无翼乌工口里番无色无摭挡

Li Hongyuan said, “So he’s just hanging around you all the time?”

“He’s protecting me. Otherwise, how could I have caught you?”

“Doesn’t he need to sleep?”

“Actually, I don’t know. He appears and disappears like a ghost. But as long as I call for him, or I’m in danger, he’ll definitely be the first to arrive.”

“In a way, he seems to be the most important person by your side.”

There was an unmistakable jealous tone in that comment.

Jiang Ning pretended not to understand and asked, “What are you doing here so late? Aren’t you afraid Emperor Father will find out you snuck out of the Prison of Court of Judicial Review?”

“Even if he knows, what can he do, kill me?”

“Is it that straightforward?”

“This prince is telling the truth.” Li Hongyuan reached out his hand, “You’ve been standing for quite some time.”

Jiang Ning laughed, “Just for a short while, there’s no need for your help.” “What? Gucheng can help, but this prince can’t?” He said whilst grabbing her wrist, leading her back to the bedroom and sitting her down, then asked, “Where are the children?”

“You came to see the children?”

“Are you disappointed?”

“Not at all.” Jiang Ning poured him a cup of tea, “The children are staying with my mother. The wet nurse and Chunlai, as well as a few other maids, have gone there too. My aunt also came to help take care of them for a while. They’re growing up well, can walk now, and even say a few words.”

“Can they speak already?”

“Only a few words.”

“I wonder if they can call dad.”

“If taught regularly, they can learn it quickly.” Jiang Ning thought of the little ones learning to speak and unintentionally smiled, “Third Brother often goes to amuse them. Lingzi calls him uncle all day long, it’s quite interesting.”

Li Hongyuan sat on the chair across the bed, his back straight, hands on his lap, quietly listening, without saying a word.

Jiang Ning paused.

“Why did you stop talking?” Li Hongyuan looked at her, his deep black agate-like eyes unreadable.

“I’m afraid you don’t like hearing it.”

“This prince likes it.”

“I know you love both children very much, and you must miss them after not seeing them for so long. It’s too late today, but next time…”

“Next time, I will personally pick up the three of you and take you back to the mansion.”

“When?”

“In three days.”

“How can you be so sure? Has Emperor Father decided not to punish you?”

“He’s had me locked up for almost three months. Isn’t that enough punishment already?”

“I heard that Li Jixian’s leg is completely useless now.”

“That’s right.” Li Hongyuan glanced at her leg, “I originally thought, they broke your leg, so I would break his. I didn’t expect that your leg would have a chance at recovery.”

“If the Princess Consort had done the same to my leg, my fate would have been the same as Li Jixian’s.” Jiang Ning asked him, “Do you regret it?”

“Regret what?”

“Severely injuring the Crown Prince.”

“If it weren’t for Emperor Father and your father arriving at the East Palace that day, I would have killed him.”

“Aren’t you afraid Emperor Father would kill you for that?”

“Kill me?” Li Hongyuan laughed, “If he killed me, who would inherit his realm?”

Jiang Ning laughed, “Have you become foolish from being in prison so long? Have you even forgotten that you have an older brother called Prince of Wei? He’s just as capable as you, if not better.”

Li Hongyuan looked at her and slowly said, “Three months ago, Li Jixian was just as good.”

Jiang Ning:”…”

She hurriedly said, “Prince of Wei didn’t provoke you, did he? You’re not planning to disable him too, are you?”