CHAPTER 625: CHAPTER 212 FAREWELL (PART 1)

Xiao Jinsen’s expression was clearly displeased.

His possessiveness towards Ye Qichi... Was it just because Ye Qichi was his wife?!

Or perhaps, he had already fallen in love with Ye Qichi.

Not very likely.

Xiao Jinxing’s feelings for Bai Mowan were clear as day to him.

Once, to obtain Bai Mowan, it was partly for her family’s military power and partly to make it an unattainable love for Xiao Jinxing.

His greatest pleasure in life was to see others suffer.

At this moment, seeing Xiao Jinxing act this way towards Ye Qichi.

The suppressed frustration in his heart was growing.

Yet on the surface, he remained calm and composed.

"Then I will not beat around the bush." Xiao Jinsen said bluntly, "This trip to the border is a long and arduous journey, and the battlefield is perilous. Please take good care of yourself, third brother."

"This younger brother will certainly be cautious and put safety first." Xiao Jinxing appeared respectful.

"The death of your mother..." Xiao Jinsen intentionally drew out his words.

This was the key point Xiao Jinsen wanted to bring up tonight.

Xiao Jinxing looked at him.

He showed no other reaction, even though Xiao Jinsen mentioned a topic of interest to him.

Xiao Jinsen also kept an eye on Xiao Jinxing’s expression.

He was clearly annoyed by Xiao Jinxing’s ability to remain calm and unangered.

No matter what he encountered, Xiao Jinxing was always like this.

It was difficult for him to find this man’s vulnerabilities.

"Perhaps there were false accusations." Xiao Jinsen said, "Not long ago, I accidentally heard that Eunuch Zhang, who used to serve in your mother’s palace, died outside the very night he left the Imperial Palace under the pretext of illness. It looked as if it was to silence him."

Xiao Jinxing remained unfazed.

"Upon hearing this news, I wanted to inform you that you could follow this lead to check if there were any hidden issues back then. Little did I know you were determined to go to the border. Actually, as your older brother, I should be taking on this important mission, but our father the Emperor and our mother the Empress also need someone to look after the court affairs, so I can only ask you to shoulder this burden."

"It’s no burden," Xiao Jinxing replied, "When the world is in trouble, every man has a duty. Whether it’s me or second brother, it doesn’t make a difference. However, the court cannot be without second brother."

Xiao Jinsen smiled faintly.

Xiao Jinxing really had deep schemes.

No matter what he said.

He could remain completely unaffected.

"Rest assured, I will definitely not let you down with matters of the court," Xiao Jinsen promised.

It seemed sincere, but in truth, it was a boast.

It was to tell Xiao Jinxing that once he was gone, the court would be his to rule.

"In the battle at the border, I too will not disappoint second brother. I will certainly achieve a great victory and drive out the invaders!" Xiao Jinxing promised.

It seemed like both were reassuring the other.

In reality, there was a strong smell of fire.

Ye Qichi just stood by, watching the two brothers indifferently.

In the future, she hoped not to be around during such confrontational moments between the two brothers; she feared being caught in unintended misfortunes.

"Regarding the matter of your mother, rest assured, I will investigate thoroughly," Xiao Jinsen continued to promise.

Xiao Jinxing’s eyes tightened.

So-called ’thorough investigation’ implied that he intended to eliminate any possible leads, leaving no trace behind.

Xiao Jinxing could hear that.

He clasped his hands together in a fist, "Thank you, second brother."

After saying that.

He did not wait for Xiao Jinsen to respond.

He took Ye Qichi’s hand again, and coldly walked past Xiao Jinsen.

Xiao Jinsen sneered as he watched their retreating figures.

Watching the backs of Xiao Jinxing and Ye Qichi disappear into the shadows of the Imperial Palace, growing more distant.

The cruel smile at the corners of his mouth gradually faded.

His expression at this moment turned completely dark.

