Lin Zichan’s eyes moved slightly, looking at Xiao Luming.

Xiao Luming blushed a little under Lin Zichan’s gaze, "I acted this way because you risked your life to save me yesterday. As the Crown Prince, I always reward and punish distinctly."

Lin Zichan suddenly smiled.

Xiao Luming frowned.

This guard, how dare he laugh at him?!

The key was that he didn’t dislike it at all.

There was also a sense of fulfillment for being acknowledged.

Xiao Luming pursed his lips, his expression serious, "Don’t go against the Crown Prince."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Xiao Luming left with a red face.

Lin Zichan lay back on the soft couch.

He closed his eyes, filled with her disdain for him.

In her heart, there should no longer be anyone!

...

Half a month later.

Xiao Wu returned to the Imperial Palace after taking leave.

Only then did he learn that Lin Zichan was sent out of the Imperial Palace due to injury, reportedly only for two days.

Xiao Wu returned to Xiao Luming’s side, noticing the distracted look on his face, politely asked, "Your Highness, do you have any worries?"

Xiao Luming snapped out of his daze upon hearing Xiao Wu.

He put down the book, "I wonder if Guard Lin’s health has recovered yet?"

"Is Your Highness worried about Lin Zichan?" Xiao Wu was slightly surprised.

The Crown Prince’s character was much like the Emperor’s, indifferent to ordinary matters.

How could he be so gloomy over Lin Zichan?

"His condition was grave when he left the palace. I don’t know if he’s recovered after all this time." Xiao Luming didn’t hide this from Xiao Wu.

"I will check on Lin Zichan’s condition after returning today and report to Your Highness tomorrow morning." Xiao Wu said.

"If Lin Zichan is well, bring him to the palace with you tomorrow." Xiao Luming instructed.

"Yes, Your Highness." Xiao Wu replied courteously.

He was also surprised at the Crown Prince’s concern for Lin Zichan.

The following day.

Xiao Wu took Lin Zichan into the palace.

On the way to the East Palace, they happened to meet An Ning.

"Greetings, Empress." Xiao Wu hurriedly bowed.

Lin Zichan also knelt beside Xiao Wu.

An Ning glanced at Xiao Wu.

She naturally saw Lin Zichan as well.

Xiao Wu noticed An Ning’s gaze and quickly explained, "His Highness asked me to bring Guard Lin into the palace."

An Ning pursed her lips.

Xiao Luming truly cared about Lin Zichan.

An Ning nodded and walked past them.

Watching the Empress leave, Xiao Wu stood up and continued towards the East Palace with Lin Zichan.

As they walked, he mumbled to himself, "The Empress must be going to see the Emperor, right? Lately, the Emperor and Empress’s relationship has deepened. Since the Emperor changed, the Empress seems to love him more."

Lin Zichan’s fingers unwittingly clenched into a fist.

Love the Emperor more...

Upon reaching the East Palace.

Seeing Lin Zichan, Xiao Luming’s mood visibly improved.

"Guard Lin, how is your health?"

"Your Highness, I’m in good health." Lin Zichan replied respectfully.

Xiao Luming frowned.

He felt Lin Zichan seemed a bit down today, somewhat repressed.

Could it be that he’s unhappy to see the Crown Prince?!

"Since you’re recovered, stay by my side from now on." Xiao Luming commanded directly.

"Your Highness, Master Wu has returned. I should go back to my former position." Lin Zichan refused.

Xiao Luming frowned.

Xiao Wu was also a bit shocked.

Who wouldn’t want to serve directly under the Emperor and Crown Prince? The salary alone was higher, not to mention the distinguished status.

Lin Zichan’s brain must be muddled.

"You don’t wish to stay by my side?" Xiao Luming’s expression darkened.

"I’m unable to, worried I might fail to protect Your Highness and cause injury." Lin Zichan said bluntly.

"Are you still upset because my mother nearly punished you yesterday?"

"I wouldn’t dare. I’m just inadequate for the task; please grant me this, Your Highness." Lin Zichan firmly said.

Xiao Luming’s disappointment was hard to conceal.

Yet he was always proud and never forced anyone against their will.

Since Lin Zichan was unwilling to be his guard, he’d leave it be.

"Suit yourself." Xiao Luming feigned indifference, but was clearly angry.

Lin Zichan glanced at Xiao Luming.

Ultimately, he said nothing more.

At that moment.

"Empress arrival announced." A sudden report came from outside.

Xiao Luming controlled his emotions and rose to greet her outside the hall, "Greetings, Mother."

"Brother."

From beside An Ning popped out the lively little An Youyou.

"Youyou."

"Mother and I are about to leave the palace." An Youyou said excitedly.

She almost danced upon speaking.

Xiao Luming’s expression changed noticeably.

Lin Zichan’s gaze shifted slightly.

"Mother, will you still take Youyou and leave..."

"Don’t worry, Luming." An Ning reassured him, "When I returned from outside the palace, I promised Zhang Wenhe and Yan Jinyao I would visit Wen Zhou to assist with the business. Now I’ve been gone six months and wish to see their situation. Youyou has been complaining of boredom, making my head ache, so I’m taking her there, ten days or half a month at most."

"Oh." Xiao Luming sighed in relief.

He almost feared Mother and sister would leave them again.

"When do you depart, Mother?"

"Tomorrow." She said.

"Does Father know?" Xiao Luming asked.

"I told him yesterday."

In truth, Fu Xingyi was reluctant for her to leave.

But he never forced her, always indulging her desires.

"The journey is long, Mother, take more people with you." Xiao Luming advised.

"Guan Yu and the others remained in Xun City, they’ll be waiting when we leave tomorrow."

"Is Uncle Zhang not coming to personally escort you?" Xiao Luming was surprised.

"The decision to go was sudden, no time to inform them. With Guan Yu and the others, it’s enough."

"No." Xiao Luming expressed concern, "I cannot rest easy. Mother should take some guards along the way."

Before An Ning responded.

"Lin Zichan." Xiao Luming ordered directly, "Since you don’t wish to be by my side, I’ll have you escort Mother to Wen Zhou, without failure."

Lin Zichan’s eyes moved slightly.

He turned his gaze to An Ning.

An Ning originally refused.

She didn’t want to travel ostentatiously, trying to minimize the entourage.

Yet looking at Lin Zichan, she hesitated.

"Mother, I would not feel at ease if Guard Lin weren’t by your side." Xiao Luming noticed his mother’s hesitation and quickly added.

An Youyou also turned her gaze on Lin Zichan, excitedly saying, "I want Guard Lin to go to Wen Zhou with me, I like Guard Lin."

An Ning frowned.

What charm did Lin Zichan possess?

To quickly gain such favor from both her children.

"Mother, please agree." An Youyou tugged at An Ning’s hand, pleading playfully.

An Ning took a deep breath, "Guard Lin, prepare to depart tomorrow with us to Wen Zhou. Remember, this journey must remain confidential, no leaks, or you’ll be held accountable."

Lin Zichan accepted, "Understood, I comply."

Xiao Luming suddenly felt relieved.

Aside from genuinely wanting extra protection for Mother and sister, he hoped the trip to Wen Zhou would alleviate Mother’s prejudice against Guard Lin.

He felt Guard Lin would stay with him if not for Mother.

If Mother no longer targeted Guard Lin, then Guard Lin would have no qualms.