silence.
In the woman's boudoir filled with faint fragrance, the atmosphere seemed to freeze at this moment.
Li Piaomiao, dressed in a white long dress, stood quietly beside the table, holding the open book in one hand and the sketch paper between her slender fingers in the other. She lowered her eyes and looked quietly at Zhao Xi.
Her beautiful eyes were cold and still without any ripples.
However, there seemed to be a hint of strange emotions in those calm eyes.
Like...
Is there a hint of surprise?
…
Faced with Li Piaomiao's casual questioning at this moment, Zhao Xi first showed panic, and felt guilty for stealing her best sister's fiancé.
Even though Li Piaomiao's eyes hadn't been aggressive at all, nor had there been any questioning tone...
But Zhao Xi still felt a sense of nervousness like a thorn in his back!
At this moment, cold sweat broke out on my palms.
However, after a brief moment of embarrassment, Zhao Xi quickly calmed down, the panic on her face gradually subsiding. Then, a hint of amusement reappeared in her beautiful eyes, and she looked at Li Piaomiao, who was looking at her with a cold gaze, with a half-smile.
"how?"
"Do you regret it?"
Facing Zhao Xi's slightly provocative and playful gaze, Li Piaomiao lowered his eyes and his gaze fell on the rice paper portrait on his fingertips.
"No."
Her tone remained emotionless.
"Just curious."
"Really just curious?"
Zhao Xi, however, didn't believe it. She stared into Li Piaomiao's eyes and said, "I'm attracted to your fiancé. Don't you feel a little... uncomfortable?"
"uncomfortable?"
Li Piaomiao thought carefully for a moment, then said calmly, "No."
Zhao Xi stared at her for a long time, until he could no longer detect any other emotion on her face, and then he looked away.
For some reason, I felt a vague sense of... relief?
Then, she stepped lightly on the carpet with her bare feet and approached Li Piaomiao. She took the portrait from her hand, lowered her eyes to examine it for a few seconds, and then said playfully, "My painting is quite similar, isn't it?"
Seeing that Li Piaomiao didn't say anything, Zhao Xi paused, raised his eyes, and looked at her with a smile: "If you really don't regret it, then..."
"He will be mine from now on, right?"
When Li Piaomiao heard this, there was still no change on his face, he just looked at her calmly.
"Have you thought it through?"
"If you like it, then you like it. What else do you need to think about?" Zhao Xi asked back.
Li Piaomiao looked at her and said, "Your father won't agree."
"It's his business if he disagrees. As long as I'm willing, no one can stop me!"
Zhao Xi shook his head gently, his eyes gentle and confident.
Seeing that Li Piaomiao was silent, her beautiful eyes moved and she suddenly moved closer: "So, you..."
"Will you really break off the engagement with him?"
Li Piaomiao lowered her eyes and met Zhao Xi's gaze, gazing into her glittering gaze. She remained silent for a long moment, not saying a word.
The faint smile on Zhao Xi's face gradually solidified and dissipated as Li Piaomiao fell silent.
Whenever asked this question in the past, Li Piaomiao would always give a cold but decisive answer.
But today…
She hesitated?
Zhao Xi's heart skipped a beat for unknown reason.
"you……"
"Yesterday, I met the Emperor!"
Li Piaomiao suddenly spoke casually.
Zhao Xi was slightly stunned.
"Your Majesty has come out of confinement?!"
Li Piaomiao shook his head lightly and said calmly, "Father, let me do something."
"What is it?"
Zhao Xi vaguely felt that something was not right, and... had an inexplicable premonition?
Li Piaomiao glanced at her and remained silent for a while.
"Marry him."
"?"
“…”
There was a long silence.
"You, agreed?"
"not yet."
"return?"
Zhao Xi's eyes narrowed slightly, and he looked at Li Piaomiao with a hint of suspicion. He seemed to be thinking about something, and it was obvious that he had guessed something.
"Your Majesty, are you finally going to take this step?"
Zhao Xi stared at her. "If His Majesty could think of this, how could Lin Hengzhong not think of it?"
"Or is it that His Majesty is a little too blindly confident in you?"
Li Piaomiao's expression remained calm: "I am just a chess piece in the hands of my father. Perhaps I can play a crucial role, or perhaps..."
"It's just an ordinary chess piece!"
Her tone was calm, as if she had already anticipated her fate.
Zhao Xi was silent, she understood Li Piaomiao's feelings.
"So, this is why you're in a bad mood tonight?"
