As Lin Xihe listened to Ji Zhuo's murmurs, a sense of unease crept into her heart.
She felt that there were some things Ji Zhuo had to know, otherwise there would always be a barrier between them.
“A-Zhuo, in Nanzhao… I and…” She began to speak, her voice soft yet hesitant.
"It's all in the past, don't let me know... It was my incompetence that I failed to protect you." Ji Zhuo quickly spoke up to stop him, his words full of self-blame and guilt.
He recalled Lang Feng mentioning Lin Xihe's intimacy with others, and he already guessed what might have happened.
Whatever the reason, once it has happened, it cannot be changed.
She left in front of him; he couldn't stop her then, so how could he blame her?
"It's good that you're back safe and sound. My anger before was just something I couldn't accept at the time." His voice trembled slightly, as if he was trying hard to suppress the turmoil in his heart.
Looking at Ji Zhuo's expression, Lin Xihe swallowed back the words that were on the tip of her tongue.
Once the two had calmed down, Lin Xihe cautiously began to discuss the matter: "I want to bring Tang Bao back to the Lin family. Qing Huai can't keep coming to see Tang Bao all the time. I originally agreed to go to his residence, but you probably don't want that either. I'll discuss it with him and have her stay at the Lin residence."
She bit her lower lip slightly and continued, "Don't worry, I have a bodyguard by my side. He's... he's Mo Wusheng's younger brother. He's highly skilled in martial arts. With him taking action, most people are no match for him. You're absolutely safe."
Her tone was full of negotiation, but she was secretly thinking that if Ji Zhuo didn't agree, she would be more assertive.
"OK."
Ji Zhuo's answer was concise and to the point.
"OK?"
Lin Xihe looked puzzled and couldn't help but ask again, seemingly unable to believe that Ji Zhuo would agree so easily.
Ji Zhuo did not answer immediately, but raised his voice and called out to the door, "Lang Feng, go and invite General Gu to my study."
"Do you have something to discuss with him?" Lin Xihe asked softly, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes.
"Yes, His Majesty does not wish to see me get along with him. This time, he insists that we jointly receive the Western Regions delegation. Firstly, in the previous competition, several senior officials placed their cronies or children in the positions, hoping to let them show off, but the result was unsatisfactory."
"Secondly, His Majesty also wants to take this opportunity to test whether we have united our forces. Today, I brought Gu Qinghuai back in secret. But starting tomorrow, he and I will have to confront each other head-on, and I won't be able to visit you as often lately."
He gently held Lin Xihe's hand, his eyes filled with reluctance.
Although Your Majesty trusts Ji Zhuo, how can an emperor trust anyone without reservation?
If he didn't want to be suspected, he and Gu Qinghuai could only stand on opposite sides.
Lin Xihe frowned slightly and asked with concern, "Did you suddenly decide this?"
"I've already thought it through during the day. But you've reassured me so I can carry it out better," Ji Zhuo said, leaning down to gently kiss Lin Xihe's forehead.
"If you go to take care of Tangbao, don't come with me, otherwise you won't know who to look at with those eyes." His words were teasing, but also hid a strong sense of jealousy.
"You're still quite resentful. Then you two should talk things out." Lin Xihe's lips curled up slightly as she obediently agreed.
In this way, she no longer needed to specifically tell Ji Zhuo not to stay overnight at her place.
She had only promised Mu Ruoyan three months, and now there were only two months left.
She felt that her father's problem couldn't be solved overnight, so as long as she was careful for the next two months, even if Mu Ruoyan came again in the future, he wouldn't be able to find anything wrong with her.
When Lin Xihe left, it was already too late, so she didn't pick up Tang Bao until the next day.
However, on the very day she brought Tang Bao back, an imperial edict suddenly arrived ordering her to enter the palace. Upon receiving the news, Lin Xihe dared not slacken in the slightest, quickly and meticulously grooming herself before hastily entering the palace.
Upon entering the palace, the eunuchs led Lin Xihe directly to the Imperial Garden.
At this moment, she stood before Emperor Xiao Yugan, gazing at the supreme ruler of this era.
This was the second time she had seen the emperor. The first time they met, she only felt that the emperor was majestic and solemn, but in front of Gu Qinghuai and Ji Zhuo, the emperor was like a kind elder.
But ever since she learned about her father's affairs, Lin Xihe has been convinced that the emperor is a wolf in sheep's clothing.
At this moment, she no longer felt any awe for the emperor, but she was also not afraid. She knew that the emperor would not openly turn against Ji Zhuo and Gu Qinghuai for the time being, so she was safe.
"This humble woman greets Your Majesty, may Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings." Lin Xihe bowed slightly, performing a standard deep bow, her voice clear yet tinged with nervousness.
"Rise. Come, sit here."
Xiao Yugan raised his hand and waved gently, pointing to the opposite seat, his tone soft, as if he were talking to a junior.
Upon hearing this, Lin Xihe deliberately feigned surprise, her face showing a hint of flattery. After a slight hesitation, she slowly sat down.
"Are you afraid of me?"
Xiao Yugan looked at her, his face still bearing a gentle smile, but that smile seemed to conceal a sharp insight that saw through everything.
"I...I am not afraid."
Lin Xihe lowered her head slightly, her voice trembling involuntarily, trying her best to appear like a terrified young woman.
"It's good that you're not afraid. If your father were still alive, you wouldn't be so lonely and miserable."
Xiao Yugan tilted his head slightly, a look of nostalgia for his old friend appearing in his eyes.
"Do you blame me for confiscating your property back then?" Xiao Yugan changed the subject, staring directly at Lin Xihe.
Upon hearing this, Lin Xihe immediately stood up in fear, her legs trembling slightly, and knelt on the ground with a thud.
"This humble woman dares not. There are disrespectful articles about His Majesty found in the study of my home; His Majesty is also..."
She paused deliberately, feigning panic and not knowing what to say, her voice trembling with a hint of tears.
"Quickly, get up. Don't kneel all the time." Xiao Yugan waved his hand, signaling her to stand up, and at the same time waved for the surrounding palace maids and eunuchs to leave.
For a moment, only the two of them remained in the Imperial Garden, and the atmosphere became inexplicably heavy.
Lin Xihe sat back down in her seat.
At this moment, Xiao Yugan sighed softly and said slowly, "You are young and do not know. If what I found in your house was merely disrespect for literature, I would not have been willing to confiscate Yu Zhi's house."
Upon hearing the name "Yu Zhi," Lin Xihe's heart stirred, and she quickly searched her memory, recalling that it was the original owner's father's courtesy name.
She felt that the emperor addressed him in this way to create a more intimate atmosphere.
She was secretly on guard, but on the surface she still maintained a bewildered and frightened look, and did not reply. She just opened her mouth, as if she was frightened, but did not know how to ask.
"What was found in your house was a secret letter revealing your father's collusion with Nanzhao." After saying this, Xiao Yugan stared intently at Lin Xihe, his gaze sharp and scrutinizing, yet also filled with disappointment.
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