The Phoenix is Back - Chapter 171

Chapter 171 Better Frighten The Snake
On the second day, the moment Xiao Xiwei came out, he saw the horse wearing a black long robe with narrow embroidered dark patterns. At the corner of his sleeve, there was an auspicious cloud embroidered with golden threads. There was half a jade pendant tied around his waist and a large grey brigade draped over it. This heavy color had completely washed away his originally warm face, leaving behind an indescribable coldness between his eyebrows.

“Princess, it’s fine. This servant has already spread the news. I believe that His Highness has already dealt with it.” Zi Yan lowered his eyes and said to Xiao Xiwei in a voice that only the two of them could hear.

Actually, what she was worried about wasn’t that Xizhi hadn’t figured out how to deal with it, However, since Chu Yanzhi had appeared here, he must have been suspicious. If Xizhi did something then, even if he did it cleanly and without any flaws, according to Chu Yanzhi’s caution, he would be able to infer that Xizhi was still alive. Wouldn’t that be very disadvantageous to Xizhi’s future plans?

The thick curtain was lifted. Xiao Xiwei held Hong Yu’s hand and was about to get on the sedan chair when Chu Yanzhi’s voice sounded from behind him.

“Princess.”

Xiao Xiwei turned around and blessed Chu Yanzhi slightly.

Chu Yanzhi jumped down from his horse and walked a few steps to Xiao Xiwei.

At this moment, the snow had cleared up. The sun above his head was warm and soft. The sky was azure. Countless shadows fell and shattered into those clear pupils. However, there were no ripples.

From the beginning to the end, there was only nothingness in that pair of beautiful pupils.

Chu Yanzhi’s gaze slowly slid past Xiao Xiwei’s body, and the corner of his mouth gradually curved into a gentle smile. His voice carried a hint of intimacy as he said, “Why didn’t I see you wearing a jade pendant?”

Xiao Xiwei raised her eyes to look at Chu Yanzhi. With a single glance, she lowered her head and said, “Is there anything else, Your Highness?”

Although it was only one glance, it was enough for Chu Yanzhi to see the exhaustion and pain in her eyes.

Chu Yanzhi pulled the corner of his mouth and said, “It’s a long way to Chao An Temple. Your body is heavy now. I’m afraid that you’ll be hungry on the way, so I specially asked someone to prepare some snacks.” After saying that, he took a yellow pear apricot blossom carton from the attendant behind him and handed it to Xiao Xiwei. “There are red date cake, mixed cake, walnut cheese, jade bean cake and chestnut cake inside. If you’re hungry, you can pad it first.”

Does he really think that our prince is dead?

When Zi Yan heard Chu Yanzhi’s words, her heart immediately exploded with anger. Without waiting for Xiao Xiwei to speak, she smiled and blessed herself. She said to Chu Yanzhi, “Thank you, Your Highness. Actually, this servant has already prepared snacks for the princess. Besides, my princess does not like these snacks.”

However, Chu Yanzhi did not seem to have heard it. He did not take back the box of food and only looked at Xiao Xiwei with a smile.

Xiao Xiwei weakly turned around and got into the carriage. The moment the curtain fell, her hoarse and tired voice came from inside.

“Zi Yan, accept it.”

Although Zi Yan was angry in her heart, due to Xiao Xiwei’s words, she still reached out to receive the food box in Chu Yanzhi’s hand. Returning to the carriage, Zi Yan was puzzled, “Wang Shan, why did you accept this dessert?”

Xiao Xiwei slowly opened her eyes and looked at the delicate food box in Zi Yan’s hand. “Then what reason do you think I have for not accepting it?”

Zi Yan was still puzzled.

Xiao Xiwei sneered and curled the corners of her lips. She reached out to open the food box in Zi Yan’s hand and took a look inside. “Do you think a woman who had lost her husband and wanted to give birth safely and protect her would be able to refuse a powerful prince?”

Before Zi Yan could finish her words, Xiao Xiwei’s cold gaze swept over. Zi Yan was shocked, and immediately swallowed the rest of the unspoken words, “Princess …”

“Princess, the road is bumpy. You should lie down for a while.” Hong Yu helped Xiao Xiwei to support the pillow behind him and said softly.

