Volume 1 Chapter 11: Offering Sincerity

  It was late at night, and the rows of military tents had one after another extinguished their lights. Because they would have to leave this place early tomorrow morning, the soldiers must be well-rested tonight in order to be spirited and energetic for the journey ahead.

  At this time, however, the large tent of Xia Jinhan was still brightly lit. Xia Jinhan sat on the edge of the soft couch, looking at Shangguan Qing'er who had fallen asleep in his arms, and then looked at the nasal mucus and tears on his own clean clothes. He rubbed his forehead, feeling that this girl was doing it on purpose.

  Put Shangguan Qing'er back on the soft couch, use his sleeve to gently wipe her pale and delicate face, and wipe away the tears she left on her face. Only then did he get up, carefully walked out of the screen, and let Qingyun bring him a new set of clothes.

  Qingyun brought him the clothes and then stood in front of Xia Jincheng with his head down, saying, "Your Highness, the people sent out have returned. The child's identity is indeed problematic."

  Xia Jinhan's eyes deepened, her cherry-colored lips slightly parted, and she uttered a pleasant sound, "Oh?"

  Qingyun lowered his head, his face hidden in the shadows, making it impossible to discern his expression. However, his voice sent shivers down one's spine with its icy coldness. "The forest is surrounded by only a few small villages, and no family has ever lost a child. The wealthy families in the nearby towns have also never lost any children. But, there was a merchant family in Zhao Guo's border town that lost their three-year-old child. It's just that... the child was a boy. They reported it to the authorities several days ago, but the Zhao Guo officials haven't investigated the matter at all, seemingly wanting to let it slide."

  Xia Jinhuan nodded, her eyes gazing into the distance, waiting for Qingyun to continue.

  "The person sent by Your Highness found the merchant two days ago and secretly kept watch, but last night a fire broke out in the merchant's house, and more than 30 people from one family were almost burned to death. Fortunately, our people arrived just in time and rescued them all. I have ordered that they be protected until Your Highness decides what to do with them. Also, as you said, the seventh imperial son born to Concubine Zhao, Yu Guifei, is now three years old. However, over the past two days, he suddenly fell ill for some reason, and it's said to be contagious, so no one has been allowed near him except for Yu Guifei and his wet nurse. Moreover..."

  "There is a secret message revealing that the child born to Concubine Yao was actually a princess, not an imperial son..."

  Having heard this, Xia Jinhan already understood what was going on and said calmly, "Well done. First, make sure to protect that merchant well and find out the reason and exact time of his child's disappearance. Continue to keep an eye on Consort Yao as well."

  "Is." Qingyun nodded in response.

  Having said that, Xia Jinhan waved her sleeve, seemingly tired, and after driving Qingyun away, she returned to her own bed, looking at the little girl lying not far in front of her bed, with a faint hint of tenderness on her icy face.

  Until Xia Jinhan lay down and fell asleep, Shangguan Qing'er finally opened her eyes, looking at the white canopy above her head, her gaze slightly dazed.

  She had actually been pretending to sleep all along, wanting to see if Xia Jincheng would despise her or blame her for getting his clothes dirty. But she didn't expect him to hear such a thing.

  She thought she probably understood why Xia Jinhan wanted to keep her by his side, because of her identity, it was really special...

  Well, even if he wasn't really good to her, at least he didn't hurt her. Even if he had an ulterior motive, couldn't she also have a purpose for staying by his side?

  However, from now on she must be careful of Xia Zhen at all times. If the situation is not right, she can just take the opportunity to slip away quickly.

  The next morning, Shangguan Qing'er was woken up by the noise outside. She was sleeping soundly and was woken up in a bad mood, but as soon as she saw Xia Jinhans changing clothes in front of her, she immediately smiled and got out of bed, sweetly calling out "Brother, good morning."

  Xia Jinhan looked at the little head poking out of the quilt, his expression still indifferent, his voice soft and pleasant, "Hmm, disturbed you?"

  Shangguan Qing'er shook her head and sat up from bed, smiling, "No. Qing'er, wake up."

  Xia Jinhansheng put on her clothes and came to her side, looking at the small child hiding under the quilt, saying lightly, "Get up, get dressed, we'll set off back to Beijing soon."

  Set off back to Beijing? Does he mean he's willing to take her with him?

  Shangguan Qing's eyebrows rose and she smiled as she nodded, "Good."

  After finishing breakfast, Shangguan Qing'er followed Xia Jincheng's back, watching him busily directing people to clean up some things. She also stretched out a pair of short legs and followed behind him to help.

  It's just...

  She originally wanted to help Xia Jinghan pick up the cup, but her hands were too small and didn't have enough strength. As soon as she picked it up, it fell to the ground with a "crash" and shattered into pieces.

  She looked at Xia Jinhanshen timidly, softly apologizing and saying it wasn't intentional. Her wronged expression made people unable to bear scolding her. Xia Jinhanshen was busy anyway, just a cup, didn't bother with her, continued directing Li Hua and Qing Yun etc., letting them sort out the things they needed.

  Shangguan Qing'er saw that she couldn't help with anything, and also saw Xia Jinhans busy for a whole morning, guessing that he must be thirsty too. So, she turned her eyes around, smiled happily and ran to pour a cup of water for Xia Jinhans.

  This time, she didn't break the cup, but when she walked to Xia Jincheng's side, more than half of the water in her cup had been spilled out. Fortunately, it wasn't boiling water and didn't scald her, but it made her clothes wet and soggy, looking quite comical.

  She handed him a cup and smiled sweetly, revealing a pair of cute dimples. "Brother, drink some water."

  Xia Jinhans glanced at her disheveled appearance, the chill in his eyes intensified, yet he took over her cup and lightly sipped a mouthful before coldly saying, "If you want to curry favor with people, you should consider your own abilities. You've gotten yourself into this state, do you want me to help you change clothes?"

  Shangguan Qing'er looked at her own wet clothes and pouted, somewhat resentfully replied, "Qing'er knows."

  She just saw that she couldn't help, and he had been busy for so long, worried that he was thirsty, kindly poured water for him. He actually still had a cold face, scolding her, how hateful! If she were a few years older, she wouldn't bother following him around! Hmph! Cruel ice block!

  This lady also has a temper!

  Shangguan Qing'er cursed Xia Jinhuan in her heart and slowly walked away with her head down.

  But then came a faint voice from behind, "If you don't want to stay in this palace, just leave."

  Shangguan Qing'er's body trembled, thinking to herself, "Could this person have a guessing heart technique? Does he know everything she thinks?" If she could leave, she would have run away long ago. Why would she still be here trying to read his expression?

  However, even if she was unhappy in her heart, the smile on her face was impeccable. She turned around, hugged Xia Jincheng's leg and said sweetly, "Qing'er won't go anywhere, Qing'er will follow brother home."

  Home?

  Xia Jinhan's eyes were slightly deep, and then a cold and sarcastic smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.