Chapter 32: I am angry with you, Song Youning, for being so...

Song Youning saw the intentions of the two people clearly, and didn't know who to speak for a moment, but considering the plan of Fengya Pavilion later, after thinking for a moment, he spoke up for Xiao Lin.

As for Li Funing, it would be over soon. She would coax him more. According to his personality, he would definitely not bother with her.

"Father, Xiao Lin is just trying to impress you. He's been away on the battlefield for a long time, so his interactions with others are limited. It's understandable that he doesn't have much tact. He just wants to come in and bring some fun to my daughter and me."

She took two steps forward, turned around, and ignored the two men's gazes. "How about Father, for your sake, let this matter alone?"

Song Luoshu's eyelids relaxed. Since his daughter had spoken for him, he had no reason to embarrass him anymore.

What's more, he is currently at odds with the King of Zhenbei. If the conflict worsens... since the steps have been paved for him, he might as well just go down them.

Song Luoshu held up a Buddha statue in his sleeves, "Since the princess has already pleaded for you, I can't say anything more."

His eyes turned and fell on Xiao Lin who was kneeling on the ground, and his eyebrows raised slightly: "It's just that Master Xiao..."

The ending tone was drawn out. "In the future, you must be more sensible. Lord Li has always been polite, so please learn from him."

Xiao Lin felt even more aggrieved after being scolded. When he heard that His Majesty asked him to learn more from that old fox Li Funing, he was furious. He wanted to refute with a whine, but Song Youning glared back at him. He had no choice but to shut up, and his eyes were like ghost lights, staring at Li Funing.

At that moment, Li Funing was standing in the corridor, wearing a perfectly respectful smile, his lips slightly raised, his eyes gentle, the appearance of a dignified gentleman. However, his fingers were already clenched quietly beneath his wide sleeves.

His face was still as calm as the breeze and bright moon, with a faint smile on his lips, as if everything in front of him had nothing to do with him.

But only he himself knew that the emotions surging in his chest were almost breaking through the mask of gentleness like jade.

This was a trap set up deliberately for Xiao Lin.

He has never liked fighting with others, but this time after returning to the palace, he saw Xiao Lin circling around Song Youning all the time. He felt jealous in his heart, but he didn't dare to express it to Song Youning openly.

He seemed to be possessed by something. He knew that such a clumsy plan was unmannerly, but he still did it. He wanted to see who was more important in Song Youning's heart, him or Xiao Lin.

He originally thought that he would always be special in her heart.

But when her eyes turned slightly, and she looked at Xiao Lin who was kneeling on the ground with a bit of understanding and a bit of helplessness, their eyes met.

He only felt a tightness in his throat, as if someone had forced him to drink a cup of bitter wine, the sourness burning his internal organs, but he had to maintain a calm appearance.

Even though he had disrupted their marriage, she kept approaching the princess in front of him, even though they were so close when they were young.

He knew she saw it.

She clearly saw through his plan, and she also knew that he was angry, but she still chose to save Xiao Lin.

Li Funing's fingertips curled slightly, and his hands slowly tightened under his wide sleeves, but the smile on his face became more and more gentle like jade.

He lowered his eyes to hide the dark emotions in them, and laughed at himself in his heart.

It turns out that he is just like that.

Even though what he did was not gentlemanly at this moment, he still hoped that she would stand by him unconditionally, but... she didn't.

Song Youning keenly noticed the gloom that flashed across his eyes, and her heart suddenly tightened.

Would Li Funing hold a grudge against her for such a small matter?

She opened her mouth subconsciously, wanting to say something to comfort him: "Yes, Lord Li has always been self-disciplined and respectful. Xiao Lin, learn more from Lord Li in the future, otherwise I won't help you plead with the emperor..."

Before she finished speaking, she regretted it when she saw Li Funing's face becoming more gloomy.

Li Funing's eyelashes trembled slightly, and the gentle smile at the corner of his lips seemed to freeze for a moment, then he slowly lowered his head, his expression hidden in the shadows, and his emotions could not be discerned.

