Upon Li Gonggong's arrival, he saw this scene and immediately stepped forward to tidy up the desk, advising, "Your Highness has been busy these days, it's better to take a rest. Although the disaster is urgent, Your Highness's health is also important."
Li Gonggong had served the Crown Prince since childhood and had almost grown up with him, so they had a close relationship and could speak freely.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Jinghuan didn't say much, only sighing, "I've known for a long time that the officials in the south have been too comfortable for too long, and they've become lax. I had thought they were all truly talented, but now it seems I had overestimated them. In the past two months, there have been numerous disaster relief plans, but none have been fully effective. If this continues, it will be... "
As he spoke, he hesitated slightly, as he had always remembered the things from his previous life, often worrying about them, which only intensified his sense of urgency.
Wasn't this putting the cart before the horse?
In his previous life, all those matters were ultimately incited by someone behind the scenes, taking advantage of the situation.
Now, as long as he thoroughly resolved the disaster situation first, he would have the leisure to handle all other matters.
Thinking like this, he couldn't help but chuckle, not saying much, and asked Li Gonggong, "Earlier I heard a commotion outside, who has arrived?"
Li Gonggong's eyes flickered slightly and he immediately smiled, "It's the young lady Su who had sprained her ankle last time."
"Oh?" Zhao Jinghuan paused, and in his mind, the image of Su Mo'er's charming appearance emerged.
Li Gonggong observed his expression and inquired, "Your Highness, should I send her away?"
After coming to his senses, Zhao Jinghuan hesitated for a moment, then waved his hand, "Forget it, let her in."
Su Mo'er was waiting nervously outside Dingxi Building with Qingyu, and saw Li Gonggong approaching with a pleasant smile.
Li Gonggong always had a smiling face, and Su Mo'er couldn't figure out what he meant, so she could only ask as he approached, "Li Gonggong, does His Highness want to see me?"
"You've been waiting for a long time," Li Gonggong flicked his feather duster and said with a smile, "Hurry, follow me inside."
Only then did Su Mo'er realize that she had been successful. Her heart was full of joy at the moment, and she couldn't help but express gratitude to Li Gonggong.
Li Gonggong laughed, "I just passed on the message. Whether he agrees to see you or not is up to His Highness. Don't delay any longer, hurry and follow me, His Highness is waiting for you."
She didn't really believe what he said, knowing well that many things, often hinged on a word or two spoken by these people here.
At this moment, she had no desire to say more and could only thank Li Gonggong again before taking the food box from Qingyu and instructing her, "Wait outside."
Qingyu nodded excitedly, "I understand, Miss, please go."
Following Li Gonggong, Su Mo'er entered the Dingxi Building. This wasn't her first time here, but it was undoubtedly the most nervous time.
She had rashly decided to meet the Crown Prince. She had no idea how he would take it.
But now, she could care less about that.
Regaining her composure, she heard Li Gonggong calling out from outside the study where the Crown Prince was working, "Your Highness, Miss Su has arrived."
Shortly thereafter, a low, cold voice came from inside, "Enter."
Li Gonggong smiled at Su Mo'er, opened the door, and Su Mo'er took a deep breath, fixing her posture, and glanced at Li Gonggong.
Surveying her from head to toe, he then nodded, signaling to her to proceed. Only then did Su Mo'er feel a sense of relief, gratefully nodding to him and entered the room, holding her skirt.
The study was filled with the fragrance of ink and books, creating a sense of ancient and solemn grandeur within the crimson building.
Further ahead, beyond a landscape screen, incense wafted from an octagonal incense burner, exuding a refreshing scent that seemed to invigorate the spirit.
Seated behind the desk, Zhao Jinghuan sat upright, his back straight, his eyebrows slightly furrowed, as handsome as a celestial being in the moonlit mountains.
A beam of orange sunlight shone through the window, making him look more lively, while the right side was shrouded in slightly dim light, creating a shadowy atmosphere.
The contrasting light and shadow, if placed elsewhere, would have been conflicting, but on him, it produced a peculiar sense of beauty. The cicadas outside were chirping, indicating the peaceful passage of time.
Seeing this scene, Su Mo'er couldn't help but be slightly stunned. Unconsciously, the nervousness that had filled her heart had calmed within the tranquil room.
Until Zhao Jinghuan finally raised his head and looked at her, with his cool and sharp gaze, fixed upon her, Su Mo'er couldn't help but shiver inexplicably, her heart fluttering slightly. She respectfully bowed and said softly, "Highness, peace be upon you."
Zhao Jinghuan stared at the young girl in front of him, her demeanor flawless, without any faults.
Compared to these, she clearly knew how to highlight her own advantages.
Her posture seemed ordinary, yet it perfectly showcased her graceful figure. Her slight incline of the head and lowered eyes revealed a slender, fair neck. Her earlobes dangled exquisite pearl earrings, accentuating her radiant beauty.
She stands in a sophisticated spot, faintly illuminated by a soft light, and the changing scenes complement this beautiful picture.
Zhao Jinghuan stared for a while before speaking in a subdued tone, "I did not summon you today, why did you come?"
Su Mo'er stood still, steadying herself after being scrutinized by him, and said in a low voice, "When I heard that Your Highness had returned, I specially came to return the cloak that Your Highness had given me for protection the last time."
As she spoke, she offered the neatly folded cloak and said, "During this time, I washed it clean, then used fragrant dew to remove the smell of sunlight, and let it sit for a few days before coming to return it today."
Zhao Jinghuan glanced at it, not paying much attention, "It's just an object, no need to go to so much trouble. But since you brought it, just leave it there."
Su Mo'er continued, "How can that be? Your Highness's belongings are precious, I cannot tarnish them."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Jinghuan involuntarily made a sound of acknowledgment, and looked at her with a smile that was hard to discern, "You are considerate."
Upon hearing this, Su Mo'er blushed and her heart raced, unsure if his words were suggestive of something or meant something else.
She thought, hoping that he truly understood her intentions, then her hard work would not have been in vain.
But she also understood that this statement alone was not enough, so she quickly and shyly said, "I came here today to thank Your Highness for your help last time. After returning to the Yanshui Pavilion, following Your Highness's instructions to treat my ankle, the pain and swelling decreased in just a few days. I should have come earlier to thank Your Highness, but at that time Your Highness was busy, and I didn't want to disturb you, so I delayed for some time."
"Today, upon hearing that Your Highness had returned, I thought that while Your Highness is busy helping the people, you might have neglected yourself, so I was moved. Unfortunately, I was not able to help ease Your Highness's worries, so I could only personally make some nourishing soups and snacks to offer Your Highness as a token of my gratitude."
After she finished speaking, carrying the food box, she raised her watery eyes, full of anticipation, and stared at Zhao Jinghuan.
That look, as if a negative word from him would make the watery gaze in the beauty's eyes roll down like pearls.
...
Author's Note:
Q: What to do with such a delicate beauty?
His Highness: Dote on her!
Good night~