My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 70: Willing.

　　Xie Jue dealt with the problems in the Dongpan Military Camp with swift and decisive action, and the atmosphere within the army was completely transformed from top to bottom.

　　Since yesterday, all the Generals in the army, including the military doctors, had noticed that the Crown Prince's temperament had suddenly become much better.

　　Even his demeanor softened, noticeably improving his interactions with the Generals.

　　……

　　In the study of the military camp.

　　A General stood with his head bowed, reporting in a solemn voice, “Fang Xiang has been publicly executed, and his body has been disposed of.”

　　“After this incident, no one in the army will dare to stir up trouble again.”

　　Xie Jue's phoenix eyes were lowered faintly as he reviewed the memorials. Hearing this, he didn't even look up, simply replying with a casual “Hmm.”

　　The General continued respectfully, “There's another matter. This time, except for Fang Xiang, the rest of the troops successfully wiped out the bandit stronghold. Morale in the army is high. General Huang Wen suggested that we hold a victory banquet to celebrate, and invite Your Highness to attend, to boost the morale of the troops.”

　　The room fell silent after his words.

　　After a long moment, Xie Jue finally said, “Agreed.”

　　Li Ying immediately responded, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

　　Xie Jue put down his red brush and nodded slightly, “Call Chen Zhan in.”

　　“Yes.”

　　Li Ying immediately rose and went out to call for someone. At the same time, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief, wiping the sweat that wasn't actually there from his forehead.

　　Although the Crown Prince was young, his methods were ruthless, his oppressive presence substantial, and his authority overwhelming. Every time he was in the Crown Prince's presence, even just a glance made Li Ying feel suffocated.

　　After Li Ying left, Chen Zhan quickly entered.

　　Seeing Xie Jue, he nonchalantly curled his lips, “Oh, so our Crown Prince's wounds are completely healed now?”

　　He stroked his chin, “The wounds don't hurt anymore? I wonder why?”

　　Currently, only Chen Zhan dared to tease the Crown Prince like this.

　　Xie Jue coldly raised an eyebrow, too lazy to pay attention, and simply said, “Any news from Yunze?”

　　Getting down to business, Chen Zhan's expression turned serious. “The people we sent to Yunze to investigate report everything is currently normal. The Governor of Yunze is also closely monitoring the movements of Qin Yi's strategist.”

　　He handed over a letter, saying, “This is the latest news from Yunze. Take a look.”

　　The case of the two hundred thousand taels of silver wasn't simple. Qin Yi, in his madness, dared to embezzle two hundred thousand taels of silver. While he did it for the money, the person who instigated him likely had ulterior motives.

　　One link after another, such meticulous planning, the purpose behind it is certainly not to be underestimated.

　　But no matter what it was, Xie Jue already had a plan in mind.

　　His wounds weren't fully healed, and he looked somewhat tired. His long, slender fingers rubbed his temples.

　　He lowered his eyes, looking at the letter in his hand, lost in thought.

　　……

　　The military doctor had prepared the medicine but didn't dare to disturb the Crown Prince easily. After Yun Ling arrived, she personally came to deliver the medicine.

　　Military drills were underway, and there weren't many people around.

　　Only the military doctor's two apprentices were in the tent. The medicine was ready, and they were chatting while pouring it.

　　Seeing Yun Ling, they happily called out, “Sister Yun Ling, you're here!”

　　The two young apprentices were thirteen or fourteen years old, a lively and energetic age. Yun Ling was also gentle and easy to talk to, so the two apprentices were very close to her. They always had so much to say whenever they saw her.

　　Seeing their excited flushed faces and joyful expressions, Yun Ling curiously asked, “What were you two talking about just now?”

　　One of the apprentices immediately couldn't contain himself and, mysteriously, took her to a corner. “Sister Yun Ling, look! There's a fluffy little puppy here. It even licks my hand. It's so fun!”

　　Yun Ling crouched down to look. It was a puppy, only a few months old, just learning to walk, chubby and fluffy. Its little tail wagged happily when it saw people.

　　It was a truly adorable puppy.

　　But its mother wasn't around, and nobody knew where it came from.

　　When she asked the apprentices, they shook their heads. “We don't know either. It wasn't here a few days ago. We saw it here when we woke up yesterday. It was probably brought here by someone.”

　　As he spoke, his voice became worried, almost as if he were about to cry. “Sister Yun Ling, some people here eat dog meat. What if someone catches it and eats it?”

