My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 99: Xiao Qibai x Xie Jinjia 5 - He'll Protect Her.

　　The next morning, Xie Jinjia woke up to bright sunlight. As she slowly regained consciousness, a throbbing headache washed over her, causing her to groan softly and massage her temples. 

　　Qingzhu, hearing the sounds from within the bed curtains, quickly entered with a bowl of ginger soup. “Princess, you're finally awake! You scared me to death… Last night, you were drunk and running all over the place. Thankfully, thankfully, Yun Shanggong found you.” 

　　Otherwise, there would have been a major incident. 

　　“Yun Ling?” Xie Jinjia's head was still fuzzy. She couldn't remember anything from last night after she started drinking. “Did Yun Ling bring me back?” 

　　“Yes,” Qingzhu nodded quickly. 

　　“I understand,” Xie Jinjia sighed, hugging herself. “Don't go around gossiping. Keep your mouths shut.” 

　　Lately, for some reason, the Crown Prince has been very cold towards Yun Ling. She's almost lost his favor, and it's even more important now to avoid letting anyone know that she and Yun Ling are still secretly in contact.

　　After all, she was not only the closest sister of the rebellious prince but also had always clashed with the Crown Prince since childhood. Yun Ling is a lady-in-waiting to the Crown Prince; how could she keep helping her? She couldn't cause Yun Ling any more trouble. 

　　Getting out of bed, Xie Jinjia walked to the window. The bright, harsh sunlight instantly filled her pupils, bringing tears to her eyes. 

　　After sobering up, the painful realities flooded back into her mind— inescapable, unforgettable. 

　　Several maidservants passed by in the courtyard carrying flower vases, and snatches of conversation—“Lord Xiao,” “getting married”—reached Xie Jinjia's ears, adding to her torment. 

　　Li Xintang's birthday banquet was approaching. To apologize for her previous disrespect in the garden, Li Xintang had sent a special invitation to Xie Jinjia.

　　Xie Jinjia, giving Li Xintang face, readily accepted the invitation. However, at the banquet, she once again heard them boasting and gloating, saying that the Crown Prince intended to arrange a marriage between the Xiao and Li families, implying that some people should give up hope—every word seemingly intended for Xie Jinjia's ears. 

　　Xie Jinjia suddenly realized Li Xintang's true intentions. 

　　It wasn't an apology; it was a deliberate attempt to provoke her. 

　　She saw Li Xintang and her friends exchanging smug, contemptuous glances. Yes, she was now a fallen Princess, so they naturally didn't take her seriously—otherwise, how could they dare to humiliate her so openly? They knew she wouldn't dare retaliate. 

　　Not only because of her current downfall, but also because if she openly confronted them, people would think she was jealous of Li Xintang and deliberately disrupting her birthday banquet. 

　　Li Xintang dared to act so boldly precisely because she knew this. She was certain Xie Jinjia would swallow her anger. 

　　But Xie Jinjia couldn't swallow it.

　　While Li Xintang and her friends were still whispering, Xie Jinjia slammed her hand down on the table, silencing the entire hall. All eyes turned to her. 

　　Xie Jinjia remained unfazed. Placing her hand on the edge of the table, she unceremoniously overturned the long table in front of her, sending wine and food flying across the floor. 

　　“All of you, shut your mouths!” she commanded. 

　　The young ladies present were stunned, their faces pale with shock. 

　　Li Xintang gasped, “Ah!” She dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief, feigning tears. With a pathetic expression, she approached Xie Jinjia. “I don't know how I offended the Princess. I sincerely invited you, but you've ruined my birthday for no reason. Could it be because you resent me? But I—” 

　　“Ah!”

　　Before Li Xintang could finish, Xie Jinjia delivered a resounding slap across her face, causing Li Xintang to clutch her cheek and cry out in pain. 

　　The banquet hall erupted in chaos. 

　　Princess Chang Le had actually publicly slapped Miss Li. 

