Chapter 51: Preparing a Strengthening Meal for His Highness

Xiao Ji passed the letter to Xie Yao.

He knew very well that this was Princess Yongle’s “return gift.”

What kind of woman was Princess Yongle? So clever. Xie Yao had only helped Pei Chen once, yet she had already seen through the surface and sent this letter.

Xie Yao took the letter and glanced at it, her expression shifting slightly. Just earlier, Xiao Ji had mentioned this matter to her.

The two of them looked at each other, and both quickly understood Princess Yongle’s meaning.

“Your Highness,” Xie Yao grasped Xiao Ji’s cool hand, “there will definitely be a way.”

Besides this revelation, the letter also contained an address, which must have been the true clue.

Though Xiao Ji had Si-nan and the others, they were still young. Matters of the older generation, as time passed, were often buried away.

Xiao Ji turned his palm over, holding Xie Yao’s soft and warm hand. For some reason, his heart calmed down, and his deep gaze fell upon her. “Mm.”

Xiao Ji gave the address to Si-nan, instructing him to send people to investigate in secret.

Xie Yao thought for a moment, and then said, “Another day, I will personally go to Princess Yongle’s residence to thank royal aunt.”

Since Xiao Ji was a man, if he went rashly, suspicion might arise. But she would not draw such doubt.

“You work hard, Crown Princess.”

Xie Yao blinked, her voice soft as she said, “I still prefer when Your Highness calls me… Yao-yao.”

The last two words were spoken so lightly, soft as though they hooked at one’s heart.

Xiao Ji froze briefly, his mind flashing back to the entanglement of last night.

He had seen with his own eyes how she bloomed upon him.

“Yao-yao.” Xiao Ji’s voice sank, his hand falling to her waist. Lowering his head, he lightly bit her ear tip. “Don’t tease.”

Xie Yao, held in his arms, softened immediately under the bite, her entire weight nearly collapsing into Xiao Ji’s arm.

He held her steady, but soon let go. His gaze fell to her lips. “The wound hasn’t healed yet. Don’t tempt me.”

In his shadowed eyes, it was as though a blaze was hidden.

Just one night, yet Xie Yao felt Xiao Ji had undergone a tremendous change, as though the beast in his heart had been awakened.

It was truly a little frightening.

Feeling the lingering weakness in her waist, she immediately behaved herself.

Soon, Si-nan came again with news. “Your Highness, Crown Princess, just now news came from the palace. The Noble Consort is ill.”

Ill already?

It could hardly be that simple.

Si-nan paused, then added, “Master Xie requests an audience with the Crown Princess.”

“Let him in.” This time Xie Yao did not refuse. After the order was passed down, she walked toward the main hall.

Master Xie was already seated. Hearing footsteps, he quickly rose and lifted his gaze.

Seeing only Xie Yao, disappointment flashed in his eyes. He sat back down on his own, composed, as though waiting for Xie Yao to bow.

Xie Yao ignored him, walking to the head seat and sitting. “Why has Father come today?”

Master Xie was caught off guard, dissatisfaction filling his eyes as he looked at her. “You…”

But he quickly realized this was the Crown Prince’s residence, and restrained himself slightly. “Naturally, I came to see… the Crown Princess.”

Xie Yao only smiled faintly without speaking.

The main hall quickly sank into silence, the atmosphere momentarily awkward.

Dark annoyance flashed through Master Xie’s eyes, but soon he said, “The words Crown Princess spoke last time left me deeply moved. Crown Princess holds a noble status, yet has no brothers to support her.”

“I wish to adopt a child. I wonder how Crown Princess regards this?”

He had already planned this for some time. Jing’er was growing older and could not always be raised outside.

Moreover, her words last time had truly awakened him.

A teacher as great as Mister Qingshan was such a good opportunity, if Xie Yao had brothers, how would they ever fall to the hands of a servant’s son?

At first, he had not thought to ask Xie Yao’s opinion.

But yesterday, His Majesty had confined Princess He Yi and stripped the Second Prince of power, proving the Crown Prince’s position was secure.

Xie Yao lifted her teacup, sipping lightly before smiling. “I am a married daughter now. Naturally, I have no objections. But has Father thought carefully, under whose name would the brother be registered?”

Naturally, Lady Zhang, Madam Zhang.

The thought had barely crossed his mind before he understood Xie Yao’s true meaning.

After all, Xie Yao was not born of Zhang.

Master Xie’s face stiffened slightly, his heart caught between hesitation and doubt. Husband and wife for many years, he did truly care for Zhang.

Moreover, though the Zhang family had gradually declined in recent years, they still held some influence. To fall out with his brother-in-law now, he was reluctant.

“I know Father and Madam share deep affection. But as a daughter, I must also consider my mother. I only hope that in future, during festivals, there will be someone to offer incense for her.”

“So, why not take this chance to choose another child from our clan, and register him under my mother’s name? What does Father think?”

Master Xie frowned, suspicion flickering in his eyes.

Xie Yao continued, “But I have one request that this person be as young as possible.”

Only then did his expression relax. Jing’er was already fourteen. If it were just a little child, naturally there would be no competition with him.

“This matter… let your father consider.” Master Xie still had concerns and did not immediately agree.

“This palace will await Father’s good news.” Xie Yao did not press. She believed someone was more anxious than she.

Master Xie left the Crown Prince’s residence with mixed emotions.

Just as he departed, Xiao Ji came out from the side, his gaze fixed on Xie Yao, full of admiration.

His Crown Princess was even more remarkable than he had imagined.

“Your Highness.” Xie Yao rose, her smile tinged with sincerity. “Your Highness came here, are you worried for me?”

“It was I who overthought.” Xiao Ji did not deny it.

He already knew the nature of the Xie family clearly, and naturally felt no reassurance toward them.

“It’s not that.” Xie Yao hooked her arm through his. “Your Highness worried for me, so I am very happy.”

At her words, Xiao Ji’s lips curved slightly, and his hand clasped hers more tightly.

The two walked together toward the main courtyard, ready for the evening meal.

Zhao Ying had an engagement today and did not return for dinner.

Seeing the table full of “tonic” dishes, Xiao Ji contemplated for a moment, then said, “Clear them away.”

The servants filed out one by one, and soon the hall was left with only Xiao Ji and Xie Yao.

Xie Yao felt an inexplicable guilt. “Your Highness?”

“Letting Crown Princess worry, it was my fault,” Xiao Ji said. “I had thought that last night already proved… that I am in good health. But now it seems Yao-yao is not quite satisfied?”

His gaze was dangerously sharp.

Xie Yao looked aggrieved. This menu had been arranged long ago, so she had simply forgotten to change it. “Your Highness, I—”

Before she finished, Xiao Ji had already pulled her into his arms, lowering his head to cover her lips.

“Yao-yao, I shall redouble my efforts, and perform well.”

Xie Yao wanted to cry without tears. Her whole body softened under his kiss, her hand weakly clutching his arm as she murmured plaintively, “Your Highness, I’m hungry…”

His deep, muffled voice whispered by her ear, “I shall feed Yao-yao well.”