　　“Such a cute puppy, I can't bear to see it happen, woo woo. But Master won't let us keep it.”

　　The apprentice turned around, looking at her with pleading eyes. “Sister Yun Ling, why don't you keep it? It's very well-behaved.”

　　Yun Ling was startled.

　　Looking at the puppy licking her palm—her palm now wet and sticky—it was undeniably cute.

　　But…

　　She wasn't in a position to keep a pet right now.

　　The Crown Prince didn't like these fluffy little creatures. And she had already stayed in the military camp for two days. When she left, she had asked Lǜshuǐ and Lǜyī to inform her grandmother that she was going to a temple to offer incense. As a young woman, it wasn't appropriate for her to stay in the military camp for long; she should be returning home.

　　She was now a daughter of the Xiao family, and even if she didn't care about reputation, she had to consider the family's honor.

　　So she would be leaving soon.

　　Back at the Xiao residence, the Princess was pregnant, and it wouldn't be appropriate to bring a puppy back, fearing it might cause a disturbance.

　　Yun Ling hesitated.

　　The apprentice's whimpering voice rang out again, “Then what will happen? It will definitely be killed and eaten…”

　　“Sister Yun Ling, don't you really like it?”

　　——

　　The Crown Prince's study was heavily guarded, and entry was strictly restricted.

　　After Lord Chen entered, he hadn't come out, likely engaged in important discussions.

　　When Yun Ling arrived with the medicine, she found Grand Eunuch An respectfully guarding the door.

　　She softly inquired, “Is His Highness still busy?”

　　Grand Eunuch An quickly replied in a low voice, “Lord Chen is still inside. It will probably take some time.”

　　Yun Ling thought for a moment and decided not to disturb him, lest she interrupt his discussions. “Then I'll come back later,” she said.

　　Just as she turned around, she heard the door open from inside.

　　Chen Zhan came out.

　　Grand Eunuch An hurried over, “Eldest Miss Xiao, His Highness requests your presence now.”

　　Yun Ling curtsied to Lord Chen and then entered the study with the medicine.

　　Inside the study, Xie Jue sat in a vermilion-lacquered armchair, his fingers resting on his forehead. Seeing her enter with the medicine, he lifted his eyes and asked, “Why didn't you come in just now?”

　　Yun Ling placed the medicine on the table and pushed it towards him. “I thought you were in a meeting and didn't want to disturb you.”

　　“Does your wound still hurt, Your Highness?”

　　After Xie Jue took the medicine, he hummed in response.

　　Yun Ling raised her eyes in surprise. “The wound should have healed by now. Why would it still hurt?”

　　Having said that, she was about to lower her head to check his bandaged wound.

　　Xie Jue put down the medicine bowl, caught her wrist, pulled her close, and embraced her. He buried his tall nose in the hollow of her neck, holding her hand to prevent her from moving. His voice was slightly hoarse. “It's not the wound that hurts.”

　　His long fingers caressed the back of her neck. He slowly turned his head, gazing past her fair cheek, parting her falling dark hair, and then leaned over to claim her soft, pink lips in a kiss.

　　Her very presence disrupted his thoughts.

　　It allowed him to focus on nothing else.

　　The room was filled with the faint fragrance of sandalwood, wisps of translucent white smoke rising and swirling.

　　Everything was hazy.

　　Afraid of pressing against his injured arm, Yun Ling didn't dare to struggle much. The end result was that she unknowingly found herself sitting face-to-face on his lap, her fair fingers clutching his clothes, her waist held firmly by him, her chin tilted upwards as they kissed.

　　He lowered his head and kissed her, the faint scent of medicine enveloping her completely, filling her breath.

　　After a while, Yun Ling found it hard to breathe and pushed him gently.

　　Her lips were wet, her voice a little muffled and whimpering. “No, this is a military camp…”

　　Xie Jue furrowed his brow, closed his eyes tightly, and hummed in response. He lowered his head and kissed her delicate neck, but didn't continue.

　　This wasn't a suitable place.

　　“Your Highness, when will you return to the Capital?” Yun Ling asked after her breathing calmed down.

　　She had stayed two days, and his injury wasn't serious; she should go back. It wasn't proper for a woman to stay in the military camp for too long.

　　“The military will hold a victory banquet, and I need to attend,” Xie Jue replied.

　　Yun Ling nodded. “Then I'll go back. I've been out for two days, and my grandfather and grandmother must be worried.”