　　Li Xintang, clutching her burning cheek, glared venomously at Xie Jinjia. “Princess, why did you hit me? My father is—” 

　　Xie Jinjia interrupted, “And what about your father? He's merely a subject of the Emperor! I am of the royal family—I am your superior. I can strike you if I wish. Do you have a complaint?” 

　　Li Xintang, clutching her face, slowly shook her head after a moment. “I dare not.” 

　　“Good.” 

　　Xie Jinjia, without looking back, walked away. 

　　News of Princess Chang Le causing a scene at the Li residence spread quickly. Xie Jinjia was confined to the Palace and made to kneel for a day and a night. 

　　Darkness seeped in through the slightly ajar window, but it couldn't obscure her straight, slender back. 

　　Even so, she didn't regret it.

    ……

　　Meanwhile, at the Xiao residence… 

　　In the brightly lit study, Xiao Qibai held his brush, his elegant, upright black characters flowing onto the paper as he documented the evidence he'd gathered in Huizhou. A servant knocked on the door and entered with a cup of tea. 

　　“Young Master, it's late. Should you rest?” 

　　Xiao Qibai took a sip of tea and shook his head. “It's fine.” He resumed writing. 

　　The Young Master had just returned from Huizhou and hadn't had a moment's rest, working late into the night. 

　　Xiao Qi hesitated, unsure whether to tell the Young Master about recent events. 

　　Finally, unable to contain himself, he said indignantly, “Young Master, you wouldn't believe what Princess Chang Le has been up to while you've been away.” 

　　Xiao Qibai paused his writing. 

　　Xiao Qi continued, “Princess Chang Le, upon hearing that you're about to marry Miss Li from the ¹Shangshu family, went to cause a scene at Miss Li's birthday banquet. I heard… I heard she even slapped Miss Li!”

　　“Princess Chang Le's actions put you in a difficult position, Young Master! Our Xiao family is supposed to be forming an alliance with the Li family…” Xiao Qi grumbled, unhappy that Xie Jinjia had nearly ruined Xiao Qibai's plans. In his opinion, their Young Master, a paragon of virtue, was far more suited to the refined Miss Li, not a disgraced, spoiled Princess who had fallen from grace. 

　　He was about to say more when he heard Xiao Qibai say, “Stop.” 

　　Xiao Qi jumped, quickly replying, “I spoke too rashly.” 

　　Xiao Qibai lowered his eyes. “Princess Chang Le has always been impulsive and childish; she wouldn't deliberately cause trouble for others. Besides,” his voice softened, “who says I'm marrying into the Li family?” 

　　Xiao Qi's head bowed lower. “That's what everyone's saying.” 

　　So the Young Master wasn't going to marry Miss Li after all; he'd misunderstood. And, to Xiao Qi's shock, the Young Master seemed to be defending Princess Chang Le. 

　　“Nonsense.”

　　“I know I've made a mistake.” 

　　Xiao Qi scratched his head, then added, “I heard Princess Chang Le is also pitiful. She's already lost her status, and after the incident at the Li residence, Yu Fei, to appease Minister Li, punished the Princess by making her kneel for a day and a night. Now, she's lost even her dignity.” 

　　He imagined the countless people whispering and mocking her behind her back. 

　　The candlelight flickered in the breeze. Xiao Qibai remained silent for a long time before speaking calmly and impassively, “You may leave.”

    ……

　　The night was dark and heavy. Xiao Qibai stood on the corridor, hands clasped behind his back. The cool night wind whipped his robes, making them rustle. 

　　The night was deep; occasionally, he heard faint coughing. His grandfather's cough had been getting worse for days. He had devoted his life to the Great Jin Dynasty, working tirelessly, but now, in his old age, his health was failing. 

　　His grandfather had dedicated most of his life to the Great Jin. 

　　But he was old now, his body slowly stooping, no longer able to bear the weight of the Great Jin's burdens, the future of the Xiao family. 

　　The cold night wind cleared Xiao Qibai's thoughts. 

　　A year ago, the Sixth Prince was imprisoned in the Cold Palace, and the great things were not accomplished yet. The Xiao family was in danger, and he could not marry her. 

