Chapter 16: He Suddenly Got Upset

Yao said sincerely, “Thank you for saving me, Your Highness.”

For the first time, she saw his eyes clearly, without any deceit, like a clear spring, refreshing and soothing.

His lips were tightly pressed together, and he averted his gaze, “I was only fulfilling my brother’s wish.”

“But, thank you anyway.”

After all, for Ling Xiao, there was no better way to fulfill his brother’s wish than to simply send her away.

But he didn’t. He chose to save her, so she should say thank you.

Ling Xiao looked at her sincere eyes, and a thought suddenly popped into his mind. Did Ling Chen only say thank you after he saved her?

Obviously.

His eyes narrowed, “There’s still something to do.”

Then, he turned and left.

Yao was stunned. Why did he seem suddenly upset?

But he didn’t seem to be upset about anything in particular.

This man was really hard to understand.

“Madam, let’s get in the carriage,” the maid said.

“Okay.” Yao didn’t say anything else and let the maid help her into the carriage.

The carriage was spacious enough for two people to lie down. It swayed gently, almost hypnotic, and Yao fell asleep in the carriage. When she woke up, they had already arrived.

She went back to her courtyard to rest, and Mrs. Lin came to visit her soon after.

“How did you get hurt like this? It’s so worrying,” Mrs. Lin said, her voice full of concern.

Yao leaned against the soft pillow, holding Mrs. Lin’s hand, “Mother, the imperial physician said it’s not a serious injury, just needs some rest. Don’t worry.”

“How can I not worry? It’s a miracle that you didn’t suffer any serious injuries. If something had happened, what would I do?” Mrs. Lin said, her eyes turning red again, “Your brother repeatedly told me to take good care of you. If anything happened, how could I face your brother?”

Speaking of Ling Chen, Yao’s eyes also dimmed.

Mrs. Lin wiped away the tears from the corner of her eyes and patted Yao’s hand, “Mother, don’t say these things. You’re alright now, just rest well. Don’t neglect your health, and don’t worry about anything else.”

“Thank you, Mother.” Yao smiled.

Hearing this, she knew that she wouldn’t have to worry about Ling Xiao’s marriage anymore.

Just as they were talking, a maid came in to announce, “Old Madam, Your Highness has returned.”

Mrs. Lin quickly said, “Ask him to come to Fushou Garden for a moment. I have something to ask him.”

“Yes, Old Madam.”

Mrs. Lin was naturally worried that Ling Xiao had been injured. This son of hers had always been independent, and he wouldn’t tell her about anything. She needed to know what had happened.

She had heard that the assassination attempt had caused quite a stir, and the princess had almost been harmed. Her daughter was also injured. She had to see them both before she could rest easy.

Mrs. Lin pulled Yao and reminded her, “Rest well.”

“Okay, Mother, don’t worry.”

Mrs. Lin then left to return to Fushou Garden.

Ling Xiao had ordered Yao to be taken back to the mansion directly in the carriage, while he went back to the palace with the emperor for a while before returning.

When he heard that Mrs. Lin had come to visit, he went directly to the inner courtyard.

As he passed by Xuan, his footsteps slowed slightly, noticing the maids and servants bustling about in the courtyard.

Sword was very perceptive, “Your Highness, after you returned, you immediately summoned the imperial physician and the female physician to the mansion. The female physician just came to change Madam’s dressing. She said the wound is healing well, and it will be completely healed soon.”

Ling Xiao glanced at him, “What did you say?”

“Ah…”

Sword realized his mistake, “Your subordinate misspoke.”

Ling Xiao’s annoyance grew, and he quickened his pace, not stopping.

He should stay away from her. All this trouble was because he was too concerned.

He shouldn’t have had any interaction with her in the first place.

Ling Xiao’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he stepped into Fushou Garden.

Sword followed behind, silently wiping the sweat from his forehead. The Military Marquis’s temper was really unpredictable these days.

“Mother.” Ling Xiao stepped into the garden.

Mrs. Lin quickly said, “Your Highness, you’re back. I heard about the incident at the hunting grounds. I was so worried that you might have been injured.”

Ling Xiao reached out and lifted his robe, “I’m fine, Mother, don’t worry.”

Mrs. Lin frowned, “How can I not worry? You’re always involved in these dangerous things. I thought that once you left the border, there wouldn’t be any more incidents. I never expected it to be so dangerous.”

