Chapter 69 (1/2)

Chapter 69: A Beauty in Bath

”Feng Baiyu, do you really think that you can continue to fake ignorance?” Qi Chen said through clenched teeth with a scowl. ”It's not the first time that you and Nan Xun are seen together. What are you planning? Are you a spy sent by Nan Xun?”

Jun Huang's head snapped up. ”Your Royal Highness has misunderstood me. This gentleman thought that after everything I've done for Your Royal Highness, I would have earned your trust. But now Your Royal Highness is doubting my loyalty.” She laughed bitterly.

Qi Chen paused. He realized that he might have overreacted. He felt a little guilty. ”That's not what I meant – ”

”I met with Nan Xun today to seek his support for Your Royal Highness,” said Jun Huang. She didn't even bat an eye as she lied to Qi Chen. ”He has control over the army. If Your Royal Highness can attain his support, his power will be of great help to you. I didn't tell Your Royal Highness only because this was not a done deal yet. I didn't want to give Your Royal Highness any false hope.”

”Unfortunately, Nan Xun isn't willing to get involved with conflicts in the court. He only promised to stay neutral.”

Qi Chen's expression changed. He let out a sigh. ”It's only natural. Nan Xun is a talented general and also a prince. He never cares to mingle with other people. He also holds control over the army of Northern Qi. Of course he's unwilling to take anyone's side. You are not to blame.”

Jun Huang's face remained impa.s.sive as she looked down at the ground. There was a green sprout at her feet. It looked so very fragile – anyone might step on it without noticing, and it would be buried under the soil.

Is he still upset about my suspicion of him? Qi Chen wondered. He walked to Jun Huang's side and patted her on the shoulder. ”I was wrong to mistrust you, brother Feng. I hope you won't blame me.”

”It is nothing,” Jun Huang said politely, but her smile didn't reach her eyes. Anyone who cared to look would be able to see it. Qi Chen, however, didn't notice. ”It's a good thing that Your Royal Highness is careful.”

A pageboy came to announce that dinner is ready. Normally, Jun Huang would leave and eat in the side building, but Qi Chen wanted to make amends to her. Maybe he's cursing me in his head, Qi Chen thought. I should invite him to stay for dinner. That'll show him that I know I've made a mistake.

Thus, as soon as Jun Huang said that she was going to take her leave, Qi Chen smiled and said, ”It's time for dinner. Brother Feng should stay and dine with us.”

”This gentleman can't possibly do that. I am only an honored guest. I cannot share a meal with the crown prince and the princess. Besides, the servants at the side building must have prepared dinner for me already. If I don't return, the food will go to waste.” Jun Huang's tone was persuasive, and her reasons were sound. There should be no argument to be made.

Qi Chen was the crown prince of Northern Qi, however. He wouldn't stand for anyone denying him his request. It was clear that he was disgruntled.

Seeing his reaction, Jun Huang knew she couldn't argue against him further. She nodded. ”This gentleman will accept Your Royal Highness's offer rather than blindly holding onto rules of propriety.”

Satisfied, Qi Chen's anger melted away and his frown disappeared. He put an arm around Jun Huang's shoulder and led her to the main hall. He also sent a pageboy to the side building to notify the servants that gentleman Feng would not return for dinner. They should, therefore, finish the food themselves.

Nan Guyue didn't expect Qi Chen to invite Jun Huang to stay for dinner. She was caught off guard. Jun Huang gave her a proper greeting. ”Excuse me for intruding.”

Nan Guyue quickly recovered. She cleared her throat and brushed back the strand of hair falling in front of her forehead. ”The gentleman is being too formal,” she said with a smile. ”You're here as our guest. Come, take a seat.”

Nan Guyue was a princess after all. She knew where the line should be drawn better than Wei Lanying. Her generous att.i.tude pleased Qi Chen. He took Nan Guyue's hand and told her to not strain herself.

Jun Huang noticed that Nan Guyue seemed a little unwell. She took a seat and said worriedly, ”The princess looks tired. How are you feeling? The princess has just become a mother. This is a brand new experience for you. If you feel uncomfortable in any way, you must not keep it to yourself. We don't want anything to happen to you.”

Nan Guyue tilted her head to throw a glance at Qi Chen before lowering her eyes. ”I'm grateful to the gentleman for your concerns,” she said, smiling. ”I'm alright. Maybe it's because I didn't sleep well last night that I look unwell today.”

Qi Chen huffed. ”It's all Wei Lanying's fault. She almost caused me to lose this child. She has gone more and more out of control.” Qi Chen shook his head. Wei Lanying was starting to disgust him.

Jun Huang looked at Nan Guyue, trying to determine what she was thinking. Nan Guyue met her gaze and didn't look away. Those eyes were as clear as ever. There was no malice within them. How could someone with eyes like hers be anything other than innocent?

Jun Huang sighed inwardly for her ridiculous thoughts. For a brief moment, she suspected Nan Guyue of provoking Qi Chen into hating Wei Lanying more on purpose. She's not someone like that, Jun Huang told herself. Must have been a careless act.

The servants laid down the utensils. Jun Huang only move her chopsticks after Qi Chen had started eating. To show how much he valued her, Jun Huang had been given the same food as Qi Chen and Nan Guyue.