　　Now, the Xiao family was flourishing thanks to the Crown Prince, but his grandfather was aging, and the weight of the family rested entirely on his shoulders. He needed a virtuous and capable wife who could help him, not a spoiled little Princess.

　　For the sake of loyalty to the Crown Prince and filial piety to the Xiao family, he still couldn't marry her. 

　　Even if he wanted to protect her, to prevent her from being bullied, what could he do? 

　　Xiao Qibai stood under the cold moonlight for a long time, letting the wind blow on his face. 

　　The night wind chilled his fingers to the bone. In the silent night, he turned and walked away, step by step.

    ——

　　In the Liuli Palace… 

　　Xie Jinjia had knelt for a day and a night. Her snow-white knees were bruised and purple, a shocking sight. 

　　Yu Fei brought over some medicine and applied it to her knees with a pained expression. “Li Xintang is the daughter of the Minister of Rites, a high-ranking official. By slapping her in public, you essentially slapped the Minister in the face. If this had happened before, it would have been one thing, but now, with your father gravely ill and the Duke of Yingguo's influence waning, Mother had no choice but to punish you.” 

　　Otherwise, how could she appease the old man's anger? 

　　“I understand,” Xie Jinjia murmured, her head bowed. “I understand.” 

　　She was no longer the naive little Princess who was oblivious to everything. She didn't regret slapping Li Xintang, nor did she resent the punishment. 

　　“My daughter has grown up,” Yu Fei said with a hint of relief. “Given the circumstances, Mother doesn't believe you were wrong. The Emperor's authority and a Princess's dignity cannot be insulted by a mere subject!”

　　Xie Jinjia remained silent. 

　　The incident was over, and the intense emotions had subsided. 

　　She no longer wished to dwell on it. 

　　Seeing her subdued mood, Yu Fei gently massaged her wounds, casually mentioning, “Xiao Qibai has returned from Huizhou.” 

　　At the mention of Xiao Qibai's name, Xie Jinjia's pupils trembled slightly. She simply responded, “Hmm.” 

　　So what if he returned? “He's about to get married.” Either to Miss Shen or Li Xintang. 

　　And he had never shown her any affection. 

　　“It's just a rumor; nothing is set in stone,” Yu Fei said. “There might still be a chance.” 

　　“There's nothing we can do,” Xie Jinjia said listlessly, turning to lie down and slowly closing her eyes. 

　　There was nothing left to be done.

　　Slapping Li Xintang was already outrageous enough; it might have even caused him trouble. She shouldn't, and couldn't, cling to him anymore. 

　　This was it; it had to end here. 

　　She had completely given up hope and would never involve herself with him again. 

　　“How did you know he went to Huizhou?” Xie Jinjia suddenly asked in a low voice. 

　　She had only learned about Xiao Qibai's trip to Huizhou by secretly visiting the Xiao residence; how could her mother know? 

　　Yu Fei paused in the act of tucking her in, then said calmly, “I overheard you talking in your sleep a few days ago.” 

　　“Oh…” Xie Jinjia pursed her lips. 

　　“Alright, you've been kneeling all day and are exhausted. Get some rest. Mother won't disturb you anymore.” Yu Fei stood up, looking at Xie Jinjia, whose eyes were closed. A multitude of complex and heavy emotions welled up in her heart. 

　　Xiao Qibai, a trusted official of the Crown Prince, from a distinguished family… could there be a more suitable candidate? 

　　If anyone could protect her daughter in the future, it would be him.

　　With that thought, Yu Fei turned, her mind made up.

    ——

　　Because of the incident at the Li residence, Xie Jinjia was confined to the Palace for several days. Her mother even dismissed Qingzhu and Qingping for their inadequate service, replacing them with Qingcai, her most trusted servant, to watch over her. 

　　Xie Jinjia, having calmed down after her outburst, had no desire to go out, so she obediently stayed in the Palace until her release today. 

　　Upon her release, she immediately heard about the incident of Yun Shanggong falling into the lake and subsequently falling gravely ill. Xie Jinjia's heart skipped a beat. Without hesitation, she went to find Yun Ling. 

