“Wh-what nonsense are you spouting? How could there be anything like that between His Highness the Crown Prince and me?”
The tasseled man was flustered and furious. Seeing his master’s face instantly turn ashen, he grew even more enraged.
“Oh, explanations are just cover-ups. There’s no need to explain it to me. I understand.”
Xiao Qianyin wore an expression of complete comprehension, angering him so badly he nearly coughed blood. Bei Wuxuan’s hand clenched into a fist, his knuckles cracking. Never had anyone dared to speak of him like this!
Behind a tree on the other side, Qin Xiaoran, who had witnessed everything, was laughing so hard his stomach hurt. How had he never known Xiao Qianyin had such a talent? This was simply too amusing!
Haha, so Bei Wuxuan and his attendant had this kind of relationship? Mm, this was definitely explosive news!
He, who had always been known for his calm composure, laughed so freely for the first time. Xiao Qianyin was truly an interesting person; he was becoming more and more interested in her.
“Like Houyi shooting down the nine suns, fierce and splendid; like the gods riding dragons through the heavens, graceful and soaring. She comes like thunder, gathering wrath; when she stops, she is like rivers and seas congealing into clear light.” He murmured softly, a gentle smile at his lips.
He remembered the black-clad girl beneath the drifting peach blossoms, watching the sword dance in a daze. The light breeze lifted her sleeves and sent them fluttering; between her brows and eyes was a proud, otherworldly air. In that instant, he seemed to hear the quiet sound of peach blossoms blooming. At that moment, all was serene and beautiful.
“It is rare to see the elegant and noble Crown Prince of Northern Qin show such a side.”
A low voice was threaded with traces of enchantment. His bewitching phoenix eyes lifted slightly at the corners, naturally carrying a seductive charm. A man in dark robes stood before him, his delicate features brimming with alluring grace.
“Brother Ji, what brings you here?” Qin Xiaoran restrained his smile and regained his usual noble bearing, elegant as the wind.
“I was merely passing by, but I didn’t expect to witness such a good show!” His words carried a hidden meaning as his gaze fell to the other side, where the group of people stood.
“Brother Qin, you’re not going to intervene?” Ji Ce asked when he saw the man draw his sharp sword.
“There’s no need to intervene.” Having witnessed the young girl deal with Xiao Qianqian that day, he knew that with her skills, she would surely be fine.
“It seems Brother Qin does not wish to meddle in others’ business.”
“Fighting and brawling in the academy violates the academy’s rules.”
Besides, who would be teaching whom a lesson was still uncertain! The smile in his heart deepened.
“Xiao Qianyin, how dare you speak like that? It does not matter if you insult me, but insulting His Highness is an unforgivable crime!”
With a swish, he drew the longsword at his waist. He had followed by the Crown Prince’s side for a long time and had naturally practiced swordsmanship. In any case, he was an Intermediate Sword Master; dealing with a useless piece of trash at the Beginner Swordsman level would be more than enough.
“Today, I will teach you a proper lesson! I’ll show you that the dignity of His Highness the Crown Prince is not to be violated!”
“Oh my, I’m so scared!” Xiao Qianyin made a timid little gesture. A moment later, she smiled brightly. “Then come and try!”
Nangong Wei revealed a disdainful smile in her heart. Did she think she was some swordsmanship expert? She actually dared to provoke him in public? Fine. Even if she died here, she would have only herself to blame; she could not resent anyone else!