Chapter 21

The misunderstanding is resolved.

The Crown Princess took a leisurely sip of Jin Jun Mei and asked calmly, “Are you done arguing?”

Pei Su and His Majesty instantly broke out in a cold sweat and knelt down with a thud.

Bai Li Pian propped his forehead, looking indifferent and careless.

“I have already heard what happened. Do you have anything else to say?”

Pei Su and His Majesty stepped forward in unison and spoke in chorus.

“We do.”

Pei Su presented evidence of the Second Prince forcibly seizing commoner women and abusing refugees.

His Majesty produced evidence of the Second Prince embezzling funds and taking bribes.

With the evidence irrefutable, the Crown Princess let out a soft snort.

“The Son of Heaven is subject to the same laws as the commoners, let alone a Prince.”

She signaled her subordinates with a glance, reached out to take the evidence, and waved her hand impatiently.

“I understand. All of you may leave.”

Yet Pei Su did not leave.

Kneeling on the ground with his back straight, he said, “Your Highness, I beg you to grant me Yu Sui’s hand in marriage.”

His Majesty’s face immediately soured, but he still forced a smile.

“What a joke. You want to marry Yu Sui-have you even asked for Yu Sui’s opinion?”

Pei Su said, “She likes me.”

A vein bulged on His Majesty’s forehead. “Impossible.”

Still kneeling, Pei Su turned his head to look at him, his gaze calm and defiant.

“Whether it’s possible or not, you can just ask her.”

His Majesty absentmindedly returned to the residence.

These days, he sat in the corridor waiting for me to wake. He didn’t hold a hand warmer, nor did he speak-just sat there alone, seemingly lost in thought.

Xiao Ling said she had never seen him so dispirited before.

When he learned that I had awakened, His Majesty pushed open the door and entered.

Dark circles shadowed his eyes, his robe was wrinkled, entirely lacking his usual spirited air.

“I’m sorry,” I said cautiously, “the mission… still isn’t completed.”

His hand, resting flat on the blanket, silently tightened.

“Sorry, sorry-how many times are you going to say ‘I’m sorry’?” he said softly. “You almost lost your life-why are you still worrying about the mission?”

I stopped, somewhat dazed.

Strange. He didn’t seem so fierce this time.

I drifted off in thought for a long while. His Majesty remained silent.

After a long time, he finally asked, “Is there anywhere else that hurts?”

I shook my head and asked, “How is Long Shuang?”

“She’s recuperating at the clinic-her life isn’t in danger.”

“And the Second Prince?”

“My Imperial Elder Sister gave him a beating and placed him under house arrest,” His Majesty frowned. “His Imperial Consort Mother protects him, so killing him isn’t likely-this is already the most severe punishment.”

I breathed a sigh of relief.

The room once again fell silent.

The wind stirred the chimes hanging in the corridor, making a pleasant sound.

Come to think of it, those wind chimes were hung there by His Majesty and me when we were children.

Suddenly, His Majesty spoke.

“Pei Su told me…” He paused, as if afraid to ask, “Do you like him?”

I didn’t want to hide it from His Majesty. After hesitating for a moment, I nodded.

“Yes, I like him.”