It must be admitted that this Second Prince is also a handsome man pleasing to the eye, with brows and eyes like stars and the moon, and skin as white as congealed frost. What is even more remarkable is his approachable demeanor. Compared to the Crown Prince's aloof and noble temperament, this Second Prince is more like a gentle, warm light, making it difficult for anyone to feel any resistance toward him.
"Elder Sister, look how much the Second Prince cares for you!" Liu Yuanyin, standing nearby, stepped forward and took Liu Qingxu's arm, speaking to her with affectionate sincerity. "The Second Prince has just returned from outside the capital. Upon hearing that you had come to Shunhe Temple, he immediately rushed to see you. Coincidentally, I was bringing you some food and happened to meet the Second Prince on the way, so we came up the mountain together."
Liu Qingxu expressionlessly removed her hand. "Second Sister, don't get too close to me. After all, I am ill, and if I pass my sickness to you, I would be a sinner."
Anyone who wasn't blind could see that she did not welcome Liu Yuanyin.
Liu Yuanyin's expression darkened slightly.
But noticing Yan Rongtai watching them, she quickly put on a gentle smile and said to him, "Second Prince, it's almost noon. Why not have a meal at the temple today? I've brought some food for Elder Sister, and we can ask the temple staff to add a few vegetarian dishes. It might be a simple meal, but what do you think?"
"This prince—"
"Second Sister, you can accompany the Second Prince for the meal. I've taken my medicine and cannot eat anything else," Liu Qingxu coldly refused, simultaneously interrupting Yan Rongtai.
Yan Rongtai was not angered; instead, he looked at her with even more concern. "Qingxu, seeing you like this truly pains my heart. This cannot go on. Why not return to the city with me? I will have the imperial physician examine you thoroughly."
Upon hearing this, Liu Qingxu covered her mouth with a handkerchief and pretended to cough uncomfortably. "Cough, cough… I appreciate the Second Prince's kindness, but my illness is truly rare, and I fear no medicine can cure it. If the Second Prince has no other matters, please return early."
It had never crossed her mind that, aside from the Crown Prince wanting to marry her, this Second Prince was also interested in her.
In truth, being such a sought-after prize should have made her proud. In the society of the twenty-first century, she had always enjoyed being pursued. Yet even then, she had never considered entering a relationship with anyone, let alone in this different world.
She curtsied to Yan Rongtai and then turned to leave the pavilion.
"Elder Sister!"
"Qingxu…"
Ignoring the calls from behind, she walked toward the monastic quarters without looking back.
Unexpectedly, Yan Rongtai caught up with her and stopped her at the door of her room.
"Qingxu, I truly cannot rest easy seeing you like this. Moreover, this place is so crude, with hardly anyone to attend to you. I have a villa in the city. Why not let me send you there to recuperate in peace?"
"Thank you, Second Prince," Liu Qingxu curtsied politely and declined softly. "Although this place is humble, it is indeed quiet. I have grown accustomed to it during my stay here. Besides, this was arranged by my father for my own good, and I do not wish to move around and cause him worry."
"Are you certain your father sent you here for your own good?" Yan Rongtai's gentle voice suddenly carried a hint of coldness, and he spoke bluntly, "If he truly cared for you, he would have sought renowned physicians far and wide to treat your illness and sent more people to care for you. But look at this place—does it seem like a suitable place for recuperation?"
Liu Qingxu could tell he was speaking out of injustice on her behalf, almost outright saying she had been mistreated by her family.
But precisely because of this, she felt a headache coming on.
She swore she was quite satisfied with her current situation. With no one bothering her, she could save herself trouble while secretly pursuing her own endeavors. If she really had to return to the city, she’d find it nothing but a nuisance!
One Crown Prince wanted to marry her, and one Second Prince wanted her to move—were these pampered sons of the imperial family usually so idle that they had nothing better to do than stir up trouble around her?!
“Elder Sister, look, Second Prince is truly worried about you. How about this—let Second Prince stay here with you? Since it’s inconvenient for you to return to the city, and Second Prince is uneasy about you, wouldn’t it be perfect if he were willing to remain?” Liu Yuanyin caught up and said with a bright smile.
If Liu Qingxu weren’t currently feigning illness, she would have dearly loved to slap her across the face—smack that shameless creature to death!
Did Liu Yuanyin think she didn’t know what she was scheming? It was nothing more than trying to create opportunities between her and Second Prince. Even a hint of scandal would be enough to ruin her reputation, ensuring she’d be despised by the Crown Prince!
She did want to be despised by the Crown Prince, but she would never let a shameless creature use her reputation as a bargaining chip!
“Qingxu, your younger sister makes a fair point. Why don’t I stay…” As soon as Liu Yuanyin finished speaking, Yan Rongtai immediately responded.
“Second Prince, that would be improper.” Liu Qingxu suppressed her anger and cut him off, shooting a sidelong glance at Liu Yuanyin. “Since when do you make decisions for me? Or are you trying to ruin my reputation?”
