Liu Yinyin kept bouncing up and down at the bottom of the tree before leaping forward to cling onto the trunk. Her legs swung around as she raised her head to call to Situ Lin. “I’m coming up; hold on.”
Situ Lin giggled and wanted to wave his hand for her to come up. Before he could do so, however, his smile stiffened. Noticing his Imperial Uncle and Imperial Aunt walking over, he felt his heart sinking.
We agreed to only play around for a little bit, yet we’ve been out long enough for Imperial uncle to come looking.
Am I doomed? Am I going to get punished again? Situ Lin immediately climbed down the tree and signalled to Liu Yinyin with his eyes. “Imperial Uncle, it was my idea; it has nothing to do with her.” He took the initiative to own up to his mistake.
Pei Qianhao walked forward, his gaze becoming increasingly cold as he silently stared at Situ Lin.
Situ Lin raised his head to sneak a glance at Pei Qianhao. This is worse than being reprimanded; I can’t stand being glared at like this!
Unable to continue, he apologised again. “Imperial Uncle, I was in the wrong; I shouldn’t have brought Yinyin here to climb trees. I will return to the Dragon Heaven Palace to receive my punishment.” He then left on his own.
Taking in Pei Qianhao’s fierce appearance and Situ Lin’s departing figure, Liu Yinyin thought that the latter was going to be in hot water.
Her knees immediately plopped to the ground with a thud. “I beg of you, don’t punish His Majesty. I was the one who forced him; please punish me instead.” In her timid eyes, Pei Qianhao was no different from an abominable villain.
Su Xi-er grabbed Pei Qianhao’s arm. “A-Jing, don’t be so fierce. Yinyin is a girl, and she’s only 10 years old. She’s even knelt to ask for your forgiveness; are you going to be so strict to our daughter if we have one in the future?”
Pei Qianhao’s expression relaxed a little upon hearing her words. He looked at Liu Yinyin for a moment before moving forward to pull her up from the ground. “Stay in the palace from now on. Your father was the leading scholar in Nanzhao’s literary world, and I heard that you possess extensive literary knowledge despite your young age. Accompany His Majesty and be his study partner.”
“I’m going to stay in the palace? Am I not returning to the Prince Hao Residence? Fairy Elder Sister, you don’t want me anymore?” Liu Yinyin stared at Su Xi-er in a stunned stupor.
The first thought that came to her was that she had just been abandoned.
Su Xi-er raised her hand to caress her head. “Stay in the palace for a short while; I’ll come and bring you back soon. There’s a lot that will be happening in the Prince Hao Residence for this period of time, so I’m afraid that we won’t be able to take care of you.”
“Oh, I got it.” Liu Yinyin nodded and looked at Pei Qianhao. “I won’t snatch Fairy Elder Sister from you, and I will go to the Dragon Heaven Palace, so please don’t punish His Majesty, alright?” She blinked her eyes and gave him a pleading look.
“Properly stay in the Dragon Heaven Palace, and this Prince will naturally not punish him.”
“Okay, I’ll be obedient.” Liu Yinyin heaved a sigh of relief before running after Situ Lin.
“A-Jing, don’t be so stern towards children; especially girls.”
Pei Qianhao’s expression remained unchanged. “This Prince has always been like this, and can only change when it comes to you.” He grabbed her hand and led her out. “Let’s return to the residence.”
After getting rid of the trouble that is Liu Yinyin, no one will pester Xi-er again in the future. Very good.
Su Xi-er naturally understood his thoughts. The high and mighty Prince Hao is now clinging to me like a child.
When they were settled inside the horse carriage, Pei Qianhao looked at her. “What are you thinking about?”
“I’m thinking of you.” Su Xi-er softly replied.
Pei Qianhao’s spirits were immediately lifted. Thinking about me is a good thing. “This Prince is right in front of you. Since you are thinking about me, you can just sit on this Prince’s lap.”
However, Su Xi-er didn’t budge.
