Chapter 113: I Have Returned Your Wife to You
Su Jingluo was unsure whether the emperor had truly taken her words to heart. Some viewpoints were not so easily changed; she was simply standing up for Xiao Jingxuan out of genuine concern. Perhaps she had long since regarded herself as Xiao Jingxuan’s wife, her affections already aligned firmly by his side.
Late at night, the emperor and his entourage departed from the palace in a grand procession. The empress was the first to learn of this news. At this moment, she was no longer unconscious but suddenly jolted awake. Upon hearing they were heading to the Prince of Jing’s residence, she hastily arranged for a significant number of imperial guards to accompany the emperor. Yet, all were left behind by the emperor, who only took a dozen or so eunuchs and palace maids with him.
The scene at the palace was imposing, and the Prince of Jing’s residence was no less formidable. The manor was brightly lit, each person dressed in battle-ready attire, waiting in the front courtyard with expressions of unwavering resolve.
“Your Highness, the emperor’s ceremonial procession has arrived at the gate,” Zhuoyue An reported breathlessly, his face tense with urgency.
“Heh, they’ve come. How many troops did he bring?” Xiao Jingxuan tightened his grip on the knife in his hand, ready to fight fiercely for his wife tonight.
“None.” Zhuoyue An was puzzled as well, having scoured the surrounding kilometer and found no guards accompanying the emperor.
“No guards? Are you sure?” Xiao Jingxuan was taken aback. It was unusual for the emperor to come to the Prince of Jing’s residence without any guards—even for routine outings, he would have a small escort.
“Absolutely certain. I searched within a kilometer radius and didn’t see a single guard.” Zhuoyue An stated decisively.
What kind of trick was this? Xiao Jingxuan was confused but waved his hand. Instantly, the densely packed guards in dark attire who had been scattered throughout the courtyard vanished without a trace.
Passing the knife to his steward, Shen Zhong, Xiao Jingxuan, accompanied by Zhuoyue An, stepped outside. Now to see what spectacle the emperor intended to put on.
As Xiao Jingxuan crossed the gate, the emperor had already stepped down from the ceremonial carriage. Just as Xiao Jingxuan was about to kneel in respect, the emperor caught him firmly, preventing him from bowing. With a gentle smile and eyes full of brotherly affection, he looked upon Xiao Jingxuan with unexpected warmth.
“Jingxuan, coming here so late at night is a private matter. There is no need for formalities between us brothers,” the emperor said, radiating kindness and filling those around him with a comforting warmth.
...What was this sudden change?
A chill ran down Xiao Jingxuan’s spine. Had the emperor taken some strange medicine? Although the emperor had always shown him respect, it had been superficial at best. Tonight’s demeanor seemed like that of a completely different man.
Su Jingluo emerged from behind the emperor, unharmed. Seeing this, the tension that had gripped Xiao Jingxuan finally eased.
“I’m back,” Su Jingluo said softly, a gentle smile brightening her face. Seeing the concern etched in Xiao Jingxuan’s eyes warmed her heart.
Since her arrival, Xiao Jingxuan’s gaze had not left her. He withdrew his hand from the emperor’s grasp and pulled Su Jingluo close, scrutinizing her from head to toe as if afraid she might have suffered even the slightest injury.
“What are you looking at, Jingxuan? Do you think I would mistreat your princess consort?” The emperor observed Xiao Jingxuan’s guarded demeanor and was displeased. Yet, as Su Jingluo had said, deep-rooted mistrust was not undone in a day. Though it was easy to cause wounds, healing them was infinitely harder. Warming Xiao Jingxuan’s heart was not a matter of a moment.
“Your Majesty, please forgive him. The prince means no disrespect.” Though he did not intend harm, Xiao Jingxuan still gently pinched Su Jingluo’s arm, checking for any hidden injuries beneath the surface.