The Prince Wants to Assassinate Me Every Day-Chapter 972 - 556: I Used to Like Him, But Now the One I Love Is You (Part 1)
An Ning’s eyes just gazed at Xiao Jinxing.
Principal Eunuch Ping’s gaze carried a sense of expectation.
Having served the Emperor for so many years, he naturally understood the Emperor’s thoughts the most. He was very clear about how deep the Emperor’s feelings were for the Empress, and during these years when the Emperor had been living such a difficult life, the only person who could console him was indeed the Empress.
However, at that moment.
An Ning only instructed the palace maid to pass the bird’s nest soup to Principal Eunuch Ping, softly saying, "Let him eat some when he wakes up."
"Your Majesty..." Principal Eunuch Ping looked at her in astonishment.
He had expected the Empress to show some compassion towards the Emperor, to approach him proactively, to offer him company during sleep.
But it was just this indifferent sentence.
An Ning left behind a word, turned around, and departed.
Since there was no affection between her and Xiao Jinxing, there was no possibility of giving him any hope or expectations.
She came tonight indeed with the thought of persuading him to rest early. After all, health is the foundation of all endeavors, and they still have a cooperative relationship. She doesn’t want Xiao Jinxing to be a hindrance due to his health before they have succeeded.
But since Xiao Jinxing seemed intent on using such a method to distance themselves, she would respect his choice.
After An Ning left.
Xiao Jinxing opened his eyes.
The truth is, as soon as An Ning arrived, he was already aware, having cultivated a habit that any slight stirring would awaken him.
Principal Eunuch Ping naturally noticed that the Emperor was awake.
He hastily approached, saying, "Your Majesty, the Empress came especially to deliver the bird’s nest soup to you."
Xiao Jinxing glanced sideways.
"The Empress feared disturbing you, so she left right after delivering it." Principal Eunuch Ping added.
Naturally, he chose nice-sounding words to say.
He of course knew very well.
An Ning wasn’t afraid of disturbing him; An Ning simply didn’t want him to harbor any delusions.
He picked up the bird’s nest soup in front of him and drank it.
Having no appetite, yet continuing to drink it, mouthful by mouthful.
Perhaps An Ning would still be worried about his health.
Not because she cares about him, just afraid he would be a burden.
"Ah." Principal Eunuch Ping suddenly remembered something, letting out an exclamation.
Xiao Jinxing shifted his gaze.
Principal Eunuch Ping quickly composed himself, respectfully saying, "This servant just remembered, I forgot to inform the Empress that the nightly nutritious soup was ordered by the Emperor from the Imperial Kitchen for the Empress."
Principal Eunuch Ping expressed this very regretfully.
It had been on his mind all along, waiting for a chance to tell the Empress, but he ended up forgetting again during such a good opportunity just now.
Xiao Jinxing drank the bird’s nest soup, speaking slowly, "No need to tell."
"But Your Majesty..." Without telling, how would the Empress recognize your good intentions?
Without telling, how could you and the Empress deepen your relationship?
Principal Eunuch Ping still didn’t understand why, after going to the Minister Mansion, the distance between the Emperor and the Empress became so vast?!
Clearly, at the Minister Mansion, their relationship was quite good!
Principal Eunuch Ping, seeing the Emperor no longer wanted to say more, dared not speak further.
...
Marquis Wu’s Mansion.
Wu Xufan carried Xiao Hezhen back home.
He gently placed Xiao Hezhen on the bed, noticing the tear stains still present at the corner of her eyes, feeling pain in his heart.
He actually really disliked Yuan Wenkang; in what way was he less than Yuan Wenkang, and why did Xiao Hezhen choose to like that man?
But if Yuan Wenkang truly died...
If he died, would Xiao Hezhen’s heart die along with him?
Wu Xufan’s eyes reddened.
Yet he restrained himself, not letting his emotions get the better of him.
He bent over to kiss Xiao Hezhen’s forehead, wanting to offer some comfort and embrace, but hesitated the moment he approached.
He thought, Xiao Hezhen probably didn’t need it anymore.
Wu Xufan turned to leave.
In his view, Xiao Hezhen might even avoid seeing him.
However, just as he was getting up.
A hand suddenly grabbed his wrist.
Wu Xufan’s heart skipped a beat.
He turned to look at Xiao Hezhen.
Watched her open her eyes.
Wu Xufan concealed the turmoil within his heart.
He truly didn’t know how to face Hezhen at this moment.
He was unaware of how lowly he had become in Hezhen’s esteem.
He even contemplated escape.
"Leaving just like this?" Xiao Hezhen asked him. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖
Her voice surprisingly calm.
Wu Xufan was at a loss for words.
If he had another choice, he would still plead with the Emperor to execute Yuan Wenkang in order to protect Xiao Hezhen.
"Saying nothing and just leaving?!" Xiao Hezhen pressed him.
Wu Xufan pursed his lips.
What could he say?
Claim he was beyond redemption?!
Yet despite today’s events, he still longed for a happy ending with Xiao Hezhen, still hoped for a complete family with her; he didn’t want this incident to sever all ties with Xiao Hezhen.
Thus, he couldn’t admit his wrongdoing.
"Wu Xufan, in your eyes, what kind of person am I?" Xiao Hezhen suddenly seemed angry.
Wu Xufan was taken aback.
Not quite understanding Xiao Hezhen’s meaning.
"Am I the kind who only cares about my own feelings, ignoring right and wrong?" Xiao Hezhen’s tone was somewhat heavy.
Wu Xufan was left bewildered.
Xiao Hezhen wasn’t angry?!
Not angry about the way he treated Yuan Wenkang.
His heart was filled with nervous anticipation, yet he dared not raise too much hope.
Afraid of disappointment.
Xiao Hezhen truly has the power to bring despair to his life.
"Wu Xufan, can’t you have some confidence in yourself?" Xiao Hezhen was slightly exasperated.
The fainting tonight was naturally an act.
But she didn’t wake up from the Imperial Palace to Marquis Wu’s Mansion.
On one hand, the act had to be complete; the Empress repeatedly emphasized that there should be no chance of luck as Bai Mowan is not easily deceived.
On the other hand, she was waiting for some reaction from Wu Xufan.
She suddenly wanted to know what kind of person Wu Xufan considered her to be.
Did Wu Xufan know where her feelings currently lay?!
Yet after waiting an entire night.
Wu Xufan merely intended to depart silently.
In her memories, Wu Xufan was mischievous, lawless, relentless in provoking her to tears without the slightest relent; she used to be truly bothered by him, puzzled as to how such a rotten person could exist in this world.
Only many years later did she comprehend Wu Xufan’s patience, his love, and the anguish of love unfulfilled.
It was also many years later that she realized her rejection of Wu Xufan stemmed from assuming he didn’t like her, not because she genuinely disliked him.
Tonight the person who should be angry was Wu Xufan.
She betrayed their relationship; he should have reproached her, should have scolded her.
But instead, he worried about her being hurt.
Xiao Hezhen’s eyes welled up a bit.
How could such a foolish man like Wu Xufan exist in this world?
He wouldn’t confess love properly, refused to recognize his own innocence, and always blamed himself.
Couldn’t he fight for himself?
"Wu Xufan, I admit I initially developed feelings for Yuan Wenkang because he offered me warmth, a sense of security my father never provided, creating a dependence and love for him." Xiao Hezhen spoke quietly, "But that’s all past. I loved him before, but now, the one I love is you!"
