After I transmigrated, the cold king clung to me every day.

Chapter 23 Return safely

Upon reaching the capital's gates, the guards stood tall and straight, like javelins. The lead guard, with piercing eyes, immediately spotted the Ninth Prince, Murong Yi, his gaze instantly shifting from wariness to awe and delight. He immediately knelt on one knee, performing a perfect salute, and said loudly, "Welcome back to the capital, Ninth Prince! Your Highness has had a long and arduous journey, and we have failed to greet you properly. We beg Your Highness's forgiveness. We have been worried about Your Highness day and night since your departure, and it is a great relief to see you return safely." He then raised his head, his eyes filled with concern and comfort.

When the guard saw Lin Qianqian beside Murong Yi, he was taken aback at first, but then recognized her as the daughter of the Prime Minister's family. Although Lin Qianqian's return this time was very different from the past, the guard still dared not be negligent in the slightest. He quickly stood up, bowed to her, and said respectfully, "Greetings, Miss Lin."

Murong Yi slightly raised his hand to signal the guards to stand up. His expression was dignified but also showed a hint of fatigue. He said, "Get up. Miss Lin and I have experienced many twists and turns on our return. We have important matters to report to the Emperor in the palace."

The guards quickly stepped aside to make way, and said in unison, "Your Highness, please. Miss Lin, please."

Murong Yi and Lin Qianqian entered the capital side by side, followed by Xiao Die and a group of guards. The capital was as prosperous as ever, with shops lining both sides of the streets, people coming and going, and noise filling the air.

The second eldest daughter of the Su family, Su Yao'er, was strolling around the capital with her maid. Her arrogant and haughty demeanor made it seem as if nothing in the capital was worthy of her attention.

Inadvertently, she caught a glimpse of the Ninth Prince. When she saw that there was a woman dressed in gorgeous clothes beside the prince, and that it was Lin Qianqian, the eldest daughter of the Prime Minister's family who was engaged to the Ninth Prince, she was first stunned. Then, a meaningful smile appeared on her lips, and a sly glint flashed in her eyes.

Su Yao'er was secretly delighted, seeing this as a golden opportunity. Although she herself had no feelings for the Ninth Prince, her illegitimate sister, Su Wan'er, was deeply in love with Murong Yi.

"Hmph, Su Wan'er, the Ninth Prince you've been thinking about all day is currently enjoying intimate time with Lin Qianqian. I'd like to see how long you can maintain this infatuated look."

Su Yao'er muttered maliciously, "I'm going to exaggerate what happened today and tell her about it, to humiliate her properly and make her realize her place, so she can stop having such wishful thinking. Maybe after my outburst, she'll lose her composure and do something stupid, and then it'll be even more interesting to watch."

A cruel smile crept onto Su Yao'er's lips, as if she could already see Su Wan'er heartbroken and in tears, utterly disheveled. Her steps quickened, eager to return and deliver this "bad news" to Su Wan'er.

Emperor Murong Xuan was in his study, surrounded by a mountain of memorials before him. Yet, his vermilion brush barely touched the paper, his thoughts completely scattered. He was preoccupied with the disappearance of Murong Yi and Lin Qianqian, his mind racing with various possible scenarios, growing increasingly melancholic with each thought.

Just as Murong Xuan was frowning and sighing, a guard rushed in, knelt on one knee, and announced loudly, "Your Majesty, the Ninth Prince and Miss Lin have returned!"

Upon hearing this news, Murong Xuan abruptly stood up from his dragon throne. His previously dim eyes instantly lit up, and the worry on his face was replaced by surprise and anticipation. "Really! Where are they now?" he asked urgently, his voice filled with barely concealed excitement and relief. He couldn't wait to know the details of the two's ordeal.

The guard continued, "They're waiting at the gate now, saying they have something important to report!"

"Quickly, summon them to the palace immediately!" Murong Xuan said, unable to contain his joy.

"Yes!" the guard replied and went out to inform the Ninth Prince and the others.