41 Chapter 41 Conviction (1/2)
'Why? How? Am I dreaming?' The fifth prince's mind is in shambles. His heart is trembling with different and opposing emotions. He is happy to see his beloved woman but also mourning in the fact that she is already married, and to his eldest brother and emperor at that. He also regretted trying to harm her during her wedding and really happy that she turned out safe. He had complex emotions that he forgot to control his facial expressions. One moment he was pale and wide eyed, the next he would smile then look sad. It was funny, but not for Feng Jun Yi. He knitted his brows in confusion to his brother's unusual reaction.
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Lin Xulian maintained her warm smile while trying to walk and act elegant. But in truth she is currently irritated with her hair. It was pushed up tightly and secured with numerous hairpins and clips that made her scalp sting. Her multiple layered red robes with embroidered peonies didn't help and burdened her even more. When the crisp sound of the shattered teacup echoed through the hall, Xulian subconsciously halted her step and look at the direction of the sound.
Seeing the stunned look on the fifth prince's face, she knew he recognized her as the woman he met a few days ago in the restaurant. A flash of mischievous light passed by Xulian's eyes. She gave him a small nod and a perfectly beautiful smile. But when she lifted her head she narrowed her eyes the same way the fifth prince did on her wedding, except she made him notice it intentionally. But instead of accepting her challenge, the fifth prince avert his gaze with an uneasy look on his face. Seeing this, Xulian got confused.
Seeing their exchange, Feng Jun Yi narrowed his eyes. When they reached the front, the crowd kneel and greet the couple. ”Longlive the emperor and empress!” After the greetings, Feng Jun Yi and Lin Xulian sat on their seats and the emperor raised his arm to make them rise. Not able to contain his curiosity anymore, he whispered and finally asked Lin Xulian. ”The fifth prince is looking at you in a weird way. Do you know why?”
Xulian just shrug her shoulders. ”He must have been shocked seeing me.”
”Why is that?”
”I bumped into him a few days ago in a restaurant in the city.”
Feng Jun Yi narrowed his eyes for the nth time now. ”In the city? You didn't tell Zhen that you went out of the palace. Zhen remembered you are not allowed to until after this banquet.”
'Shoot! I totally forgot.' Xulian gave him a sweet smile and tried to explain. ”I was too bored and nervous for this banquet. I had to go out and unwind.”
Feng Jun Yi sighed and just shook his head helplessly. He knew this woman is too hard to control. He just had to accept it and clean up after her if needed. He is her husband after all.