“Elder Sister, you misunderstand—I’m only thinking of you!” Liu Yuanyin immediately defended herself with a pitiful tone. “I thought that since you live here alone, you must feel lonely on ordinary days. If you had someone to talk to, you might recover more quickly.”
Liu Qingxu didn’t even want to respond to her. She only said expressionlessly to Yan Rongtai, “Second Prince, if there’s nothing else, please return.”
Yan Rongtai could tell she was genuinely angry and didn’t press the earlier suggestion further. He only offered a concerned reminder, “Then rest well here. I won’t disturb you further. Another day, when I come to the temple to offer incense, I’ll visit you.”
Only then did Liu Qingxu secretly breathe a sigh of relief.
Good—at least he knew better.
Before leaving, Yan Rongtai gazed at her deeply for a moment, reluctance and worry written plainly on his fair, handsome face.
Liu Qingxu watched him walk away, then turned and glared coldly at Liu Yuanyin. “Still not leaving?”
With Yan Rongtai no longer present, Liu Yuanyin revealed her true self, her delicate face twisted with loathing. “Liu Qingxu, you truly don’t know what’s good for you! Second Prince is so devoted to you, yet you turn a blind eye. It seems you prefer punishment over kindness!”
“What, are you jealous again?” Liu Qingxu curled her lips mockingly. “Well, of course. Second Prince is devoted to me, and the Crown Prince insists on marrying no one but me. They’re the two most prominent princes of the realm, yet they’ve both taken a fancy to me. If word got out, women everywhere would die of envy!”
“Liu Qingxu!” Liu Yuanyin glared at her, gnashing her teeth.
She hated Liu Qingxu precisely because her status as the legitimate daughter made all the noble sons and grandsons of the capital flock to her like ants to honey!
Liu Qingxu understood this perfectly and spared no effort in provoking her. “Liu Yuanyin, let me tell you the truth—the Crown Prince already made his stance clear to me yesterday. Even if I die, he will carry my memorial tablet into the Crown Prince’s residence.”
"What?! The Crown Prince actually said that?!" Liu Yuanyin's almond-shaped eyes widened in shock, her face turning as pale as if drained of blood.
"So I advise you to be kinder." Liu Qingxu extended a hand, pushing her away with disdain, then crossed her arms and lifted her chin, exuding an air of haughty pride. "If you behave yourself, perhaps I might still follow Father's wishes and find a way to get you married into the Crown Prince's residence. But if you continue like this, constantly showing up to annoy me, I can't guarantee that the next time the Crown Prince comes, I won't refuse him again. To put it bluntly, if I truly agree to the Crown Prince's marriage proposal, even Father won't be able to do anything about it."
Liu Yuanyin bit her lower lip so hard that the silk handkerchief in her hand was torn by her sharp nails.
"Alright, get out now. If you disturb my peace again, I'll immediately move back to the mansion and declare myself fully recovered." Liu Qingxu's expression darkened as she dismissed her guest.
"You…" Liu Yuanyin glared at her with hatred but could do nothing about it. Especially when she recalled what Liu Qingxu had said earlier—that the Crown Prince wouldn't even spare her memorial tablet—it made her seethe with resentment until her heart felt as if it were dripping blood.
Finally, she flung her sleeves in anger and left the temple.
Standing before her room's door, Liu Qingxu gazed at the courtyard gate, her brows furrowing repeatedly.
The Crown Prince alone was already troublesome enough, and now suddenly there was a gentle and affectionate Second Prince. It seemed she had no choice but to leave!
She turned and pushed open the door.
Just as she was about to enter, she was startled by the person standing inside.
The man who should have been hiding behind the screen was inexplicably standing upright at the doorway.
Moreover, his face was dark and gloomy, as if possessed by a demon. His unfathomable eyes narrowed into two slits, from which a chilling aura emanated, like countless icy arrows shooting toward her.
Involuntarily, she shivered, then looked up and asked him, "What are you doing? Do you want to be discovered and stabbed a few more times?"
Yan Siyuan stared unblinkingly at her dull, sickly face. His thin lips parted slightly but then suddenly pressed into a cold, hard line.
This woman, even looking this ugly, could still attract suitors. If she were even slightly normal, wouldn't she become a femme fatale?
"Move aside, don't block the way! I'm in a bad mood, so you'd better not provoke me!" Liu Qingxu closed the door behind her and walked past him with annoyance. After sitting down on the cushion by the table, she noticed the man still standing rigidly there, which only added to her irritation. "What are you standing there for? Come over quickly, I have something to discuss with you."
Yan Siyuan turned around and walked to the table with a cold expression, looking down at her from above.
Liu Qingxu tilted her head back, feeling the urge to curse.
Was this how a subordinate followed orders? In her opinion, it looked more like a stern-faced demon coming to collect a debt!
"The next few days might be turbulent. You can't continue staying here with me. If possible, tell your two subordinates to speak with the temple's manager. You can disguise yourselves as pilgrims from afar and see if they can arrange a room for you here."
"And then? To make it more convenient for you to secretly meet with the Second Prince?"
