The amount of information was too much for Tinghai to process, and he stared at Xie Lingqin in disbelief. He didn't even notice when Xie Lingqin had put away the dagger.

As for Zihe on the side.

What kind of person is the Crown Prince? A lecherous scoundrel?

For a young lady to use those three words to describe the prince, who was as elegant as a deity, is really... alright?

Moreover, Miss, you seem to wield the Crown Prince's dagger quite skillfully.

This dagger was a gift from Master Sengyun to the Crown Prince, it is said...

Just as she had expected, the Crown Prince treated her young lady differently.

"What, are you planning to stay here for lunch?" Seeing that Tinghai was still standing there for a long time, Xie Lingqin coldly shooed him away.

Tinghai immediately snapped out of his daze, swallowed hard, and asked, "Miss Lingqin, are you trying to send me away?"

"Wasn't I clear enough?" Xie Lingqin retorted.

Tinghai immediately waved his hand, "No, no, this subordinate... this subordinate..."

The next instant, under Xie Lingqin's cool gaze, Tinghai leaped and disappeared into the house.

Xie Lingqin lowered her eyes slightly and continued to drink her porridge without any expression.

“Miss…” Zihe trailed off, “Tinghai is very skilled in martial arts. Those who can serve as guards by the Crown Prince's side are all selected through rigorous screening; they are very powerful. The Crown Prince entrusting him with protecting you is quite…”

"Are you saying I'm very lucky?" Xie Lingqin gently put down her bowl and looked at Zihe.

Zihe pursed her lips, looking slightly embarrassed. "It's not that I'm lucky, but rather, it's so rare."

Not only is it rare, but the guards of Tinghai are also losing face. If it were anyone else, they would be overjoyed to be valued by the Crown Prince like this, but Miss...

...

Meanwhile, at the Crown Prince's residence.

Tinghai hung his head and knelt outside the Crown Prince's study.

"Your Highness, it's not that I'm not capable enough, it's just that Miss Lingqin doesn't want me. She even said... she even said..."

"Squeak." The tightly closed door was opened by the prince, who appeared in front of it.

At that time, the sky was bright, and the morning light blended with the cool breeze. The Crown Prince wore a blue brocade robe with gold cloud patterns, his brows and eyes were gentle and warm, his thin lips were slightly pursed, and he was outstanding in his demeanor.

It has lost some of its former solemnity and gained a touch more of a warm and alluring charm.

However, at this moment, looking at Tinghai, his gaze was very deep.

What else did she say?

“Speak… cough.” Tinghai was truly honest; he coughed lightly and imitated Xie Lingqin’s tone.

“Go back and tell your lecherous son, don’t think that just because you’re being so attentive, I can forgive him.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Tinghai asked in a mysterious and serious tone, "Your Highness, do you think Miss Lingqin has suffered some kind of blow?"

"lecher?"

"Um."

Yuwen Yao frowned, turned around abruptly, and closed the study door.

Looking at the tightly closed door, Tinghai was puzzled. What was going on?

"Continue to the General's Mansion." Then, the Crown Prince's order came again.

Tinghai scratched his head, looking pleadingly at Tingfeng standing outside the study door.

Listen to the wind, keep your eyes focused on your nose, and your nose focused on your heart; pretend you didn't see it.

Because the Crown Prince's heart is as unfathomable as a needle at the bottom of the sea, yet he happens to encounter Miss Lingqin's heart as unfathomable as a needle at the bottom of the sea.

"If you're sent back again, you won't need to come back at all." The Crown Prince's voice came from the study again at this moment.

Hearing the sea, the tiger's body trembled, and with no other choice, it immediately rushed towards the general's mansion.

Xie Lingqin was about to leave with Zihe at that moment.

She had already informed General Xie that she was going out to take a look. General Xie gave her a meaningful look but did not object.

Just as she was about to step out of the courtyard, Xie Lingqin narrowed her eyes and looked at Zihe.

Zihe nodded, then shouted into the shadows, "Come out."

“Miss Lingqin…” Tinghai raised his hand to wipe away his tears, “I was a guard who was kicked out. I’m like water spilled on the ground. The Crown Prince said that if you don’t let me stay, you won’t let me go back.”

Xie Lingqin's lips twitched.

“Miss, Tinghai is highly skilled in martial arts. Having him around won’t do any harm.”

"If he complains to the Crown Prince, that would be the worst thing."

"I promise I won't report this." Tinghai was on the verge of tears; what had he done to deserve this?

He's not just a simple bodyguard for the Crown Prince; he's...

"Then you shall remain hidden in the shadows and not interfere with me." Xie Lingqin pondered for a long time before finally granting her request.

Tinghai was so moved that he didn't hesitate to hide in the shadows and follow along to protect her.

Zihe silently sympathized with Tinghai, not daring to say anything more.

As soon as the master and servant left the courtyard and passed through a long corridor, Xie Lingyu blocked their way.

Looking at Xie Lingqin in front of him, dressed in a flowing, light blue ethereal gown, with a light veil draped over her shoulders, she was unadorned yet possessed a beauty that was like a painting.

A hint of jealousy flashed across Xie Lingyu's eyes.

This face...this face, it was beautiful before, but now it seems even more eye-catching than before.

Her skin was so delicate and smooth, it was almost translucent, making her want to tear her apart.

If it weren't for her, she wouldn't have killed him with her own hands...

"Big sister, where are you going?" Xie Lingyu asked, forcing a polite tone while hiding her jealousy.

"Want to go shopping, little sister?"

Xie Lingyu's eyes hardened. Was Xie Lingqin inviting him like this?

"I'm afraid of upsetting my sister."

"Your presence here has already ruined my mood," Xie Lingqin said sarcastically.

Although Xie Lingyu looked angry, he couldn't retaliate. Whoever got angry first would lose.

"I'm going to see Danling." Xie Lingyu brought up Xie Danling, thinking that Xie Lingqin would be somewhat moved, after all, he was her younger brother from the same mother. However, Xie Lingqin just smiled faintly, still expressionless, "Oh, sibling affection, that's good." After saying that, she passed Xie Lingyu and was about to leave.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!