Xiao Xi nodded slightly and then slowly laid down with Hongyu’s hand.

The carriage arrived at the foot of Chao An Temple’s mountain. The abbot of Chao An Temple, Aunt Chen, had already led the monks and nuns in the temple to wait at the foot of the mountain. When Imperial Concubine Yan’s group arrived, she hurriedly greeted them, “Amitabha, greetings to Imperial Concubine Yan.” After saying that, he bowed to Chu Yanzhi and Xiao Xiwei, “Greetings to His Highness and Princess.”

Chu Yanzhi smiled faintly, “Teacher is too polite.”

“I don’t dare, I don’t dare.” Liao Chen smiled kindly.

“Why is Abbess Hui missing?” Imperial Concubine Yan looked around and said indifferently.

“Recently, it has been cold. Senior Sister didn’t catch a cold. She was also afraid that the cold would affect the Consort. That’s why she didn’t come out to welcome the Consort, His Highness, and the Consort. Please forgive me, ladies and gentlemen.” Lao Chen clasped his hands together and performed a Buddhist salute.

“Have you invited a doctor to take a look?” Imperial Concubine Yan hurriedly asked with concern.

“I’ve already invited the doctor to take a look. Please rest for a few days.” Liao Chen replied kindly.

Imperial Concubine Yan nodded. “Back then, I was sent to the Chao An Temple. I was unaccustomed to the environment and often fell ill. Thanks to Abbess Hui, I was enlightened.” With that, she turned her eyes to Ruo Su, who was supporting her, and said, “You go get Imperial Physician Song. In a while, I went to see Imperial Consort Hui.”

“Yes.” Ruo Su bowed sideways.

Lao Chen smiled and immediately stepped forward to guide Imperial Concubine Yan’s group.

Since the nobles in the palace wanted to stay in Chao An Temple, they naturally had to avoid them. Aunt Chen had already cleared out the courtyard on the east side behind An Temple. The courtyard was spacious and quiet, and would not be disturbed by pilgrims who came to offer incense. In addition, the scenery was very good. It was suitable for guests like Imperial Concubine Yan and Princess Yan to stay in.

After separating from Imperial Concubine Yan, Xiao Xiwei brought the palace maids back to his courtyard. Hong Yu and Zi Yan brought the other two palace maids to sum up the salutes they had brought.

The garden that Liaochen had prepared for Xiao Xiwei was in the southeast corner of the courtyard. The courtyard was paved with bluestone paths, and there were a few Cui Zhu planted on the roadside. This Cui Zhu happened to be facing the warm bed in front of the window. When the weather was clear, he sat on the couch and brewed a pot of good tea. Facing this cluster of dark green, his mood was a little more comfortable. At this moment, Xiao Xiwei was sitting in front of the couch, quietly looking at the bunches of Cui Zhu.

“Aunt Chen is also diligent. However, it would be good if we could plant a few more plum blossoms in this courtyard.” Following this voice for a long time, a tall figure slowly walked towards Xiao Xiwei.

Hearing the sound, Zi Yan, who was currently saluting, hurriedly walked over. Seeing Chu Yanzhi, her heart was truly very tired, but she did not dare to reveal it on her face. She only blessed him slightly and immediately stood vigilantly in front of Xiao Xiwei.

Chu Yanzhi faintly glanced at Zi Yan and then smiled, “Why haven’t I seen the girl beside you who likes to wear jade clothes?”

“Is Your Highness talking about Bi Yun?” Xiao Xiwei looked up at Chu Yanzhi coldly.

Chu Yanzhi nodded and said with a smile, “Yes, I usually see her by your side all day long. Why didn’t you see her when you came out this time?”

“Recently, Tuanzi is so sluggish that she refuses to eat, so she went back to Prince Yan’s Mansion to take care of Tuanzi.” Xiao Xi looked at Chu Yanzhi expressionlessly.

“Dumpling?” Chu Yanzhi frowned and looked at Xiao Xiwei in confusion.

“Tuanzi is a tiger.” Xiao Xiwei said again, looking at Chu Yanzhi with a cold expression.

Chu Yanzhi smiled.

