Back at the palace, Jiang Ling gradually regained his composure. It was just because what Anna said was too shocking that he had such a strong reaction. Coupled with Chu Wenyu’s questionable history, it was natural for him to believe it at first.
However, as he cooled down, doubts started to creep in. One was a mere acquaintance, while the other was his lover; he wasn’t so blindly swayed by Anna’s words. In fact, what Anna claimed had many suspicious points. Firstly, how did she know about these internal matters?
Of course, he wouldn’t be foolish enough to confront Chu Wenyu directly this time. On the contrary, ever since returning to the palace, Jiang Ling had been observing Chu Wenyu’s every move, secretly hoping that the reality wasn’t as presented.
To avoid raising suspicions, this time, he maintained a very natural attitude. That night, when Chu Wenyu subtly inquired about his conversation with Anna, Jiang Ling offered a response that would make him more believable.
“Princess Anna suggested meeting after the concert, but I turned her down,” Jiang Ling replied casually.
As he gently stroked the person lying next to him, he still had mixed feelings.
“That’s about right,” Chu Wenyu lazily said. In his imagination, this time, Alpha’s openness went a bit too far.
However, to be on the safe side, the idea of peeking into Jiang Ling’s social accounts hadn’t been abandoned.
Not ignoring the subtle moment of contemplation in Chu Wenyu’s eyes, Jiang Ling lowered his head and kissed his forehead. He could roughly guess that this monarch might take some action again, feeling increasingly attuned to his thoughts.
Perhaps because he was still worried by the unfavorable speculations during the day, Jiang Ling no longer minded revealing his lingering resentment towards Zheng Ziang’s incident.
He asked in a low voice, “Your Majesty, why were you so fond of Zheng Ziang back then?” He suspected that if he hadn’t exposed the man’s deceitful actions, and as a monarch, Chu Wenyu would find it hard to tolerate such deception. Perhaps Zheng Ziang would also be very in line with Chu Wenyu’s preferences.
Chu Wenyu paused, took some time to recall the person Jiang Ling mentioned, and managed a faint smile. In truth, he had forgotten about this incident, and there had been no further instructions afterward. So, that person was probably still in jail. The overseer always strictly followed his orders, and at that time, he had spared the man’s life. After all, it wasn’t a death sentence.
“Is it because he falsely claimed credit for your achievements. Jealous?” Chu Wenyu teased, rubbing Alpha’s chin. The question caught him off guard. It seemed that Jiang Ling hadn’t let go of this matter.
“It’s not like I favored him that much.”
Jiang Ling recalled and felt that it was very obvious that Chu Wenyu had shown a clear interest back then.
“Well, he’s not bad-looking, to be fair,” Chu Wenyu said in a serious tone, deliberately teasing him. Of course, he couldn’t admit that it was to force Jiang Ling to take the initiative.
Jiang Ling looked deeply at the casually playful Chu Wenyu. He could sense the joking undertones but still suspected that there might be a hint of sincerity.
“So, Your Majesty spared him because of his looks?” Jiang Ling didn’t show anger, just quietly developing his own thoughts.
Chu Wenyu knew not to push the joke too far, as it could damage their relationship. Of course, he couldn’t reveal his own brutal actions, so he nonchalantly replied, “Of course not. What had to be done was done. He’s prohibited from military and political service and exiled to another planet.”
In fact, it is indeed difficult for Alpha to see him in the capital star again. Thinking of Zheng Ziang, Chu Wenyu’s eyes turned cold.
But, he acknowledged that the man had played a role in fostering his relationship with Alpha. Staying in jail was probably fitting; after all, he wasn’t a cruel person.
“It seems I’ll have to work on pleasing Your Majesty in the future,” Jiang Ling teased with a quirk of his lips, seemingly joking.
Speaking of this, Chu Wenyu felt energetic, “Naturally. I suggest you keep your distance from those who have evil intentions towards you.” Chu Wenyu smirked.
“Your Majesty, were there ever moments when you considered dealing with me because of my ignorance?” Jiang Ling didn’t continue along Chu Wenyu’s playful tone; instead, he smiled and steered the conversation towards this topic.
At the moment he asked, there was actually no trace of amusement in his heart. Chu Wenyu’s identity and character replayed clearly in his mind.
Jiang Ling seemed unable to believe that someone like Chu Wenyu would genuinely like a hostage. Perhaps it was love, but it might not be much different from favoring a pet that looked pleasant – possessive when pleased, with consequences if one dared to displease.
“Of course, like right now, I want to cut out your heart and see what’s inside, you still have her contact information.” Chu Wenyu forcefully poked Jiang Ling’s chest with his finger, evidently not over the part involving Anna.
“But I’m magnanimous; I won’t hold these things against you.” He still wanted to know the specifics of their conversation.
Jiang Ling held Chu Wenyu’s hand, his voice somewhat subdued.
“I suddenly remembered when I first arrived on Burke Star; I believed a servant’s words and almost served poison to Your Majesty. Now, I feel some regret.” He spoke with a heavy tone.
Chu Wenyu didn’t know why he brought this up suddenly, but seeing Jiang Ling in a low mood, he thought perhaps Alpha wanted to talk about their past and untangle some emotional knots.
He felt pleased that Jiang Ling cared so much about him, holding onto even these sesame-sized things.
“Don’t worry; I’m not that foolish. How could anything happen?” As for that spy, she had vanished into the interstellar void.
“Your Majesty didn’t even think of punishing me back then?” Jiang Ling questioned.
Chu Wenyu chuckled softly, finding Jiang Ling’s innocence adorable, then shook his head.
Leaning against Jiang Ling’s shoulder, the tangible sensation made Chu Wenyu somewhat dazed. Perhaps he hadn’t even considered that the hostage he once thought of using to instigate war would now be lying beside him.
However, for the thoughts he had back then, he naturally kept them buried deep within himself.
Jiang Ling had been carefully observing Chu Wenyu’s facial expressions and nuances, but the other seemed calm, even having an air of confidence – not what Jiang Ling wanted to see.
If what Anna said wasn’t accurate, then as a normal person nearly harmed, there should be some dissatisfaction, especially considering they had no emotional foundation at that time. Unless everything was under the control of the other, and the reason for not executing the original plan.
Maybe it was just as he thought.
Chu Wenyu was always carefree. During the days when Zheng Ziang entered the palace, he endured the other’s poor medical skills just for a bit of favor. Perhaps at that time, he considered finding someone who could bring him joy, similar to acquiring a pleasing pet, so he temporarily shelved the initial plan.
Unlike Zheng Ziang, he wasn’t so reckless, so the shelf life was a bit longer.
Jiang Ling felt a discomfort in his chest, like swallowing sour water. He didn’t want to speculate on Chu Wenyu like this, but he couldn’t forget what he read in the book, which was different from the modern world.
In the modern world, a breakup didn’t come with other consequences. But here, if he kept indulging in love-brained thoughts, he might end up repeating the fate of the original owner.
He couldn’t deny that he still liked Chu Wenyu, and perhaps it would be challenging to fall in love with someone else in the future. However, he felt like he had been in this vast and isolated palace for too long.
With clear eyes, Jiang Ling decided to wait until everything was clarified. If it turned out as he suspected, maybe taking a break for a while would be a good idea.
Hello, everyone ヾ(＾∇＾). I hope you enjoyed the story! If you’re feeling generous, please buy me a coffee, share/comment on my translated works! Check out the link below for early chapters. (๑>ᴗ<๑)