　　Yun Ling was indeed ill, her face pale. 

　　In Xie Jinjia's eyes, Yun Ling was always intelligent and patient, capable of handling any situation. For example, she had managed to gain the favor of the tyrannical Crown Prince, something that filled Xie Jinjia with admiration. This was the first time Xie Jinjia had seen her so weak. She heard that Yun Ling had been the victim of some noble lady's attack, pushed into the lake. Yun Ling was a servant of the Crown Prince; how dare someone attack her? 

　　Perhaps sensing her worry, Yun Ling comforted her. “I'm fine.”

　　Yun Ling then asked why her mother had punished her. 

　　Yun Ling was like that—tough on the outside, but incredibly soft on the inside. However, Xie Jinjia didn't want to worry her too much, so she said lightly, “It's nothing. I just caused a scene at the Li residence, and Mother was ashamed of me, so she confined me.” 

　　She had caused a scene at the Li residence because Xiao Qibai was about to marry. Even if she hadn't mentioned it, Yun Ling would know. 

　　As a servant of the Crown Prince, Yun Ling would have known about this before anyone else. And with her intelligence, she could easily guess. 

　　Upon learning that she had caused a scene at the Li residence because of Xiao Qibai, Yun Ling looked at her with a hesitant expression. 

　　But Xie Jinjia saw it in her eyes: it wasn't going to work; she and Xiao Qibai were not meant to be. 

　　Xie Jinjia smiled, telling Yun Ling to rest well and that she would visit again in a couple of days, before leaving Yun Ling's room. 

　　Only then did the smile fade from her lips.

　　It was impossible; how could she not understand that she and Xiao Qibai were impossible?

    ……

　　Back in her own quarters, Xie Jinjia made a kite with her own hands. 

　　Yun Ling must have suffered greatly from being bullied and pushed into the lake, but those noble ladies had already left the Palace, and she couldn't retaliate on her behalf. So she would make her a kite; she thought Yun Ling would like this gift. 

　　“The sky is high, and the birds fly freely.” Was Yun Ling talking about Miss Shen, or herself? Xie Jinjia couldn't figure it out. 

　　After finally finishing the kite, the question of where to fly it became a problem. Xie Jinjia pondered for a long time, until Yu Fei entered. Seeing the handmade kite, she asked with a smile, “Who is this for? It's very thoughtful.” 

　　Xie Jinjia originally didn't want to tell her mother, for some reason she felt her mother was hiding something from her. She was also afraid that her mother would go to Yun Ling and cause her more trouble. 

　　But Yu Fei looked a little hurt. “Since when has my daughter kept secrets from me?”

　　“It's just a kite; what could I possibly do with it? If you want to give it to that servant girl, go ahead. I won't stop you.” 

　　So Mother already knew. 

　　Of course, what could be hidden from her mother in Liuli Palace? 

　　Xie Jinjia admitted it. 

　　“If you want to fly a kite,” Yu Fei continued, “the lotus pond in Xihua Palace is a good place. It's spacious and quiet.” 

　　Xie Jinjia thought her mother's suggestion was good, so without much thought, she sent Qingcai to inform Yun Ling of her invitation to fly kites together tomorrow. 

　　Qingcai soon returned with Yun Ling's acceptance. 

　　Xie Jinjia carefully put away the kite she had painstakingly made and went to sleep peacefully.

　　At that time, how could she have imagined that behind her mother's seemingly casual words lay so much planning, even scheming that involved her? 

　　Even though, for her mother, everything she did was for her own good.

    ……

　　Yun Ling arrived at Xihua Palace as planned. 

　　She loved the kite, but due to her position as a Shanggong, she hesitated to fly it herself, so Xie Jinjia flew it for her. 

　　The kite soared high in the sky. With a gentle pull and release of the string, the kite danced in the wind. 

　　“It's flying so high!” Qingcai exclaimed excitedly beside her. 

　　Xie Jinjia nodded, gesturing for Yun Ling to look. 

