444 Overstepping Boundaries (1/2)

Li Xueyue believed in the First Prince's words, but she was not a fool. Words were meaningless and held no weight. Anyone could always take it back, claiming it never happened.

”Alright, please wait here,” Li Xueyue stated.

The First Prince scrunched his brows and scratched the side of his head in confusion. ”Why?” he asked.

”You'll see.”

He opened his mouth to ask more questions, but she exited from the bamboo screen. The First Prince suddenly realized she did not address him with a proper title. It felt weird. Everyone always treated him with respect, regardless of the position he had lost. But she didn't.

”She's bold.” The First Prince peered at her bowl of medicine, which was still full, but with less steam rising from the top. It was just a drink, yet it was used against him like this. He could not believe she had used this to her advantage.

”Maybe that's why Ah-Zhen likes her so much…hah, probably not. He does not tolerate disrespect, even if it's from a beautiful woman like her.” The First Prince leaned his chin upon his propped up palm.

”He was friends with Lady Ge for so long, yet he would still look at her with disdain when she accidentally slipped with her address,” he mumbled to himself, wondering exactly what the Crown Princess did to win Yu Zhen's heart.

What made Li Xueyue so different? Was it because she was a foreigner, therefore, an exotic fruit? Or was it because she didn't grow up in Hanjian and had a soft touch to her unlike many women here? Maybe it was because of convenience? After all, Li Xueyue did not grow up around the superstitions and horrid whispers involving Yu Zhen.

”Beauty never fazes him, neither does a tender heart.” The First Prince was intrigued. It certainly couldn't have been intelligence either, since Lady Ge was often praised for her tenacity when it came to studies. However, being book smart and street smart was completely different.

Yu Shisheng massaged his head. He was getting a headache from thinking of the possibilities. Why not just ask Yu Zhen himself?

”Mother and Father seem to favor her too. Hmm…” Yu Shisheng stroked his imaginary beard, wondering how the Crown Princess managed to sneak her way into so many frigid hearts. What a skill she possessed.

”So many people are kind to her here, it lowered her guard, and that's why she went through the miscarriage,” Yu Shisheng pointed out. He tapped his fingers on the table, wondering if he should warn her that not everyone would watch over her with a smile.

Yu Shisheng wondered why the Crown Princess suddenly reminded him of Yu Lingluo. She too had mastered the secret art of worming into cold, stone hearts. Both of them were naive, believing this world was kind.

”It's not my place to intervene,” he finally concluded. ”Especially after she tricked me like this, hmph!”

”But I don't want people to think of me as a monster…” Yu Shisheng let out a mellow sigh. ”I prefer them to think kindly of me. I'd hate it if everyone flinches and cower in fear whenever I'm near.”

Yu Shisheng knew his father would heavily disapprove of this, but he did not care anymore. He was tired of fighting for a throne that once belonged to him. He was tired of ruining the relationship with his only brother. Tired of being used by his mother and the Ministers.

Just as he was lost in thought, the Crown Princess came to view. He jumped when she placed something in front of him. Where did she go for so long?!

”You sure know how to keep people waiting!” Yu Shisheng huffed whilst snatching the parchment from her hand.

”What's this?” he curiously asked.

”You're not shaking anymore. I hope that's a good sign,” Li Xueyue mused. She took a seat and presented him with a thin, rectangular box.

”A…contract?” Yu Shisheng rapidly blinked his eyes and did a double take of the parchment, wondering if he had misread it. He was dumbfounded. How…? Who…? There were so many questions running through his mind. She wanted a written contract about a favor? Gosh, who hurt her?

”If you will…” Li Xueyue opened the flat box, revealing the bright red pigment.

”Crazy and bold,” he dryly said.

The First Prince peered at her as understanding filled his eyes. ”You know, sister-in-law, this type of behavior will get you in trouble.”