But that vague look of depression made Song Youning's heart wrench. Could it be that he really hated her?

She wailed in her heart, thinking of what she had just said in a hurry, and she wanted to bite off her tongue.

She used to think that he was "strict and old-fashioned" and stuck to the old ways, so Xiao Lin's unruly shout had captured her soul. Not only did she run away from the marriage, she also cut off all contact with the palace.

How can you now say such flattery as "control yourself and return to propriety"? I'm afraid you are just hitting the horse's hoof!

Her fingertips burned with anxiety, and she was racking her brains to think of a way to remedy the situation, when she saw Li Funing suddenly raise his eyes. There seemed to be a dark tide in his eyes, but he just smiled faintly: "Your Highness, you are too kind. I...don't deserve it."

The tone was so calm that it was almost distant. Song Youning's heart trembled when he heard it, and he felt inexplicably panicked.

Oh no, this guy really took it to heart, what should I do!

Li Funing smiled bitterly and leaned forward and said, "Your Majesty, I have important matters to attend to, so I will take my leave first..." He held the handrails and bowed, his posture was strict and standard, still looking like a banished immortal, and no one could bear to desecrate him. But in Song Youning's eyes, there was always a sense of crumbling and brokenness in him.

Song Luoshu's gaze fixed on Li Funing for a moment. Seeing that although his expression was normal, his eyelashes were drooping, he knew that he must be feeling uncomfortable at the moment.

As a man himself, he naturally understood that his daughter's words just now might have touched Li Funing's sore spot. He really hated his daughter for not being as strong as she could be!

Until Song Luoshu nodded, Li Funing said nothing and retreated obediently.

Song Luoshu paused, coughed lightly without making any sound, turned his gaze to Song Youning who was standing there in a daze, raised his eyebrows slightly, and gave him a meaningful look.

What are you still standing there for? You provoked me, so why are you chasing me?

Song Youning was just regretting that she had said the wrong thing again, when she suddenly saw her father giving her a look. She was stunned at first, then she understood: "Father, I have something important to deal with, I will leave first." She didn't care about being reserved and chased after him, holding up her skirt.

After the two left, there was no sound in the hall.

Xiao Lin knelt upright in the hall, his back straight, watching Song Youning's back as he chased out.

"Your Majesty, Xiao Lin has something unclear. May I ask Your Majesty to clarify this for me?" Song Luoshu was about to leave when he heard Xiao Lin's voice and stopped.

He admitted that he was partial to Xiao Lin. After all, the imperial family had strict rules, and who wouldn't want their daughter to find a husband who was polite, well-mannered, and well-educated? Furthermore, his background meant that they were not destined to be together...

"Your Majesty..." Seeing the man in front of him was indifferent, Xiao Lin repeated it respectfully, his voice relaxed and his salute posture standard and powerful.

Xiao Lin looked at Song Luoshu with burning eyes, seeming to want to say something but stopping himself.

His usually cynical features now showed a rare solemnity, and his voice lost its usual frivolity.

Xiao Lin's Adam's apple moved slightly, and the fingers hidden in his sleeves unconsciously tightened. Over the years, he still couldn't understand why the emperor, who was always known for his benevolence, disliked him alone?

He believed that apart from his eccentric personality, he was sincere in his treatment of the princess. He was the best candidate for both household affairs and military achievements. However, His Majesty not only repeatedly prevented him from getting close to the princess, but also deliberately excluded him from the list of candidates for the Emperor's husband.

The more he thought about it, the more indignant he became. He slowly spoke, "I know I am naughty..." His voice was low, and a hint of stubbornness flashed in his eyes.

"But I have never been disrespectful to Your Highness. I know Your Majesty dislikes my meddling in folklore, so I changed my ways and followed my father in his endeavors. Although my military exploits are not as illustrious as your father's, I have also made numerous achievements..."