　　Yun Ling smiled slightly, then suddenly asked, “Did you think of bringing me here to fly a kite yourself?” 

　　Xie Jinjia was surprised by the question, but she didn't hide anything and told her it was her mother's idea. 

　　And Xie Jinjia didn't want to lie to her. “Actually, I wanted to come here too.” 

　　They all thought she was naive, unable to see the intricacies and complexities of the Court.

　　Actually, how could she not know? 

　　Yun Ling sighed softly and asked, “Your Highness, why bother?” 

　　Xie Jinjia also knew that Yun Ling didn't approve, so she tried to gently persuade her. But some things couldn't be controlled by reason alone. 

　　In the end, Xie Jinjia simply said, “I know.” 

　　She knew that Xiao Qibai would eventually marry someone else. 

　　They weren't destined to be together; Xie Jinjia had already given up hope. 

　　For some reason, Yun Ling didn't say anything else, just looking at her for a long time. 

　　‘Snap!’ The kite in the sky suddenly broke its string, and Xie Jinjia, anxious, urged Qingcai to retrieve it quickly.

　　But Qingcai hesitated. “Your Highness, Yu Fei ordered me to stay by your side.” 

　　“I'll go get it,” Yun Ling said suddenly. 

　　Watching her figure slowly disappear outside the moon gate, Xie Jinjia felt her mood plummet. 

　　Turning to look at the still, lifeless surface of the water, there wasn't even a ripple. 

　　Lost in her thoughts, she suddenly felt a push from behind. Completely unprepared, Xie Jinjia fell heavily into the water. 

　　The lotus pond was deep, and Xie Jinjia couldn't swim. A mouthful of icy water rushed into her throat, cutting off her breath. 

　　She cried out, desperately calling for help, but all she heard was Qingcai on the bank saying she couldn't swim and would go find someone to help. 

　　But Xie Jinjia couldn't wait. The cold, murky water gradually swallowed her. She was suffocating, unable to utter a single sound.

　　She was probably going to die. 

　　Her eyelids drooped weakly, and her body sank into the water. Before losing consciousness, Xie Jinjia wondered how heartbroken Yun Ling would be upon returning to find her, and whether she would be blamed by her mother. How sad her mother would be... 

　　In the end, Xie Jinjia couldn't help but wonder, what about Xiao Qibai? Would he feel even a slight pang of regret?

    ……

　　The Crown Prince was planning reforms, and Xiao Qibai, carrying the painstakingly compiled Yu Jin Shu, arrived at the East Palace to present his humble opinions on the new policies. 

　　Hurrying towards the East Palace, he suddenly heard a frantic cry for help, “Help! The Princess has fallen into the water!!” 

　　Xie Jinjia's entire body was submerged, her hair floating dishevelled, and she was on the verge of losing consciousness. 

　　There was a ‘splash’ in the lotus pond, as if someone had jumped in. 

　　Xie Jinjia struggled to open her eyes, but she couldn't. 

　　Someone pulled her up. The moment she surfaced, air rushed into her lungs, like a glimpse of light in endless darkness.

　　Someone held her, urgently calling her name in her ear. She wanted to wake up, but she didn’t have the strength; something was blocking her breath. 

　　Something soft pressed against her lips. Xie Jinjia kept her eyes closed, her chest heaving violently as she coughed up water. 

　　Consciousness gradually returned...weakly trying to open her eyes, she first heard hurried footsteps and her mother's calls. 

　　Then, she heard the shocked gasps of the palace maids; the approaching footsteps seemed to stop abruptly. 

　　Xie Jinjia's chest rose and fell, and she finally slowly opened her eyes.

　　The first thing she saw was a strand of his wet, dark hair falling over his face, then his sharply defined jawline, his crimson lips, his high nose, and his gentle eyes, as clear and bright as the moon. 

　　It was Xiao Qibai. 

　　He had saved her again. 

　　But those sounds just now... Xie Jinjia glanced to her right, her heart sinking. Imperial guards, eunuchs, maids, and her mother! So many people were watching them. 

