Chapter 962: I've imprisoned the empress—how do I fix this!? 15

Little dad!

Jinyu Feng had been obediently staying in Jin Chen's embrace, but as soon as he saw Wen Zhi Heng, he started fussing, fluttering about wanting to go find him.

Go, go, go, you kicked dust all over me.

Jin Chen hurriedly put the little one down, letting him lunge toward Wen Zhi Heng's embrace, "Move gently, your little dad's body hasn't recovered yet."

No problem.

Wen Zhi Heng touched Jinyu Feng's forehead, fussing with the bangs over his eyes, "Shunping found a suitable open spot for flying kites; little Feng, go take a look."

Okay!

Jinyu Feng glanced at his uncle, suddenly inspired, he pulled the little dad's hand to the side, then took Jin Chen's hand with his other hand, and placed the two hands together, clasped, in his embrace.

Uncle and little dad, you wait here for me, your servant, don't run off!

Having said that, he hugged the kite and ran to the open space behind the artificial hill, a retinue of palace maids and eunuchs following behind; Jin Chen wasn't worried.

As the little crown prince left, Wen Zhi Heng tried to pull his hand back, but Jin Chen held it firmly.

Your Majesty...

Huai Feng, let's talk.

Jin Chen had no intention of just dragging this out; otherwise, who knows when it would end.

Okay.

Jin Chen took his hand and walked toward the carp pond, glancing at Yan Fu'an for a signal; the latter bowed, received the order, and led the palace maids and eunuchs to wait outside.

Since coming out of the cold palace, Huai Feng has hardly paid attention to me, smiling more at that little rascal Xiao Feng than at me.

So, what exactly is the reason?

He lowered his gaze, fixed on those phoenix eyes, hoping for an explanation.

Wen Zhi Heng probably could guess he'd ask this, paused, then countered: "Your Majesty seems to have changed quite a bit compared to before."

Jin Chen, without further ado, pulled him into a tight embrace, chin resting on his neck and shoulder, muffled reply: "I used to be no good, made many mistakes; Huai Feng, do you still like the me now?"

His fingers trembled uncontrollably; Wen Zhi Heng shook his head, clutching Jin Chen's back clothing, "You're not wrong…"

Then why does Huai Feng ignore me?

Jin Chen racked his brains, utterly vexed: "Could Huai Feng have something on his mind? Please tell me."

Nothing's on your mind, Your Majesty, no need to overthink.

Wen Zhi Heng slowly relaxed his body, leaning into this embrace, each breath filled with a sandalwood scent never before on the former emperor's person.

Your Majesty used to dislike incense, but lately even your preferences have changed.

Jin Chen thought, I don't like incense now either; there's nothing pleasant-smelling.

However, the scent on his own body has indeed always been there, but only his wife can smell it; he also doesn't know why.

"Huai Feng is deliberately changing the subject," Jin Chen muttered, rubbing his cheek dissatisfied, yet unwilling to use force, "Not answering my question and still saying there's nothing on his mind."

I merely… occasionally think back to my youth.

Wen Zhi Heng gazed at the pond's shimmering ripples, the water clear and green, duckweed drifting, occasionally a few carp popping their heads out.

Is Huai Feng perhaps resenting me?

Jin Chen suddenly realized, enlightened: "If it weren't for my earlier insistence on asking Father Emperor for a marriage appointment, Huai Feng would surely have shone brightly in his official career."

Later, after entering the palace, Huai Feng gained no freedom at all, and I even took away his right to participate in governance.

The more he thought, the more this seemed plausible, and he silently cursed his former self a few times for being useless.

Jin Chen failed to notice the wistfulness in Wen Zhi Heng's eyes, thought a moment, then cupped his face and spoke softly: "Huai Feng, I want you to rejoin court affairs, just as before…… no, you should also go to court; isn't this what you've always wanted?"

"Does Your Majesty care for the state of Jin Guo?" Wen Zhi Heng suddenly asked, yet did not struggle.

Jin Chen disliked his tone, which sounded probing, sighed, "Of course, this is my realm."

Since it is Your Majesty's wish, I shall naturally obey.

Wen Zhi Heng saying this made Jin Chen feel even stranger; it shouldn't be like this.

If unwilling, say unwilling; if wanting to go, just go, rather than this…… helpless compromise.

Huai Feng, you……

Meeting Wen Zhi Heng's eyes, the angry words died in his throat.

Forget it.

Jin Chen rubbed his temples, headache easing, and released the embrace.

"The covert guards have found out that Shao Chun plans to act at the palace banquet in three days, trying to obtain the secret passage map."

"At that time I will have the Yu Lin Jun guard the exit of the secret passage; if it causes unrest, Huai Feng, don't panic."

Wen Zhi Heng wasn't very surprised, as if he too had long known of Shao Chun's plan.

I will obey your orders.

Jin Chen was again stung by this polite, distant attitude; disappointment and loss surged, feeling that this world and his wife were perpetually separated by a veil, unable to draw near yet also unwilling to drift far away.

Hmm.

His tone unconsciously lowered, he turned his back with hands behind him, angry and intending to leave straight away, but then heard an uncontrollable cough from behind.

Jin Chen halted on the spot, fists clenching and relaxing, face cold as he removed his cloak and draped it over Wen Zhi Heng; the inner black dragon‑patterned long robe made him look even more noble and imposing.

The wind is strong outside; Huai Feng, go wait in the pavilion.

No problem; if little Feng returns later and doesn't see Your Majesty and me, he might be upset.

Jin Chen's tone grew harsher: "Your constitution can't withstand prolonged wind, or are you saying Huai Feng wants me to carry you there?"

Wen Zhi Heng: ……

Unable to refuse, he had no choice but to follow Jin Chen to the pavilion for a brief sit.

The two faced each other in silence.

Jin Chen rubbed the medicated wound on his arm, thinking about a problem, something he had never considered before.

His wife's soul is scattered across so many worlds; what if even one of them doesn't like him?

The result of overthinking is that he made himself angry.

Wen Zhiheng noticed the change, without guessing knew it was because of himself, lowered his eyes in thought, seeming hesitant, then reached out and lightly touched Jin Chen's tightly furrowed brow.

Jin Chen reacted, surprised, lifted his gaze, his brow smoothed, and he unconsciously relaxed.

"Your Majesty, you... don't overthink."

Wen Zhiheng's voice was clear and gentle; after the deliberate aloofness faded, Jin Chen caught a glimpse of a familiar soul.

Jin Chen grabbed his hand, held it in his palm, saying, "I didn't overthink; Huai Feng hasn't forgiven me yet, so he's ignoring me."

Wen Zhiheng opened his mouth, not knowing how to rebut.

【Detected Villain Heartthrob Value 5, total 0.】

Jin Chen's eyes twitched slightly, yet he remained silent.

That day, their relationship seemed to have eased, but in fact it hadn't progressed further; still separated by a layer of sheer gauze that couldn't be seen through or pierced.