For a confidant, easing the master’s burdens is a duty.

However, this matter is truly tricky. Erqing frowned and glared at Yun Jin, who refused to leave the window, angrily saying, "This creature is just like its master, only knowing how to make things difficult for you, my lady."

Yun Jin, being quite intelligent, knew it was being scolded. It opened its sharp beak and flapped its wings, about to pounce. Xie Wanneng was startled and hastily stopped it, "Don’t!"

As she spoke, she stepped forward to shield Erqing.

The black hawk was already a giant in the sky, and Yun Jin was even more fierce, trained by Lu Ziyuan. Its combat prowess was not weak, especially with its sharp beak and claws, capable of attacking and defeating several elite soldiers.

If Erqing were really struck by its claws, she might survive but not without shedding a layer of skin.

Fortunately, Xie Wanneng’s command was very effective. Yun Jin retracted its claws, circled around her, cried out, and obediently flew away.

However, the bamboo tube hanging around its neck fell to the ground next to Xie Wanneng because of its previous pouncing motion.

Erqing picked it up and shook it with lingering fear. A dull metallic sound came from inside.

"There seems to be something inside, my lady. Should we open it?"

There was even a gift.

Xie Wanneng was also taken aback, then shook her head and instructed, "Throw it away."

After saying so, she reconsidered, thinking if someone else picked it up...

"Forget it, just throw it into the bottom of the dressing box and wait for Yun Jin to bring it back next time."

......

Prince Zhenbei Mansion, study room.

Lu Ziyuan stood by the window in a dark narrow-sleeved robe, his hands clasped behind him, his gaze falling on the pink buds in the courtyard pond.

Unknowingly, early summer had already arrived.

Everything was ready, and he should head to the Northern Border to fight against the Jin Dynasty.

He needed a great victory to rally the people’s hearts. Once victorious and returning to the capital, the position of the Crown Prince would be without doubt. With military power in hand and popular support, he could rule in chaotic times without anyone swaying his decisions. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Even if he were to seize a minister’s wife, no one would dare question him.

Including the Emperor.

Regarding war, Lu Ziyuan feared no one. In his past life, the Jin Dynasty was defeated by him, and now it was merely a familiar task to handle again.

He was simply worried about that lady.

Although he had arranged guards for her, having experienced despair, he still felt that no amount of precaution was enough.

...If someone who couldn’t see the situation clearly realized her importance and moved against her.

Just imagining the danger she might face, possibly even... death, made the youth, unfazed by battles, uncontrollably nervous and trembling.

In his past life, what he regretted most was not taking her to the Northern Border, resulting in her being plotted against by Lu Xiyao.

And now, she had become someone else’s wife. If he forcibly took her away, with that lady’s fierce nature, who knows how ruthless she might be.

He prided himself on being decisive, yet whenever he encountered Xie Wanqing, he became hesitant and indecisive.

Suddenly, a shadow swiftly descended from the sky, flew through the window, and landed on Lu Ziyuan’s arm.

Despite the strong impact, Lu Ziyuan stood motionless. He looked down at his beloved pet, his eyes, slightly cold, lighting up as he noticed Yun Jin’s empty neck.

"She accepted it?"

Yun Jin let out a cry, flapped its wings guiltily, and flew far away.

Lu Ziyuan stood there dazed for a moment, perhaps because he had been rejected for too long, suddenly feeling it wasn’t quite real.

After all, she despised him extremely; how could she be willing to accept his gift?