He raised his head and looked directly into Song Luoshu's eyes: "Why is your majesty...still unwilling to give me a chance?"

Song Luoshu's eyes swept over Xiao Lin with a complex expression that was difficult to describe. He was silent for a moment, and finally said lightly:

"Your identity means that you and Youning cannot last long. This is her own choice. Don't blame me for being ruthless..."

After he finished speaking, he turned and walked out of the palace without saying anything else. The vermilion palace door slowly closed behind him, leaving Xiao Lin alone in the empty palace.

Xiao Lin knelt on the spot, his fingertips feeling slightly cold.

identity?

His Xiao family had been a line of military commanders for generations, filled with loyal and valiant men. His father, the King of Zhenbei, wielded immense power, and most of the generals and commanders in chief were his father's subordinates. While Xiao Lin might have a somewhat eccentric personality, he had been granted a title at a young age and possessed remarkable military achievements. How could he be inferior to Li Funing, a mere censor?

What exactly does your Majesty mean by this? This is her own choice, so what does it mean?

A breeze blew past outside the hall, picking up fallen leaves and making rustling sounds, but no one answered. Inside the hall, Xiao Lin sat on the ground in a daze, thinking hard.

Song Youning followed Li Funing out of the palace and searched for a long time but couldn't find him. In such a short time, he must still be in the palace.

But the maid just came to report that no one had seen Li Funing. Where could he have gone in just a few sticks of incense? Could it be that he really hated her because of such a small matter?

Thinking of this, she became more anxious and angry, even a little annoyed. It was obviously him who was being unreasonable and insisted on asking his father to scold Xiao Lin. She handled it for him, but he still held a grudge against her?

"Your Highness, we have asked in all the palaces, and they all said that they have not seen Lord Li..." Chuntao came over jogging, breathing slightly, and her forehead was covered with sweat soaked with perfume powder.

Song Youning looked at Chuntao's anxious expression, then raised his head to glance at the scorching sun in the sky. He took out a handkerchief from his sleeve and wiped the sweat off her forehead. He sighed and said, "Since you can't find it, forget it!"

"He can't be found in the palace, so he must have left. Can you send someone to the Li Mansion to ask?"

The handkerchief just touched Chuntao's forehead. She felt it was unreasonable and subconsciously wanted to turn her head away, but Song Youning held her back. Seeing her trying to hide, Song Youning said, "Don't move!"

Chun Tao was slightly moved, and then she stayed where she was. Suddenly, as if she had thought of something, she opened her lips and asked, "Could it be that Master Li... has gone back to Youning Palace?"

Song Youning, who was wiping Chuntao's sweat, was stunned. This guy always behaved unconventionally. Maybe he really went back to her bedroom!

Chun Tao saw Song Youning's frown relax and recede like the tide, and immediately heard an order in her ears: "Return to the palace!"

After Song Youning approached the palace, he walked straight to the study. As soon as he reached the door, he saw a familiar figure standing outside.

Jing Wen saw that it was her who came and stepped forward, his eyes full of worry. "Your Highness, the young master locked himself in your study as soon as he returned to Youning Palace. The master sent me to look for the young master, saying that he had something important to discuss, but..."

Li Funing, this guy, really came here, but did he go to the wrong bedroom...Why did he lock himself in her study?

Song Youning raised her hand to interrupt Jingwen's chattering and left a sentence: "I'll go in and take a look!"

Then he pushed open the door of his study and walked in with big strides.

When Song Youning was in the Imperial Garden, dusk had already crept up along the palace walls. When she reached the door of the study, only a faint light remained, and the breeze brought the chirping of a few crickets.

The moment I pushed open the study door, the furnishings in the hall looked like they had been splashed with half a cup of overnight tea, and the atmosphere of the night began to take on a sense of the night. The sandalwood desk and the plain gauze screen were all stained with gray-brown outlines.

Only a ray of residual light filtered in through the west window, falling upon the desk where Li Funing sat, painting on the carved Huanghuali wood chair she had brought back from Jiangnan, using her purple-gold wolf-hair brush...

