Ping Zhao Lu

Xu Zhouye quietly slid down from Chu Yunxiao's warm embrace.

He shook his sleeves slightly, as if trying to shake off the remaining warmth and attachment. When he raised his head, his clear eyes cast a suggestive look at Chu Yunxiao in front of him.

Chu Yunxiao nodded in understanding, then slowly stood up, took Xu Zhouye's hand, and walked out of the room with him.

The moment they stepped out of the room, the bright moonlight fell on them like a veil, giving them a faint silver glow.

Xu Zhouye subconsciously glanced at Shi'an who was guarding outside, then lowered his voice and ordered, "Go in and guard the prince. If there is any abnormal situation, be sure to report it in time."

Shi An immediately responded with a cupped hand: "Yes!"

At this moment, Chu Yunxiao's eyes, as deep as a pool of water, turned slightly, and he looked at Shi'an with an indescribable meaning.

Being stared at like this by Chu Yunxiao, Shi'an's heart suddenly tightened.

The originally smooth saluting movement became a little stiff in an instant, and the fingers paused slightly, but soon returned to normal.

Xu Zhouye didn't notice the brief and subtle interaction between the two. He turned back to Chu Yunxiao and raised the corner of his lips slightly, "Let's go."

Chu Yunxiao nodded slightly and responded softly: "Yeah."

Then they turned and walked away side by side, their figures gradually moving farther and farther away, finally disappearing at the end of the path in the backyard.

Shi'an watched them leave respectfully before cautiously moving his feet and stepping into the room.

After entering the house, he closed the door gently, fearing that any sound would disturb the people inside.

When he turned around, he saw Chu Heyuan's small body struggling to lift the quilt, as if preparing to get out of bed.

Shi An's heart tightened, and he hurried forward, reached out to take the outer robe hanging on the clothesline, and quickly put it on Chu Heyuan. He said with concern: "Your Highness, just let me know if you need anything. Don't move around casually, so as not to hurt the wound."

However, Chu Heyuan just lowered his head, his two small hands tugging at the corners of his clothes anxiously, and his words became stammering: "I...I want to drink some water."

Shi'an keenly noticed Chu Heyuan's abnormality, and a feeling of worry surged in his heart.

So he quickly squatted down and looked carefully at the little guy in front of him.

Chu Heyuan's originally fair and cute little face turned red at this moment.

Shi'an was startled at first, then raised his hand and touched Chu Heyuan's forehead. "Your Highness, why is your face so red? Do you have a fever? I'll go get a doctor right away!"

"Don't go!" Chu Heyuan quickly grabbed Shi'an's hand to stop him from leaving.

He immediately covered his burning face, his mind full of thoughts. Thinking of the scene he had just witnessed when he woke up, his ears quickly became hot and his words became incoherent. "I'm... I'm fine. I'm just... hot. Go get me a glass of water."

Seeing this, Shi'an, although he had some doubts, stood up without hesitation to pour water for Chu Heyuan.

*

The night is getting darker.

A breeze blew quietly, bringing with it a hint of coolness.

Through the half-open window frame, he broke into the house wantonly.

Chu Yunxiao took off his coat.

He walked slowly towards the window with steady steps.

She stretched out her slender fingers, pushed gently, and closed the window, blocking the night wind that kept pouring in.

Just then, a slight sound of footsteps was heard.

Xu Zhouye walked out slowly from behind the screen. He was wearing a white pajamas with the collar slightly open, revealing his white chest.

His long hair fell wetly behind him.

I saw him casually grabbing his hair in front of him and wiping it slowly with a towel.

"The Crown Prince is injured, so tomorrow's welcoming ceremony will be cancelled."

Chu Yunxiao turned around upon hearing the voice, his eyes instantly fixed on Xu Zhouye who had just come out of the bath.

For a moment, I was stunned.

His Adam's apple rolled unconsciously twice.

Xu Zhouye in front of him looked even more charming under the candlelight. His translucent skin and the fresh scent he exuded made Chu Yunxiao's heart tremble.

After a moment, Chu Yunxiao came to his senses and walked forward quickly.

