It looked up at me, seemingly half-understanding, then buried its head in my arms, making a short, sharp whimper. Xia Zhiyuan’s hand on my shoulder applied some pressure, forcing me to lean towards him.
“Let me send you back,” he said.
“No need, my husband will come to pick me up—” I was shaking my head when An Jin’s voice rang out from ahead.
“Your Highness, please return my wife to me,” An Jin stood not far away, his face expressionless, his voice deep. Que’er stood behind him, staring at me in shock.
When did he arrive? I was puzzled.
Xia Zhiyuan stood beside me, not letting go. I struggled, but he held me tighter.
“Your Highness,” An Jin stepped forward, slowly approaching us. His lips were tightly drawn, and though he wasn’t smiling, he exuded an intimidating air. “Please return my wife to me.”
The words carried an implicit threat, far from respectful.
Xia Zhiyuan’s expression darkened. His guards, sensing the tense atmosphere, watched An Jin warily, hands on their sword hilts ready to strike. An Jin and Xia Zhiyuan faced off.
Xia Zhiyuan finally let go. I happily ran towards An Jin carrying Yuanxiao, but tripped and fell onto the grass. An Jin quickly steadied me and took Yuanxiao.
He didn’t even bid farewell to the Eastern Palace.
An Jin carried Yuanxiao in one arm, holding me with the other, silent on our way home. Upon arriving, he pulled me directly into our room and instructed servants to fetch a doctor. I sat on the bed, Yuanxiao placed on a soft cushion at my feet, both of us hanging our heads in apparent remorse. Que’er brought medicine and water, standing nearby looking dejected.
When the father-in-law heard I was injured, he rushed in to inquire, but was persuaded out by An Jin.
“Speak,” he said coldly, standing by the window without looking at me.
“Brother Jin,” I decided to use a soft approach and acted coquettish.
An Jin’s expression remained unchanged, though Que’er seemed to tremble.
I shamelessly approached, grabbing his arm and shaking it. “Brother Jin, I didn’t want things to happen this way, but Yuanxiao was so badly hurt…”
An Jin still ignored me. Que’er made gestures at me, seemingly anxious.
