Where Her Heart Belonged, Jiang Xuanli Willingly Chose to Follow

Divine Son Hall, Side Hall.

Because the sword strike destroyed the reception hall as well, Qin Wangchuan had no choice but to change the venue to receive guests here.

As Jiang Xuanli stepped into the hall, her gaze subtly swept over her surroundings, and she already understood the situation quite well.

'Such a private place... the Divine Son has most likely already guessed the purpose of my visit.'

She didn't object; on the contrary, she thought it was good, saving her a lot of trouble.

Some things are better said openly and clearly to show sincerity.

They bowed and took their seats.

Jiang Xuanli concealed the usual aloofness in her eyes, and her voice softened, but she didn't rush to the main topic. Instead, she started a conversation:

"That Golden Ring suspended in mid-air has been the talk of the town lately, with many different theories and no one sure what really happened."

Xuanli guessed that the commotion was likely caused by the fact that you, Divine Son, had emerged from seclusion and had come to disturb us so abruptly.

As she spoke, a faint smile appeared on her lips.

"I thought it was all for nothing, but... I was right."

Qin Wangchuan waved his hand upon hearing this:

"Let's skip the formalities and get straight to the point."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuanli's expression relaxed somewhat, and she stopped beating around the bush.

"The Divine Son must have heard about it as well."

"My father has abdicated, and the throne remains undecided."

"The various factions within the court are now restless. The princes are secretly vying for power, and the princes' uncles are each gathering their own followers, all eyeing that position openly and secretly."

"If it were just these people, they wouldn't be worth my attention."

"Only--"

"I've recently heard that the Divine Son has received many gifts during his seclusion."

As she said this, her gaze fell on Qin Wangchuan.

The meaning is self-evident.

Ultimately, who ascends the throne in the Central Province Dynasty depends on the Qin Clan's decision.

While Divine Son Qin was in seclusion, those people seized the opportunity to shower him with gifts, as if whoever gave the most gifts would be the next emperor.

Such an absurd act.

But even Jiang Xuanli herself couldn't figure out Qin Wangchuan's intentions.

Qin Wangchuan listened and nodded:

"I see."

He then summoned Ye Jianwei and instructed him:

"Return everything sent by the Central Province Dynasty."

Ye Jianwei didn't say much, but wrote everything down.

"Also," Qin Wangchuan added, "Prepare a carriage to escort Princess Jiang back to the palace later."

There's no need for fanfare or deliberate publicity.

Once these two things get out, everyone will understand whose side Divine Son Qin truly favors.

The person in front of me is no mere pretty face; doing this much is enough.

Jiang Xuanli was completely stunned.

She stared at him blankly, momentarily speechless, and instinctively asked, "Divine Son... are you going to help me?"

The Eldest Princess, who was usually so poised and dignified, now stared blankly with a dazed look on her face, as if she had been suddenly struck on the head by something.

So it turns out she also has this foolish side.

Qin Wangchuan looked at him for a moment, then said calmly, "Isn't this what you came for?"

"Yes... that's right."

Jiang Xuanli was still in a daze, her voice carrying a hint of panic that she herself didn't realize, "But... I don't understand."

She truly didn't understand.

We have prepared sufficient resources.

Imperial Dynasty, title, and even oneself.

He had carefully planned how to deliver every single item in order to get a word of agreement from him.

They were clearly prepared to negotiate, and even more...

But he didn't ask anything.

They didn't ask for anything in return, didn't discuss any conditions, and didn't even ask, "What can you give me?"

That makes no sense.

Qin Wangchuan stood up, turned to the side, and looked at her quietly. "Don't you understand why I should help you?"

Jiang Xuanli paused for a moment, but did not deny it.

"We've known each other for many years now."

She stood up as well, and although still puzzled, she honestly replied, "Fifteen or sixteen years... it's always been like that."

"Fifteen or sixteen years," Qin Wangchuan repeated softly, a hint of emotion in his voice. "It's been so long."

My gaze then fell on her face:

"Do I need any reason or benefit to help an old friend I've known for many years?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuanli was struck dumb, frozen in place.

Old friend.

She stared blankly at his profile, her heart filled with a turbulent mix of emotions.

I opened my mouth, but realized that no word could do justice to this embarrassment.

She had come prepared with plenty of leverage.

He had meticulously planned out every detail—what kind of title, what kind of benefits—and how to present them in exchange for a nod of approval.

Forget about helping myself, I just want him not to help others.

It can be read from beginning to end.

He assumed the visitor was an old acquaintance or friend he hadn't seen in a long time.

My own clever scheme now seemed so...

Ugly.

Qin Wangchuan, oblivious to the turmoil in her heart, simply walked out, his tone slowing down.

That's fine.

"You will later travel back in our Qin Clan's carriage, and I will personally pay you a visit on a chosen day..."

Before he could finish speaking, everything went blurry before his eyes.

A strand of black hair swept past the corner of her eye against the light, and then the figure rushed in front of her, blocking her way.

It's Jiang Xuanli.

The girl's chest rose and fell slightly, a strand of hair falling loose at her temple, but she didn't bother to fix it.

Those usually calm eyes now seemed to be burning with something, staring intently over.

Then.

As if she had made up her mind, she slowly bent her knees and knelt down in front of Qin Wangchuan.

The floor-length skirt spread out and piled up on the cold palace bricks.

She reached out her delicate hand and took his right hand in hers.

The coolness at his fingertips made Qin Wangchuan instinctively flinch, but he was held firmly, with no room to retreat.

Before he could react, Jiang Xuanli had already lowered her head and bowed.

Her soft, sensual lips, like a touch of vermilion, with an almost reverent warmth, gently landed on the back of his hand.

Extremely light, yet extremely solemn.

"The Divine Son considers Xuanli a friend," Jiang Xuanli said in a low voice, "Xuanli... is deeply honored."

Her eyes were lowered, and her voice trembled slightly.

"But someone like me really doesn't deserve that qualification."

When I looked up again...

The scheming and probing that had preceded her were gone from Jiang Xuanli's eyes, replaced only by a calmness that she herself had only just come to see.

"Therefore, from this day forward, please allow Xuanli to follow the Divine Son."

"It has nothing to do with identity, Imperial Dynasty, or anything else."

"This is... Xuanli's true wish."