　　No, this wouldn't do. If everyone saw her, drenched and in his arms, she would lose all her reputation. And Xiao Qibai would have to marry her. 

　　Xie Jinjia panicked and instinctively tried to push him away, but even under the watchful eyes of everyone, in broad daylight, Xiao Qibai calmly draped his dark blue outer robe over her. He showed no sign of wanting to avoid the situation or struggle. 

　　Even now, with the deed done, avoidance was pointless. 

　　But he was so calm, holding her firmly, gently asking, “Are you feeling unwell?” 

　　Xie Jinjia stared into his calm eyes, shaking her head silently, her lips trembling slightly. “Xiao Qibai…” 

　　“Don't worry, I'll handle it,” Xiao Qibai said calmly, his voice soothing. 

　　Xie Jinjia nodded obediently, feeling reassured. 

　　Yu Fei had already left with the others; only the two of them remained by the pond. 

　　Xie Jinjia's face was pale, her dark hair, soaked by the pond water, clung wetly to her cheek, but she obediently stayed in his arms. Though terribly weak, her eyes, looking at him, seemed to have regained their light.

　　She really… never learned her lesson. No matter how heartbroken and sad she was before, as long as he was kind to her, she would cling to him like a child, without a single defense. 

　　He had already decided not to care about her anymore. 

　　He had already decided to give up on her. 

　　Originally… they were supposed to be strangers from now on. 

　　But… 

　　Xiao Qibai touched her pale face with heartache. The reckless little Princess almost lost her life after falling into the water and nearly drowning. Bullied by others, schemed against by her own family. Xie Jinjia, why are you so pitiful? 

　　He didn't want her to be so pitiful, so he could only protect her.

    ——

　　The Crown Prince quickly learned of the incident. 

　　Xiao Qibai had no defense. The moment he heard Xie Jinjia had fallen into the water, he had lost control. 

　　Although it was Yu Fei's scheme, ultimately, he willingly fell into the trap. No one else was involved. 

　　However, he didn't expect Yun Shanggong to be implicated. 

　　The night Jinjia got drunk, Xiao Qibai entrusted her to Yun Ling. In this Palace, only Yun Shanggong could protect the Princess's reputation. 

　　And the usually gentle and unassuming Yun Shanggong, for the first time, asked him, “Lord Xiao, will you regret abandoning your love for the sake of the Xiao family?” 

　　He hadn't answered her then, but he didn't expect that he would still implicate her. 

　　The Crown Prince's face was cold. “I thought your heart, Xiao Qing, only held the court and the century-old glory of the Xiao family, but I didn't know you also had someone you cherished.” 

　　“Since things have come to this, so be it.”

　　The Crown Prince, sharp and perceptive, already knew his intentions. 

　　Xiao Qibai, having defied the order, already knew the consequences. The next day, he copied Yu Jin Shu again and presented it to the Crown Prince, kneeling and saying, “Your Highness, I'm eternally grateful for your leniency.” 

　　“I will do my utmost to alleviate your worries, even if it costs me my life. But my abilities are not limited to marriage.” 

　　The Crown Prince closed Yu Jin Shu with a sharp clap, turned around, and said coldly, “One after another, they all try to silence me.” 

　　“Good, very good.” 

　　Xiao Qibai knew that the Crown Prince was referring to Yun Ling. 

　　Regarding the Princess's fall, Yun Shanggong didn't stop Yu Fei. The Crown Prince was furious, and he heard that Yun Ling was punished to kneel for two whole hours last night. 

　　For the Crown Prince, his anger towards Yun Shanggong was far greater than towards Xiao Qibai. 

　　He didn't allow anyone to plead for her. 

　　The greater the Imperial favor, the heavier the anger. 

　　But Yun Shanggong was not foolish; no one in the world understood how to appease the Crown Prince's anger better than she did.

    ——

　　After falling into the water, Xie Jinjia ran a high fever and was delirious. After taking the medicine prescribed by the Imperial Physician, her complexion gradually improved. 

　　Qingcai was extremely happy, congratulating her, “Congratulations, Princess! You'll marry Lord Xiao as you wished!” 

