Perhaps pain can make one grow up overnight. She had been captured by rogue soldiers, harassed by refugees, bullied by bandits, and witnessed her guards and servants die one by one. This had rapidly matured her, shifting her from naive to quiet and forbearing, her once innocent eyes now holding depth.
She was growing up, about to become a woman.
Sui Huan felt a stirring in his body—a sensation he hadn’t experienced in years. His will wavered as he considered transforming her into a woman. Yet, he quickly suppressed that thought. He was at a crucial turning point in her life, having rescued her during her most lonely moment. He would be her source of support, and in return, she would become a powerful ally.
The pleasure from her beauty was insignificant compared to this.
Resolutely suppressing his desires, Sui Huan cut through the soft silk.
On the third day, the carriage arrived at Chen’s capital, where the Chen Emperor came out to welcome them. Ruan Ning sensed his enthusiasm was fueled by both concern for his daughter and fear of Sui Huan. Despite Sui Huan’s remarkable elegance and noble demeanor winning over others, it did not affect Ruan Ning.
To her, he seemed too normal to be a yandere, and she believed it was best not to provoke unnecessary emotions since her stay was temporary.
However, Sui Huan initiated their interaction.
After the banquet, when the Chen Emperor was seeing Sui Huan out of the palace, Sui Huan suddenly turned and flashed a gentle smile at Ruan Ning.
“Your Majesty,” he bowed to the Chen Emperor, “I would like to ask for Princess Changlé’s hand in marriage.”
Ruan Ning looked at him in surprise. She felt that if someone like him wanted her, he would speak to her directly, not propose through her father.
The Chen Emperor, initially stunned, joyfully replied, “My humble daughter is unworthy. I am grateful that you wish to form a lifelong bond.”
Raised in luxury, the Chen Emperor only knew how to drink and compose poetry. After the recent fall of the Chen capital, he was shocked and desired to preserve his past life. If he could win over Sui Huan, it would greatly benefit the Chen Kingdom.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Sui Huan replied with a slight smile.