"Secretly meet?" Liu Qingxu widened her eyes. "What nonsense are you talking about? Can't you see I'm trying to avoid them? Besides, what does it matter to you who I'm with?"
The coldness in Yan Siyuan's eyes melted considerably. Under her fiery glare, he stiffly turned his head away.
"I… I don't like noble princes… so…"
"So you dislike me associating with them?" After hearing his explanation clearly, Liu Qingxu directly rolled her eyes at him. "If you don't like it, just say so! Why give me that look? People might think you have some grievance against me! Besides, I'm trying to avoid them too—can't you see that?"
She could understand his explanation. After all, not everyone enjoys currying favor with the powerful. Just like her, she truly disliked dealing with those aristocratic scions.
Yan Siyuan didn't respond, only letting his gaze sweep subtly over her face.
Liu Qingxu suddenly sighed toward the door.
Influenced by him, the progress of her outside business had been delayed. Originally, she had planned to settle everything within two or three days, but now that was clearly impossible.
Now, with the Second Prince getting involved—judging by how attentively he cared for her today—he probably wouldn't give up easily.
It seemed she would have to rethink her plan to leave…
…
Zhenguo General's Manor.
Upon hearing that his younger daughter had gone to Shunhe Temple again, Liu Jingwu had the steward summon her to him.
As soon as Liu Yuanyin saw him, she crouched at Liu Jingwu's feet like a wronged kitten, on the verge of tears. "Father, the Crown Prince went to see Elder Sister, and he even said that even if Elder Sister dies, he will bring her memorial tablet into the Crown Prince's residence. Father, what should I do? Does this mean I truly lack the fortune to enter the Crown Prince's residence?"
Liu Jingwu sat imposingly in his large chair, every gesture exuding a formidable aura. Yet, only in front of this younger daughter did his stern eyes soften unnaturally.
Patting his younger daughter's head, he spoke gently and kindly, "Don't worry, Yuanyin. I heard the Second Prince went to see her today too?"
Liu Yuanyin nodded.
Liu Jingwu said, "Others may not know, but as your father, I am aware that the Second Prince has admired your elder sister since childhood. If we can persuade your elder sister to marry the Second Prince, the matter with the Crown Prince will be easier to handle."
"But it seems to me that Elder Sister doesn't like the Second Prince. Today, when the Second Prince offered to take Elder Sister elsewhere to recuperate, she refused! She even scolded me, saying I shouldn't meddle in her affairs." Liu Yuanyin pouted, growing more aggrieved as she spoke.
"Marriage matters are for parents to decide. When did it become her place to have a say?" Liu Jingwu's face darkened, his eyes suddenly blazing with anger.
Ever since he brought Yuanyin and Jie'er back to the Liu family, his eldest daughter had changed completely. Once obedient and reticent, she had become arrogant and excessively sharp-tongued. Even in front of him, her father, she showed no restraint—not only defying him but even daring to mock him with her nose in the air!
It was simply outrageous!
The Crown Prince's proposal for marriage should, in principle, bring him joy, but he did not want his eldest daughter to attain such glory, especially considering her…
"Father, Elder Sister won't listen to us anymore. What if she refuses to marry the Second Prince?" Liu Yuanyin whimpered, lowering her head to wipe the corners of her eyes.
Liu Jingwu patted her shoulder sympathetically, suddenly speaking with sorrow, "Yuanyin, when I married Xu'er's mother back then, it was for the sake of a political marriage alliance with Daxiang State. It concerned diplomatic relations between the two nations, and the Emperor ordered it—I had no choice but to marry. Outsiders only think that Xu'er's mother and I were deeply affectionate, but they don't know that it was your mother and I who were truly kindred spirits, genuinely in love. Alas, your mother was ill-fated and short-lived, and with all these years I've been away fighting battles, before I could come to fetch you both, your mother fell ill and passed away. Rest assured, from now on, your father will spare no effort to make it up to you and your brother. As for the position of Crown Princess, I will certainly fight to secure it for you."
"Father, you care so much for Yuanyin, I am truly overjoyed and deeply moved." Liu Yuanyin rested her head on his knee, weeping softly. "Ever since Mother passed away, my brother and I never had enough to eat or wear, and we were constantly bullied. Everyone called us pitiful orphans without parents. Now that we've returned to the Liu family, to Father's side, I believe Mother's spirit in heaven can finally rest in peace."
Liu Jingwu stroked her head, his heart aching even more. "There, it's all in the past now. From now on, you and your brother are in the Liu family, and with your father backing you, no one will dare harm you in the slightest!" To soothe her emotions, he continued, "In a little while, I'll have Fulin invite the Second Prince over to discuss your elder sister's marriage. Trust your father—I will ensure you are married into the Crown Prince's residence with all the glory and splendor you deserve."
The Crown Prince insisted on marrying his eldest daughter solely because of her status as the legitimate daughter. As long as he settled his eldest daughter's marriage first, if the Crown Prince wanted to win him over, he would have no choice but to marry his younger daughter!