Chapter 119: Has the Well Bug Struck Again?

“Is your strategy for governing the country the reason His Majesty is acting so pretentious today?” Xiao Jingxuan suddenly recalled the emperor’s attitude earlier. He wasn’t sure if Su Jingluo had slipped him some kind of potion or if the emperor truly believed their entire family were prodigies.

“That’s not it. I told him about your situation and experiences, including your lifelong mental health struggles. The emperor seemed to have an epiphany. But I can’t be certain if it was genuine or just an act. I suspect it’s because of that,” Su Jingluo admitted cautiously, unwilling to guarantee whether the emperor sincerely intended to treat this younger brother better from now on or was merely putting on a show.

“How dare you meddle like this?” The moment Xiao Jingxuan heard that Su Jingluo claimed he had psychological problems, his tone shifted instantly, laced with anger and a hint of sympathy.

His expression changed so swiftly—should she even mention the matter of the original owner being cursed with lust and life-and-death poisons? That wasn’t just stepping on his landmine; it was reckless dancing on a minefield. Saying it aloud might very well destroy her.

But some things must be faced. Swallowing her breath, Su Jingluo went on to reveal the sordid dealings between the original owner and the emperor, as well as the original owner’s bizarre behavior and twisted mindset.

Xiao Jingxuan fell silent, his eyes darkening with an inky blackness that made it impossible to discern whether he was angry or calm.

“Why tell me all this?”

The oppressive silence suffocated Su Jingluo, making it hard to breathe. Just as she was about to find a topic to break the tension, Xiao Jingxuan spoke again.

“Because I was wrong before. I don’t want to make the same mistake again. To truly reform, one must fully acknowledge their faults. You have the right to know.”

Su Jingluo didn’t want to hide anything from Xiao Jingxuan. If the two were to move on without lingering grudges, honesty was the only way.

Xiao Jingxuan turned his head, his gaze cold and unyielding, void of any emotion. How could this woman have such thick skin? To do something so underhanded and yet remain so candid—most people would have long since buried themselves in the earth out of shame.

Su Jingluo had been genuinely open, but Xiao Jingxuan’s emotionless, unwavering stare made her uneasy. Could he at least show some reaction? Staring so directly was downright intimidating.

“I know you’re angry. But since I’ve told you, it means I’ve decided not to repeat such actions. From now on, Su Jingluo will no longer be Su Jingluo,” she said firmly, reaffirming her resolve.

“Then who are you?” Xiao Jingxuan didn’t believe her. She had been insisting on leaving before, talking about starting a business, trying to shake him off. Was she now revealing her hand to say goodbye? Was this a case of giving up entirely?

“Huh?” Su Jingluo was a bit taken aback. She had only meant to sever ties with her past self, but was Xiao Jingxuan implying she needed a new name?

“You’re not Su Jingluo. Who do you want to be?” His eyes flickered nervously, a mix of panic and irritation swirling within them.

“You startled me. I thought you were going to say I should change my name and start anew. Become the Princess Consort of Prince Jing, the mother of Yun Bai. At least I won’t be a spy in the inner palace anymore—my conscience can’t bear it. But...” Su Jingluo hadn’t finished her sentence when Xiao Jingxuan suddenly stood, pulling her slender waist close.

Before she could react, his cool, trembling lips covered hers. Su Jingluo was surprised and stunned, her eyes wide with confusion. What madness had taken hold? Had some inner demon possessed him?

Xiao Jingxuan could feel her body stiffen, tense and rigid, yet he refused to let go. His tongue breached her teeth, gradually claiming her lips and tongue. The warm breath and sweet, clear kiss filled the room with an intoxicating allure.