She realized that this might be the reason why the eldest princess was hesitant and entangled.
Zhao Xi looked at her again: "You, haven't made up your mind yet?"
Li Piaomiao nodded.
"What are you hesitating about?"
"have no idea."
She didn't know what she was hesitating about, but she felt a little confused instinctively!
No answer found.
"you……"
Zhao Xi seemed to have thought of something, and her beautiful eyes slightly raised: "Could it be that you are worried about me?"
She smiled lightly, her eyes moving: "Don't worry, if you really plan to marry him, I won't take away someone else's good thing... I can give him to you."
"After all, you are his fiancée!"
Li Piaomiao looked at Zhao Xi quietly for a moment, then said, "I won't compete with you."
"so?"
"There's always another way."
Li Piaomiao's eyes were empty, as if he was thinking about something.
Zhao Xi narrowed his eyes: "You really don't regret it?"
"This is your last chance... By then, you won't have the chance to regret it."
Zhao Xi warned.
Li Piaomiao just remained silent and didn't say anything.
"In that case, it's settled then!"
As if afraid that Li Piaomiao would change her mind, Zhao Xi immediately made up her mind and smiled: "I'll go tell him later that you would rather disobey His Majesty's order than marry him?!"
Li Piaomiao looked calm, as if he wasn't worried about these things.
However, there seemed to be a hint of curiosity in his eyes when he looked at Zhao Xi.
"How could you like him?"
"Um?"
Zhao Xi asked back: "Do you need a reason to like someone?"
Li Piaomiao was stunned: "Don't you need it?"
"I don't know about that."
Zhao Xi shook her head. She had never liked anyone before, so how could she know if it was necessary? Even now... she wasn't sure if that even counted as love.
She pondered for a moment and added, "If I must give a reason..."
"Because he's good-looking?"
Li Piaomiao frowned slightly: "Just because of this?"
"only?"
Zhao Xi blinked: "Isn't this enough?"
"Looking good, isn't that the most important thing?"
“…”
"You don't want to marry an ugly person, do you?"
“…”
"Do you like those ugly, disgusting ones?"
Li Piaomiao frowned: "How can you be so superficial and only look at appearance when it comes to your lifelong affairs?"
"Of course, we can't just look at appearance..."
Zhao Xi nodded in agreement, but couldn't help but ask, "But, he's really good-looking, isn't he?!"
As she spoke, her eyes fell on the portrait in her hand. She could clearly see that the figure in the portrait was handsome and majestic, extremely pleasing to the eyes and pleasing to the eye... Isn't that enough?
Li Piaomiao was silent.
She knew Zhao Xi's personality and preferences, and that she was very arrogant. But she didn't expect her obsession to be so deep?
"What if he looks ordinary?"
Li Piaomiao asked again.
Zhao Xi thought about it and said honestly: "Then I guess not..."
Seeing Li Piaomiao looking at her expressionlessly, Zhao Xi sighed softly, "If he had been born with an ordinary appearance, I wouldn't have invited him into the mansion in the first place..."
"Of course, I probably won't have any intersection with him."
Li Piaomiao: "..."
So, it still depends on the face?!
“…”
Li Piaomiao was silent.
Maybe I don’t know what to say anymore.
"I'm leaving!"
After a while, she spoke.
He turned and walked to the door, bent down, lowered his head, put on his shoes and socks, then pushed the door open and walked out.
Outside the door, a cold wind rushed in.
Zhao Xi watched Li Piaomiao's back as she left. She had arrived quickly and left gracefully. Before long, she had vanished from the courtyard.
Zhao Xi sighed softly.
"Will she marry that guy?"
Zhao Xi muttered to himself, not knowing what he was thinking about, a solemn look appeared on his cold face.
"Piao Miao and him are already engaged. Your Majesty is not coming out of seclusion. Why is he suddenly bringing up the engagement with Piao Miao now?"
Zhao Xi frowned slightly, as if she noticed something unusual.
"Your Majesty wants Piaomiao to marry into the Lin Palace and become a pawn to constrain the Lin Palace... But how could the Lin Palace not anticipate this?"
"Your Majesty's move is not a safe one. It's even a bit risky, like a gamble..."
Zhao Xi muttered to himself, analyzing the pros and cons, as well as some information that he could not obtain.
After a while, Zhao Xi sighed again.
I can't figure out anything else, but...
If Piaomiao really decides to marry that guy...it would be a great bargain for that guy!
