"Is it really not possible?"
Lin Xihe asked again, unwilling to give up, holding her head in her hands, but subconsciously shrinking back, afraid that Ji Zhuo would hit her again.
Ji Zhuo shook his head helplessly, his tone tinged with a hint of teasing: "You really dare to ask."
"Hard enough head..."
After Lin Xihe finished speaking, she couldn't help but laugh herself.
She understood Ji Zhuo and knew that he had always indulged her, which was why she dared to be so unscrupulous.
But the idea first took root in her heart because Ji Zhuo and Gu Qinghuai took turns taking care of Tang Bao for several days.
Thinking of Gu Qinghuai, Lin Xihe suddenly remembered Sun Ningxiang's drugging of her. Her expression darkened, and she whispered, "Azhuo, if I go to the Northern Border, I don't know if I'll ever be able to see you and Qinghuai again. Don't tell Qinghuai about Sun Ningxiang drugging him. It's enough that you know I didn't do it on purpose."
"I know."
Ji Zhuo nodded, her tone gentle. Even if that incident was an accident, her subsequent departure from the capital for Gu Qinghuai, and even her risking her life to save him, were all out of genuine affection. So how it started doesn't matter; in the end, Lin Xihe also had a place for Gu Qinghuai in her heart.
Moreover, before Gu Qinghuai went to the Western Regions, he took the initiative to suggest that Lin Xihe marry him, and he didn't dislike her.
Thinking about this, Ji Zhuo suddenly realized that he didn't seem to be so averse to Gu Qinghuai anymore.
Suddenly, he was startled and realized something was wrong—he had been led astray by Lin Xihe and even started to think that if it were Gu Qinghuai, he might still consider it!
What's there to consider! He, Ji Zhuo, would never accept being with anyone else...!
Seeing Ji Zhuo's ever-changing expressions—sometimes thoughtful, sometimes angry, sometimes disdainful—Lin Xihe was puzzled.
"A-Zhuo, what's wrong?"
"It's nothing."
Ji Zhuo quickly regained his composure and feigned calmness: "Does Gu Qinghuai know that you are going to the Northern Border?"
Lin Xihe shook her head: "I don't know how to bring it up, especially since I'm taking Tang Bao away. I just can't bring myself to say it..."
"Would you be willing to leave Tangbao with me?" Ji Zhuo suddenly asked, as if he had mustered up a great deal of courage.
"Leave it to you?" Lin Xihe was somewhat surprised.
“I know you’re reluctant, but she’s still young. There’s no waterway to the Northern Border; we can only travel by land, and the journey is long. I’m afraid she won’t be able to handle it. I don’t intend to keep Tang Bao by my side forever. When she’s a few years older, I’ll take her to find you, okay?” Ji Zhuo had this idea for a long time, but he didn’t know how to bring it up.
"Mu Ruoyan won't agree," Lin Xihe said in a low voice.
“But you’re willing, right?” Ji Zhuo keenly caught the subtlety in Lin Xihe’s tone.
Lin Xihe did indeed have such considerations.
It wasn't that she didn't want to keep Tang Bao by her side and take good care of her; it was just that the thought of the palace filled her with fear. In her mind, the palace was strictly governed, and within the harem, women fought fiercely and ruthlessly.
Although Mu Ruoyan promised that she would be the only one in the harem, it was a completely unfamiliar place. All she could rely on was Mu Ruoyan's favor, which made her feel uneasy all the time.
She was afraid of hardship, but she was even more afraid that Tangbao would suffer, fearing that if Tangbao grew up in such an environment, she would lose the innocence and joy that children should have.
"Xi'er, I will not marry anyone but you. Give me Tangbao, and I will treat her well. When Gu Qinghuai comes back, he won't be unable to see his daughter. My parents will also treat her as their own." Ji Zhuo had already decided not to marry again, so naturally he would not have any children.
If Tang Bao were here, her parents would definitely cherish her and treat her like a precious treasure.
Lin Xihe shook her head, ultimately unable to agree.
"I understand..." Ji Zhuo sighed. Although he knew the chances were slim, he still wanted to try his best.
The silence between the two did not last long. Soon, Mu Ruoyan arrived.
When Lin Xihe saw Mu Ruoyan arrive, she casually took an empty teacup, placed it beside her, and poured him a cup of tea.
Previously, she hadn't intended to inquire about Mu Ruoyan's plans, but upon hearing that he had saved Xiao Yugan today, she couldn't help but feel puzzled and wanted to hear his explanation.
Mu Ruoyan walked to Lin Xihe's side, first reaching out to pat her head as if to assert her ownership, before leisurely sitting down: "Was Tangbao good today?"
"Hmm, he's sleeping right now. Why are you here during the day?" Lin Xihe looked up at him, her tone inquisitive.
Mu Ruoyan glanced at Ji Zhuo across from her and thought to herself, "He only rushed over because he heard that Ji Zhuo was here."
However, he remained calm and composed: "I had nothing to do, so I came to keep you company early."
"Alright."
Lin Xihe nodded, then changed the subject, "Then explain why you saved Xiao Yugan?"
Mu Ruoyan picked up her teacup, took a sip, and smiled: "According to his people, the poison that Xiao Yugan was poisoned with was caused by people from the Western Regions. As for me, I was the one who saved him when he was on the verge of death. He was grateful to me, so he signed a peace agreement with me."
"He's grateful to you?" Ji Zhuo sneered, his tone full of sarcasm. "Putting aside the fact that you framed the Western Regions, even if you gave him your life, he wouldn't be grateful to you."
Upon hearing this, a cold glint flashed in Mu Ruoyan's eyes, and she retorted without hesitation, "You truly are his lackey, knowing him so thoroughly! I should..."
Before he could finish speaking, he felt Lin Xihe stomp hard on his foot.
"Lin Xihe, are you siding with Ji Zhuo again?" Mu Ruoyan looked at Lin Xihe, her voice carrying a hint of grievance and anger.
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