“The emperor has just ascended the throne, and the court is inevitably in turmoil. It will take some time to calm things down.”

“I understand all this, Mother. I just hope that we can all live a peaceful life.”

Mrs. Lin said, then brought up the topic again, “This marriage, we need to get it done soon.”

“A man needs to get married. Once he’s married, he’ll have someone to care for him, and he won’t be so reckless anymore. It will make me feel less worried.”

Mrs. Lin was afraid that he wouldn’t agree, so she continued, “Getting married will also allow me to hold grandchildren. Besides, your younger brother is also of age. We should start looking for a wife for him. He can’t wait forever. This Marquis’s Mansion needs a mistress, and a few children to make it lively!”

Ling Xiao said in a flat tone, “Mother, you can handle this.”

Mrs. Lin was stunned. She hadn’t expected him to be so agreeable. She quickly asked, “What about Miss Yi?”

Ling Xiao was indifferent, “Mother, you can decide.”

Mrs. Lin said, “Alright, I’ll do it. Miss Chen is quite good. She’s well-educated and well-mannered, a proper lady. I also think she’s good.”

The last sentence was particularly pointed.

Ling Xiao’s lips tightened, his expression calm, “Okay.”

Mrs. Lin’s eyes lit up, “Good, good, good. I’ll send a message to the Chen family!”

The Chen family had sent gifts twice, and Mr. and Mrs. Chen had also visited personally to see the Old Madam. They were also very interested in this marriage.

But Mrs. Lin hadn’t received Ling Xiao’s confirmation, so she couldn’t agree. She could only stall.

This was finally a happy ending!

When Ling Xiao left Fushou Garden, he didn’t stop at Xuan again.

Everything should be back on track, no deviations allowed.

He wouldn’t again.

–

Yao was surprised that Your Highness had chosen Miss Chen.

He had been so picky just a while ago.

Why was he so agreeable now?

It was probably because the Old Madam had personally spoken to him. Your Highness was filial, and Miss Chen was well-educated and well-mannered, from a good family, and beautiful. It was only natural that Your Highness would choose her.

Qinghe and the other maids were talking beside her.

Yao nodded, “Of course, the Old Madam said so, so he would naturally agree. It’s not like he had any other choice from the beginning.”

It was good that the marriage was finally settled. It would save her a lot of trouble.

Yao was tired of constantly mediating between the noble ladies. She was also tired of being the mistress of the house. Once the Military Marquis’s wife entered the mansion, she would definitely have to hand over the management of the household to her.

“Madam, you can finally relax and enjoy yourself.” Qinghe laughed.

Yao couldn’t help but smile.

She wasn’t completely relaxing, because she knew her position was awkward. She wasn’t qualified to socialize with those noble ladies. Although they were polite to her on the surface, she could feel their underlying disdain.

She was lucky to be associated with Ling Xiao.

Rather than trying to force herself into a circle that didn’t belong to her, she would rather live her own life and take care of her own affairs.

Ling Xiao was busy again. He was busy investigating the mastermind behind the assassination attempt, and he hadn’t returned to the mansion for several days.

Later, Mr. and Mrs. Chen personally visited the mansion, and the marriage contract was finalized by the Old Madam.

With the parents’ consent and the matchmaker’s arrangement, the marriage contract was signed, and the wedding date was set.

At the same time, Ling Xiao cracked the case and went to the palace to report to the emperor.

“Your subordinate has found the assassins’ hideout and captured a suspect who was hiding there. After two interrogations, he confessed everything. They were all followers of the Lotus Sect. This assassination attempt was planned long ago, and they were just waiting for the hunting season.”

“How dare they! This heretical sect dares to extend its claws to Yanjing! I don’t believe they could have done this without backing.” The emperor slammed his hand on the desk.

Ling Xiao bowed, “The Lotus Sect is a group of cowards who hide in the shadows. The real investigation is to find out who in the court is colluding with the Lotus Sect. Your subordinate will continue to investigate this case. Anyone who is involved with the Lotus Sect will be found.”

The emperor nodded, “You’re a capable official. I trust you. Leave this matter to the Secret Service. If you find any evidence of treason, you are authorized to execute them first and report later.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Ling Xiao was busy with his work, and those intrusive thoughts were suppressed.

Over time, they would naturally dissipate.