　　Xie Jue also knew it wasn't appropriate for her to stay in the military camp for long. As long as she didn't grow distant from him, he would let her do as she pleased.

　　“Good. I'll send a member of the Jinyiwei to escort you back to the Capital.”

　　“Mm, I'll go pack my things now.”

　　If she delayed any longer, it would be late.

　　Yun Ling spoke, intending to pull away, but he wouldn't let go.

　　Lifting her head, she saw only his slightly furrowed, handsome brows. His arm was around her waist, unwilling to let go.

　　Yun Ling blinked. “Your Highness?”

　　Xie Jue lowered his gaze, looking at her quietly. His thin lips parted slightly. “You haven't been back to the Xiao family for long. You should spend more time with your family; I understand your affection for them. I won't force you into becoming a Cèfēi.”

　　“But you will be the Crown Princess, and I will only marry you. I will wait until you've made up your mind.”

　　“Being in this position, I can give you anything,” Xie Jue caressed her cheek, kissing her already swollen lips. His voice dropped to a low murmur,

　　“Except freedom.”

　　“It's I who wrong you,” he said.

　　Yun Ling's body trembled, her gaze meeting his.

　　After a moment, she looked directly into his eyes and said softly, “I know.”

　　Since she had come here, she had already made her decision.

　　She had compromised.

　　But this time, it was of her own free will.

　　Life wasn't always as one wished. She had chosen love, and therefore, relinquished her freedom.

　　Since it was her willing choice, she wouldn't feel wronged.

　　Footsteps sounded outside, and after a moment, Grand Eunuch An's voice rang out, “Your Highness, General Huang Wen is requesting an audience.”

　　Hearing this, Yun Ling immediately tried to stand up, pushing his arm. “Quickly let me go, someone's at the door.”

　　She had something else she wanted to say to him, but would have to wait.

　　Constantly being interrupted, Xie Jue looked towards the door, his brow furrowing in displeasure.

　　But he could only let go.

　　The moment he released her, Yun Ling left the study without looking back.

　　She needed to pack her things.

　　——

　　Returning to her room, Yun Ling heard a series of childish, milky puppy barks. A small dog with chubby little legs and a wagging tail trotted towards her.

　　Yun Ling knelt down and patted the puppy's back. The little dog's tail wagged even harder.

　　It was very cute.

　　As the puppy licked her palm, Yun Ling couldn't help but laugh.

　　The two young apothecary assistants gave her the puppy, but she couldn't take it home with her yet.

　　Leaving it behind, she worried that such a cute little thing might be harmed, something she couldn't bear.

　　Stroking its fluffy back, Yun Ling pondered. She had originally wanted to discuss this with him, wondering if he would agree to help her look after it for a few days.

　　He, however, had never shown any fondness for small animals.

　　He could even be described as averse to them.

　　After playing with the puppy for a while, Yun Ling got up to pack her things. She didn't have much, so it didn't take long.

　　She had just finished packing when he pushed open the door and entered.

　　Seeing a stranger, the puppy whimpered and quickly hid in a corner.

　　Xie Jue, however, had already seen it, and his brow furrowed. “Where did this dog come from in the military camp?”

　　Yun Ling put down her bag. “Two young apothecaries found it. They felt sorry for it, so they brought it back. It would starve to death if left outside.”

　　She said with a smile, “It's chubby and very cute.”

　　Xie Jue couldn't see what was so appealing about a completely black dog whose features were indistinguishable. He walked over to her. “You like it?”

　　Yun Ling nodded. “I feel like I have a connection with it. If it were before, I definitely wouldn't have kept it. But now, I feel like I can have something of my own.”

　　In the past, she had barely been able to protect herself, her situation perilous; naturally, she wouldn't have had the energy to care for a pet.

　　Now, her life was stable, and she had choices. With him, she wouldn't face any more danger.

　　Having said goodbye to the past, she now had the energy and desire to nurture a small life.

　　“But I can't take it with me now. I need to tell Jinjia at home.” Yun Ling looked up, her eyebrows curving into a smile, as she consulted him. “So I'll leave it here for now. Would you have someone take good care of it for me?”

　　She looked up at him, her smile bright, her tone gentle as she spoke to him.

　　Xie Jue looked at her without blinking. “Good.”

　　Before Yun Ling could react, he lowered his head and kissed her again.

　　And then she had no more thoughts for anything else.

