Return of the Swallow

n blinked, then was overcome by delightful surprise.
She hadn’t had a chance to see Pang Xiao ever since that day.
They had such a great shared destiny in bumping into each other here!

Observing the princess’ expression carefully, Li Qitian came to certain realizations based off of her reaction.
It looked like his plan of arranging a meeting between Pang Xiao and Li Helan had been right on the money.

Otherwise, if Li Helan’s attentions were all transferred to Ji Zeyu, then his previous arrangements would’ve all been for naught!

“Show him in.” The emperor’s resonant voice echoed in the imperial study, pulling an obviously daydreaming Li Helan back from her surprise.

Eunuchs pushed open the door as soon as his command sounded.

Pang Xiao strode in quickly with impressive momentum, sporting a dark-purple, tightly cuffed-sleeve robe.
A small, purple-gold crown sat in his hair.
“This humble subject greets Your Majesty!”

Being naturally tall and limber, his brocade robe further offset his natural air of nobility.
The pair of phoenix eyes set under sharply angled eyebrows needed only to flick a glance at Li Helan to send her into captivated infatuation.

Absence really does make the heart grow fonder! A day away feels like three seasons.
Now that she’d seen Pang Xiao, any bad feelings she’d had were all swept away.

“…Lan’er!”

The princess abruptly came back to her senses when she heard her brother’s exhortation.
She lifted her eyes and realized with a shock when she met impatience hidden in her brother’s eyes that her mind had wandered off again.

“What are you thinking about?” the emperor pressed.
“Are you feeling unwell because you’ve caught a cold?”

“Nothing of that sort, royal brother.
Lan’er is very well.” Li Helan smiled at Pang Xiao.
“Big brother Pang’s robe today is very nice.”

Pang Xiao quickly raised a cupped fist salute.
“This subject wouldn’t dare.”

The princess snuck a quick peek at her brother before continuing, “We grew up together.
Didn’t I always call you that? Royal brother doesn’t mind.
Do you, brother?”

The princess’ cutely requesting look elicited a wave of distaste in Li Qitian.

He couldn’t be bothered to investigate why Li Helan was so frivolous.
He’d reached his goal, so he didn’t want to look further into things.

Therefore, he smiled with extreme gentleness and admonished in a mild tone, “This is nonsense.
How are the times now like they were before? You should be addressing Pang Zhixi as Your Highness.
Not to mention, you’re already married now.
Ji Lan and Pang Zhixi are the best of friends.
What will Ji Lan think if you call Pang Zhixi with the same name as before?”

Blushing ferociously, Li Helan didn’t have a response to that.
She couldn’t help but shoot a sidelong glance at the prince to gauge his reaction.

She was afraid of seeing distaste and also afraid of seeing sheer indifference.

Naturally, she saw the latter.

Pang Xiao stood with his hands at his sides, a picture respectful obedience.
He wasn’t affected in the least by Li Helan’s words and didn’t think anything of her at all.

Her joy at seeing him was made no more by his coolly indifferent attitude.

Li Qitian knew what to do after seeing the two this way.
“Lan’er, you are dismissed.
We have business with the Faithful Prince of the First Rank.”

“Understood.” The princess took her leave, but not without casting some lingering looks at Pang Xiao’s lanky and handsome back before she did.

Li Qitian chuckled when the doors to the study closed.
“Don’t mind that.
The girl’s been spoiled rotten by the empress dowager, but there’s not a bad bone in her body.”

“Not at all.
The princess is innocent and straightforward with a pure heart.
What would this subject mind?”

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