Oh. My. Fate?! (BL, Volume 11, Part 1)

68 Much to Discuss

Jing He looked at his father's expression and had a bad premonition. He hurriedly got to his feet and took two steps back, motioning at the chair where he had just sat with a faint smile. "Father, you're here. Uncle just told me that there was an attack on the dragon realm. You must have been very busy. Why don't you have a seat?"

Rong Su had just been thinking about scolding Qiang Yan for not sending somebody to inform him that his son was here. The words got stuck in his throat though when his son showed him such consideration. Ah, his son was just too good! He was the only one who would think of his father and even when he himself was in such a situation!

He stepped forward with a satisfied expression and grabbed Jing He's hands, giving his son a once-over. "Ah, my poor child! You're still thinking about others even now. Don't worry about how hard your father works. Just let me take a look at you. I feel like it has been forever since I've last seen you."

Jing He silently acquiesced and simply lowered his gaze.

On the other hand, Qiang Yan side-eyed his nephew before turning back to his brother-in-law. Really, leave it to Jing He to completely gloss over the fact that he had just badmouthed this person and instead turn this guy's constant bickering into hard work. He could really make everything sound nice. But then, it sure seemed effective.

Qiang Yan leaned back and cleared his throat so his nephew would get some room to breathe. "I'm sorry I didn't inform you. While I was on the way back from reporting to you, I was contacted by somebody from the dragon realm. Then I coincidentally met Jing He outside and had him follow along just in case the demons are still up to something."

Rong Su gave him a miffed look. This guy knew exactly that he had wanted to see Jing He badly after he finally woke up! And now, after seeing his poor son walk around alone outside, he actually just took him with him but didn't send word. He had clearly done this deliberately!

Jing He looked from one person to the other and felt like he didn't want to be caught in between. "Uncle has just reminded me that there still seems to be an issue you and father will need to discuss. I shouldn't disturb you then and will return to my palace first." He inclined his head and hastily picked up An Xin.

The Heavenly Emperor had wanted to keep him back but hesitated when he saw the small beast that happily rolled in Jing He's arms after being picked up. His expression turned ugly just thinking of his first encounter with this thing and he couldn't help but look at his son, feeling aggrieved. "Jing He, why would you carry that ... thing with you?"

Jing He looked at An Xin and gently brushed over the fur on its head. His uncle had warned him just now and even specifically mentioned the matter with the flame heart so he wasn't surprised when his father said this. He simply smiled faintly. "It was there when I woke up, father.

"Mother mentioned it was meant for protection and I looked it up at the Tower of Wisdom before I met uncle. It seems to be a mythical beast. Surely, its strength isn't low. I already feel much safer even knowing that the demons have become active again."

He didn't mention Qiu Ling with a single word. If he did, his father would only argue more. If he kept this about his own safety, there was a much better chance that his father wouldn't try to make him abandon An Xin.

Rong Su was indeed tongue-tied when his son put it like this. Yes, with the attitude of the demons having changed after the new king took the throne, it was indeed not as safe as before. It would be better for Jing He to have as much protection as possible. Even if he thought this thing was an eyesore, it was better if the eyesore stayed close to his son.

He finally nodded with a heavy heart. "Well, you better keep it close by then. Uh ... don't carry it like that though. What if it attacks you? It's better to stay in your palace and put it in the garden or something."

Jing He nodded. "I will return to my palace then and stay there to keep safe. Father. Uncle." He inclined his head again and directly turned to leave, quietly stepping out of the room.

Huang Lan and Mu Kun had been waiting close by and immediately came over when Jing He stepped outside.

"Your Highness, do you want to return?"

Jing He nodded. "Yes, my father just reminded me that it might not be safe yet. It's better to stay put." Either way, he also wanted to be at his palace when Qiu Ling returned so it was best to go back now and then not venture out again.

Mu Kun and Huang Lan inclined their heads and then silently followed. When they were about to leave the palace, Huang Lan couldn't help but clear his throat. "That ... Your Highness, do you want me to inquire about news in the meantime?"

Jing He stopped in his tracks and turned back to look at his guard, not sure what to say. Among the heavenly guards in the capital city, Mu Kun and Huang Lan were certainly the most aware of how close he and Qiu Ling had grown over the years. With him saying this now ... it should be because he was aware of how much he cared.

Jing He really wasn't sure what to make of that. But then, he also felt restless. If he could know more ... He hesitated for a moment further and finally shook his head with a smile. "Everyone should be busy. We shouldn't add to their troubles. If there is any news to be had, I am sure that we will be informed."

"Of course." Huang Lan nodded and exchanged a glance with Huang Lan before following Jing He again in silence. Anyway, if the crown prince said that he didn't want them to, they naturally wouldn't overstep.