Because I went to bed too late last night, the next morning, it was almost noon before I woke up.

  These days of continuous marching, although Nan Xiangyu has slowed down the journey considering my physical condition, after all, I have been on the road for too long and haven't had a good sleep. Now that I've returned to my familiar and comfortable bed, I can finally sleep in until I wake up naturally, and my heart feels a long-lost laziness and relaxation.

  I can feel the warm sunshine gently shining into the canopy, but I still indulge in the comfort and laziness of waking up from my first sleep. Like a cat, I bury my face in the pillow that has been warmed and softened by the sun, rub against it for a few seconds, and then open my eyes contentedly.

  I was about to get up, but unexpectedly bumped into Nan Chengyao's gaze that seemed to be fixed on me. I was startled and subconsciously asked: "Your Highness, why didn't you go deal with military affairs?"

  These days, although sleeping together every night, he has been extremely strong, getting up early every morning to practice sword and manage military affairs. His governance is strict, but no one complains, largely because the commander leads by example.

  He made very light movements every time he got up, but I was still woken up several times. At this time, he would smile and gently kiss my forehead, saying it's still early, go back to sleep.

  Most of the time, I didn't even notice when he left, so today I lost control and thought it was like usual, that he had already left and I was alone.

  Suddenly I remembered that my little movement just now had probably fallen into his eyes, and I couldn't help but feel a heat on my face. However, he smiled even more deeply at the corner of his lips, stretched out his hand to pull me into his arms, and said with a low laugh: "The days are short and the sun rises high, from now on the king will not attend early court, what's the point of dealing with those military affairs?"

  My face grew hotter and hotter, but in my heart, I had already come to a realization. Returning to the capital, he was once again the carefree and insolent Third Imperial Prince in the eyes of the world, so it was only natural that he would be even more at ease and comfortable.

  I raised my eyes, but saw that he was smiling even more deeply because of the redness on my face. I felt a little embarrassed, but in my heart, I didn't want to show weakness, so I took a deep breath and forced myself to smile calmly, saying: "Your Highness wants to deceive others, but you're using Qing'er as a scapegoat. If people don't understand the truth, they'll think that Qing'er is really seducing the master."

  He smiled and leaned in, his warm breath brushing against my neck, making me feel numb all over. His voice was low and husky, with a hint of a smile: "Who says it's not? I didn't know that the princess would be so adorable and charming when she first wakes up... how can I bear to leave for the morning court?"

  His voice gradually faded away, and he gently kissed my earlobe. My body trembled, and a tingling sensation spread from my earlobe to my entire body. I couldn't bear it anymore, so I forced myself to lift my hand and press against his fingers that were slowly wandering on my back. With a mix of shyness and pleading, I called out: "Your Highness..."

  His hand paused for a moment, and then he said in a low, husky voice: "If it weren't for other important matters, I really wouldn't let you off."

  My face turned bright red, although it couldn't be seen, but I knew that roughly everyone could have bled out, I didn't dare to move at all, and could only keep my head down, not speaking a word, even holding my breath.

  He smiled again, then let me go and got up, put on his middle garment, and called the maid waiting outside to come in and serve him.

  Shu Ying came in to help me change and wash, while Xun Yun helped him put on his outer robe. Fang Qing held the opening of the door and said: "Your Highness, the imperial sedan chair from the palace has been waiting for a long time."

  I was taken aback and asked in puzzlement: "Isn't the celebratory banquet supposed to start tonight, why would the imperial sedan chair come at this time?"

  Nan Chengyao said indifferently, "The celebration banquet is to balance the overall situation. Before that, Father Emperor wants us to enter the palace and go to Xuanzheng Hall to show our appreciation."

  "Us?" I was taken aback again.

  He nodded: "Yes, Father said to bring you along, and also Zhao Mo and Ouyang Xian."

  I'm a bit puzzled, this time the conquest of Northern Hu was a great achievement, Qin Zhao, Zhao Mo, Ouyang Xian and Lin made the most contributions. Now Qin Zhao is still stationed in Mo Bei, Lin's identity is special and needs to avoid suspicion, the other two should have entered the palace first to show appreciation, but I don't understand why I was called upon.

  He couldn't help but look at Nan Chengyao and sighed lightly: "Your Highness, how did you explain it to the outside world? Qing'er is probably not worthy of it."

  He turned his eyes to me and smiled: "No matter how others praise you, just make a reasonable appearance, besides, there's nothing you can't afford."

  I felt somewhat helpless and turned to Xun Yun asking: "When did the imperial carriage arrive?"

  "It's already been waiting since 5 am."

  I was startled, took a glance at the high-rising sun outside, and feared that even half of the morning had already passed. I couldn't help but feel slightly anxious, turned to Shuying and said: "Shuying, quickly help me get that pale pink embroidered white plum blossom dress, I'll take care of my hair myself."

  Nan Chengyao smiled and walked to my back, directly taking the hairpin from my hand and wanting to pin it on my hair: "What's the hurry, just casually say a few words."

  I lightly slapped his hand, snatched the jade hairpin: "It's all because Your Highness didn't tell me, if I had known earlier, I wouldn't have overslept. Now it's already chaotic enough, so please don't add to the trouble anymore."

  Meeting the Emperor, I naturally wouldn't be flustered. As a daughter of the Murong family, I'm already standing at the forefront, how could I dare not be cautious everywhere? It's really called "the Son of Heaven has been waiting for a long time", even if it's under the name of Nan Chongyang, there will always be something to pick on.

  He smiled and gave up, watching me dress in front of the mirror, saying: "It's not a big deal, how could I bear to disturb the queen's good dream? I woke you up, but it wasn't to go into the palace."

  He was taken aback, and he turned to Xun Yun and asked, "Has Chun Yu arrived?"

  Xun Yun replied: "He's already waiting in the front hall, accompanied by Miss Sang."

  Nan Chengyao nodded: "Otherwise, with his temper, how could he wait for so long."

  I suddenly understood, just as I was about to speak, Shu Ying had already brought over a dress for me to change into. Nan Chengyao smiled slightly and held out his hand: "Let's go, we're going now. If we're late, Yi Zhen's temper is such that even Sang Muqing might not be able to calm him down."

  "I softly said: 'Your Highness, I have nothing more.'"

  He smiled faintly, but his voice was firm: "I know Su Xiuzhen's medical skills are excellent, but having one more person take a look can't hurt."

  As he spoke, he took the veil that Xunyun had prepared and personally put it on me, then wrapped his arm around my shoulder and led me straight out the door.

  "But Your Highness, the imperial carriage..."

  "No rush, let them wait."

  I was led by him to the front hall with a seemingly calm but actually irresistible attitude, and I couldn't help feeling a little helpless. In my heart, some inexplicable feelings also surged up because of the person I was about to meet. The Sanmu Qing of the Wujing Lou, Xun Yun called her, Miss San, didn't seem like someone I had just met.

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