Chapter 27 She likes men and wants to marry the one she likes
The invitation to the Xie Mansion's flower viewing banquet was quickly delivered to the princess's residence. This time, she wasn't the only royal princess to attend the banquet; many other princesses, including several of her favored sisters, were also attending.
They had no other reason than to follow the emperor. When General Xie returned to the capital, the emperor, in order to reward the Xie family for their meritorious service, also honored them by attending the flower-viewing banquet.
Needless to say, the purpose of bringing the princesses along was that there were many young talents at the Xie Mansion banquet, and the princesses were about the same age, so they all went there with the excuse of looking for a prince consort.
Yun Xi is no exception.
But the only difference is that Yun Xi doesn't have many choices. As the emperor's beloved daughter and one of the key characters in the plot, she must consider more about her future path.
When Yun Xi walked out of the princess's mansion, Ji Xun had been standing in front of the carriage waiting for her for a long time.
Today, he donned the moon-white brocade robe Yun Xi had prepared for him. His slender figure perfectly accentuated the garment, appearing clean and sharp. His sleeves were gathered into wrist guards carved with wolf motifs, and a silver-embroidered waistband accentuated his slender waist. His black hair was tied into a high ponytail, giving him a youthful, carefree demeanor.
However, a golden mask covered half of his face, and his expression could not be seen clearly. His ink-like eyes were strangely calm.
Yun Xi walked out with her skirt lifted up, and when she saw him for the first time, she couldn't help but be stunned.
Ji Xun led the horse, revealing a white wristbone, his thin, beautiful fingers gripping the scimitar. He turned sideways and looked up at her, "Your Highness."
Yun Xi couldn't help but stare at him: "This outfit really suits you..."
Rather, he looks good in anything he wears.
Although he is a little stupid, if he had a slightly better background, his temperament and figure alone would have completely crushed other noble young men in Chang'an.
Thinking of this, Yun Xi felt reluctant to take him outside to show off.
Comparing herself with those strange noblemen outside, Yun Xi felt a sour feeling in her stomach, and she might have to live with one of them for a long time in the future.
Yun Xi's expression suddenly became a little subtle, and then she got on the carriage.
"Your Highness, is there something on your mind?"
Seeing that her face looked bad, Ji Xun stood by her car window and lifted the curtain for her to get some fresh air.
His hands and feet were much more nimble, perhaps because the injury had healed his brain a little. He was no longer as dull as before. Now he had learned to take the initiative to help her with small things and ask about her mood.
Yun Xi leaned against the car window, came to her senses, her snow-white cheeks puffed up, and she sighed: "Ji Xun, come up, it's not safe to be alone outside."
She invited Ji Xun to ride in the carriage with her because she was still traumatized by what happened last time. She wanted Ji Xun to protect her, but she also didn't want him to get hurt. Being exposed naked in the outside world was too dangerous for him now.
The Jinyiwei sent by Yun Xi have not yet found out the true identity of the assassin, which means that Ji Xun’s enemies are still at large and they need to be more vigilant.
He always obeyed her orders.
Ji Xun got on the carriage with an expressionless face and sat next to Yun Xi. Half of the space inside the carriage was immediately occupied by him, and their hands accidentally touched each other.
Yun Xi did not react, and Ji Xun dodged calmly, as if he was pricked by a needle, so silent and quick that Yun Xi did not notice it at all.
The two of them were at a distance that was neither too far nor too close, and they could look at each other just by looking up, but Yun Xi had mixed feelings and kept her head down without saying a word.
"...Your Highness, is there something on your mind?" After thinking for a moment, Ji Xun asked again.
Yun Xi finally answered him, her tone tinged with sadness: "Ji Xun, if you knew your future was in sight and you couldn't escape it, would you give up struggling?"
Hearing this, Ji Xun paused for a moment, thinking for a moment, and then remembered what Duan Song had said to him last time: "Your Highness, are you worried about the matter of your son-in-law?"
"You've seen it too," Yun Xi said. "I've grown up, and my father and mother are pushing me hard. If I can't find a suitable person to marry, I'll be in big trouble. But there's no man I like in Chang'an."
Ji Xun bent his fingers hidden at his side and remained silent for a moment. He asked rather deliberately, "...What kind do you like?"