Then, Zhao Xi realized something and started to worry... What if Piaomiao really married him?
So, what about yourself?
What should I do?
Could it be that... she is lowering her status and becoming sisters with Piaomiao Zhen?
Thinking of this, Zhao Xi's eyes were filled with embarrassment, and a faint blush appeared on her fair and delicate face.
Like fog and clouds, it is so beautiful!
…
As the imperial edict from the palace was announced, many people were bound to suffer from insomnia that night.
All forces gathered together, feeling anxious and uneasy.
Under the cover of night, undercurrents surge.
Lin Jiangnian slept soundly that night. When he woke up, it was already bright outside the window!
Xiaozhu's voice was heard outside the door.
"Your Highness, are you awake?"
Immediately afterwards, the door of the room was pushed open, and Xiaozhu, wearing a light green skirt, stood on tiptoe, holding up the hem of her skirt and walked into the room carefully.
When he saw His Highness sitting up behind the screen, he breathed a sigh of relief and patted his chest, which was not majestic but was slightly round.
"Your Highness, you're awake!"
“It’s time to get up!”
Xiao Zhu quickly walked behind the screen and came to the bed. Just as she was about to help her prince get dressed, a big hand reached out from the bed and skillfully carried her onto the bed.
"Um... Your Highness... Don't, it's time to get up... Don't, don't touch me..."
Xiao Zhu fell into the arms of His Highness and was carried to the bed by Lin Jiangnian, who held her in his arms and bullied her.
He didn't stop until the little maid in his arms had a red face, was panting, and her beautiful eyes were blurred.
"Your Highness... You are so, so bad..."
Xiao Zhu spoke angrily.
Lin Jiangnian glanced down and raised an eyebrow: "There are worse ones, do you want to try?"
“No, don’t…”
Xiao Zhu looked flustered and said quickly, "Outside... Sister Qingqing is looking for you!"
Lin Jiangnian then realized that Lin Qingqing came to see him for something important.
"Okay, I'll let you go for now!"
Lin Jiangnian pinched the little maid's pink face, and gently rubbed the bulge that was deliberately bulging on her messy wrinkled clothes, and then let her go.
"Remember to come and warm His Highness's bed tonight!"
"snort……"
Xiao Zhu's face flushed red, her eyes filled with shame. She clutched her chest and angrily said, "Your Highness, you only know how to bully people..."
"No, I won't come!"
Although her tone sounded angry, there was no trace of anger in the little maid's big watery eyes.
As for whether or not to come tonight...
The little maid's dark eyes kept rolling around, and I don't know what she was thinking about.
Not long after, after helping Lin Jiangnian get dressed and wash up, Lin Jiangnian pushed the door and walked out of the room.
In the courtyard, Lin Qingqing had been waiting for a long time. She bowed her head and said respectfully, "Your Highness, the palace has just received information..."
"This morning, the palace gates opened, and the ministers who had been waiting outside for many days were finally able to enter the palace and attend the morning court..."
"His Majesty did not show up at the morning court today. He is still in seclusion..."
"Your Majesty, I have handed over all court affairs to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince..."
“…”
This morning.
The palace gates, which had been sealed for several days, were finally reopened, welcoming the first morning court session of the new year!
But this morning court session is different from previous ones!
Many ministers were absent from the court. It was also much quieter than usual, almost eerily calm!
It was as if there was an invisible oppressive atmosphere hanging over everyone's heart.
This morning's court session was once again presided over by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, who was appointed Regent by imperial decree. However, compared to previous court sessions where various factions would clash fiercely over minor conflicts of interest, today's session was eerily quiet.
Compared with the heated discussions among the people and the capital in the past few days, no one took the initiative to mention the matter of the third prince at the morning court.
It seems as if no one knows!
In the end, it was His Royal Highness the Crown Prince who took the initiative to announce the news of the Third Prince's rebellion and at the same time conveyed the Emperor's will again.
Regarding this matter, no one in the court opposed it, and many even agreed with it. The trend was almost one-sided...
After all, the overall situation has been decided at this point, and no one wants to get into trouble.
Of course, there will still be some young people who stand up and question it!
Questioning whether the third prince really rebelled?
Are you questioning whether His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is making up stories and trying to take the opportunity to kill his brothers and consolidate his power?
In response to this kind of voice, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, who had always been calm and composed, changed his usual attitude and rewarded the questioning minister with a set of 'Nine Clans Elimination Game'!
As a result, the few remaining voices of opposition in the court disappeared completely.