When Song Youning came in, he ignored her and continued to concentrate on his painting, treating this as his prime minister's residence.

Song Youning looked around and found a chair closest to him and sat down.

The two of them just like this, one holding the pen and painting, the other standing quietly and gazing.

The pine soot ink on Li Funing's desk was ground and dried, and the tip of the brush was suspended above the rice paper, not falling for a long time, leaving a small gray shadow.

The shadows of bamboos outside the window swayed and swept across the window paper, making the room seem even quieter.

Song Youning's throat moved slightly, and he finally couldn't help but squeeze out a low sentence: "Master Li, are you angry?"

Li Funing said calmly, "I dare not," but his voice was emotionless. Before he finished speaking, the tip of his brush suddenly stopped, and a drop of thick ink fell and spread across the painting.

"Xiao Lin is a fool, Lord Li, please don't bother with him." Song Youning lowered his voice and used the softest tone in his life.

Li Funing raised his eyebrows and glanced at him, speaking softly. The moonlight from the window just happened to pass over half of his face, making his phoenix eyes clear and bright: "Your Majesty knows..."

"I didn't bother with him..."

Song Youning breathed a sigh of relief, with a hint of confusion in her eyes: "If you don't bother with him, then why don't you pay attention to me?"

"I'm not arguing with him...but I'm arguing with Your Highness..."

Song Youning: .....

This sentence was sour and bitter, and Song Youning was speechless for a moment.

"I didn't provoke you..." She muttered softly, suppressing her voice to sound aggrieved.

Hearing his mumbling, Li Funing's hand that was painting trembled, and his face became even darker. A drop of ink happened to fall on the blank space of the fallen plum blossom painting, which seemed out of place.

Song Youning was thinking about how to make up words that he would like to hear. From childhood to adulthood, although she had said at least eight hundred sweet words to Li Funing, she was a child who spoke without restraint, but now that she had grown up, she had the nerve to say them.

The hall fell silent again, with only the occasional chirping of cicadas outside. Li Funing suddenly dropped the wolf-hair brush in his hand, brushed his robe, stood up and was about to walk out the door. The whole process was smooth and effortless, without even raising his eyelids, and he ignored Song Youning who was standing beside him.

Seeing Li Funing walking to the bedroom door and about to push it open to go out, Song Youning jumped up from the chair and rushed over.

The moment he opened the door, she took advantage of her light frame to slip under his sleeve, stretched out her arm, and slammed the carved wooden door, which was already ajar, shut with a "snap".

Li Funing, whose path was blocked, finally looked up at him. He opened his thin lips slightly, but no emotion could be heard: "What do you mean, Your Highness?"

At this moment, the two of them were only a fist apart, and they could even see the pores on each other's faces when they looked up.

One of them was keeping the door open while the other was closing it. If an unaware bystander saw this, there would be a lot of gossip.

"I don't mean anything..." Song Youning lowered the door even more firmly, leaving no gap for him.

Li Funing simply withdrew his hand, folding his arms and looking at her. His eyes, once dark as ink, now relaxed a little. He leaned forward slightly, his eyes roaming over her face with a playful expression, "Oh, and what about Your Highness..."

"Ahem, ahem..." Song Youning suddenly cleared her throat, dropping her disguise. She met his gaze, tilting her head slightly to look at him, pretending to relax.

"Of course, I don't have any special intentions..." She took a step forward with a faint smile on her lips, and slowly climbed her arms around his neck. "But I think Lord Li has some interesting thoughts in his heart..."

She dragged out the last line of her voice and suddenly took a half step forward. "Otherwise, if you clearly have so much on your mind, why do you have to act like you're hesitant to speak... and even come to my palace?"

She slowly brought her face closer until their noses were touching. She turned her head to whisper in his ear, "Master Li...are you waiting for me to come find you?"

Li Funing only felt a tingling sensation at the tip of his ear and his body trembled involuntarily.