He reached out and took the towel from Xu Zhouye's hand, carefully wiping his hair. He replied, "It's really hard for those officials in the Ministry of Rites."

Xu Zhouye smiled knowingly and said softly, "They've been meticulously preparing for this welcoming ceremony this morning, but now it's being canceled because the Crown Prince is injured. I'm sure they must be very unhappy."

Chu Yunxiao carefully wiped Xu Zhouye's hair and responded, "I'll just give them a little more salary."

Xu Zhouye: "Your Majesty is wise."

*

The next day, the night still enveloped the earth and the sky had not yet turned pale.

Chu Yunxiao moved slightly, and his hand, which was originally on Xu Zhouye's waist, tightened unconsciously.

His thick and long eyelashes trembled slightly for a few times, and then he slowly opened his eyes.

His gaze fell on Xu Zhouye who was nestled tightly in his arms, and a hint of joy flashed quietly in his deep eyes.

At this moment, Xu Zhouye also moved his body slightly, and the hand that was originally on Chu Yunxiao's chest slid down involuntarily.

Chu Yunxiao couldn't help but let out a low groan from his throat.

"What time is it?" Xu Zhouye asked lazily with sleepy eyes.

"It's just past the hour of Yin." Chu Yunxiao answered softly, and at the same time raised his hand to move Xu Zhouye's slightly messy hair aside, his movements extremely gentle.

Xu Zhouye still had his eyes tightly closed, his voice lazily waking up: "Then we have to get up and rush back to the palace. We'll be in time for His Majesty to attend court."

"Your Majesty, you can sleep a little longer." Chu Yunxiao said gently, "I will come to take you back to the palace after I leave the court, okay?"

"No." Xu Zhouye refused without hesitation. Instead, he moved closer to Chu Yunxiao and said lazily, "I want to return to the palace with Your Majesty."

As he got closer, he accidentally touched a sensitive spot. Chu Yunxiao immediately took a breath of cold air, and all the muscles in his body tensed up instantly.

"I think the Queen doesn't want to go back at this moment."

Chu Yunxiao's voice was low and lazy, gently brushing past Xu Zhouye's ears.

Xu Zhouye looked up at the sound, his eyelashes slightly raised, revealing a pair of confused yet clear eyes. He stared quietly at Chu Yunxiao in front of him and said softly, "Your Majesty, what do you think? I will stand up now."

After saying that, he tried to pull himself away from Chu Yunxiao's warm embrace.

Upon seeing this, Chu Yunxiao held the person tightly in his arms, his eyes filled with dark colors, and his voice was low and hoarse with a hint of emotion that was difficult to conceal, "I'm afraid the Queen will have to wait."

Sensing the subtle changes in the emperor, Xu Zhouye's body trembled slightly and his breathing became rapid.

……

Half an hour later, the two finally walked out of the room slowly.

They looked a little tired.

At this time, the sky was already slightly brightening.

Outside the government office, a gorgeously decorated carriage had already been prepared.

The horse stood quietly, wagging its tail from time to time, as if waiting for its owner to arrive.

The shaft and wheels were polished to a shine, reflecting a dazzling light in the morning light.

Zhao Fuyi and a group of government officials arrived here early, lined up neatly in two rows, and greeted them respectfully.

When they saw Chu Yunxiao and Xu Zhouye appear, everyone bowed and saluted to show their respect.

Chu Yunxiao and Xu Zhouye walked steadily towards the carriage, their steps firm and powerful.

Before getting on the car, Chu Yunxiao suddenly stopped, turned around and said to Zhao Fuyi solemnly: "I'll have to trouble Zhao Fuyi to take care of the prince's affairs."

His voice was deep and commanding, leaving no room for doubt.

Zhao Fuyi quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will follow your instructions!"

After saying that, he stood up and followed Chu Yunxiao closely as he got into the carriage.

As the coachman waved the whip, a crisp whip sound rang out in the air, and the carriage slowly started and drove away into the distance.

The wheels rolled forward, leaving two deep ruts and gradually disappeared at the end of the street.

Zhao Fuyi and the others remained standing, watching the carriage go further and further away...