The rest is completely one-sided.
On the one hand, they angrily scolded the Third Prince for his wolfish ambitions, saying that as a prince, he was ambitious and had lost all conscience, and he deserved the punishment. On the other hand, they praised His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for his virtue and love for the people. This time, he had made a great plan to save the dynasty from danger, which was a blessing for the dynasty's revival...
The scene is extremely ironic!
…
Lin Jiangnian was not surprised when he heard the news.
The Third Prince's mutiny was too hasty and ended too quickly, leaving no one a chance to react.
With this morning court session completely concluding that the Third Prince was plotting a rebellion, even if someone held other opinions or ideas in their minds, they dared not speak them out.
At the same time, during this morning court session, the Crown Prince, while ordering the liquidation of those accomplices who followed the Third Prince in the rebellion, also released another message... He would not really kill them all!
Those ministers and noble families who have a good relationship with the third prince in private but have not participated in the rebellion plan will not be implicated.
This news finally put the minds of many ministers who had been worried about the outcome of the crisis at ease.
However, Lin Jiangnian perceived another meaning in this decree.
If the case of the Third Prince's rebellion is to be thoroughly investigated, most of the officials in the court and countless people from the aristocratic families in the capital will be implicated.
In the past few years, the Third Prince has been in the capital, and with the tacit approval of the emperor, he has won over countless officials from aristocratic families. The power behind him should not be underestimated.
For the Crown Prince, the most important thing right now is to stabilize the court and the people's hearts. To forcibly uproot all the ministers and aristocratic families associated with the Third Prince is unrealistic and would certainly shake the foundation of the country.
On the other hand, this category that did not participate in the Third Prince's rebellion... is somewhat ambiguous.
It’s a bit like... the final right of interpretation lies in the hands of the prince!
After all, who could really guarantee that those ministers from noble families who were on good terms with the Third Prince were completely unaware of the Third Prince's plan for rebellion?
Even if it can be guaranteed, how can it be proven?
If His Royal Highness the Crown Prince suspects that you are involved in the Third Prince's rebellion...how will you explain it?
All I can say is that the prince made a good move.
However, this good move could not be maintained by him alone.
Then, there must be another person... Prime Minister Zhao!
Zhao Xi’s father quickly appeared in Lin Jiangnian’s mind!
The current prime minister of the Daning Dynasty... Zhao Chuan'an!
Although Prime Minister Zhao did not speak out during the morning court session today, he tacitly stood in the prince's camp.
Without the support of Prime Minister Zhao, a senior official in the imperial court, it would be difficult for the young crown prince to maintain his position at court...
…
Capital city.
Still prosperous.
The third prince's rebellion has added a lot of topics to talk about this New Year.
As the imperial edict was announced to the world, the people in the capital, who had been worried, gradually felt relieved.
It was just a rebellion by a prince. Your Majesty has announced to the world that the matter is over and there will be no more chaos in the world.
Then, of course, we should continue...eat and drink!
New Year's greetings are paid in the streets and alleys. In the willow-filled places in the capital, there is still music and dance every night.
Occasionally, fully armed imperial guards would appear on the streets, followed by rows of city defense troops walking quickly.
The people around were pointing and talking, wondering whose house was going to be raided!
Some scholars who like to authenticate information gathered in restaurants and teahouses to discuss the situation and reveal inside information they heard from somewhere.
Everyone nearby was listening with great interest, and it was a bustling scene.
Capital city.
It is located outside the west side of the imperial city, separated by two busy streets.
Princess Mansion!
Outside the house, it was deserted.
A carriage slowly stopped outside the princess's mansion and the curtain was lifted.
"Your Highness, we're here!"
Inside the carriage, Lin Jiangnian got off with the help of the guards outside the mansion.
Look up and look forward!
This is Lin Jiangnian’s second time coming to the princess’s mansion!
The guards outside the mansion recognized Lin Jiangnian at a glance and stepped forward to greet him respectfully.
"Your Highness, please come in!"
Lin Jiangnian entered the mansion with the help of the guards.
Not long after entering the mansion, a clear and pleasant voice was heard.
"I didn't expect that His Highness is quite punctual!"
Lin Jiangnian raised his eyes and saw a graceful figure walking towards him.
She wore a goose yellow strapless dress with long soft silk sleeves that fluttered in the wind. Her carefully combed hair was like floating clouds. She had a silver butterfly hairpin on her temples with long, slender beaded tassels hanging down from it, which fell to the side of her chest along with a strand of soft hair.