Naturally, he was not there to see Xiao Jinxing off, nor did he have the inclination to deliberately threaten Xiao Jinxing.

He wasn’t that impatient!

He just... wanted to take one more look at Ye Qichi.

Ye Qichi would follow Xiao Jinxing to the border, and if not...

Xiao Jinsen’s Adam’s apple moved visibly.

Hopefully, Ye Qichi, you won’t die too soon.

Too early and it would lose its meaning!

...

At the gates of the Imperial Palace.

Yuan Wenkang was waiting for the Prince Consort and his wife.

Under the night sky, a carriage emerged from within the Imperial Palace.

Yuan Wenkang glanced at it and, seeing it was not from their residence, lowered his gaze, maintaining a respectful posture as he continued to wait.

"Stop." A somewhat familiar voice came from the carriage.

Yuan Wenkang looked up once again.

He saw Wu Xufan sitting in the carriage.

He also knew that today there was a royal banquet, so if Wu Xufan was present, Princess Hezhen should be there too.

Yuan Wenkang did not dare to look further.

His head remained bowed.

Wu Xufan approached Yuan Wenkang, "Waiting for the Prince Consort?"

"Yes, Young Master." Yuan Wenkang saluted.

"They might be a while longer."

"Yes." Yuan Wenkang remained deferential.

"On this expedition to the border, the Prince Consort’s safety is entrusted to you."

"Rest assured, Young Master. I, your subordinate, will not fail the trust placed in me." Yuan Wenkang made a firm promise.

"Hmm." Wu Xufan acknowledged with a sound, then turned his head to call out to someone in the carriage, "Princess."

The title ’Princess’ still caused Yuan Wenkang to shudder.

Although he knew the Princess was inside the carriage, hearing her title still caused an unusual stir within him.

What he exhibited was an unchanging respect.

"Aren’t you worried that your third brother might be in danger at war tomorrow? Lord Yuan is highly skilled in martial arts; why don’t you come down and instruct him to protect your third brother well?" Wu Xufan said calmly.

Xiao Hezhen in the carriage had actually been anxious all along.

From the moment Wu Xufan got off the carriage and spoke to Yuan Wenkang, and she heard Yuan Wenkang’s voice, her heart had been tense.

But due to her status, it was impossible for her to have any further interactions with Yuan Wenkang, not even an exchange of glances.

Now hearing Wu Xufan call her,

She did not understand what Wu Xufan meant.

Wu Xufan had long been aware of her feelings for Yuan Wenkang, yet he deliberately let her meet Yuan Wenkang.

With clenched teeth, Xiao Hezhen still came down from the carriage.

Tomorrow, Yuan Wenkang would accompany her third brother to the border. With this departure, it was uncertain when he would return.

Or if he could return at all.

Thus, she could not care about so much anymore.

She walked up to Yuan Wenkang.

Yuan Wenkang saluted, "This servant pays his respects to Her Highness the Princess."

Xiao Hezhen looked at Yuan Wenkang.

She looked deeply at him.

So many words in her heart, yet nothing could be said.

"It’s a bit cold." Wu Xufan said, "I’ll go to the carriage to warm my hands."

With that,

He turned and boarded the carriage.

Xiao Hezhen watched Wu Xufan leave.

At this moment, even if Wu Xufan had ulterior motives, she wanted to thank him.

She turned back to look at Yuan Wenkang.

Yuan Wenkang’s gaze was still lowered, his posture humble.

Subject and sovereign, a line must not be crossed.

"Tomorrow, Lord Yuan will accompany my third brother to the border," Xiao Hezhen spoke.

Her voice trembled slightly.

As she finally spoke, her eyes began to redden.

"Your Highness, rest assured. I will fight to the death to protect the Prince Consort safely!" Yuan Wenkang pledged solemnly.

Unable.

To guard the Princess for a lifetime.

Then, guard the Princess’s beloved for eternity.