The weak prince's queen

The shopkeeper had a big smile on his face and bowed respectfully to Xiao Zixuan, saying, "Sir, all the dishes you ordered have been served. Please enjoy them slowly." After saying that, he carefully raised his eyes to observe Xiao Zixuan's expression. When he saw that the other party nodded slightly, he turned around and left as if relieved.

Xiao Zixuan waved his hand casually, his eyes fixed on Lin Ruoyun beside him. After the shopkeeper left, he turned around, his eyes full of tenderness, and said softly to Lin Ruoyun, "Ruoyun, don't be polite. Please come in."

Lin Ruoyun's face flushed when she heard this. She smiled gently and responded politely, "Thank you, sir. You too."

The two exchanged a smile and happily began to enjoy the sumptuous meal. The table was filled with delicious dishes, including juicy steamed fish, fragrant braised pork, fresh and delicious seasonal vegetables, and exquisite pastries. They ate and chatted, creating a harmonious and warm atmosphere.

Unconsciously, the meal passed. When they put down their bowls and chopsticks, Xiao Zixuan looked at Lin Ruoyun with a smile and asked with concern, "Ruoyun, where are you going later? Or are you going straight back home?"

Lin Ruoyun looked up at the sky, only to see the sun setting, the horizon gradually tinged with a faint orange-red glow. After a moment's thought, she replied, "It's almost dark, so I must return home."

When Xiao Zixuan heard this, he couldn't help but feel happy and said quickly: "That's great! I wonder if Miss Lin would mind letting me take you back home? This way you can have someone to take care of you on the way." After saying that, he stared at Lin Ruoyun intently, waiting for her reply.

Deep down, Lin Ruoyun was actually very happy to have Xiao Zixuan see her off, but she was a lady from a wealthy family after all, so she couldn't help but feel a little shy and reserved. So, her cheeks flushed, she lowered her head, and said in a whisper, "Of course I don't mind, but this will trouble you, sir."

Seeing this, Xiao Zixuan laughed heartily: "Haha, Miss Lin, you are too kind. This is just a piece of cake." Then he called out loudly: "Someone come!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the warrior who had helped Lin Ruoyun drive away the thugs came in. He walked steadily and powerfully. After arriving in front of Xiao Zixuan, he saluted with his fists and said respectfully, "Sir, what can I do for you?"

Xiao Zixuan had sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, and his face was as handsome as a jade. He turned slightly and said slowly to the warrior beside him, "Get ready to escort Miss Lin back to the mansion."

The warrior, a burly man with a broad back and strong waist, immediately responded with a fist clasp: "Sir, everything is ready. We are ready to set off at any time."

Xiao Zixuan nodded with satisfaction, then turned his gaze to the graceful and gentle Lin Ruoyun standing beside him, and said softly, "Then please come in, Miss Lin."

Lin Ruoyun raised her head delicately at the sound, her beautiful eyes flickering with grace and grace. She nodded respectfully toward Xiao Zixuan, then, with delicate steps, followed him downstairs. At the stairwell, Lin Ruoyun paused, as if remembering something, and pulled a simple headscarf from her sleeve, gently and expertly placing it back on her head.

Along the way, the strong man led the way. They passed through the courtyard, circled the rockery, and finally came to a gorgeously decorated carriage.

Lin Ruoyun looked up and saw the carriage, entirely crafted from precious red sandalwood. The shafts were intricately carved, and the windows were draped with curtains embroidered with silver thread, gently fluttering in the breeze. An air of luxury washed over her. Seeing this, Lin Ruoyun couldn't help but feel delighted, but her good upbringing quickly helped her control her emotions, maintaining her shy, well-mannered demeanor. At this moment, Xiang'er, the maid who had been accompanying her, hurried forward to support Lin Ruoyun and carefully helped her into the carriage.

After Lin Ruoyun got on the carriage, Xiao Zixuan followed closely.

As soon as he sat down, Xiao Zixuan smiled and asked, "Ruoyun, do you know where the Lin Mansion is located? I hope you can tell me something."

Lin Ruoyun lowered her head slightly and answered in a voice as soft as a mosquito: "My father is the current Minister Lin..."

Before he finished speaking, Xiao Zixuan had already revealed a look of realization, and he continued to praise: "It turns out that the girl is the daughter of Minister Lin. No wonder her temperament is so elegant and extraordinary." After saying this, he smiled and his eyes were full of admiration.

Lin Ruoyun opened her red lips and asked softly, "Sir, do you know my father?" Her clear eyes stared at the man in front of her, full of curiosity and exploration.

Xiao Zixuan was slightly startled, and quickly waved his hands to explain: "No, I just happened to hear someone mention your father's name." His eyes flickered, as if he had something to hide.

Lin Ruoyun nodded slightly, indicating understanding, and replied with a smile, "I see." Just as she finished speaking, the carriage, which had been moving smoothly, suddenly jolted violently. Lin Ruoyun, caught off guard, lost her balance and was thrown forward.

In a flash, Xiao Zixuan, sitting nearby, instinctively opened his arms and pulled Lin Ruoyun, who was rushing towards him, tightly into his embrace. For a moment, their eyes met, and time seemed to freeze. A subtle, fiery atmosphere filled the air, as if sparks were ignited where their gazes met.

Lin Ruoyun's face flushed instantly, her heart pounding, and she shyly broke free from Xiao Zixuan's warm embrace. She sat up straight in a panic and whispered, "I'm very sorry, it's because the carriage is too bumpy..." She lowered her head, not daring to look at Xiao Zixuan again.

Xiao Zixuan was also somewhat at a loss, and quickly said, "Don't blame the young lady, it's me who has offended you."

At this moment, a burst of hurried horse hooves sounded outside the carriage, followed by Xiao Zixuan's guard loudly reporting: "Sir, we have arrived at the Lin Mansion."

Lin Ruoyun raised her head when she heard the voice, a look of joy on her face. She hurriedly stood up and walked towards the carriage door, while turning back to say to Xiao Zixuan: "Thank you for your escort all the way, sir. I will go back home first." After she finished speaking, she got off the carriage lightly.

Xiao Zixuan looked at Lin Ruoyun's departing back, and the corners of his mouth rose unconsciously.