Chapter 23: The Lotus Leaf is Pounded by Rain

  "Come on, give me your hand!" Xiaoyang leaned forward and stretched out one hand. "Don't be afraid, big brother won't let you get hurt."

  She gazed at him pitifully, yet no matter what she didn't dare let go of his hand.

  "Heavens, don't be afraid, quickly give me your hand, quickly!" Just as the horse carriage was about to crash into the city wall in front of them, Xia Yang could no longer remain calm, and anxiously turned red-eyed.

  The wheel was suddenly propped up by a stone, and it bounced high. Xia Tian let out a cry of surprise and subconsciously stretched out her hand. Xia Yang seized the opportunity and pulled her onto his horse's back, quickly turning the reins to the left, and with a neigh, the horse finally changed direction at the last moment, galloping towards the city gate.

  Summer lay on the horse's back, her head buried in Xia Yang's chest, desperately clutching his collar. Her clothes were soaked from the outside in, and the wounds on her body had started bleeding again after being jostled around, but fortunately she was wearing a red dress today so it wasn't noticeable. The torn wound stung as it came into contact with the rainwater and occasionally rubbed against the saddle, the pain was almost unbearable. She didn't know if it was from the cold or the pain, but she trembled uncontrollably in his arms, letting out a low cry.

  Although he had shaken off the pursuers behind him, Xia Yang still didn't dare to relax, holding the person in his arms, and even felt a little grateful that he could protect her by her side. His arm tightened slightly, despite the strong wind and heavy rain, but at this moment, his heart was exceptionally full, and his life was also the most complete.

  Feeling her discomfort, he hastily lowered his head. "Tian'er, what's wrong?"

  Her eyebrows were tightly knotted, her eyes closed, and her eyelashes trembled incessantly with a wet sheen. Her small, delicate teeth bit into her lower lip, which was normally luscious but now pale with a hint of purple.

  He was shocked and discolored, with a hint of chaos in his eyes. Suddenly realizing something, he raised the arm that was holding her left hand, and the bright red on his palm was even more dazzling than the color of her dress. His breathing suddenly stopped, and he felt like he had fallen into an ice cellar all at once, one shiver after another. Hadn't he protected her well enough after all?

  In the Mengwang Mansion's Mowang Pavilion, a woman dressed in magnificent palace attire stood with her back to Yuan Long, her hand covering her mouth as she laughed so hard that she was gasping for breath. The flowing tassels on the golden phoenix hairpin slanted at her temple trembled and swayed back and forth, shining brightly and dazzlingly.

  "Unexpectedly, Aunt still remembered those mischievous things Long Xiao did when he was young so clearly."

  "That's natural." Princess Chao Yang turned back, wiping away the tears of laughter from the corner of her eyes. "I remember everything about you brothers! When you were young, you were the most mischievous one among your brothers. Who would have thought that as you grew older, your temper became even colder?"

  Yuan Long's mouth curled up, but his eyes remained icy. "Long Qiao still remembers that at that time, Auntie liked the fourth brother the most."

  Her smile froze for a moment, then suddenly turned radiant again: "What? Is little San blaming Auntie for being mean to you?"

  "Long Qiao didn't dare. Long Qiao just felt honored and surprised."

  "Alas, it seems that's not the case. Auntie will definitely come to visit you more often from now on. By the way, I heard that you've taken in a new queen, hurry up and call her out for auntie to take a look."

  "The emperor has summoned, and Dragon Chui had just ordered her to enter the palace first, I'm afraid you won't be able to see your aunt today." Yuan Longchui's apathetic tone was as unshakeable as thunder.

  "Is that so!" The tone of the Empress Dowager was full of regret, but her eyes betrayed another emotion. "You also know that after your emperor father drove me out of the palace, I have been living in seclusion and isolation from news. You child didn't speak up earlier, but it has delayed your important matter."

  "Why must you say such things, Aunt? Is it because you refuse to see Father?"

  "Your Highness, forgive me, I have something to report." Zhou Song stuck his head out from the edge of the courtyard door and interjected in a soft, urgent voice.

  "What's wrong?" Yuan Long raised his eyes, his gaze calm and serene, but his heart skipped a beat for no reason.

  "A guard has returned with an urgent report, the princess's carriage was ambushed on its way into the palace."

  Zhaoyang Princess blinked her eyes and stared tightly at Yuan Longqiao's face.

  "Then send someone to rescue him and tell Ben Wang what else is useful." Yuan Longqiao said nonchalantly.

  "Little three..."

  "Auntie, don't mind it, it's just a small matter. The servants in the mansion will handle it." His expression didn't change at all, still as calm and collected as ever. Princess Zhaoyang couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. "She is your queen, aren't you worried about her at all?" she asked reluctantly.

  "Why worry!" Yuan Longqiao leaned back and gazed at the lush cypress trees in the courtyard, sneering: "It's just a woman, could this king still be short of women?"

  "You! No wonder everyone says you're heartless." Whether it was sympathy for the cold-hearted nephew in front of her or pity for the niece-in-law she had never met, Princess Chao Yang let out a sigh and her expression became more genuine.

  "Should Auntie return to the manor or enter the palace with Long Xiao?"

  "Uh... I'm not feeling quite well today, so I was wondering if the Qingming divine doctor from your manor could come and take a look?" She said with a smile, her eyes sparkling.

  Her eyes gleamed with a cold, unnoticeable sarcasm. Yuan Long turned around and said, "Qing Ming is an eccentric doctor who never examines women. If he has offended you, I hope you will spare him for my sake, Miss Zhou Song."

  "I'm here."

  "Send Princess Changle to Chunji Garden."

  "Yes."

  Until the two figures disappeared from view, Yuan Longqiao slowly walked out of the Mo Forgetfulness Pavilion.

  "Would Your Highness like to have your horse ready?" The small eunuch guarding outside the courtyard stepped forward and bowed.

  His dark pupils contracted for a moment, and Yuan Long struggled slightly before saying calmly, "No rush, let's go to Duo Miao Xuan first."