Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 461 The Princess's Thoughts, Rejecting the Princess

During her time in the palace, the princess had more and more contact with Xiao Ling, and unknowingly, a different kind of feeling began to grow in her heart for Xiao Ling.

The princess, born into a foreign land, was accustomed to all kinds of sycophants, but Xiao Ling's bravery, integrity, and profound temperament deeply attracted her.

Once, the princess was strolling in the garden when she happened to encounter Xiao Ling, who was drilling his soldiers. Sunlight shone on Xiao Ling's resolute face, and his composed and commanding posture captivated the princess.

"He is unlike any other man I have ever met," the princess thought to herself.

After that, the princess would always intentionally or unintentionally seek opportunities to meet with Xiao Ling.

Xiao Ling, however, was unaware of the princess's thoughts and simply fulfilled his duty of receiving her.

Su Jinxiu keenly noticed the princess's change and couldn't help but feel a little worried.

"This princess's attitude towards her husband seems rather unusual," Su Jinxiu thought to herself.

At a palace banquet, the princess's gaze kept falling on Xiao Ling, and the tenderness and admiration in her eyes were hard to hide.

"General Xiao, I've heard you're highly skilled in martial arts. Would you be willing to demonstrate some of your skills for me?" the princess said with a smile.

Xiao Ling clasped his hands in response and said, "The princess has given the order, and this humble general dares not disobey."

Xiao Ling's wonderful performance won applause from the crowd, and the princess's eyes lit up.

After the banquet, the princess secretly sent Xiao Ling a sachet that she had embroidered herself.

"What should I do?" Xiao Ling held the sachet, feeling extremely troubled.

He knew this was no small matter, and that mishandling it could trigger conflict between the two countries.

Upon learning of this, Su Jinxiu said, "Husband, this matter must be handled with care, lest the princess's reputation be tarnished."

Xiao Ling nodded and said, "Don't worry, Madam, I know what I'm doing."

However, the princess did not back down because of Xiao Ling's coldness; instead, she took the initiative to approach him even more.

"General Xiao, would you like to accompany me to admire the scenery in this palace?" the princess invited again.

Xiao Ling had no choice but to accompany him.

Along the way, the princess poured out her heart.

"General Xiao, in my heart, you are one of a kind," the princess said affectionately.

Xiao Ling quickly replied, "Your Highness, I am but a humble warrior and cannot bear the weight of your kindness."

A hint of disappointment flashed in the princess's eyes.

This matter gradually spread throughout the palace, sparking much discussion.

"It's truly unexpected that this princess has fallen for General Xiao."

"If this matter is not handled properly, it could cause a lot of trouble."

The emperor also learned of this matter and said to Xiao Ling, "Xiao Ling, you must handle this matter properly and not let it affect the diplomatic relations between the two countries."

The princess's feelings became increasingly obvious, and Xiao Ling knew he could not delay any longer. He decided to find a suitable opportunity to clearly reject the princess.

On this day, the palace gardens were in full bloom, a truly beautiful sight. Princess Xiao Ling arrived there, his expression solemn, having already made his decision.

The princess arrived overjoyed, believing that Xiao Ling had finally reciprocated her feelings.

"Your Highness," Xiao Ling said slowly, taking a deep breath.

The princess looked at him with a smile, her eyes full of expectation.

Xiao Ling lowered his head slightly, not daring to meet the princess's gaze. "I really cannot accept the princess's kindness."

The princess's smile froze instantly. "General Xiao, what does this mean?"

Xiao Ling raised his head, his gaze firm and sincere. "Princess, Xiao Ling already has a beloved in his heart. In this life, he only wishes to stay with her and cannot reciprocate the princess's feelings."

The princess's face turned pale. "Is it Su Jinxiu?"

Xiao Ling nodded, "It is indeed my wife. Our love is stronger than gold. I can only disappoint the princess's feelings."

Tears welled up in the princess's eyes. "Am I really not as good as her?"

Xiao Ling quickly replied, "Princess, you are of noble birth and possess both beauty and talent. You are certainly not inferior to my wife. However, matters of the heart cannot be forced. In my heart, there is only Jinxiu."

The princess bit her lip, trying hard to control her emotions. "Xiao Ling, do you know what rejecting me means?"

Xiao Ling straightened her back. "Xiao Ling knows, but in order to uphold the feelings in her heart, she will never regret it, even if she faces countless difficulties."

The princess remained silent for a long time before finally saying coldly, "Fine, Xiao Ling, remember what you said today." With that, she turned and left.

Xiao Ling watched the princess's retreating figure, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Back at the manor, Xiao Ling told Su Jinxiu what had happened.

Su Jinxiu said worriedly, "Husband, refusing the princess may cause you trouble."

Xiao Ling grasped Su Jinxiu's hand, "Madam, rest assured, now that I have made my choice, I am not afraid of any consequences."

However, the matter did not end there. Resentful of being rejected, the princess began to create trouble in the palace.

She deliberately nitpicked the various arrangements for the reception, criticizing Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu for their incompetence.

"The food is not to my liking, and the etiquette is also inappropriate," the princess complained.

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu could only endure the humiliation and try their best to make amends.

Meanwhile, the princess also slandered Xiao Ling to the emperor, saying that he was arrogant and rude and had disgraced foreign lands.

The emperor grew dissatisfied with Xiao Ling, asking, "Xiao Ling, how exactly did you offend the princess?"

Xiao Ling knelt down and begged for forgiveness, "Your Majesty, I am only concerned for the country and have no intention of offending the princess."

The ministers in the palace also discussed and pointed fingers at Xiao Ling.

"Xiao Ling has really gotten himself into big trouble this time."

"He has offended the princess, and his future is probably in jeopardy."

During this difficult time, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu supported each other and held fast to their beliefs.