Chapter Eight: Don't Expect Peaceful Days Ahead

"Go on, and don't call him 'bad daddy'," Su Jingluo suddenly realized the little one was present and felt she shouldn't speak so much in front of him; after all, he was far too precocious.

"Alright, I won't call him 'bad daddy' anymore. From now on, I'll just call him 'bad'," Yunbai nodded solemnly.

"No, your mother wants you to call him 'father,' and you are not allowed to add 'bad' to it. As for conflicts—what conflicts? There are no real conflicts. What happens between your father and me is a matter of tactical contest. Between you and him, it's a bond of blood. He is obliged to protect you, and you are responsible for respecting him." This child was far too adept at changing the subject, so she quickly corrected him. Su Jingluo believed that instilling proper values often meant quick corrections.

"But..."

"No buts," she interrupted before Yunbai could protest further. Reasoning with a stubborn five-year-old who clung to his ideas like a mule was indeed exhausting. Fortunately, she could always resort to gentle suppression. Yunbai pouted and swallowed his words.

Su Jingluo leaned against the quilt, rubbing her head. Yunbai, ever perceptive, scooted over and helped her massage her temples. The child was so small that he couldn't apply much pressure, but the soft touch was deeply comforting.

Relaxing, Su Jingluo began to think. The best path would be to divorce, take Yunbai, and open a medical clinic for a peaceful, steady life. But at present, that seemed unlikely. If it were just herself, it would be possible; however, judging by Xiao Jingxuan's demeanor, although he was hardly a qualified father, he did hold some affection for Yunbai and would not easily let go.

She needed a plan...

As she pondered, Su Jingluo drifted off to sleep.

Xiao Jingxuan watched as the three—mistress and servants—slept soundly on the bed, his gaze growing gentle. The events of these past days had been more lively than an entire year. It was as if he was meeting Su Jingluo for the first time, and the small, soft bundle nestled in her arms, when quiet, was surprisingly pleasing to the eye.

"My lord, should the princess and the heir prepare to enter the palace?" Zhuoyue An felt the atmosphere in the prince's residence was about to change. He had never seen such an expression on his lord's face.

"The imperial decree didn't specify when to enter the palace. What's the rush? Su Jingluo has been thoroughly exhausted these past days," Xiao Jingxuan replied, not even glancing at Zhuoyue An, his eyes still lingering on mother and child.

"Yes, yes, the princess has indeed worked hard," Zhuoyue An quickly flattered.

"Hmm? I merely mean that, in her current state, she might lose decorum before the emperor. I have no other intention," Xiao Jingxuan suddenly realized he was slipping out of character.

"Yes, yes, my lord is right. One must be cautious; the decree to enter the palace came so suddenly," Zhuoyue An thought that ever since the princess had begun to act freely, his lord seemed less astute. An inexplicable worry crept in.

"Hmph, and why do you think? All these years, when has the emperor ever truly trusted me? He worries I harbor ambitions, worries about my heirs. Now, Su Jingluo has stirred up such trouble, produced a child, and even mobilized the military last night. The emperor's mind must be in chaos," Xiao Jingxuan understood perfectly the role the emperor was playing.

"My lord, should I make arrangements for this visit to the palace?" Zhuoyue An grew increasingly uneasy.

"No need. The emperor confided in his close aides that this is merely to test my intentions and remind me of my place. He probably wants to meet the princess as well," Xiao Jingxuan's expression suddenly darkened, casting a resentful glance at Su Jingluo.

Whether Xiao Jingxuan was in a good mood or not, Zhuoyue An couldn't tell, but he was amazed by his lord's abilities—how could he know what the emperor and his confidants discussed, and so quickly? Truly, his depth and cunning were unfathomable.

Wait a moment! Did my lord just say something that sounded like he had just emerged from a vat of jealousy?

Su Jingluo was genuinely drained; though her fever had subsided, she slept for two whole days. Yunbai and Ruihuan had long since awakened, keeping vigil at the door, baring their teeth and glaring with their little eyes, forbidding anyone from entering.

Thus, as soon as Su Jingluo awoke, the room became lively. A group of maids and old attendants lined up with fresh clothes and jewelry, Xiao Jingxuan and Xiao Yunbai, father and son, stared at each other with big and small eyes, and Lin Feifei stood off to the side, weeping and wiping her tears.