Chapter 402 The Robust Imperial Consort 13 (1/2)

Chapter 402 Robust Imperial Husband 13 The Empress above gave her a doting look, then Zi Xi shrugged and patted Ling Siran's shoulder before returning to her seat as if nothing had happened.

The palace banquet continued in a subtle atmosphere, but everyone's mind was clearly no longer on the singing, dancing, and wine.

Looks like it's time to choose sides.

Even after the palace banquet ended, Ling Siran was still unable to calm down.

The scene in the hall just now kept replaying in his mind.

The warmth of His Highness's arm around his shoulder, the resounding defense, and the unwavering domineering presence in the face of doubt.

Every scene was deeply imprinted in his heart.

Seeing her walk alone towards the Imperial Garden, Ling Siran followed her almost without thinking.

Zi Xi rested her chin on her hand, leaning against the railing, gazing at the cold moon reflected in the pond, lost in thought.

Hearing footsteps, she turned around and was somewhat surprised to see Ling Siran.

"Your Highness."

Ling Siran stopped in front of her, his tall figure stretching long in the moonlight.

He was a little nervous, his hands clenched into fists.

Zi Xi looked at him quietly, without urging him.

Ling Siran took a deep breath, as if using all the strength he had in his life to lift his head.

"Your Highness..."

"I... am clumsy and inarticulate, and I have neither stunning beauty nor the ability to conceive..."

He looked at her, his voice trembling slightly with excitement, and a hint of inferiority flashed across his face.

"But... I want to dedicate my life to protecting your joy and ensuring your safety."

Ling Siran slowly knelt on one knee, looking up at his wife, who was as bright and distant as the moon in his heart.

Even if the road ahead is full of thorns and dangers, I will have no regrets.

This was the most humble yet courageous confession he could make, a man despised in a matriarchal society for his ugliness and incompetence.

The moonlight shone on his angular face, gilding his hard features with a gentle silver edge.

At this moment, only pure, unconditional loyalty remains.

Zi Xi was stunned.

As she watched his kneeling figure in the moonlight and listened to his clumsy yet resolute vows, a frozen corner of her heart seemed to be struck hard by something, cracking open with a tiny fissure.

She was silent for a moment, then slowly reached out and gently helped him up.

"Get up."

Zi Xi's voice sounded much gentler than usual in the quiet night.

Ling Siran stood up as instructed, his tall figure appearing somewhat lost in the candlelight.

The courage I had when I confessed my feelings seemed to vanish completely with that kneel, leaving only my usual restraint.

He dared not look at Xiao Zixi again, his gaze wandering to the shadow on the ground.

However, Ling Siran had just steadied himself and hadn't even taken a step back.

Zi Xi suddenly stepped forward, stretched out her arms, and without saying a word wrapped her arms around his strong waist, pressing her cheek against his warm chest, which was not yet fastened and was slightly exposed.

Ling Siran's body stiffened abruptly, as if he had been struck by a pressure point, and his blood froze at that moment.

He could clearly feel the softness of her body, smell the cool fragrance of her hair, and hear his own heart pounding wildly and uncontrollably in his chest.

"Your Highness... Your Highness?"