have him buried with him!
He concealed the slight chill in his eyes, sighed softly, and lost interest in continuing to tease her.
"I only wish to dry my clothes, just like Princess Qinghe," Xiao Xuanyou said slowly. "Why is Princess Qinghe so agitated?"
Jiang Zhi paused, looking at him suspiciously, "Really?"
"My clothes are not completely dry, and this is the only cave nearby. I can't go out to meet people like this, all wet. Or does Princess Qinghe think I'm going to do something to you?"
“Of course not,” Jiang Zhi realized she had misunderstood and lowered her head. “Then please, Your Highness, step back.”
Knowing Xiao Xuanyou as she did, she was sure he was saying those things on purpose to make her misunderstand, so there was nothing to be embarrassed about.
Xiao Xuanyou shook his head. "I feel a bit cold. This is the closest place to the fire."
After saying that, he even moved a little closer.
Jiang Zhi was seething with anger.
Since he refuses to leave, I'll just stay away from him.
But she had been cornered, and in front of her was the tall Xiao Xuanyou. She was almost naked, and if she passed by him, there would definitely be physical contact, and who knew what he might do in a fit of madness.
So she said no more and silently watched the flickering fire beside her.
Fortunately, Xiao Xuanyou wasn't shameless enough to strip naked as well; he simply took off his outer garment and hung it on a tree branch, where it dried quickly.
He got up, dressed, and went outside the cave. Before long, Jiang Zhi's clothes were dry.
Before Xiao Xuanyou returned, she quickly tidied herself up and dressed, and the tension that had been building in her mind finally eased.
Then she heard a sharp, piercing whistle, like tearing silk.
Xiao Xuanyou's men have arrived.
*
When Jiang Zhi returned to the mountaintop with Xiao Xuanyou's men, Li Jinyan patted her chest in lingering fear, "Luckily, neither of them was seriously injured, otherwise I really wouldn't know how to explain to the Emperor."
"I'm sorry to have worried the Crown Princess." Jiang Zhi was helped to sit on the palanquin.
Xiao Xuanyou spoke with a cold expression, "No one is allowed to reveal a single word about this matter today, or don't blame me for disregarding our years of master-servant relationship."
Fortunately, those around Xiao Xuanyou when he fell off the cliff were all his trusted confidants, and the man in black was already dead.
Otherwise, if others knew that the Crown Prince had jumped off a cliff for a woman, it would surely cause a huge uproar in the capital.
Back at the hunting grounds, Xiao Xuanyou, along with Li Jinyan and Jiang Zhi, knelt at the lower level. Emperor Xuanzhao's majestic face was filled with undisguised anger. "This matter must be thoroughly investigated for me! To dare to attempt an assassination during the autumn hunt is simply unheard of!"
"This case is being handled by the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review, with the Northern Garrison Command assisting in the investigation. No one should be let off lightly!"
Lu Yuan, dressed in a black flying fish robe, emerged from behind Emperor Xuanzhao and knelt down with two other officials to receive the imperial decree.
His gaze fell subtly on Jiang Zhi, who was kneeling beside him.
Today's hunt is his duty to be the personal bodyguard of Emperor Xuanzhao and the Empress, and he and the Imperial Guards he brought are not allowed to leave the hunting grounds without permission.
Upon hearing the news of Jiang Zhi's accident, he initially thought it was just a frightened horse, and with the Crown Prince going to rescue it, it shouldn't be a big problem.
Unexpectedly, the guards who came back reported that Jiang Zhi had encountered a black bear in the dense forest and almost lost her life, and was also kidnapped by assassins along with Li Jinyan.
Seeing her kneeling there unharmed despite her injuries, my heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled down.
How could this cunning woman allow herself to die so easily?
Why worry so much?
He sneered inwardly.
"Now that the Crown Princess and Princess Qinghe have both been frightened, let the imperial physicians examine them carefully to prevent any future problems."
Li Jinyan and Jiang Zhi immediately knelt down to express their gratitude.
"Your Highness, you may also leave. I heard that you almost fell off a cliff while saving the Crown Princess. Remember not to be so reckless in the future." Emperor Xuanzhao looked at his son, who had been sensible and steady since childhood.
He was somewhat surprised.
Normally, Xiao Xuanyou doesn't seem to care much for the Crown Princess, but now he's impulsively risking his own safety to save her.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am well."
At this moment, Consort Chen, who was standing next to him, suddenly lifted her skirt and knelt down in front of Emperor Xuanzhao.
"Your Majesty, it's all my fault. If I hadn't tried to save Your Majesty's face by asking Princess Qinghe to get off and ride a horse, this wouldn't have happened. It almost harmed the Crown Princess and Princess Qinghe. I am guilty!"
She began to sob softly.
Emperor Xuanzhao frowned.
It was indeed because of her that all of this happened, but after all, she was his beloved concubine whom he had favored for many years, and there was no direct evidence to prove that she was related to Prince Su.
So, although his expression remained cold, his tone softened slightly, "Why don't you get up quickly? Until the truth of this matter comes out, you should stay in your palace and reflect on your mistakes."
"Yes, Your Majesty, I obey your decree," Consort Chen replied respectfully.
"Father, I have a request."
Just as everyone was about to leave, Xiao Chengjin suddenly spoke.
Emperor Xuanzhao's fierce eyes fell on him. "What does Prince Su want to say?"
Xiao Chengjin's handsome, somewhat effeminate face revealed a slight smile. "Father, I feel truly guilty for causing Princess Qinghe to be frightened and injured today. But the reason is that Princess Qinghe has no one by her side who truly loves and cares for her."
"Your Majesty, I humbly request that you grant me the title of Princess Qinghe as your concubine. I will love and protect her dearly and never let her suffer any more injustice. I beg Your Majesty's permission!"
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