He tilted his head, deliberately increasing the distance between them. His brows knitted slightly, his eyes darkened, and he said sarcastically, "I am just an insignificant person. Why do you need Your Highness to come to me in person?"

"Your Highness, please go find Prince Xiao!"

Seeing him look so dead again, Song Youning couldn't help but snort softly, leaning against the door with her arms folded. "Master Li, why do you look like I've bullied you?"

She raised her eyes and glanced at him with a half-smile, "Are you so wronged?"

Li Funing still maintained his previous posture, without moving, but because of his slender figure, he seemed to be looking down at her. He squinted his eyes and looked at her: "Oh? Your Highness, don't you have it?"

His eyes were dark, the hint of playfulness in them had long been swallowed up by burning desire. Now only dark fire was left, as if to burn her to ashes.

There was a faint smile on Song Youning's lips, and his eyes took in the person in front of him.

"I know Lord Li is upset because I helped Xiao Lin, but Lord Li didn't return to his own residence, but instead visited my residence alone...? What does Lord Li want to do?"

She paused deliberately, "Besides wanting me to coax you..." Suddenly she leaned forward, breathing sweetly, "I really can't think of any other reason!"

Li Funing's body paused slightly, a trace of confusion flashed in his eyes. He didn't even realize that his nameless restlessness was actually because he was waiting for her to coax him.

No wonder he was restless in the palace just now, not wanting to go anywhere, but somehow stepped into Song Youning's study.

He chuckled softly, his Adam's apple rolling as a hint of hoarseness escaped his lips. "Your Highness understands my heart better than I do..."

His fingertips slowly slid along Song Youning's jade belt, and suddenly he grasped her slender waist and pulled her into his arms. "I just wonder...how will the princess...please me?"

"I am ready..."

Song Youning squinted at him, and suddenly her fingertips slowly moved up along his collar, climbing up his neck like a vine. Taking advantage of the moment when he was distracted, she suddenly raised her head and kissed him: "Master Li, what do you think... How about this?"

Li Funing's body stiffened, and then he immediately grabbed her by the back of the neck and took the initiative, turning the passive position into the active one. His palm slid down her curves that had matured at some point, causing a shudder wherever it passed. "I feel... it's not enough..."

The warmth of his palm burned her whole body, and as her body grew hotter, she suddenly tilted her head and bit his earlobe, causing the tip of his ear to tingle, like a ripe red shrimp.

Her breathing was disordered but she still did not forget to reply to him: "So, Lord Li...are you satisfied?" Her eyes were full of charm.

While Li Funing was moving, he accidentally caught a glimpse of her flushed face. She looked more crazy than he had ever seen before. He tried to touch her with his hand, but before he could reach out his hand, she sealed his lips again and swallowed him completely.

As the two of them were making love, Li Funing felt drowsy and allowed her to tease him at will. He became passive and was immersed in her sweetness when he suddenly felt a pain on his lips. It turned out that she had bitten him.

He subconsciously raised his hand, but it was gently grasped by another hand. Her voice, tinged with laughter, reached his ears: "Remember, next time... Lord Li, you are not allowed to sulk alone. If you have anything to say, tell me directly..."

The two of them struggled from the palace gate to the carved incense table, and then fell onto the purple gauze bed. Many expensive items were overturned as they tossed and turned, but the strange thing was that despite the roar in the house, no one came in to disturb them.

The two of them followed the predetermined route, collapsing along the way, their scattered robes intertwined and blurred.

The chirping of cicadas outside the palace mixed with the sounds inside the house, and the entire princess's mansion was immersed in ecstasy.

The hot smoke from the stove made the temperature in the hall even more tender. Mixed with the soothing incense and the chorus of cicadas outside the hall, the two snuggled up to each other in their dreams and fell asleep sweetly.

Outside the window, night gradually falls. The night wind blows gently across the distant lake, rolling up layers of blue waves, creating a peaceful and beautiful scene.