Chapter 17 — The Crown Prince just got married, King Tinh is already waiting outside my room

The sound of killing and screaming behind him, the moment he stepped out of the gate, seemed to be separated by an invisible curtain, becoming vague and distant. The heat in his heart penetrated through the thin layer of clothing, dispelling the coldness of the night dew and the fear spreading in my heart. I closed my eyes, buried my face in his solid chest, I could clearly hear his steady but strong heartbeat, beat by beat, strangely soothing my tense nerves. He didn't immediately ask what happened, nor did he blame me for acting on my own. Just use that strong silence to tell me - he is here. It wasn't until he boarded the familiar carriage of Tinh Vuong Palace, carrying the gentle scent of cold pinewood, that he gently placed me on the soft mattress. He knelt on one knee in front of me, carefully removed the outer robe wrapped around my body, and examined the wound on my arm. The wound wasn't deep, but there was a lot of blood, and it looked a bit gruesome. He frowned tightly, took out a delicate porcelain bottle from his chest, poured out some white medicinal powder, and very gently sprinkled it on the wound. The medicinal powder touches the skin, bringing a cool feeling, soothing the burning pain.

“Just bear with it a little.”

He spoke softly, using a strip of clean cloth to carefully bandage the wound. Throughout the entire process, he was strangely focused and patient, as if he were handling a fragile treasure. I lowered my eyes to look at his lowered eyebrows, long drooping eyelashes casting a small shadow at the corner of his eyes, straight nose bridge, thin lips slightly pursed. This man, in the eyes of the world, is King Tinh with immense power and unpredictable temperament, yet at this moment in front of me, he has gathered all the gloom, leaving only little by little gentleness and caution. After treating the wound, he raised his head and looked at me with quiet eyes.

“Now,” he said, “can I tell you what happened?”

His voice was calm, no questions, just waiting. I took a deep breath, told the story from the moment I received the anonymous letter, to the military talisman, to the note of threat, recounting each incident, leaving out nothing. When mentioning the false accusation "Tran Bac Marquis is in contact with the enemy", my voice still cannot help but tremble. Tieu Dien listened quietly, his face as calm as still water, only in the depths of his eyes, cold undercurrents rolled up.

“Where are the talismans and pieces of paper?”

I then suddenly remembered, quickly took those two things out of my sleeve and gave them to him. Tieu Dien took it, holding the worn-out soldier talisman with his fingertips, carefully observing it for a moment, then glanced at the piece of paper once, the corner of his lips curled up into a cold curve.

“The old soldier of Bac Canh was eliminated last year.”

His voice was calm, but carried a mockery that saw through everything.

"And this handwriting... is deliberately scribbled, but still cannot hide the foundation of Quan Cac script."

He raised his eyes to look at me.

"In the court, there weren't many people who could use the inscription form and also be able to come into contact with this abandoned batch of military talismans."

My heart suddenly turned cold.

“Very soon there will be an answer.”

He did not answer directly, took back the soldier talisman and piece of paper, his eyes fell on my still pale face, Carry decisiveness that does not allow doubt.

"In a few days, she will move to Tinh Vuong Palace to live."

I immediately raised my head.

"What? This is not according to the rules..."

Tieu Dien interrupted me, his eyes sharp.

"Are the rules more important than your life? Today they dared to use the Tran Bac Marquis Palace to threaten and force her to take risks alone, tomorrow they dare to take action right inside the Marquis Palace. Being with you is the safest."

He paused for a moment, his voice softened, but his meaning became deeper.

"Moreover, she is already my future princess. She has already entered the Royal Palace, no one dares to object."

I looked at his steadfast eyes and knew there was no turning back for this matter. Moreover, what he said was right, the opponent's methods were cruel, if he failed today, it was difficult to guarantee that there would not be a next time. Staying in the Marquis Palace could indeed bring danger to father and mother. I replied in a low voice. When we returned to Tran Bac Hau Palace, it was already midnight. Tieu Dien personally explained the situation to my father (of course, omitting the dangerous part I encountered, only saying that he discovered a plot targeting the Marquis Palace, and for safety's sake, he needed to welcome me to the Royal Palace for temporary residence). Father looked at the murderous guards behind Tieu Dien who had not yet dissipated, then looked at my arm that was being bandaged, his expression changed a few times, and finally he let out a sigh and bowed deeply towards Tieu Dien.

“This young lady… please entrust it to the Royal Family.”

Mother's eyes were red and she helped me quickly arrange a few clothes and personal belongings.