　　After an unknown amount of time, Fei Ying, who had been waiting outside for a long time, cautiously approached and knocked on the door. “Your Highness, it's getting late. It's time to send Eldest Miss Xiao on her way.”

　　Xie Jue cupped her face, kissing her again and again, before slowly pulling back, using his thumb to wipe away the moisture from her lips.

　　He responded softly, “Mm.”

　　Yun Ling's face was flushed. Everyone was waiting for her outside... but he wouldn't let go of her, and she couldn't push him away.

　　She was supposed to be here to take care of him, but in the end, it seemed that he would kiss her most of the time…

　　She should return home as soon as possible.

　　……

　　The Crown Prince still had matters to attend to at the Dongpan Military Camp. The remaining poison in his wound had been cleared, so he was fine. Yun Ling couldn't stay at the camp indefinitely, so she returned to the Capital.

　　Departing from the Dongpan Military Camp, she made quick progress back to the Capital. Fei Ying escorted her all the way, taking the most direct route, making the journey even faster than their trip there.

　　They arrived at the Xiao residence just as dusk was settling.

　　Yun Ling stepped down from the carriage and thanked Fei Ying. “Thank you, Lord Fei Ying, for your escort all the way. I appreciate your trouble.”

　　Fei Ying quickly replied, “This is what I should do, Eldest Miss Xiao. You're too kind.”

　　Yun Ling nodded and turned to enter the residence.

　　Nothing unusual had happened in the mansion during her two-day absence.

　　Her grandmother, however, claimed she had lost weight in just two days and had the kitchen prepare several nourishing tonics for her.

　　Life settled into a peaceful routine. Everything was as usual.

　　The Crown Prince returned to the Capital two days later. Taking advantage of the Dongpan Military Camp incident, he dealt with many corrupt officials, with no one daring to object.

　　He was busy with state affairs; as the Crown Prince, he didn't have a moment to spare. Yun Ling also heard that some Court Officials had submitted a petition requesting the ailing and incapacitated Emperor Jingning to abdicate.

　　It was a veiled suggestion for the Crown Prince to ascend the throne.

　　She wondered what he thought about it.

　　Others might not know, but Yun Ling, as his former personal maid, knew all too well: the Emperor Jingning's current state was orchestrated by the Crown Prince himself.

　　Empress Zhaohui had loved Emperor Jingning deeply, but the Emperor was heartless and fickle. Not only did he condone the Empress Consort's actions that led to Empress Zhaohui's death, but after her death, he even summoned sorcerers to suppress her spirit, preventing her reincarnation. He also suspected and suppressed the young Crown Prince, pushing him to the brink of death several times.

　　Moreover, Empress Zhaohui was pregnant when she died, resulting in the loss of both mother and child.

　　Such cruelty.

　　Xie Jue harbored only hatred for this so-called father, Emperor Jingning.

　　After ascending to the position of Crown Prince, he avenged his mother, eliminating everyone involved in Empress Zhaohui's murder. He left Emperor Jingning, the main culprit, to suffer a living death until now.

　　Yun Ling suddenly remembered that there was one more person in the Palace implicated in Empress Zhaohui's case, someone he'd been investigating for three years without results.

　　She wondered what had become of them.

　　This matter couldn't be resolved quickly. Shaking her head, Yun Ling decided not to dwell on it any further.

　　She stayed peacefully at home, enjoying the quiet life, though occasionally worrying about his healing wounds.

　　Xie Jinjia's due date was approaching, so her grandmother took Yun Ling to a temple to pray for blessings for the Princess.

　　They received an excellent fortune slip, and her grandmother happily donated a generous sum to the temple.

　　On their way back, her grandmother said with a smile, “Childbirth has always been a perilous journey for women. I don't ask for anything else, just that Jinjia delivers safely.”

　　“This is something your brother should have done himself, but that boy is such a blockhead, always busy with official matters and never knows how to be considerate. Thankfully, Jinjia is kind and understanding, never holding it against your brother.”

　　Yun Ling nodded.

　　Her brother's personality was indeed rather reserved and quiet, making it difficult for others to understand his thoughts.

　　Although it initially seemed like it was only the Princess who was in love, her brother must have cared deeply for the Princess. She'd been able to see it clearly since her return home.

　　While chatting with her grandmother, the carriage soon stopped at the entrance of the Xiao residence.

　　As they entered, two maidservants, Lǜyī and Lǜshuǐ, rushed towards them, their faces filled with anxiety. “Old Madam, Miss! Something terrible has happened!”

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