Her eyes were clear and lively, her temperament was sweet, and her face was not worried at all. She had willow-shaped eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, cherry lips, and was graceful and charming, looking at Lin Jiangnian with a smile.
There is a charming smile between her eyebrows!
The temperament is cool and elegant, yet there is an indescribable gentleness!
It’s gorgeous!
Jinxiu walked gently and slowly to Lin Jiangnian: "I originally wanted to go to greet His Highness, but I didn't expect His Highness to arrive so soon!"
Lin Jiangnian glanced at her and said, "Miss Jinxiu, it seems you are not really sincere in wanting to take me in, right?"
"How come?"
Her embroidered eyebrows relaxed, and she smiled brightly as she said, "Isn't this slave girl here?"
"You're late, and your heart isn't sincere!"
Jinxiu blinked: "Your Highness, are you questioning my sincerity towards you?"
Lin Jiangnian sighed and said, "Miss Jinxiu, have you ever heard of this saying?"
"Um?"
Jinxiu raised her eyes and asked in confusion, "What did you say?"
“Those who have a heart for it need no instruction!”
After Lin Jiangnian finished speaking, he walked forward.
Jinxiu was left standing there in a daze, looking confused.
What, no need to teach?
…
"Your Highness, what do you mean by 'those who have a heart need no instruction'?"
On the way, Jinxiu thought for a long time, with a look of confusion on her face.
I seem to understand but not quite, and if I understand, I don’t quite understand?
"Literally."
Jinxiu thought for a moment, then blinked as if realizing something: "So, Your Highness is still blaming this servant?"
"Are you blaming me for not welcoming His Highness earlier?"
Lin Jiangnian paused slightly and glanced back at her: "Is this prince's expression so obvious?"
“Chuckle…”
Jinxiu smiled brightly, with a small dimple on her face, which was very sweet.
Then, she blinked innocently at Lin Jiangnian and said, "I know I was wrong. Next time, I will definitely go to pick up Your Highness early... I will never keep Your Highness waiting for too long."
"It's too late. I'm very angry now!"
"Then, Your Highness, how can you not be angry?"
"That depends on your performance!"
Jinxiu continued blinking: "Your Highness, how do you expect this servant to behave?"
Lin Jiangnian's gaze fell on Jinxiu's delicate and pretty face. She looked pitiful, but her bright and beautiful eyes were filled with a hint of mischief.
Obviously, she didn't take Lin Jiangnian's anger seriously.
Therefore, there was no intention of squatting down to help him put out the fire...
Lin Jiangnian's gaze moved slightly downward, along her slender white neck, and slowly landed on the goose yellow tube top dress.
As the plump chest bulged out the clothes, from such a close distance, from Lin Jiangnian's perspective, he could just catch a glimpse of snow-white through the slightly opened gap of the collar...
Jinxiu quickly noticed the slightly scorching gaze of the Crown Prince next to her and subconsciously lowered her head.
Then, a blush rose from her fair face.
She took a step back in panic, her hands covering her chest. Her eyes, which had originally been filled with a hint of mischief, suddenly turned red with embarrassment.
"Your Highness..."
"Why are you looking so obscenely!"
Jinxiu bit her lower lip lightly, her beautiful eyes filled with shame, anger and a hint of resentment.
"ah?"
Lin Jiangnian finally came to his senses and asked, "When did this prince become obscene?"
"Just now... Your Highness, what were you looking at?"
"Nature is looking at the most beautiful things in the world!"
“…”
Jinxiu's already rosy cheeks seemed to become even redder, and she obviously heard the implication in Lin Jiangnian's tone.
"Your Highness, is this how you usually look at other women?"
Jinxiu looked at him with anger and shame.
"Of course not."
Lin Jiangnian shook his head in denial.
"This prince always watches openly."
“…”
"spit!"
Jinxiu's face was flushed, and she didn't ask any more questions. If she continued to ask, who knows, the prince might say something even more shameless.
She had truly felt it, and the previous rumors in the capital could not be said to be completely wrong... At least, this Prince Lin was indeed as the rumors said.
Lustful and obscene!
Jinxiu truly felt this.
…
…
"My princess rarely stays in the palace on weekdays. She lives here most of the time..."
"The princess likes quietness. If she has nothing to do on weekdays, no one in the mansion will bother her casually..."
Inside the princess's mansion.
Jinxiu led Lin Jiangnian to the inner courtyard and explained softly.
