Arc 2: Part 48
Note: Apologies for the delay. I got sick. T_T
"Brother!"
The Price He Lian approached cheerfully, thinking that this drunken young lady would spare him for Xiao Lingchen's sake, after all.
It's not that, with his martial skills honed in the military camp, he couldn't escape from a chase by such a girl. However, considering it was by the riverside, with cold and bleak winds, and knowing that she was drunk, he was afraid that if things got out of hand, she might lose her footing and fall into the river.
Besides, she was just a girl, and it wouldn't hurt much if she hit him. Being an admirer of beauty, he always thought of himself as someone who cherished and protected the fairer sex. Thus, why would he fight back?
As expected, when he shouted "Brother!", Tong Su squinted her eyes and silently came over, letting out a cold snort before resuming roasting the venison with the fire, not even giving Xiao Lingchen a glance.
Prince He Lian didn't realize that as he happily approached to speak with Xiao Lingchen, Xiao Lingchen walked straight past him, reaching Tong Su's side and gently saying, "Bai Zhu, I'm here."
Tong Su had her back turned to him, occasionally flipping the venison above the fire.
The freshly marinated venison was now a deep red, and as the flames licked, a fragrant aroma wafted out. The sizzling hot oil slowly seeped from the surface, dropping into the fire and causing a burst of sparks.
"Bai Zhu, I hunted a few white foxes for you. Would you like to take a look?" He chose his words carefully, "I also found a very adorable baby white fox that's just a month old and still not weaned. Would you like to raise it?"
The enticing aroma of venison grew stronger as Tong Su flicked her wrist, sprinkling some pepper and cumin brought by Prince He Lian from the northwest. The fragrance dispersed the greasiness of the venison, leaving an appealing and irresistibly delicious appearance.
She said, "What have I done to deserve such kindness from Lord Xiao, to have you risk hunting foxes for me? Lord Xiao, you'd better not say that again. It's better to avoid any misunderstanding so as not to tarnish your good reputation."
"Bai Zhu!"
"What do you mean by that, Bai Zhu?" Xiao Lingchen's voice was almost angrily low, his face fell, feeling helpless. "After all, I am your brother."
However, as soon as these words came out, Tong Su's face instantly darkened. Xiao Lingchen realized he had said something wrong again. Amid his frustration and confusion, he hastily said, "Bai Zhu, I didn't mean that…"
"Then what do you mean!" Tong Su turned around and glared at him. "You know exactly what I want. Who are you humiliating now? Fine, if you're not willing, I won't force it either. After all, I'm of the Ji family, not related to you!"
"Bai Zhu—"
Xiao Lingchen's gaze wavered, his voice trembling and lost.
However, Tong Su turned back again, seemingly more interested in roasting meat than him. She pulled out a dagger kept by Prince He Lian for cutting meat, slicing a piece of venison to taste. The hot, savory, and tender slice was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, irresistible.
She cut a large piece with delight, wrapped it in oil paper, placed it on a plate, and turned to Prince He Lian who was staring at her. "Your Highness, would you like this piece of venison?"
"Of course, sure!"
She nodded, disregarding Xiao Lingchen, turned around with the plate and walked away. Xiao Lingchen raised his foot subconsciously wanting to follow her, but hesitated, numerous thoughts swirling in his mind—
She doesn't like him... Since she wanted to leave, he could only sadly agree... This could sever his inappropriate thoughts, he could seek someone better for her... She mustn't like him, right? Surely so. What has he got that she would like...
"Brother," Prince He Lian stepped forward, trying to curry favor, "Are you and Lady Ji facing some conflict? I can help mediate, after all, we're family, don't hesitate ..."
Hearing this, Xiao Lingchen turned his head and coldly looked at him, tilting up his chin slightly and letting a chill tug at his lips.
The Prince He Lian suddenly felt a chill down his spine.
"Good," he heard Xiao Lingchen say, "Then come here, I've heard of your excellent martial skills, Your Highness, and I'd like to learn a few moves from you."
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