Arc 2: Part 44
As soon as he came to know that Xiao Lingchen was going out, Little Thirteen hurriedly gathered a group of guards, following from a distance. Although he saw Xiao Lingchen talking with Prince He Lian, he couldn't hear their conversation as he was too far away.
However, when the second young lady arrived, the atmosphere between the three became tense after a few words. The adults left on their horses, leaving the rest behind. Little Thirteen was astonished, and quickly led the other guards to follow carefully.
As they got closer, Xiao Lingchen's expression became strange. Before understanding how their quarrel began, they heard the second young lady's angry questioning.
"If you only want to be my brother, why did you change my surname? Xiao Lingchen, do you dare to look me in the eye and speak?"
Little Thirteen almost fell off his horse!
He hurriedly dispersed the guards, commanding everyone to stay back and not approach. He himself retreated further away, his heart pounding.
What on earth was happening?
"Xiao Lingchen, do you dare to look me in the eye and speak?"
Xiao Lingchen's fingers hidden beneath his sleeve trembled slightly. He struggled to hold the reins for a moment, almost slipping off.
Lowering his eyes to avoid the angry face of the young girl, his fingers tightened around the reins once more, clasping them firmly.
"Bai Zhu," his voice was hoarse, "I... I am twenty-six years old this year, a full ten years older than you."
A full ten years older.
Just like He Lian had said, he was rigid and serious. She was just a young girl who hadn't met many people. Otherwise, why would she bother with him?
She was still so young, full of youth and vitality, at the peak of her life. The protection of the Xiao family was her backup; she could totally find someone more suitable for her. Someone of her own age who was cheerful, full of youthful vigor, relishing the springtime of life, and cantering freely on the roads of Chang'an.
A dazzling, carefree young man, toasting under the clear sky, as stunning as a jade tree standing in front of the wind.
And him?
He was walking a one-way path, a path he could not bear to drag her along.
If he succeeded, there would only be lofty palaces, oppressive and binding.
If he failed, it would be a tragic punishment, ruthless and lifeless.
Xiao Lingchen forced a bitter smile.
Even though he previously disliked Prince He Lian, he had to admit that even Prince He Lian was a better match for her.
He Lian Muyun was slightly older than her, but significantly younger than himself. His temperament was unrestrained, much more youthful than Xiao Lingchen's stringent one.
And his charming and unrestrained behavior was much more capable of winning a girl's heart than he ever could.
The Northwest was remote and the imperial court could not reach it easily. If she followed Prince He Lian to the Northwest, where it was wide and free, no one else could control her.
If he could win, he could back her up, and Prince He Lian would not dare to wrong her under any circumstance.
If he was defeated, before dying, he would definitely arrange for her well. Xiao family’s connections, secret guards, assets would be sufficient for her and Prince He Lian to be of equal status. Even if they part ways, they could still live happily for their entire lifetime.
Xiao Lingchen measured his words, "Bai Zhu, you are also of marriageable age. Many distinguished young men have come to the capital for the winter hunt. You might as well consider meeting them. If there is someone you like, tell me. I can… "
"What can you do!" The young girl glared at him intensely, "Good, I do have someone I like, what are you going to do about it?"
She has someone —
A pang of pain shot through Xiao Lingchen's heart.
Her words, like needles striking his heart, for a moment left him gasping for air. His vision blackened momentarily, but he forced himself to steady, managing a hoarse reply: "I can… arrange for him to propose."
The young girl's eyes reddened instantly!
"Xiao Lingchen, you coward!"
She darted up abruptly, launching herself at him. Xiao Lingchen’s face changed drastically. Before he could warn her to be careful, she seized him by his collar, rushing towards him, bit sharply down on his lips!
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