In the posthouse, Pei Qianhao was helping Su Xi-er into a chair when Wu Ling walked in while supporting a bleeding arm.
Pei Qianhao turned and stared at the blood dripping to the floor as he coldly asked, “What happened?”
“This subordinate was following the Western Region King, but was surrounded by a bunch of men dressed in black once I entered Xiliu’s borders. I was able to escape by threatening their leader, and I managed to take this token from him too.” Wu Ling passed a black token to Pei Qianhao.
Pei Qianhao’s gaze turned chillier as he looked at the token. Such a thing was usually worn by guards of the palace, meaning that this plot went deeper than he had thought.
Wu Ling then continued, “I lost track of the Western Region King after I escaped.”
“Go take care of your injury first before coming back to report.” Pei Qianhao instructed.
Wu Ling nodded before retreating from the room.
Though Su Xi-er did not say anything, worry was apparent in her eyes.
“Xi-er, don’t worry. Yu Xiao is with the Western Region King, so nothing will happen.” Pei Qianhao comforted her gently.
He knew very well that the appearance of the imperial guard did not bode well, and though the Western Region King was unlikely to be in mortal danger, his situation likely wasn’t very favourable either.
Su Xi-er smiled and said, “With Elder Brother’s abilities, he’ll be able to control the situation.”
“Xi-er, do you know that your eyebrows crease slightly when you’re worried?” Pei Qianhao then took her in an embrace.
She smiled at this. “A-Jing, I…”
Su Xi-er couldn’t help but hesitate; she was unable to explain it, but her emotions had been particularly chaotic these days.
“Xi-er, you’re pregnant and have been through so much. Relax, and try not to get too worried.” Pei Qianhao stroked her hair as he spoke gently.
Su Xi-er’s expression relaxed as warmth spread in her heart. “I know, A-Jing. I’ll leave everything to you.”
Pei Qianhao rested her head on his chest and said, “It’s been a tiring journey. Sleep for a bit.”
Su Xi-er nodded and closed her eyes, but heard a knock at the door a moment later.
Su Xi-er kissed Pei Qianhao gently on his cheek and said, “A-Jing, I’ll go sleep in the room.”
“Xi-er…” Pei Qianhao nodded with love in his eyes before his expression returned to it’s typical stony indifference. His warmth wasn’t for anybody besides Su Xi-er, and it certainly wasn’t for whoever was outside.
A guard walked in together with the Minister of Revenue.
“Prince Hao, the banquet for the fireworks event will begin tomorrow evening at about 7.45pm. This lowly official is here to deliver the invitation.” He then handed an invitation card embossed with gold lettering to Pei Qianhao.
Pei Qianhao took one look at the card and nodded without saying anything else. Seeing his lack of reaction, the Minister of Revenue couldn’t help but wonder if he had come at a bad time. Feeling chills crawl up his spine from Pei Qianhao’s stare, the minister quickly retreated in a fluster.
“This lowly subordinate will take my leave.”
Pei Qianhao walked into the room that he was sharing with Su Xi-er after the Minister of Revenue left. The latter was already asleep, but her eyebrows were slightly creased. It did not look like she was in a restful slumber.
