Chapter 131 - 130: Staying the Night (First Update)

Chapter 131: Chapter 130: Staying the Night (First Update)

Xu Jing was slightly stunned, never expecting Xiao He to propose such a... suggestion that defied the rules of etiquette and customs.

She always thought that people living in ancient times valued etiquette and customs the most and wouldn’t easily go against them.

Admittedly, his proposal sounded very enticing, seemingly bringing her countless benefits without any harm, but is there really such a good deal under the sky?

She couldn’t help but instinctively look at the other party involved, only to see Xiao Yi had already concealed all emotions from his face, his lips slightly pressed together, eyes lowered, making it hard for anyone to discern what he was thinking.

After a short moment, Xu Jing made up her mind, calming the shock in her heart, and lifted a faint smile, "Thank you, Your Majesty, and Mr. Xiao for your proposal. This matter is of great importance, and I need to return and give it careful consideration."

She never believed in free lunches. Indeed, considering the current situation, Xiao He’s proposal sounded the best, but royal power struggles have always been intricate. People in their positions have many constraints beyond their control. She feared that if she stepped into it, she might sink deeper and deeper, and after resolving the issue with Prince Xing, would there be a Prince Chen or perhaps a Prince Gong next? When would she ever free herself from this murky water?

Moreover, she was self-aware, merely a woman without any family protection or ability to protect herself. Even if she could believe in Xiao Yi’s character based on their previous collaborations, she couldn’t fully trust the other three.

If by that time there was a conflict of interest between her and them, she didn’t trust that Xiao Yi would entirely side with her, let alone them. If she were then abandoned or sacrificed by them, she might only have herself to blame, crying in hiding.

However, being dragged into the royal power struggle was indeed risky, and Xu Jing didn’t dare completely close off her path. If the situation truly became urgent for her life, she would have no choice but to take a gamble.

Moreover, this proposal was brought up by the Holy Emperor. Out of respect for him, she couldn’t outright refuse.

Xiao He slightly raised an eyebrow, this woman was indeed clever, but sometimes being too clever made one overthink.

Still, her not directly rejecting it was considered a good thing.

He glanced at Xiao Yi without betraying any emotions and smiled slightly, "This isn’t a small matter, it’s normal for Miss Xu to want to think it through carefully."

Wei Yu’s look at Xu Jing became increasingly intrigued. Feeling the somewhat warning glance from Xiao Yi, he amusingly raised his lips, lowered his eyes, and didn’t continue the topic.

Since growing up, this capable minister of his had changed from their naturally carefree interactions in childhood, now every move followed the etiquette between monarch and minister strictly, without stepping out of line even a bit. Although there was nothing wrong with this, there was still an unspeakable sense of regret and nostalgia in his heart.

Now, for Miss Xu, he broke the boundary between monarch and minister he had always adhered to, which was quite rare.

However, didn’t he also want to remarry Miss Xu? Normally, he should go along with their proposal to aid the situation.

This action could only mean that he deeply respected Miss Xu, wanting to protect and care for her feelings, far beyond his own emotions and desires.

Even the most rigid and dull people have their own kind of tenderness.

If he interfered in their affairs now, it would seem somewhat oblivious.

Wei Yu picked up the wine glass in front of him and sipped a little, not continuing the topic, and smiled, "Yanci, now that we have good wine, why are there only two small dishes? Even a cat would be dissatisfied. I haven’t had dinner, as the host, shouldn’t you do something?"

Seeing the Holy Emperor not pressing on this topic further, Xu Jing secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Xiao Yi gave a cool glance at him, "Your Majesty arrived so suddenly, I didn’t prepare dinner for you."

Wei Yu couldn’t help but laugh in frustration, "You’re a dignified fourth-rank official, why so stingy? I can’t eat much of your rice anyway, whether you like it or not, I’m having this meal!"

Xu Jing’s purpose for coming here had been achieved, and she really didn’t want to stay for this meal, but with the Holy Emperor present, she couldn’t just leave first.

What’s more, Great Chu inherited a relatively open social atmosphere from the previous dynasty, allowing men and women to dine and drink together, talk and laugh; she couldn’t use the excuse of avoiding male and female interaction to leave, had to sigh internally, face showing no sign of her reluctance, staying for the dinner.

It wasn’t until the Holy Emperor, having enjoyed his fill, finally willing to leave, that it was already past curfew.

Xiao Yi, Xiao He, and Zhao Jingming personally saw off the somewhat inebriated Holy Emperor, leaving Xu Jing alone in the pavilion, worried about what to do tonight.

At this moment, the long-absent Xianyun suddenly walked over, saluted Xu Jing, and said, "Miss Xu, since it’s past curfew, would you like to stay overnight? The young master is already asleep, and if he wakes up the next day not seeing Miss Xu, he would be sad."

As he spoke, he looked at Xu Jing with some excitement and anticipation.

He never thought of having Miss Xu stay overnight; today, her aversion to the Xiao Mansion was evident to him. Though he had his own selfish motives, he wasn’t indifferent to Miss Xu’s feelings.

But who would have thought the Holy Emperor would appear suddenly and not leave until so late?

When Xu Jing saw the night was getting late, she had already thought of this possibility, yet hearing Xianyun mention it, she couldn’t help but fall silent.

Xianyun quickly added, "If... if Miss Xu doesn’t want to, you can still ask the Lord to take Miss Xu back."

The city may have a curfew, but it’s always the common people who are restricted.

At this moment, Xiao Yi, who had gone to see the Holy Emperor off, returned. Though he only heard the last part of Xianyun’s words, it didn’t stop him from guessing what they had been talking about.

He glanced at Xu Jing, walked over to her, his dark eyes calm, "If you want to go back, I can escort you."

Xu Jing unconsciously looked up, noticing the faint red on Xiao Yi’s jade-like cheeks and his eyes still calm, yet carrying a hint of weary bewilderment, she was slightly taken aback.

Tonight, he seemed to have drunk quite a bit. The Holy Emperor, for unknown reasons, kept finding excuses to make Xiao Yi drink, as if Xiao Yi had somehow wronged him.

For him to remain clear-minded by now, truly showed his considerable tolerance for wine.

Seeing that he was alone, Xu Jing couldn’t help but ask, "Did Mr. Xiao and the others leave?"

"It’s too late, so they didn’t leave. I had the servants take them to the guest rooms."

Xiao Yi said this, seemingly worried about putting any pressure on her, he added, "They are used to staying here, but you’re different."

Xu Jing hesitated and struggled for a moment before finally shaking her head gently, "Never mind, Vice Minister Xiao is also very tired tonight, I won’t trouble him, I’ll just stay here for the night."

While officials could use their status to be out during curfew, they needed a legitimate reason. This was the Western Capital, where various forces were intricately intertwined. If Xiao Yi went out casually and someone caught hold of it, he might be reported.

Just to escort her back at night wasn’t necessary.

Anyway, they were already labeled as former spouses, whether she stayed the night or not, their relationship would appear adequately complicated to outsiders.

Xiao Yi was slightly taken aback, unsure, he asked again, "Are you sure?"

Xu Jing immediately felt suspicious, "Could it be that Vice Minister Xiao doesn’t want me to?"

"Of course not," Xiao Yi slowly shook his head, looking into Xu Jing’s dark eyes, suddenly a flicker of tender starlight seemed to emerge, "It’s just, I can’t quite believe Miss Xu would be willing to stay here."