After giving birth to twins, the princess became pregnant again, and the royal uncle took care of he

His eyes shone with trust in Jun Jiuxiao, hoping to gain his promise and provide another layer of security for Chu Xingyao's future.

Jun Jiuxiao's gaze deepened at Chu Huaizhong's request, his heart churning like a storm in the dark night, concealing an unknown wildness.

He thought to himself, "Elder? Am I that old? I'm only ten years older than her, how can I be her elder? How can I possibly be her elder?"

His inner world is rich with complex emotions, a whirlwind of thoughts that obscure the sky and the sun, yet he maintains his usual calm and composure, preventing anyone from glimpsing his inner struggles.

In the ensuing silence, just when everyone thought Jun Jiuxiao would respond with silence instead of refusal, his deep and resolute voice rang out.

Like the warm winter sun, warm and resolute: "I will protect her."

His voice carried an unquestionable promise, as firm as steel, allowing no room for doubt.

But he silently added in his mind, "But not as an elder."

These words were like a secret vow, one that only he could hear.

A sly glint flashed in his eyes, a possessive desire for Chu Xingyao, a domineering declaration that he wanted more than just protection; he wanted her everything.

Upon hearing Jun Jiuxiao's reply, a glint of gratitude flashed in Chu Huaizhong's eyes.

He knew that with His Highness the War King's protection, his precious child would be much safer in the capital.

At this moment, Chu's mother's gaze was gentle yet firm as she looked at her two friends, who were already tipsy.

He said softly again, "Let's end the dinner here tonight."

Her voice carried an undeniable gentleness, yet also a determination to end this festivities.

In this home, her words always carried a reassuring power.

Chu Huaizhong and Zhou Yi wanted to say something more, but the alcohol made their tongues clumsy.

Their words became indistinct, like a child's protest against not wanting the game to end.

But Chu Xingchi and Zhou Xiannan, the two younger generation, had already gently helped their father up and led them away from the courtyard.

Their actions revealed respect for their elders and a sense of responsibility towards their families.

Chu Xingyao stood quietly to the side, her gaze following her father and Uncle Zhou's backs until they disappeared into the night.

Jun Jiuxiao's figure stood out exceptionally tall in the night. He rose to take his leave, his movements carrying an undeniable resolve.

Night Hawk immediately stepped forward and draped a warm cloak over him.

This cloak not only protected him from the cold, but also symbolized Jun Jiuxiao's authority and nobility.

The wide hem of the dress completely covered the plump, twin lotus pattern.

Jun Jiuxiao's gaze lingered on Chu Xingyao's face for a moment, deep as the night sky, filled with complex emotions.

His eyes held deep concern, as well as unspeakable doubt.

His mind was filled with questions, and he wanted to ask Chu Xingyao, "Why are you acting so strangely today? Why did you go to the War King's mansion, but come back without even getting out of the carriage?"

But the words caught in his throat, ultimately turning into a simple farewell:

"Madam Chu, Miss Chu, please wait." Although the sentence was simple, it contained Jun Jiuxiao's reluctance and concern.

Chu Xingyao's gaze followed Jun Jiuxiao's receding figure intently.

She wanted to ask Jun Jiuxiao, "Have you really found someone else you like? Or have you remembered something from your past life?"

These questions lingered in her mind like thorns, causing her heartache.

She was afraid the answer she would hear would break her heart; the fear weighed on her chest like a heavy stone, making it hard for her to breathe.

"Yao'er, let's go back. You must be tired, go and get some rest."

Chu's mother's voice was gentle and full of care; every word was like a spring breeze caressing the heart, warm and comforting.

Chu Xingyao snapped out of her reverie and nodded slightly. "Okay, goodnight, Mother." She responded softly, her voice filled with affection for her mother and longing for home.

Then, she turned and slowly walked towards Xinghai Garden, her steps light and graceful.

-------

As night fell, candlelight flickered in Xinghai Garden.

Chu Xingyao sat on the chair in front of the dressing table, absentmindedly playing with the "cat paw sachet" in her hand.

It was a small and exquisite sachet, embroidered with a bright red heart and an adorable cat's paw, as if gently scratching her heart with its little claws.

She had just finished bathing, and glistening water droplets still clung to her hair, shimmering softly in the dim candlelight.

She felt someone gently stroking her hair, the movement delicate and tender, like a spring breeze rippling across a lake.

"Pearl, go to sleep. Don't worry about it, it'll dry in a bit," Chu Xingyao said softly, assuming it was her personal maid.

However, there was only silence behind her; there was no response from Pearl.

Just as she was about to turn around to investigate, she suddenly sensed an extremely faint fluctuation of internal energy.

That internal force was like a gentle breeze across a lake, silent and still, yet it could not escape her perception.

At the same time, the scent permeating the air also caught her attention.

Besides the familiar and comforting scent of ambergris, there was also a faint, lingering aroma of alcohol.

These two distinct flavors intertwine to create a unique atmosphere.

In an instant, a thought struck her, and she instantly understood the reason for all of this—Jun Jiuxiao must be using his inner strength to help her dry her wet hair.

"Your Highness?" Chu Xingyao called softly, her voice so gentle as if afraid of disturbing the tranquility, yet containing a hint of uncertainty that was hard to conceal.

"Don't move." Jun Jiuxiao's response was concise and clear, consisting of only two words.

However, these brief words were like a thunderclap, deep and powerful, carrying an unquestionable authority and command.

He knew that he was usually cold and distant towards others, and that he was concise and never beat around the bush.

But at this moment, he remembered what Chu Xingyao had once told him: to truly care about someone should not be expressed simply with one or two words.

So he slightly adjusted his tone, trying to make his voice sound less harsh and instead adding a subtle, almost imperceptible gentleness:

"You'll catch a cold."

His deep, magnetic voice drifted over, seemingly possessing a magical power that compelled people to obey his words.

Upon hearing this, Chu Xingyao gently shook her head, her silky hair swaying softly. She said softly:

"Really, there's no need. It's too much of a waste of internal energy."

His words revealed a hint of determination and persistence, clearly indicating that he did not want him to suffer any loss because of him.

However, Jun Jiuxiao did not give up. He raised his eyebrows slightly, a domineering glint flashing in his eyes, and said in a deep voice:

"I do not like you calling me Your Highness like that."

He paused, then continued:

"This form of address is too formal. I would prefer to hear you call me by my given name, Yao Chen, or call me Brother Chen, just like before."

When he spoke the last few words, although his tone was still domineering, it also revealed a hint of tender expectation that was not easily detected.