After entering the book, the cold prince begs for favor

Chapter 389 Lu Jiangnian Returns

Upon hearing this, Yuan Wanru trembled, like a startled fawn.

"Your Majesty... I have been unable to sleep at night these past two days..."

She coughed twice, her slender fingers unconsciously twisting her handkerchief. "My husband has gone to Qingzhou, and my father-in-law is guarding the border. This vast manor... I really don't know who to turn to for help..."

She timidly raised her eyes, her gaze filled with filial piety: "My father-in-law often taught me that the Emperor is a wise ruler throughout the ages, and also a benefactor of the Lu family. My husband also often told me that the Emperor is a benevolent elder."

At this point, her cheeks suddenly flushed, and her voice trailed off, "Only then... only then did this humble woman dare to..."

The emperor gazed at her for a long time, then suddenly chuckled softly, a laugh carrying a hint of paternal affection: "You've done very well. It's getting late. Take your reward and head home to rest."

Yuan Wanru felt as if she had been granted a pardon and solemnly performed a grand salute.

I stumbled as I stood up, but luckily I managed to steady myself and avoid falling.

-

As dusk settled, Yuan Wanru stepped out of the palace gate.

The last rays of the setting sun shone on her pale face, adding a touch of color to her sickly appearance. She looked up at the darkening sky, relieved that she could still make it home in time for her fish soup.

The carriage had barely left when a rapid sound of hooves caught up, and the wind lifted a corner of the curtain, revealing the prince's sharply defined profile.

"The Crown Prince's wife was frightened today."

The prince's voice, carried with it the coolness of the evening breeze, "However..."

He paused meaningfully, "Many things require further consideration."

Yuan Wanru's fingertips trembled slightly; she understood the Crown Prince's unspoken meaning.

Did today's grand spectacle truly deceive that suspicious emperor?

I'm afraid not necessarily.

However, due to the lack of evidence and the fact that the Lu family father and son were working for him, the emperor temporarily suppressed his suspicions.

Consort Liang's final words were like a thorn, deeply embedded in the emperor's heart.

"Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness."

She responded softly, her voice blending into the rising sound of the evening drum.

The prince said no more, his whip lashed out in a sharp arc through the air, and the horse's neighing faded into the distance.

As he sped along, the Crown Prince suddenly felt his eyes burning. Over the years, he had misjudged people and even mistook a villain for his mother. Today, he had finally avenged his mother.

A cool breeze swept over him, dispelling the moisture that had welled up in his eyes.

"Mother..." he murmured to himself, "Did you see that?"

Will you blame your son?

The distant clock tower echoed with its long, drawn-out chimes, shrouding those untold stories of the past in the heavy twilight.

-

On the second night after Yuan Wanru entered the palace, just as the midnight drum had struck its third beat, a black horse shattered the silence beneath the walls of the imperial city.

Lu Jiangnian's robes billowed like eagle wings in the night wind, and his saddle was still stained with the red soil unique to Qingzhou.

Five consecutive days of non-stop driving left his eyes bloodshot and stubble on his chin, but it couldn't hide the sharpness in his eyes.

"Lord Lu?!" The palace guards' halberds gleamed coldly in the moonlight, but they hurriedly retreated after recognizing the person's face.

The Emperor had already retired for the night.

The palace lanterns flickered on and off as the head eunuch cautiously reported, "Your Majesty, Lord Lu requests an audience."

The emperor on his dragon bed turned over, his bright yellow nightgown gleaming under the lamplight: "Let him go back."

His voice was heavy with weariness. "Let him return home. We'll discuss it again tomorrow."

He had already made his judgment on the matter in Qingzhou, and he didn't have the energy to see Lu Jiangnian in the middle of the night.

Lu Jiangnian received the imperial edict, and as he turned around, his footsteps left blurry shadows in the candlelight.

Xuanqing was leading his horse outside the palace gate when he saw the prince come out with a brisk pace, mounting his horse with a speed three times faster than usual—he was in a hurry to go back to see his wife.

The sound of horses' hooves echoed across the bluestone slabs of Zhuque Street.

Looking at the prince's straight back, Xuanqing couldn't help but think of the hardships they had endured along the way.

As a close attendant, this was the first time he had ever seen the prince travel so recklessly, not even when the northern border was in dire need of help.

