Her elaborate attempt to conceal it wasn't because she wanted to have any further involvement with Gu Qinghuai, but simply because she didn't want things to become too awkward between them.
Lin Xihe had Ling Xue apply another layer of powder before nervously walking towards the flower hall.
Upon arriving at the flower hall, they found Gu Qinghuai already waiting there.
The table was laden with dishes. Lin Xihe dismissed all the servants and specifically instructed them to stay away.
After all, Gu Qinghuai knew she hadn't returned yesterday, and if the two met today, they might argue. She didn't want the servants to laugh at her.
Once the servants had all gone far away, Lin Xihe pretended to be nonchalant and asked, "Did you see His Majesty yesterday? How did it go?"
She deliberately avoided calling the emperor by his given name, fearing that doing so might cause trouble.
"On the surface, it's the same as before. He told me to rest today and receive the Western Regions delegation with Ji Zhuo tomorrow." Gu Qinghuai's tone was quite calm. From the moment he met Lin Xihe until now, his face had been expressionless, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.
"So he won't make a move now?"
"He won't make a move anytime soon; his mind is all on the Western Regions right now."
As Gu Qinghuai spoke, he picked up a small bowl and ladled a bowl of soup for Lin Xihe before asking, "Where's Tangbao?"
"Ji Zhuo won't give it to me..."
Gu Qinghuai simply placed the bowl gently in front of Lin Xihe and replied, "Okay, I understand. I'll pick it up tomorrow."
“Qinghuai, perhaps I didn’t express my stance clearly enough in Yunxiu City. Today I think…”
Lin Xihe wanted to make things clear to Gu Qinghuai that she would not be with him.
Gu Qinghuai looked up, picked up some food and put it in Lin Xihe's bowl, interrupting her and not wanting her to continue: "Eat."
"Why are you doing this? I'm exhausted." Lin Xihe frowned slightly, her face showing fatigue.
"I didn't force you to do anything. Did I question you or force you to do anything when I came here today?"
Gu Qinghuai forcibly suppressed his anger, and although he tried his best to keep his voice calm, he still couldn't hide a sob.
He knew in his heart that he was not as important to Lin Xihe as Ji Zhuo, and if they insisted on clarifying things, he probably wouldn't have a chance at all.
Now that he has returned to the capital, he will inevitably face off against Ji Zhuo. Since ancient times, overthrowing a regime has always been fraught with danger. He cannot be sure that he has the upper hand. If he loses, with Ji Zhuo around, Lin Xihe and his daughter will at least be safe.
"I don't want you to feel wronged either. Gu Qinghuai, I don't know how to repay you for what you've done. I feel indebted to you."
Lin Xihe was caught between the two men, and the oppressive feeling was almost unbearable for her. Her eyes even turned slightly red when she spoke.
Gu Qinghuai put down his chopsticks and reached out to pull Lin Xihe, along with the chair she was sitting on, in front of him.
He could naturally see the torment Lin Xihe was going through.
When she first returned from the North, she was more lively, but now she has become increasingly quiet and silent, and he really can't bear to force her to do anything anymore.
“You gave birth to my daughter and went to Nanzhao. You already owe me nothing. Everything I did was voluntary.”
As Gu Qinghuai spoke, he gently stroked Lin Xihe's head, his face full of tenderness and his eyes filled with pity.
Lin Xihe looked at Gu Qinghuai, her heart filled with mixed emotions. Her complex feelings remained undiminished. Her eyelashes trembled slightly as she tried to hide the bitterness in her heart and forced a smile.
Just then, applause suddenly rang out from one side of the flower hall.
"I've only just arrived and I'm already witnessing such a sweet and romantic scene!"
Upon hearing the sound, Lin Xihe turned her head and looked over. Her face instantly turned pale, and she immediately took a step back to distance herself from Gu Qinghuai.
Why did you come to my house?
Ji Zhuogang climbed over the wall and went to Lin Xihe's courtyard first. Finding that she was not there, he guessed that she was in the flower hall, so he came here instead.
After Lin Xihe left the Lin residence, most of the servants left. Ji Zhuo was highly skilled in martial arts, so it was not difficult for him to quietly arrive at the flower hall.
He wanted to see what she was doing and whether she was still angry about his behavior yesterday.
But as soon as he arrived, he saw Gu Qinghuai gently rubbing Lin Xihe's head. Lin Xihe's delicate appearance and the affectionate look in her eyes as she gazed at Gu Qinghuai instantly ignited his anger.
Ji Zhuo's eyes grew colder, and his whole body was filled with a chilling aura.
He took a few steps forward, sat down on the other side of Lin Xihe, a mocking smile curving his lips, and coldly asked, "What, can you still walk?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