Soon, Jinxiu led Lin Jiangnian to the inner courtyard where they had visited last time.
"The princess is in the backyard, come with me."
As she spoke, Jinxiu led Lin Jiangnian into the inner courtyard.
Just as he passed under the eaves of the inner courtyard, Lin Jiangnian saw a figure appearing not far away in the courtyard.
There was a pavilion in the courtyard not far away. It was the pavilion where Lin Jiangnian and Li Piaomiao met last time. A woman with a cold temperament appeared in it!
He was holding a sword, standing there expressionlessly, like a sculpture, looking at Lin Jiangnian who was brought in by Jinxiu.
When his eyes fell on Lin Jiangnian, the frost on his face seemed to grow a little more.
At the same time, a hint of panic flashed in his eyes.
Lin Jiangnian paused slightly.
He recognized the girl in the pavilion!
Wasn’t it the girl he mistook for Jinxiu when he came to the princess’s mansion last time?
Jinxiu's twin sister?
What's your name——An Ning?!
Jinxiu also saw An Ning in the pavilion, stopped, and asked her, "An Ning, where is the princess?"
In the pavilion, the girl An Ning looked at Jinxiu and Lin Jiangnian expressionlessly.
No sound.
Then he turned around and left without paying any attention to her.
"An Ning, did you hear me?!"
Seeing An Ning ignoring her, Jinxiu was startled, then angrily said: "Do you even take me, your sister, seriously?!"
An Ning ignored him and left without looking back.
beautiful:"……"
She was so angry!
This little girl is angry with her again, right?
He was feeling righteous, but saw Lin Jiangnian looking at the direction An Ning left, then he retracted his gaze and looked at Jinxiu.
After looking at it for a few times, he clicked his tongue and spoke.
"You look exactly the same, so why do you twin sisters have completely different temperaments and personalities?"
It's rare to see sisters with completely opposite personalities!
Lin Jiangnian sighed.
"She's not my sister. I don't have such a disobedient sister!"
Jinxiu said a little angrily.
Lin Jiangnian was a little curious: "Is she born like this, or did she learn it from your princess?"
“Both.”
Jinxiu rolled her eyes beautifully and sighed softly, "She's been quiet and taciturn since she was little, and she's a bit introverted and autistic... I thought she'd get better as she grew up, but I didn't expect her to learn from the princess... and end up like this!"
"This horrible look is making me mad!"
Jinxiu complained.
Lin Jiangnian found it quite interesting. When the little girl named An Ning saw him, she looked obviously panicked.
Obviously, the last experience made her a little scared, and Jinxiu's description of being introverted and timid must be true!
Such an introverted and timid child, in order to hide himself, followed the eldest princess's example and used cold temperament and aura to disguise himself.
“Interesting!”
"What?"
Jinxiu didn't quite hear clearly.
"I say your sister is quite interesting!"
Lin Jiangnian smiled.
beautiful:"……"
Upon hearing this, Jinxiu's eyes immediately turned suspicious: "Your Highness, you..."
"Could it be that he has a crush on my sister?!"
"Um?"
Lin Jiangnian turned around and saw Jinxiu's slightly wary and uneasy expression. Just as he was about to speak, he changed his mind and a hint of amusement suddenly appeared on his face.
"Why? Is it not possible?"
Lin Jiangnian smiled, hinting at something: "This prince sees that your sister has grown up to be quite pretty..."
"No, absolutely not!"
Before Lin Jiangnian could finish, Jinxiu interrupted him in a panic: "Your Highness, you, you can't have any ideas about her..."
Lin Jiangnian raised his eyebrows: "Why not?"
"Because, because..."
Jinxiu hesitated, but couldn't say clearly for a moment: "It's just not possible, she, she..."
"I think your sister is very good!"
Lin Jiangnian looked at Jinxiu with a smile: "It just so happens that this prince is still lacking a bed warmer..."
"No, no!"
Jinxiu looked completely panicked.
Why did His Highness really set his sights on her sister?
"My sister is still young..."
"Where is it small?"
Lin Jiangnian glanced at her and said, "Isn't he the same age as your twins?"
"...On the contrary, it's just very small anyway!"
Jinxiu blushed: "She, she has a bad temper and doesn't know how to serve others..."
"Anyway, she's not good at all..."
"Your Highness, you, why don't you change someone else!"
Jinxiu tried her best to explain, trying to dissuade Lin Jiangnian from hitting on her sister.
