Pei Zhiheng, accompanied by two guards, entered and respectfully said, “Pei encountered a slight mishap on the way, causing a delay. I hope the King will forgive me.” 

After a long silence, the person on the dragon throne remained motionless, and the officials below dared not speak. The air was deathly still. 

Without receiving instructions, Pei Zhiheng remained kneeling, continuing, “Keeping the King waiting is a sign of my incompetence. If the King wishes to punish me, I will accept it all.” 

Shen Qiu lifted his eyelids, put down his teacup, and finally sat up straight: “Get up, don’t kneel. Hmph, even being sent to another country as a hostage, you can be late. Are all the people of Donglin like this?” 

Seeing his master being humiliated, Tang Shi was about to draw his sword, but was held down. 

“Stay kneeling,” Pei Zhiheng said in a low voice, gritting his teeth. 

These small actions were all seen by Shen Qiu, but he was too lazy to care. This man was going to spend the rest of his life with his precious daughter. If he acted too badly, it would not be good, so he only said, “Forget it, put down the things you brought, and go where you need to go.” 

Tang Shi and Song Ci carried in the chests containing the silver, and Shen Qiu instructed a timid servant standing nearby: “My lord, go and count it for me.” 

“Yes.” 

Pei Zhiheng remained impassive as he waited for the servant to slowly count all the silver, then said, “Your Majesty, if there are no mistakes, Pei will take his leave.” 

As soon as they left the palace gate, Tang Shi couldn’t help but say, “Your Highness, why didn’t you let me make a move just now? That old man spoke to you like that, and you just swallowed it?” 

Pei Zhiheng glanced at him, saying, “This place isn’t far from the palace. There are likely Shen Qiu’s spies nearby. If you really want to die, you can speak louder.” 

Tang Shi immediately shut his mouth, but still felt aggrieved. 

Arriving in front of Chengfeng Pavilion, Pei Zhiheng stopped, patted his shoulder, and said, “Don’t mention today’s events again. Without my permission, don’t draw your sword. You two are tired from the journey today; go back and rest.” 

Song Ci hurriedly said, “Your Highness, that young lady is also in the pavilion today. Forgive my incompetence. I didn’t know where to send her, so I temporarily placed her with you. Perhaps you could…” 

“It’s fine, let her stay for now,” he sneered, “She’s just a child. I have ways to deal with her.” 

In Chengfeng Pavilion, Lin Suisui waited and waited, but no one came. She thought that the lovesick fool might have been killed by the old king in the palace. It was still bright when they left, but now the moon was high, and he still hadn’t appeared. 

After a mental struggle, Lin Suisui decided to investigate, but not the palace, but Shen Yinlai. 

Lovesick fool, don’t do anything! If something happens to you, how can I go home? 

“Ouch!” 

Just as Lin Suisui was about to open the door, it suddenly opened from the outside, and she unexpectedly collided with someone. 

After seeing the person’s face, Lin Suisui breathed a sigh of relief, saying, “You’re finally back. Why did it take you so long?” 

“Oh?” Pei Zhiheng’s lips curled into a smile. He closed the door with one hand and pulled her onto the bed with the other. 

“According to you, you were waiting for me? During the day, you said you were afraid of ruining my reputation. Now that we’re alone together, you’re not afraid anymore?” 

His gaze fell on Lin Suisui’s feet, and he sneered, “It seems your leg has healed. But I’m a good person, so I won’t throw you out to sleep in the open tonight,” he suddenly grabbed her neck, his face darkening, continuing, “But if you’re not obedient, I will kill you, chop your body into pieces, and throw it to the wolves. Your delicate skin and tender flesh must be to their liking.” 

It seemed that this man was not only lovesick, but also a madman! Lin Suisui regretted her impulsive decision to stay with him. 

Pei Zhiheng released his grip on her neck, and Lin Suisui gasped for air, almost collapsing on the bed. 

This man was really sick. He was fine during the day, but he became so irritable at night. He was so unpredictable. 

“Your Highness,” She had finally seen Pei Zhiheng and gotten close to him, so she couldn’t leave easily. She had to fight for herself. 

“Your Highness was fine a few hours ago. Why did you become like this after going to the palace? Did something unpleasant happen? If Your Highness doesn’t mind, tell me. Although I don’t understand politics or military affairs, and I don’t know about your relationship with the King and the princess, I’m good at comforting people. Or, shall I tell Your Highness a joke? Maybe you’ll feel better.” 

Seeing that Pei Zhiheng didn’t intend to respond, she continued on her own: “Let me see… Yes, one day, Teacher Shrimp asked Little Fish, ‘You cheated on this exam, whose did you copy?’ Little Fish said, ‘Sorry, teacher, I copied the clam’s.’ The teacher said, ‘You clam what?’ Hahaha, isn’t it funny?” 

“You talk too much.” Pei Zhiheng rolled his eyes in disgust. 

Lin Suisui didn’t care. She had always been talkative and thick-skinned. She wasn’t afraid of a paper person. Let her be embarrassed. She would go home eventually, and no one would remember her. 

“Whoosh!” 

Pei Zhiheng quickly caught the arrow that flew in with two fingers, stared outside for a while, then took the note from the arrowhead and unfolded it. It contained only one sentence: 

“Meet at Maoshi Pavilion at dawn.” 

He crumpled the note and threw it out the window, turning his gaze to the sleeping person on the bed. 

An hour ago, she had been talking incessantly, saying that she was embarrassed to sleep in his bed and asked him to sleep on the floor. Now she was sleeping soundly. 

“Pei Zhiheng.” 

As he reached the door, he heard her murmuring what sounded like his name. His feet stopped, as if they were disobedient, and he walked towards her. 

“Pei Zhiheng.” 

This time, he heard clearly, and leaned down, “What?”