Rumor Has It That I’m Pregnant with His Highness’ Child - Chapter 197

197 We Are Husband and Wife!

Xiao Juan lowered his eyes. “I’m stupid and don’t know what to do.”

The old emperor regarded him steadily for a moment.

If Prince Min had died in the prison cell of the Justice Department, he would not have had to worry about him returning to his fief.

At the end of the day, Xiao Juan had to bear some responsibility for this matter.

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The old emperor said, “I need you to do something.”

Xiao Juan immediately said, “Your Majesty, please instruct me.”

The old emperor’s expression was solemn as he spoke unhurriedly.

“Liaodong County has been very restless recently. Coincidentally, Prince Min’s fief is in Liaodong County. This is an opportunity. I will send you to escort Prince Min and his son back to the fief. When you reach Liaodong County, think of a way to find out about the leak of the border map. I want to know, who is the one colluding with the enemy to betray the country.”

Xiao Juan cupped his hands in response.

“As you command.”

The old emperor softened his tone slightly.

“It’s a long journey. You won’t be back for half a year. You and Yu Niaoniao are newlyweds. The two of you should have the strongest relationship. If you separated now, Yu Niaoniao would probably feel uncomfortable. Remember to calm her down before you leave. Don’t let her feelings for you go to waste.”

Xiao Juan said, “I want to bring Niaoniao along on this long trip.”

The old emperor frowned immediately, very disapproving of this.

“I know that you and Yu Niaoniao are deeply in love. However, it is a long journey to Liaodong County this time. A weak woman like Yu Niaoniao would definitely not be able to withstand it. With her around, it would slow your progress. If you want to bring her out to play, you can do so when you’re free in the future. Let it go this time.”

Xiao Juan explained unhurriedly, “Niaoniao is a good rider. She won’t slow us down. She is good at drawing people. Previously, the Justice Department had relied on her drawing to capture Li Qiao. I’m bringing her to Liaodong County this time because I wanted her to use her skills to help me find the traitor.”

The old emperor was skeptical. “She has that ability?”

“If you don’t believe me, you can call Niaoniao over and have her draw a portrait on the spot.”

The old emperor glanced at Wei Huai En, who stood waiting.

Wei Huai En understood and immediately bowed and left.

He sent someone out of the palace to find the princess.

Soon, Yu Niaoniao was brought into the palace.

Before she could figure out what was going on, someone stuffed a paintbrush into her hand.

Wei Huai En spoke to her.

“Please draw a portrait according to my appearance.”

Although Yu Niaoniao was filled with doubts, she still obediently did as she was told.

The old emperor and Xiao Juan stood behind the screen.

Through the screen, they could see Yu Niaoniao engrossed in painting.

Soon, a portrait was drawn.

Wei Huai En visibly paused when he saw the portrait.

He had also hired someone to draw a portrait of him, and he was a famous painter in the capital. However, none of the drawings were as real as the portrait in his hand.

The person in the painting looked almost identical to him. The degree of likeness was amazing.

Wei Huai En took the portrait to the emperor, who was also shocked by the authenticity of the portrait.

If he had not seen Yu Niaoniao draw with his own eyes, he would not have believed that this was actually done by a young lady.

This time, he was really impressed by Yu Niaoniao.

“I didn’t expect your County Princess to have such ability. I underestimated her previously. I specially allowed you to bring her along to handle the case.”

Xiao Juan cupped his hands and replied, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

The old emperor said, “Remember, the most important thing on your trip is to find out the truth about the border map. As for the other people and things, you don’t have to take them too seriously.”

The tone of his voice when he said this was clearly indicating something.

Xiao Juan lowered his head. “I’ll remember.”

He understood that the old emperor was reminding him that escorting Prince Min and his son back to their fiefdom was just an excuse. He didn’t have to take it too seriously.

And why would the Emperor say that?

Xiao Juan had a bold guess. He was afraid that their journey to Liaodong County would not be peaceful.

The emperor left with Wei Huai En.

Xiao Juan walked around the screen and stood in front of Yu Niaoniao.

“Let’s go back.”

Yu Niaoniao stood up and took his hand. She asked curiously.

“Why did you suddenly call me into the palace to draw?”

Xiao Juan told her about taking her to Liaodong County.

Yu Niaoniao was overjoyed. She did not expect there to be a public holiday.

She followed Xiao Juan out and said with a smile.

“You’re still the most loyal. You didn’t forget to bring me along when going out to play.”

Xiao Juan corrected him. “This is not for fun. It’s for an errand. The leak of the border map of Liaodong County is not a small matter. We have to investigate it clearly.”

Yu Niaoniao clenched her fists. “As husband and wife, we are united!”

Xiao Juan raised his hand and patted her head.

When Granny Xiu Yan found out that the Duke was actually bringing the Princess Consort to Liaodong County, she immediately felt terrible.

“Liaodong County is so far away. Princess Consort is so delicate. How can she withstand it?”

Yu Niaoniao comforted her. “Don’t worry. When I was in Bashu, I often went to my grandfather’s house to play. Sometimes, I even followed Uncle and the escorts. I’ve been to many places.”

When Granny Xiu Yan heard this, her heart ached even more.

“Poor you, a rich young lady. You actually have to go out to be an escort.”

Yu Niaoniao did not know whether to laugh or cry.

“What are you thinking? I was just going out with the escorts to broaden my horizons. It’s not as hard as you think.”

Granny Xiu Yan wiped her tears.

“Once you’re out the door, everything outside is difficult. It was fine with Duke Lang. In any case, he was thick-skinned. It did not matter how hard he suffered. But you’re different. Your body is precious. You can’t suffer.”

The thick-skinned Xiao Juan was speechless Why did he feel that he was so worthless?

Yu Niaoniao said, “With His Highness around, I won’t suffer.”

Granny Xiu Yan knew that the emperor had already given the order and there was no room for negotiation.

No matter how worried she was, she couldn’t change the ending.

She wiped her eyes and composed herself. She asked someone to prepare the things the duke and princess would need when they went out.

Yu Niaoniao turned around and saw Dang Gui looking at her anxiously from behind the door.

She called her over. ‘What’s the matter?’

Dang Gui mustered her courage and spoke loudly.

“I want to go to Liaodong County with you!”

Yu Niaoniao was surprised. “Why? Wouldn’t you be more comfortable at home?”

Dang Gui shook her head vigorously. “I don’t want to be separated from you.”

Ever since she lost her memory, she had been by Yu Niaoniao’s side. The thought of being separated from Yu Niaoniao for so long made her feel uneasy. Even the food would become less fragrant.

She took Yu Niaoniao’s hand and begged.

“Just take me with you. I can do your laundry, carry your luggage, and cook for you…”

Yu Niaoniao interrupted her. “There’s no need to cook. Don’t waste food.”

Dang Gui hung her head. Tears welled in her eyes, like a poor abandoned puppy.

Yu Niaoniao rubbed her head.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take you with me.”