For two days, An Ning didn’t get out of bed.

Really, no exaggeration.

She completely experienced what it’s like to have a sore back, leg cramps!

Xiao Jinxing is really such a beast!

The third day.

Only then did An Ning manage to get up, slightly recovering her energy.

She went for a walk in the backyard.

After some thought, she went again to Qiankun Hall.

After all, in the main hall, Xiao Jinxing couldn’t do anything to her.

And she missed him.

She walked into the main hall.

Besides Xiao Jinxing, there were two more people in the hall.

Everyone hurriedly knelt to greet her, "Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress."

"Rise," An Ning said casually.

As she headed directly towards Xiao Jinxing, her gaze suddenly paused.

She looked at Xiao Wu.

No.

To be precise, she noticed Lin Zichan next to Xiao Wu.

Lin Zichan stood apprehensively beside Xiao Wu, looking quite respectful.

Feeling the Empress’s gaze, he dared not raise his eyes, still keeping his head lowered.

"Ahem, ahem!"

Suddenly, the sound of Xiao Jinxing coughing filled the hall.

An Ning returned to her senses.

She turned her head to look at Xiao Jinxing, seeing his face dark with evident displeasure.

An Ning certainly knew what he was upset about.

She just hadn’t expected there really was someone like Lin Zichan.

Exactly the same as in her memory.

Yet the feeling was completely different.

She didn’t detect a hint of familiarity.

Far different from the feeling of their first meeting in her memory.

She walked to Xiao Jinxing and sat beside him.

Xiao Jinxing pulled An Ning’s hand into his palm.

Announcing his claim.

An Ning couldn’t help but chuckle.

This petty man.

"Xiao Wu, when are you leaving?" Xiao Jinxing asked sternly.

"I’m leaving tomorrow, so today I’ve specially brought Guard Lin for Your Majesty’s approval. Rest assured, Your Majesty, Guard Lin has been trained by me personally. When I’m not in the Imperial Palace, he will replace me in protecting the Crown Prince," Xiao Wu said respectfully.

"Raise your head for me to see," Xiao Jinxing commanded.

Lin Zichan lifted his head.

An Ning also saw Lin Zichan’s full face at this moment.

Xiao Jinxing coldly observed Lin Zichan, thinking that apart from his tall stature, his appearance wasn’t particularly handsome.

What was An Ning looking at?!

The more Xiao Jinxing looked at Lin Zichan, the more uncomfortable he felt.

Lin Zichan sensed the Emperor’s scrutiny but had no idea how he might have offended the Emperor. All he clearly saw in the Emperor’s gaze was discontent.

Lin Zichan’s heart trembled.

He had been delighted to be chosen by Lord Wu to protect the Crown Prince, thinking that once he gained the Crown Prince’s favor, he could stay by his side and enjoy wealth and rank.

Yet he had no idea why the Emperor disliked him.

Lin Zichan dared not speak.

Xiao Wu was also perplexed.

The Emperor had never met Lin Zichan, so why would he show hostility towards him?

Xiao Wu dared not speak either.

The atmosphere in the hall felt somewhat eerie.

"Let Lin Zichan protect the Crown Prince," An Ning spoke.

Thinking that with Lin Zichan, it was a kind of fate.

Though she didn’t know what kind of person Lin Zichan originally was, Xiao Wu recommending him meant he was certainly good, plus Xiao Jinxing wouldn’t casually let just anyone wear Lin Zichan’s shoes, so Lin Zichan wasn’t just anyone. She felt at ease with Lin Zichan protecting Luming.

Xiao Jinxing pursed his lips.

Though slightly displeased.

But since An Ning had already agreed, he nodded.

"Then I’ll take Guard Lin to meet the Crown Prince," Xiao Wu hurriedly said.

Thankfully the Empress intervened.

Otherwise, he would have been caught in a dilemma.

"You may leave."

"I take my leave."

Xiao Wu quickly left with Lin Zichan.

Outside, both breathed a sigh of relief.

Xiao Wu couldn’t help but ask, "Have you ever met the Emperor before?!"

"No, I haven’t."

"Then why does the Emperor dislike you?"

"I don’t know," Lin Zichan, really near tears.

He had no idea what he had done wrong.

Xiao Wu frowned.

He really couldn’t fathom the Emperor’s mind.

He only instructed, "Anyway, after I leave, protect the Crown Prince well, with no errors."

"Understood."

The two walked briskly towards the East Palace District.

Qiankun Hall.

In the hall, Xiao Jinxing continued to handle memorials.

After six months away from the palace, governmental affairs had piled up.

An Ning looked at the dense stack of memorials, feeling a headache.

"How did you know his name is Lin Zichan?" Xiao Jinxing reviewed the memorials and suddenly spoke, appearing casual.

An Ning relaxed, sitting beside him, sipping fine tea, feeling quite comfortable.

Remembering how she once accompanied Fu Xingyi while reviewing memorials...