"It's nothing. She just asked me to let her know if I hear anything about Zhou Huai."

Yu Qingwu turned her head and glanced at Xie Jin Yan indifferently, her tone extremely calm.

After all, she never intended to hide it from Xie Jin Yan from the beginning.

Even though Gao Minyue was disappointed in him and chose to turn to her for help, she would still need to go through Xie Jin Yan to give Gao Minyue any news.

It would be impossible to hide it, and there was nothing to hide anyway.

She wasn't a saint. Gao Minyue had harmed her so much in the past that it was impossible for her to feel any compassion towards Gao Minyue.

If, from the very beginning, she and Xie Jin Yan hadn't relied on each other for those years, if she had never thought of using Xie Jin Yan for revenge, perhaps, she wouldn't have forgiven Xie Jin Yan at all.

Her love for him came about somewhat strangely, a combination of dependence, affection growing over time, and not a little bit of his teasing.

But at this moment, those indescribable emotions quietly faded after he resolutely abandoned Gao Minyue, and the heart that had been worrying about him suddenly felt a chill.

This chill made Yu Qingwu subconsciously withdraw her hand.

By the time she came to her senses, Xie Jin Yan's gaze had also become deep.

He looked at her deeply, his expression somewhat gloomy, but in the end, he didn't ask anything. He just nodded slightly, as if he hadn't seen the subtle movement in her hand, and responded to her with the same calm expression and gentle tone, "We should tell her. Although Wei Chao and Nan Yue are enemies, the young prince of Nan Yue is still her husband. As her martial siblings, it's fine for us to let her know."

"However, even so, we must keep a close eye on her."

"You know Ah Yue's personality. She's muddle-headed, and she might be taken advantage of by others again if we're not careful..."

Xie Jin Yan said softly, as if making small talk.

Hearing this, Yu Qingwu didn't answer, only nodded in response.

By the time they returned to the Song residence, the sky was already pitch black.

Although spring was bringing warmer weather, the night breeze was still chilly. As soon as she got out of the carriage, Yu Qingwu couldn't help but shiver.

"Lady Yu, Lord Xie, would you like a brazier?"

She gathered her clothes around her, and just as she was about to walk towards the guest room, Song Guan's voice came from behind.

Because of the incident that had occurred, Song Guan was extremely embarrassed along the way.

However, embarrassment aside, he still had to fulfill his duty as a host.

In the dim light, Song Guan's hands were clasped at his waist, his movements seeming a little awkward.

"No need, I'm not cold."

Yu Qingwu pursed her lips and replied with a faint smile.

After speaking, she glanced at Xie Jin Yan and asked him softly, "Your Highness, are you cold? Would you like a brazier?"

Cold?

She, a weak woman, wasn't afraid of the cold, so would he be?

Moreover, weren't they husband and wife? Why did they have to be so distant?

Xie Jin Yan felt extremely uncomfortable for a moment. He curled his lips, forced a smile on his face, and also shook his head, saying, "I'm not cold. I went into the guest room during the day, and the bedding is very warm. There's no need to trouble you any further."

"Alright, if that's the case, then I'll go back to rest first."

In such an awkward atmosphere, Song Guan didn't want to stay for even a moment. After speaking, he immediately turned and left.

Yu Qingwu and Xie Jin Yan stood at the entrance for a while before opening the door and entering the guest room.

The guest room in the Song residence wasn't luxurious, but it was very refined. There were no curtains on the bed, unlike the subtle romance of the capital, but the bedding was extremely soft, very warm, and also wide enough.

After washing up, Yu Qingwu lay down on the innermost side of the bed.

Xie Jin Yan didn't know what he was thinking. After changing into his inner clothes, he didn't get into bed, but sat on the edge of the bed, seeming to want to say something, but hesitated.

He sat there until the third watch (around midnight).

Although Yu Qingwu felt a chill towards his actions today, she was also worried about Xie Jin Yan's health.

Therefore, she got up and pulled him, whispering to him, "Your Highness, it's very late, go to sleep soon."

Hearing this, Xie Jin Yan didn't answer, but slowly turned his head. His usually captivating and flamboyant peach blossom eyes now looked dim and lonely.

After staring at her for a moment, he suddenly spoke, forcing a smile, "Shijie (Senior Martial Sister), are you afraid?"

"Afraid of what?"

Yu Qingwu smiled, pretending not to understand.

The bitterness and self-mockery in Xie Jin Yan's eyes grew stronger. He still pursed his lips and asked in return, "What do you say you're afraid of?"

"Naturally, you're afraid that one day, I will disregard you because of power."

"Because of Ah Yue's matter today, you hold a grudge against me in your heart, and you've become like before, acting insincerely, being knowledgeable and reasonable, but cold."

Xie Jin Yan smiled, and a layer of mist floated into his eyes at some point. His already stunning eyes took on a pitiful look because of the redness at the corners.

This made Yu Qingwu couldn't help but think of what he looked like when she first met him.

So cute, so lovable, so wanting to protect.

It wasn't until later, after spending a long time together, that she understood that it was just his disguise, a disguise he used to protect himself and deceive others.

Just like his being unlearned,纨绔跋扈 (wankubahu – unruly and overbearing), they were all disguises.

But it was ridiculous. Seeing him looking like this, her heart couldn't help but soften again.

She frowned and looked at him, slowly reaching out and taking his wrist, saying, "Alright, Your Highness, go to sleep soon, we have to get up early tomorrow."

As she spoke, she moved forward a little, carefully hugging him from behind.

Her soft little hands, with a hint of tenderness, landed on his waist, just like when she begged him at the beginning, so deliberate, so cautious.

There was no hint of casualness towards her husband, only the consideration of a crown princess for the crown prince.

Xie Jin Yan lowered his eyes, staring at those snow-white little hands with a bitter smile. He froze for a moment, but in the end, he slowly took hold of them, gently caressing them, turned around, got into bed, and very gently pulled the woman into his arms, his thin lips pressed tightly against her ear, and said softly, "A'wu, call me xianggong (husband)."

"I don't like it when you always call me Your Highness, it feels distant."

He lowered his eyes, and his beautiful eyelashes cast a shadow in the candlelight.

When reflected in her eyes, it was so beautiful, so captivating.

This was Xie Jin Yan. As long as he was willing, it was very easy for a woman to fall in love with him.

And it was also very easy to make people's hearts soften.

It was clearly his coldness, it was clearly his actions that were frightening, but at this moment, it was as if it was her fault instead.

Yu Qingwu was somewhat speechless.

With her hands on the man's chest, she bit her lip tightly, hesitating whether to push him away.

However, Xie Jin Yan's next move came too quickly. Before Yu Qingwu could think, his lips were buried in her neck.

The slightly cool and moist sensation made Yu Qingwu's body tremble slightly.

"Your Highness, you're still injured."

She took a deep breath and pushed him away with force. Looking at the man's fiery and possessive eyes, Qingwu's voice lowered a little, and she said, "Xie Jin Yan, do you not want your life?"