Zongzheng Mufeng’s temper was smoothed. His belle had taken the initiative to invite him into her house, does that mean she had good feelings towards him? Before, she didn’t deny his claim that she was his princess (wangfei), does that mean he is allowed to assume?

If he gave the betrothal gifts now, does that mean he can marry and take her home?

While excitedly thinking to himself, Zongzheng Mufeng missed seeing the returning An Yi’s twisted expression. Prince, how can your smile be so terrifying? Look, wangfei is being frightened by you.

XunMi wasn’t frightened, just a bit dumbfounded. A perfectly normal person suddenly spasming out in laughter, it was really… hard to look at!

“Big Sister, Mother said that Eldest Uncle and Youngest Uncle are coming back today. Let’s…” Wenren Lu’s words trailed off as he looked at An wang by his sister’s side, a bit at a lost.

“Don’t worry about him. Let’s go.” XunMi lightly patted her brother’s head with a smile. She knew the hidden meaning behind his words, as his mind would be focused on their grandfather’s words.

Right now, the imperial court was unstable and treacherous. The duke’s estate was like a tall tree attracting wind, it would be likely that the one on the throne would be trying to cut their out their clan. The emperor’s decision to so easily grant her the title of RouJia Princess was an act of grace. If the Duke’s estate fell, then no one can say the emperor was cruel. They would only think him lenient and merciful. Along with the fact that the two sons of the Duke were powerful generals in the military that were suddenly called to return to the city, anyone could tell there was a deeper plan in the works.

Currently, the best option was to create a relationship with An wang. With An wang’s protection, they would at least be able to protect the Duke’s estates. Even if they were pure supporters of the royals, they still wouldn’t be able to escape the suspicion of the emperor.

Moreover, An wang was her dear husband so of course she needed to become close with him. She could see no problem with killing two birds with one stone. Of course, she was only willing to get close with him due to the prerequisite that he was her husband. If the An wang wasn’t her spouse, then she would have chosen another way to preserve Duke’s estate, even if that method was a thousand times more difficult.

“Belle, there’s not an issue under the sky that I cannot resolve. As long as you want, I would even be willing to offer you this whole world.” He leaned closer to XunMi’s ear and whispered. Although he still had the same carefree playful expression, his eyes were full of seriousness.

He understood the hidden meaning behind the sister and brother pair’s exchange. But he had already fallen for her. Even though he knew she wanted to use him, he wouldn’t let her go. Instead, he’ll just find the chance to imprison her so that he could always see her, firmly keeping her by his side so that she could never escape. But he didn’t read any unnecessary emotions from Belle’s eyes. Her expression was still calm and bright, causing him to feel joyous.

XunMi smoothed out her hair, her eyes curving into half moons, her birthmark at the corner of her eye jumping up spiritedly. “Then I’ll remember your words. If one day I need to, I’ll ask for An wang to lend a hand. As for this whole world, I’m used to being free and unrestrained. I wouldn’t like that kind heavy responsibility.” She looked toward the direction of distant palace gates. The beautiful, stone walls carried years of scars, both dignified and solemn. On the highest roof were pagodas surveying all directions with a vividly carved dragon circling the edges, a symbol of majesty and imposing vastness. The imperial palace was a grand as a imperial palace should be.

But she turned and chose to walk on another path facing away from the palace. She wasn’t from this era, so couldn’t understand this era’s strong desire for power. But she knew that if you weren’t strong, you could only watch as others climbed over you. These norms of society existed no matter what time you traveled to.

So she wasn’t as naive or dumb as Wenren Yunfei. Maybe the female lead really was lucky like that. Whatever she wanted would become a reality. Whatever she did would become a success. Meanwhile, the cannonfodders were just background characters. Everything they did wouldn’t go as planned.

“Then I will lay my life down to travel the seven seas with Belle and take in the sun and winds underneath the skies.” ZongZheng Mufeng paused for a moment before carefreely replying. He also liked a carefree life. If he had wanted to sit on that throne, then it wouldn’t have gone to his brother at that time. Even though he was a whole zodiac cycle younger than his brother, he could have taken the throne in a second if he truly wanted to.

XunMi curved her lips up in a fairy-like smile, “Alright.” Then I’ll be anticipating the day we travel the world together. 

By the time they finished their conversation, they had already arrived in front of the duke’s estate. The gate guards instantly welcomed them in.

When the old duke saw An Wang, he was extremely surprised. Shanghai Yan reacted faster. After all, at the grand hall, this prince had publicly made clear his intentions to court her daughter.

“Old duke, no need for such politeness. This junior is simply here to scrounge a meal.” Zongzheng Mufeng’s attitude was extremely respectful towards the duke. After all, he was trying to steal away his granddaughter.

The duke wanted to respond but Shangguan Yan held him back. Since it was still early, XunMi brought Zongzheng Mufeng to the backyard garden.

“Belle, can I understand this to mean you want to have alone time with me?” As soon as he was away from elders, this fellow Zongzheng Mufeng resumed his original persona.

XunMi laughed and scolded, “Stop it.” Secretly, she rolled her eyes: she was just thinking when this man suddenly became so formal, but it turned out to be all an act. o(╯□╰)o

“Is Belle being shy?” Zongzheng Mufeng lifted her chin and asked with interest. Aiya, look at her pink cheeks. She really was charming. Her watery eyes timidly looking up was too alluring of a sight. 

If XunMi knew what he was thinking, she wouldn’t have been able to resist the urge to slap him across the face. Her eyes were obviously reacting to the sunlight. Being forced to raise her head like this, her eyes had felt dry, causing water to naturally produce. Lowering her gaze was only to block the sunlight, not because she was feeling shy!

“This move seems very familiar to Prince. Could it be something that you often do?” XunMi’s eyes narrowed dangerously, as if a wrong answer could lead to him being bitten.

Zongzheng Mufeng laughed out loud, “Belle, are you jealous? I am very happy. But there are some things that still need to be made clear. I am not someone with bad eyesight. Only someone as beautiful as Belle could catch my interest.” Thus, he would only flirt with her.

XunMi elegantly raised her chin, calmly saying, “So that’s how low your standards. Just beauty alone can catch your eye.” She was calm inside. She of course knew his answer, she just wanted to tease her man a little. Who told him to tease her like a ruffian when they first met, humph?╭(╯^╰)╮

XunMi, do you know you’ve become arrogant?

Zongzheng Mufeng hurriedly explained, “Belle, that’s not it. Only because it’s you. It’s only because it’s you that I can’t resist wanting to steal you home.” As well as to tease you.

But is that his fault? ╮(╯▽╰)╭