He had heard that Chu Xizhi had given Xiao Xiwei a cub tiger last year, but he didn’t expect that this cub tiger was still alive.

“Does Your Highness have anything else to ask?” Xiao Xiwei looked at Chu Yanzhi, his eyes unable to conceal his exhaustion, but this exhaustion carried a trace of impatience.

Chu Yanzhi naturally understood why she was impatient. If it weren’t for the fact that she wanted to protect the child in her belly now, she probably wouldn’t even be able to bear to give him a single glance today.

Subconsciously, Chu Yanzhi shifted his gaze to Xiao Xi’s slightly bulged abdomen.

If only the child in her stomach was his.

Unfortunately …

“Your Highness, my princess is tired all the way. She needs to rest.” Zi Yan stepped forward at the right time and said to Chu Yanzhi.

Chu Yanzhi withdrew his gaze and smiled at Xiao Xi. “I heard that the scenery of the Marriage Lake in winter is very beautiful. It’s good to invite the princess for a walk. However, since the princess is tired, let’s change the date.” After Chu Yanzhi finished speaking, he smiled and turned around. When he walked to the door, he seemed to think of something and then turned around. “Although this garden is quiet, it is not as quiet as the palace. In order to prevent someone from ramming into the princess, this king has already sent someone to guard the courtyard.” After saying that, he hooked his lips towards Xiao Xiwei and stepped out of the door.

“Princess, what do you think he has in mind?” Zi Yan looked at the door in disgust, then turned around and frowned at Xiao Xiwei.

Xiao Xiwei did not say anything, but her originally clear eyes gradually became heavy.

If she was Chu Yanzhi, since she already had doubts about her and Consort Yan’s trip, and suspected that Xi Zhi was still alive in this world, then she would definitely not follow them to Chao An Temple. If it was her, she would definitely lay a net in secret. If Xi Zhi was still alive, wouldn’t it be better to capture her in one go? But why did Chu Yanzhi follow him? If he really suspected that Xi Zhi was still alive, then wouldn’t he be alarming him by doing so? However, Chu Yanzhi was not such a stupid person! So, why did he do it?

At this moment, Xiao Xiwei was not the only one who had the same question.

In the secret room of Prince Yan’s Mansion, Chu Muzhi revealed his suspicions.

Chu Xizhi looked at the complicated patterns embroidered on the silver cloak on the couch. His ink pupils gradually emitted a faint hint of hostility.

“Royal Brother, why aren’t you speaking?” Chu Muzhi looked at Chu Xizhi worriedly.

Actually, he wasn’t worried that Chu Yanzhi suspected that Seventh Brother was still alive. As long as Seventh Brother didn’t appear, then everything would be ignored peacefully. Everything could proceed according to Seventh Brother’s original plan. However, looking at Seventh Brother’s current appearance, he was certain that he would be able to get the Imperial Sister-in-law out of Chao An Temple. In this way, if he revealed a trace of carelessness, he would definitely be caught by Chu Yanzhi. Moreover, since Chu Yanzhi dared to openly go to Chao An Temple, he had naturally made great preparations. Seventh Brother, I’m afraid that …

“Seventh brother, why don’t we wait?” Chu Muzhi looked at Chu Xizhi carefully and said.

Chu Xizhi raised his sword-like eyebrows and looked at Chu Muzhi with a clear gaze. “What did you say?”

“Seventh Brother” Chu Muzhi still wanted to persuade him, but when he touched the determination in Chu Xizhi’s eyes, he was unable to say anything else.

He had waited long enough, and if he waited any longer, he didn’t know if he would go crazy.

He knew that Chu Yanzhi was already suspicious, and he also knew that he would be in danger of being exposed this time. In fact, all of his previous plans would fail because of this. However, he really couldn’t wait any longer.

He had lived his entire life to protect her, but if he had done all this at the expense of putting her in danger, he would rather not.

Nothing is more important than her.

Moreover, the most important point was that there was only one reason why Chu Yanzhi appeared at Chao An Temple, and that was that he really fell in love with Xiwei.

He was afraid that if he was still alive, Xiwei would completely escape from his palm. Therefore, he would rather risk alarming the enemy and hold Xiwei firmly in his palm.

This was what he was most worried about.