If it weren't for the thought of seeing Liu Yan, he probably would have been exhausted and crying for his parents like the other guards.

It's really too much of a hassle.

Fortunately, we're finally back in the capital.

With a creak, the vermilion gate opened a crack, and Lu Jiangnian slipped inside. The gatekeeper rubbed his eyes, thinking he was seeing things: "The young master is back?!"

Lu Jiangnian strode towards Lingshui Residence.

The moonlight is just right tonight.

Lu Jiangnian strode through the corridor, his combat boots shattering the silver frost on the ground. This month of separation was even more unbearable than the three years he spent guarding the border.

This month of separation was even more agonizing than the three years I spent guarding the border back then.

In particular, on the way, he received a letter from his young wife about Sun Haining's kidnapping—his delicate handwriting concealed a harrowing ordeal. He immediately crushed a teacup, unaware that shards of porcelain had pierced his palm.

Although he had left his most capable bodyguards to her before leaving the capital, although he had already devised countless countermeasures, and although he knew that his wife was far more astute and decisive than she appeared—Lu Jiangnian felt as if a piece of his heart had been ripped out whenever he thought of her facing those wolves and tigers alone.

Warm yellow light shone through the lattice windows of the bedroom. Lu Jiangnian stopped on the steps. Although he was eager to return home, he felt a little apprehensive about getting closer to his hometown.

A night breeze carried a familiar scent of medicine. Lu Jiangnian took a deep breath, and the thought of his beloved sleeping peacefully inside softened his heart.

She will always be the softest part of his heart. Even knowing that she can stand on her own, he still can't help but cherish and pamper her.

-

The person on night duty tonight is Liu Yan.

Hearing a rustling sound coming from the courtyard, she was startled awake. She pushed open the door and looked out—a tall, dark figure stood in the moonlight, which startled her so much that she almost screamed.

"The eldest young master?!"

Upon seeing the person's face clearly, Liu Yan was both surprised and delighted, and hurriedly lifted her skirt to greet them.

Lu Jiangnian raised his hand to signal, his voice extremely low: "Prepare water, keep it quiet."

Although his eyes were bloodshot, they softened like dissolving ink when he looked into the inner room.

Liu Yan smiled secretly and quietly withdrew to make the arrangements.

Liu Yan was secretly delighted; she loved seeing the eldest young master and his wife so harmonious and happy.

Xuan Qing stood behind Lu Jiangnian, watching Liu Yan walk past him with longing eyes.

The girl has grown even more beautiful, her almond-shaped eyes and peach-blossom cheeks making her even more charming than last month.

What's infuriating is that she didn't even glance at us, only busy preparing hot water.

Xuanqing touched the newly bought rouge in his arms and felt a tightness in his chest—could it be that he hadn't told her any strange tales these days and this ungrateful little thing had forgotten him completely?

I feel like all my deep affection has been wasted.

Congested.

Lu Jiang tiptoed into the inner room, and the moment he stepped inside, he felt at ease.

Even breathing could be heard from inside the brocade tent. He carefully lifted the gauze curtain, and moonlight mixed with candlelight leaked in, falling directly on Yuan Wanru's peaceful sleeping face.

She lay on her side, her rosy cheeks resting on the lotus-colored embroidered pillow, her long eyelashes casting small shadows under her eyes, her lips slightly upturned, her face full of charming innocence.

Want to kiss her.

Lu Jiangnian breathed very softly, his Adam's apple bobbed, and his fingertips trembled slightly inside his sleeve.

He raised his hand, wanting to stroke her cheek, but seeing the dust-covered cuffs, he had to restrain himself. He stood there by the bed, his gaze greedily tracing every inch of his wife's features, not even wanting to blink, as if he wanted to make up for all the longing he had felt these past days.

When Liu Yan tiptoed in, she saw her eldest son looking so infatuated.

The candlelight cast his tall figure onto the gauze curtain, and his focused expression made him look as if he were admiring some rare treasure.

The maid blushed instantly, but she was secretly delighted. The young master had been clinging to the young mistress ever since he returned.

It's true that the love is profound.

Lu Jiangnian glanced at Yuan Wanru again. "Go to sleep well. Once he comes back from his shower, she won't be able to sleep peacefully anymore."