"What you said seems to make sense!"
Lin Jiangnian nodded thoughtfully, "But who should I replace him with?"
As he spoke, his eyes fell on Jinxiu.
Looking her up and down.
The expression on Jinxiu's face froze.
“…”
It's over, the idea is set on her? !
"Miss Jinxiu has a good temper, right?"
"This servant...is not very good either!"
"Miss Jinxiu knows how to serve people, right?"
"No... not really..."
"real?"
Lin Jiangnian suddenly took a step closer, moving closer to Jinxiu. This way, the two of them were very close.
Jinxiu subconsciously wanted to retreat and escape, her hands vigilantly covering her chest, becoming increasingly embarrassed and panicked: "Your Highness..."
Jinxiu's face began to turn red, and a hint of bright red appeared visible to the naked eye on her fair and delicate skin.
It looks good instantly!
The originally lively and beautiful eyes were covered with a layer of mist, and the nervous and flustered look on her face, which made people's hearts flutter instantly.
The princess's personal maid still has her charm...
Lin Jiangnian couldn't help but reach out and gently pinch her pink cheek.
It's juicy and has great elasticity!
It feels very good too.
Lin Jiangnian couldn't let it go, so he pinched it again.
Soon, a blush appeared on Jinxiu's delicate cheeks.
Jinxiu, who was originally nervous, panicked and shy, was also stunned by Lin Jiangnian's sudden behavior.
I stared at him blankly, feeling a little confused!
"Okay, I was just kidding."
Lin Jiangnian took a step back, looking at Jinxiu's slightly embarrassed and nervous mood, and shook his head: "This prince would not do anything against one's will, and I have no interest in a cold little girl like your sister."
Hearing this, Jinxiu subconsciously breathed a sigh of relief.
"but……"
Lin Jiangnian's tone suddenly changed, and he looked Jinxiu up and down with a playful look in his eyes: "However, for a project of this scale like Miss Jinxiu's, this prince is indeed very interested..."
After hearing these words, Jinxiu was startled, as if she thought of something, and subconsciously looked down.
Then her face turned red with shame and she subconsciously covered her chest.
Because of nervousness, I covered it with too much force, which resulted in excessive pressure.
It shows more scale!
Lin Jiangnian glanced at her a few more times, then retracted his gaze and said with a grin, "When Miss Jinxiu figures it out, you can come to see me anytime. Miss Jinxiu is always welcome at the Lin Palace!"
Lin Jiangnian waved his hand and continued walking.
Jinxiu stood there, still covering her chest, her pretty face flushed and her expression slightly resentful.
Your Highness, the Crown Prince is teasing her again!
Bully her!
Jinxiu bit her lower lip lightly, her eyes dim. At the same time, an indescribable emotion surged up in her.
She, she won’t go!
It's probably not the Prince Lin's Mansion that welcomes her, but the Prince Lin's... bed, right?
If he really went there, wouldn't he be eaten up completely by the Prince of Lin?
No, it was stripped clean!
As if she thought of some scene, Jinxiu's delicate body trembled slightly and her face turned even redder.
…
Behind the inner courtyard, there are bamboo forests.
Verdant and beautiful scenery!
In the backyard, Li Piaomiao, dressed in white, stood quietly in front of the bamboo forest, staring at the green scenery, motionless.
She was wearing a long white dress, and she seemed to blend in with the bamboo forest. Her cold face was always calm and lifeless.
cold!
It's very cold!
But she has a stunning beauty!
Very beautiful!
It’s breathtakingly beautiful, beyond words!
Such a cold and elegant beauty is concentrated on her, but there is no sense of incongruity. On the contrary, this white long dress and cold and elegant temperament make her look like she is out of this world.
Doesn't look like a human being!
Not like a normal person!
"Princess!"
Until the sound coming from behind broke the silent atmosphere.
The woman in white slowly turned around and looked at the two figures that appeared not far behind her.
Jinxiu walked over quickly and said with her head down, "Princess, the Crown Prince is here!"
Behind Jinxiu, Lin Jiangnian walked towards the backyard, came to a place not far in front of the princess, and said with a bow, "Your Highness, I greet you."
The two looked at each other, Lin Jiangnian was neither humble nor arrogant, his expression was calm.
Li Piaomiao nodded slightly, her gaze falling on Jinxiu beside her. The blush on Jinxiu's face had not yet completely faded, mixed with a hint of shame.
Li Piaomiao glanced at Lin Jiangnian thoughtfully.
