444 Overstepping Boundaries (2/2)

Nonetheless, he took the box from her and placed his thumb firmly on the ink. ”Not every man will tolerate arrogance, especially from a woman.”

”Well, that is going to change soon.” Li Xueyue carefully watched as he stamped his thumbprint onto the parchment.

She was still surprised that he was able to read her handwriting. The reason Li Xueyue took so long to give this to him was because she took her time to carefully, neatly write each character so that it was legible.

”You speak so strangely too... Do all women in Wuyi have the liberty to not use flowery language? I thought it was only Hanjian who dropped that tradition,” the First Prince mused. After his thumbprint dried on the parchment, he slowly moved it to her.

Li Xueyue's lips twitched. Did people in Wuyi use flowery language? She did not know. Even with the etiquette instilled into her, she could not change the way she spoke. She had grown up all her life without being taught what was considered an acceptable manner of speech. Sure, she understood the rules of using titles and bowing when needed, but this was the extent of it.

”Well, you grew up in a life of luxury—your father was the previous Prime Minister. You must have been like a cherished flower in your family, so I wouldn't be surprised if many people pardoned your way of speaking.”

Li Xueyue slowly nodded. It seemed no one knew of her past, even now. She preferred it this way. Bai Xueyue died in the forest during a rainstorm. What is the point of bringing up the dead?

She refused to let her past define her anymore. Refused to let it weigh her down, keep her up at night, and taunt her to no avail.

”Here, this is what you wanted isn't it?” The First Prince tapped the thumbprint on the parchment, wondering why she was spacing out.

”Yes, thank you,” she firmly said.

Yu Shisheng watched her roll up the parchment and tuck it in a pocket. He wondered if she only revealed that quiet, gentle side to her when she knew it served as an advantage.

”I've known you for less than a week, and I can already tell you are a woman of many faces.”

The Crown Princess laughed. ”Are you even human if you do not change your mask based on the people you converse with?”

Yu Shisheng's lips parted. ”I would prefer it if people showed me their true self.”

The Crown Princess shook her head, almost in disappointment. ”You will be hurt if you think people will show you such kindness. The world is cruel, and people would be a fool to show you their bare face.”

Yu Shisheng's eyes briefly widened. She stood up and presented him with a nod of her head.

”It was great conversing with you…” She kindly smiled. ”Brother-in-law.”

Yu Shisheng watched as she exited from the bamboo screen. He ran out of his chair, rushing to her. Without warning, he grabbed her wrist, forcibly turning her around.

”You—” He glared down at her. ”Are you tricking my brother by not showing him your true colors? If so, you shouldn't have gotten married to him—”

”Yu Zhen knew whom he married,” Li Xueyue interrupted him. She glanced down at the hand holding her wrist.

”And I'd appreciate it if you know not to overstep your boundaries,” she snapped.

Yu Shisheng immediately released her hand. He was caught off-guard by her sudden change in behavior. What just happened? She was kind a few seconds ago, but now, she was glaring at him.

”Who exactly are you?” he whispered.

The Crown Princess cast him a side-eye before her lips twisted into a sarcastic smile. ”I am just a weak woman from Wuyi, that's all.”