Yuan Qing ran to me, whimpering for a reward. I pulled out a piece of dried meat as several red-clothed guards surrounded us, drawing their swords.
The carriage finally stabilized, and the vermilion door opened. A man in a purple jade belt descended first, then gracefully assisted a young lady in yellow, his movements gentle and courteous.
The young lady was noble and beautiful, wearing a necklace of multicolored gemstones. She smiled at the man, then coldly asked, “What happened?”
A red-clothed guard explained in detail, and her gaze pierced me uncomfortably. This young lady was Princess Xia Zhiqian, who had requested Yuan Qing’s portrait from the Thirteenth Young Master. The man beside her was my husband, An Jin.
An Jin let out a light laugh, walking to Xia Zhiqian’s side. “Princess is kindhearted. Why bother arguing with a dog? I damaged the princess’s horse today and will find another fine steed to present to you another day,” he said gently, his voice magnetic.
Xia Zhiqian smiled shyly at him, “An Lang, you said it yourself.”
An Jin’s lips curved slightly. “This humble official never goes back on his word.”
Xia Zhiqian laughed triumphantly, then turned to me with a frosty expression. Her mood change was breathtaking.
“Although the dog can be spared, she cannot be forgiven for driving the dog to attack,” she raised her hand. “Slap her, twenty times.”
Just as the guard was about to step forward, An Jin quickly stood in front of me. “My unworthy wife has offended the princess and should be punished. I am willing to take the slaps in her place.”
I stared at An Jin, my mind blank.
The palace lantern hanging on the carriage cast a dim light, making Xia Zhiqian’s expression unpredictable. “An Lang, are you sure you want to protect her?”
“Yes,” An Jin said calmly.
Xia Zhiqian stared at me expressionlessly for a long time. I felt a chill rising from my feet, and Yuan Qiu shivered along with me.
An Jin put his arm around my shoulder, standing close. Yuan Qiu’s big head was sandwiched between us, looking left and right, seemingly understanding the situation.
“Please spare my wife for my sake,” An Jin spoke again, his voice magnetic but cold.
Xia Zhiqian lowered her eyes, contemplating. Moments later, she slowly smiled like a spring flower. “Fine.”
