Xie Wanqing was tired of saying these words.

Lu Ziyuan certainly understood, but he didn’t want to understand.

He smiled faintly and said, "I’ve considered this for a long time, and though it would be wonderful if I could win your heart back in this life, my Wanwan has such a heart of stone that she probably won’t love me again. That’s okay, having you is good enough for me."

What does it matter if they are estranged lovers.

Hate lasts longer than love. If she can hate him for a lifetime, it’s enough.

In any case, they must be together for a long time.

His madness, Xie Wanqing had experienced many times before, and each time it left her more shocked than the last, her eyes somewhat bewildered.

Lu Ziyuan quietly looked at her and said, "The Hidden Guard left by that sickly man is useless, with lax guards around you, it will provide an opportunity for others. Take this ring and don’t jeopardize your own safety."

As he spoke, he grasped her hand, intending to put the ring on her. Xie Wanqing quickly curled her fingers, "I won’t take it!"

She held onto the memory of being Mrs. Pei, absolutely unwilling to accept his token.

Moreover, as for why the guards were lax, wasn’t it because the Hidden Guard had been taken care of by his men?

As for saying the Hidden Guard was useless, that was pure nonsense.

How many in this world can compare to his Ming Fengming Jian?!

Those two are generals capable of standing alone, nurtured by him personally as trusted aides.

She persisted in refusing, and Lu Ziyuan couldn’t force her. After a long stalemate, he coldly smiled repeatedly and took the ring back.

Even though he was quite angry, her safety was ultimately more important, so he took a deep breath to calm himself and reminded, "Stay away from the Imperial Palace, from your aunt and cousin..."

Xie Wanqing was just about to speak when his fierce glare silenced her.

"And the Second Prince, he’s also restless," seeing she seemed startled, he softened his voice a bit, "Don’t have any dealings with them, not even minor entanglements, did you hear?"

Afraid she would stubbornly resist again, he said, "If you don’t want me to forcefully take you to the Northern Border, just nod your head."

"..." Xie Wanqing gritted her teeth and nodded.

Lu Ziyuan couldn’t help but sigh, "They say I love to threaten you, you see, if I don’t do this, you wouldn’t even bother to react to me."

He wanted to be courteous, not force her against her will, he truly wanted to cherish her with all his heart. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

But she didn’t give him a chance.

If he wasn’t strong or threatening, even slightly approaching her, she would have fled without a trace long ago.

What could he do?

Watching her be embraced by someone else, living a life without her?

If he could do that, this life would never have happened.

He would have been a ruler awake to power, reclining in beauty’s lap, an emperor whose word could decide the fate of millions.

But he had long fallen into obsession, with eyes and heart occupied by only one person.

"When I return from the Northern Border, the Crown Prince position will be as steady as a rock; during these days in the court, your cousin is frantically jumping around but cannot shake me one bit, maybe he will set his sights on you."

Fearing Xie Wanqing might be as unsuspecting as in the past, easily trusting others, Lu Ziyuan patiently recounted the court situation to her.

Finally, he said softly, "Since you don’t want to accept the ring, I will leave Ming Feng to look after you, having taken care of your eight hidden guards, I will make sure they are replaced..."

As he spoke, his expression became stern, and he seriously said, "Although my men are quite capable, the Royal Family does not keep useless people, your aunt and cousin have plenty of cards up their sleeves. If they were to become desperate and decide to target you, I fear the Hidden Guard won’t protect you."

If possible, Lu Ziyuan wished to keep her locked within his sight, ideally able to watch over and protection her everywhere.

The Capital City, as he described it, was akin to a dragon’s lair, a tiger’s den, leaving Xie Wanqing with a complex feeling when he held her shoulders.

"Promise me," he said, "even if you hate me, don’t jeopardize your own safety, don’t let them get close to you."

Xie Wanqing was at a loss for words.

She wasn’t foolish, she was living well, who would want to court death?

She wasn’t good at hiding her emotions, and Lu Ziyuan could clearly see her helplessness, his lips curled into a smile, and he softly said, "Did that sickly man tell you about the Second Prince?"

Xie Wanqing was taken aback, staring at him with a mix of suspicion and doubt.

She didn’t wonder how he knew, given he was the winner in the previous life, it was all too normal for him to know about the Second Prince’s fondness for playing with virtuous women.

Yet...

She frowned and said, "Why bring this up out of the blue."

Lu Ziyuan raised his brow slightly, "Since you know, remember not to travel with women involved with him, if any of them invite you, find an excuse to refuse."

As he spoke, he leaned in closer, sighed, "My foolish girl, wouldn’t you think only your aunt and the Crown Prince see me as a thorn in their side?"

The various Princes had grown up, which one wouldn’t be interested in the supreme position?

Once they know this girl is his soft spot, with her in hand, he could submit willingly, who wouldn’t be tempted?

Being his weakness, Xie Wanqing saw no pride in it, rather anger arose from her heart, "I’ve avoided you to the point of marrying someone else, why must I suffer because of you!"

Every word resented him as if he were a plague.

"Don’t be mad, Wanwan," Lu Ziyuan humorously appeased, "Ever since I awoke to memories of the previous life, I’ve restrained myself from approaching you openly."

The bloody lessons of the past lay before him; he feared she might get swept into the struggle for the throne, feared others would harm her again, to the point of gritting his teeth, suppressing his heartache, several times letting her return to another man’s side.

Now she had been married for so long, the time he stormed her bridal chamber was no longer mentioned.

Everyone thought he had let go.

There’s hardly anyone who knows this girl is his lifelong weakness.

But he still feared she might come to harm.

"You being safe allows me to wage battles in the Northern Border; should anyone dare harm you..." His eyes showed palpable fear, his jaw clenched unconsciously, he spoke word by word, "Wanwan, have you ever seen living creatures devastated?"

Each word left his throat tinged with a bloody scent.

Listening to him left Xie Wanqing truly terrified, her pupils quaked.

"Don’t be afraid," he soothed with a smile, "I won’t let anything happen to you."

Xie Wanqing stood dazedly, looking at the young man before her who had almost completely changed from what she remembered, unable to speak.

Then Lu Ziyuan continued earnestly explaining.

Every detail, all potential dangers, he spoke to her about.

By the end, his mouth was dry, and he couldn’t resist capturing the back of her neck, bowing down to kiss her.

"Sweet girl, don’t..." He whispered gently while kissing her, "Don’t... just let me taste..."

He didn’t take her to the bed, instead pushing her against the desk to kiss her.

The kiss carried a hint of urgency and recklessness.

Xie Wanqing was caught off guard by the kiss, startled, her lips instinctively opened wanting to say something, but even her breath was seized by him completely.