"beautiful!"
"The servant is here."
“Make tea!”
"yes."
“…”
Backyard, under the eaves.
Next to the stone table.
Jinxiu brewed the tea and poured two cups. She glanced cautiously at her princess and then secretly glanced at Lin Jiangnian.
Seeing Lin Jiangnian looking at her with a smile, she suddenly became a little flustered, lowered her head quickly, and retreated in a panic.
In the backyard, only Lin Jiangnian and Princess Li Piaomiao were left.
The two sat under the eaves in silence.
Lin Jiangnian picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip. He put it down and looked at the eldest princess beside him.
A cool and unparalleled profile, ethereal and deep eyes, and that indescribable aura that makes people want to look up...
I have to admit, it is really beautiful!
This face, which is almost flawless, is so beautiful that it makes people unable to have any evil thoughts at all.
If I marry her and put her there as a vase, it would seem quite pleasing to the eye, right?
"I wonder what the princess wants to talk to me about today?"
After thinking about it for a while, Lin Jiangnian broke the silence by speaking.
He and the eldest princess actually had nothing to talk about, and they had no common topics.
Lin Jiangnian simply didn't turn!
Take the initiative to speak.
Li Piaomiao glanced sideways at Lin Jiangnian, staring at him quietly, as if thinking about something.
They stared at each other for a long time, and the atmosphere became a little weird.
"Princess?"
Lin Jiangnian spoke tentatively.
At this moment, Li Piaomiao finally came to his senses, retracted his gaze, and said lightly: "No wonder she fell in love with you."
There seemed to be a look of realization on his face.
Lin Jiangnian: “?”
"who?"
"You are indeed good-looking."
The eldest princess spoke again.
Lin Jiangnian: “???”
Is this a compliment to him?
But why didn't these words convey any sense of joy or accomplishment when they came from the mouth of the eldest princess in front of him?
"Princess, what do you want to say?"
Li Piaomiao glanced at him and said, "Don't you know?"
"How should I know?"
Lin Jiangnian was at a loss.
Why do you like him?
What looks good...wait!
Lin Jiangnian suddenly realized something...
like?
The eldest princess in front of me doesn't have many friends around her. To be more precise... there seems to be only one person who can be called her friend...
"Princess, are you talking about...Miss Zhao?"
Li Piaomiao looked at him calmly: "Could it be that you have many other close female friends?"
Lin Jiangnian: “…”
Why does this sound a bit harsh?
"Princess, what did you mean by that?"
Lin Jiangnian narrowed his eyes and said, "Your Highness, the Princess just said... Miss Zhao, do you like me?"
Li Piaomiao looked at him quietly: "Isn't it?"
"The princess made a mistake..."
Lin Jiangnian spoke subconsciously, wanting to explain the relationship between him and Zhao Xi.
But as soon as the words came to his lips, he quickly reacted.
It seems... there's no explanation?!
If it was before, Lin Jiangnian could still explain it with confidence.
But ever since what happened that night two days ago, Lin Jiangnian could no longer say that he and Zhao Xi were innocent!
Not only did he become a craftsman that night, but Miss Zhao also became a foot artist under Lin Jiangnian's careful teaching... There was a bond of mutual help between the two!
Not innocent anymore!
"cough……"
Lin Jiang coughed, but he didn't feel panicked. After all, there was no love between him and the princess in front of him. Apart from the engagement that neither of them wanted to acknowledge, there was no other connection between them.
The only thing that made Lin Jiangnian a little embarrassed was... the relationship between Zhao Xi and the eldest princess in front of him.
However, seeing that the princess didn't seem to care much, Lin Jiangnian felt relieved.
"Oh right..."
At this moment, Lin Jiangnian suddenly remembered something and looked at her suspiciously: "How did the princess know this?"
"Um?"
"Princess, why do you think Miss Zhao likes me?"
Lin Jiangnian could vaguely guess that Zhao Xi had a good impression of him... at least she didn't dislike him.
Otherwise, the night two days ago wouldn't have gone so smoothly...
But Lin Jiangnian was not sure whether Zhao Xi liked him or not.
How did Li Piaomiao know about it?
Lin Jiangnian wondered if she had discovered the little things he and Zhao Xi were doing under the table when they were on a boat trip on Nanhu Lake last time?
Then began to have doubts?
Facing Lin Jiangnian's suspicious gaze, Li Piaomiao remained calm and spoke lightly.
"She admitted it herself."
“…”