　　As she wished… 

　　Xie Jinjia felt a bitter taste in her heart. The Xiao family was known for its integrity, yet she used such underhanded means to marry Xiao Qibai. How could this be considered ‘as she wished’? And how would Xiao Qibai see her? According to his nature, he would inevitably marry her. 

　　But…

　　Would he think she was unscrupulous? Would he… hate her even more?

　　“Mother,” Xie Jinjia said, her face pale, “Did you ever consider whether I wanted this?” 

　　How could she not know? By the lotus pond, only Qingcai was with her, and Qingcai was her mother's confidante. 

　　For her sake, so many people were implicated. Could her heart be at peace? 

　　Yu Fei stroked her head. “Mother would naturally never harm you. For your sake, Mother is capable of anything.” 

　　After a moment, she added, “When you grow up, you'll understand Mother's painstaking efforts.” 

　　Xie Jinjia closed her eyes tightly. 

　　Her mother did all this for her, so what else could she say?

    ……

　　Yun Shanggong, for her dereliction of duty and grave mistake, was stripped of her position and sent to Guanyun Temple for self-reflection. 

　　Although Yun Ling had told her not to worry, Xie Jinjia was still deeply concerned after hearing the news. 

　　Wasn't Yun Ling the Crown Prince's most trusted person? How could she be stripped of her position as Shanggong? 

　　Xie Jinjia couldn't believe it and immediately went to the East Palace to find out what happened. 

　　But the Chief Eunuch, An Zhong, stopped her. “His Highness the Crown Prince is in a meeting. The Princess cannot disturb him.”

　　Xie Jinjia said anxiously, “I just want to ask Sixth Brother about Yun Ling.” 

　　Grand Eunuch An remained impassive, expressionless. “Princess, please leave. His Highness will not see you.” 

　　“I…” Xie Jinjia stamped her foot, stubbornly declaring, “If Sixth Brother won't see me, I'll wait here.”

　　But the reality was, because of things that happened when they were children, they were never close, and her Crown Prince brother didn't have much brotherly affection for her. He only refrained from punishing her for the sake of the Royal family's reputation. 

　　Xie Jinjia stood there from morning until sunset. Her body, only recently recovered from the fall into the water, couldn't take it anymore. Cold sweat beaded on her forehead, her lips pale with weakness, she swayed, on the verge of collapsing, and no one came to speak to her. 

　　Xie Jinjia finally understood what her mother had said – they had no such standing before the Crown Prince. 

　　Even if she died standing here, no one would care. 

　　Walking back dejectedly, Xie Jinjia went to Xihua Palace again, picking up a stone and listlessly throwing it into the water. Calm ripples spread across the surface of the water.

　　Too tired, Xie Jinjia couldn't stand anymore and sat down on the grass.

　　Seeing her dejected and pale, and that she wouldn't return, her maids, Qingzhu and Qingping, were extremely worried. The Princess's health hadn't fully recovered yet. 

　　“Princess, perhaps we should go back…” 

　　“No!” Xie Jinjia stood up again. She wouldn't believe she couldn't see Sixth Brother! 

　　Walking forward listlessly, she accidentally bumped into someone wearing a light blue robe. Xie Jinjia quickly stepped back and looked up, meeting a pair of gentle, calm eyes. 

　　Since the incident by the pond, she hadn't seen him again. 

　　Even though everyone in the Capital knew he was going to marry her. Although she had used such underhanded means to marry him, Xie Jinjia felt a shameful sense of delight. But she didn't dare to face him. 

　　Yes, she had used unscrupulous methods to make him marry her. What face did she have to meet him?

　　How would he see her? Would he detest her? This was something Xie Jinjia had always been afraid to think about.

　　“You… why are you here?” Xie Jinjia took a step back nervously, looking away, not daring to look at him. 

　　Xiao Qibai's tone was normal, showing no sign of disliking her. “I just came from His Highness's study. Were you going to see His Highness the Crown Prince?” 

　　“Yes,” Xie Jinjia answered honestly. “Yun Ling was sent to Guanyun Temple, and I wanted to plead for her. But…” she hadn't even been able to see Sixth Brother. 

　　“There's no need to go,” Xiao Qibai said. 

　　Xie Jinjia immediately looked at him, not understanding. “Why?” 

　　Xiao Qibai patiently explained, “Didn't Yun Shanggong tell you not to worry before she left?” 

　　“Yes, yes.” Xie Jinjia nodded obediently.

　　“In your heart, what kind of person is Yun Shanggong?” Xiao Qibai gently guided her. 

　　“She's very intelligent, very gentle, and very strong,” Xie Jinjia counted on her fingers. “I always felt there was nothing she couldn't handle.” 

　　She liked to cry whenever she encountered problems, but Yun Ling was completely different. She was always so calm. Dongdong had once said that Yun Ling also cried secretly at night, but she had never seen it. 

　　It seemed that no matter what difficulties she faced, Yun Ling could always handle them. Even when the Crown Prince was so tyrannical and cold to her, she never seemed scared or shed a single tear. 

　　She was undoubtedly the top female official in the East Palace. Everyone knew that. 

　　“That's it, then,” Xiao Qibai said. “Yun Shanggong always knows what she's doing. I believe she has her own plan. So, don't foolishly go to see His Highness again.” 

　　Xie Jinjia trusted and relied on Xiao Qibai very much.

　　“Is that so…” 

　　“Yes.” 

　　Hearing him say this, Xie Jinjia immediately relaxed. “Okay, I understand.” 

　　“Then…” Xie Jinjia's fingers, behind her back, twisted together tightly. After talking about Yun Ling, she wanted to tell him something else. Should she mention the incident by the water? He was so intelligent; he must know that the whole thing was a trap aimed at him. 

　　She wanted to run away. She didn't want to face him, didn't want to see the disgust in his eyes. But for some reason, her feet seemed glued to the ground. 

　　Her nails dug into her palms.

　　“Xiao Qibai…” Xie Jinjia lowered her head, thought for a moment, and then decided to face him. Her voice was muffled. “The incident at the lotus pond… it was all my fault. I implicated you. I just… didn't want you to marry someone else.” 

　　“If you want to blame someone, blame me.” 

　　Her mother did all this for her. Since she was the one who benefited, what could she possibly argue? 

　　Xiao Qibai looked at her calmly. 

　　His eyes were always calm, as if he saw through everything, yet as if he didn't care about anything. It made her incredibly nervous. 

　　If he didn't even care about her schemes, did that truly mean he was utterly disappointed in her? Xie Jinjia panicked instantly, taking a few steps forward. Tears welled up in her eyes, her pale face flushed. “But if I said I didn't do it on purpose… would you believe me?” 

　　She liked him so much; how could she possibly scheme against him? 

　　Afraid he wouldn't believe her, Xie Jinjia raised three fingers and swore solemnly, “I know I'm a bad person, unreasonable, and always trouble you, but I swear I didn't do it on purpose. Otherwise… otherwise, may I never find love.” 

　　She spoke anxiously. 

　　Xiao Qibai frowned slightly. Why was she so anxious? 

　　Never finding love… who was she punishing? 

　　“Nonsense.” 

　　“Xie Jinjia, love is not something to be used in oaths.” Xiao Qibai sighed softly, looking at her red, watery eyes. He said gently, “If you never find love, the one being punished is me.” (T/N: I'm blushing. 🤭)

________________

Glossary:

¹ ‘Shangshu’ (尚书) in Chinese translates to Minister of the Ministry of Rites or Minister of the Ministry of Personnel in ancient China. 

It was a high-ranking official position in the imperial court, responsible for matters related to: 

- Ceremonies and rituals: Managing state ceremonies, court etiquette, and religious rites.

- Personnel management: Appointing and promoting officials, overseeing the civil service system, and managing the imperial examinations.

The specific responsibilities of the Shangshu could vary depending on the dynasty and historical period.

Previous Chapter | Table of Contents | Next Chapter