Yun Xi had never thought about this question before. She was stunned for a moment, then thought carefully and said, "I like... someone who is good-looking, has a good figure, is both civil and military, and can protect me in the first place when I encounter danger."
There is no girl who doesn't like such a man.
"Of course, the most important thing is that you have feelings for me. But this is unlikely in the future."
Ji Xun listened carefully, deep in thought.
After saying this, Yun Xi sighed and said, "Born in the royal family, there are always things that are beyond your control. Ji Xun, if you find someone you like in the future, you must pursue them boldly. You are a free person, which is something many people envy."
"If you ever want to get married, you must tell me. We will be master and servant, and I will give you a big red envelope."
After a brief silence, Ji Xun raised his eyes, his gaze seemed to be looking out the window, but also seemed not to be, his eyes rested on Yun Xi's earlobe.
"I don't have anyone I like." He said coldly.
Yun Xi said, "I'm just saying, just in case. No one can predict what will happen in the future."
"If that's the case, why are you so sure, Your Highness, that your consort must be someone you have no feelings for?"
Yun Xi was stunned: "I have never had close contact with many men since I was a child, except for you and Ying Nanfeng...how could he."
No, there is also Xie Yan Ge, her childhood enemy “Qingmei”.
Ji Xun didn't say anything else, just looked at her quietly, and then shifted his gaze as if nothing had happened: "...What I mean is that it's hard to say what will happen in the future."
He didn't want her to misunderstand.
However, Yun Xi didn't notice him at all. She frowned slightly, then seemed to think of something and relaxed her brows: "There really is no other choice. Actually, the second young master of the Xie family is not bad."
Xie Yange's younger brother is said to be impotent. Marrying him is almost the same as not marrying at all. At least she won't be forced to sleep with someone she doesn't like.
Ji Xun suddenly frowned imperceptibly, his knuckles unconsciously tightening: "...Who is that?"
The only people he knew were Ying Nanfeng and Zhou Changsheng...
The second son of the Xie family, the man with a strange dressing style?
"He's Xie Yange's younger brother. I haven't met him yet." Yun Xi said, "He was recommended by General Xie."
"...Oh." Ji Xun collected his thoughts and replied calmly, "This is a matter of great importance. Your Highness should consider it carefully."
"It depends on the situation." Yun Xi sighed, "We'll have a fierce battle at the banquet later. I'll take a nap first."
She fell asleep leaning on a small pillow, her soft black hair hanging down gently, just touching her cold skin.
The masked young man was silent for a long time. At an angle where no one could see, he raised a finger, pinched the strand of black hair between his fingers, gathered it, and clenched it.
…
The carriage from the princess's mansion soon arrived at Prime Minister Xie's mansion. Many young men and ladies from Chang'an also came with it and entered the prime minister's mansion one after another.
When Yun Xi woke up, it was time to get off the carriage. Ji Xun had gone down before her and was standing at the bottom of the small steps waiting for her.
The curtain of the carriage was lifted, and Yun Xi, dressed in a soft crimson silk dress, came out lowering her body. Ji Xun stretched out an arm for her to hold.
The two of them were dressed in matching clothes and had similar temperaments and demeanors. At first glance, they looked like a perfect couple, attracting much discussion from those around them.
Everyone naturally recognized Yun Xi, but no one recognized the young man next to her who was wearing a golden mask and had an extraordinary temperament.
Yun Xi didn't care about those looks and took Ji Xun into the Prime Minister's residence.
The main banquet was held in the Peony Hall of the Prime Minister's Mansion. Not long after, the emperor arrived, and Prime Minister Xie and General Xie also appeared at the banquet.
As the eldest princess, Yun Xi was sitting below the emperor. The Emperor of Wei was not surprised by her arrival and nodded to her.
The banquet was bustling with activity. Yun Xi glanced over and saw several familiar faces. When she saw Duan Song was also there, sitting across from her, the corners of her lips twitched.
At this time, Duan Song was staring at her, and it was unclear whether he was looking at her or Ji Xun.
For some reason, ever since she snatched Ji Xun away from Duan Song, this guy has been surprisingly normal. Not only does he never take the initiative to cause trouble for her, but he is also not as lustful as other restricted characters.
He should be looking at Ji Xun.
Yun Xi felt relieved and lowered her head to eat some snacks.
In the direction she couldn't see, Duan Song was indeed looking at Ji Xun behind her, but when Yun Xi lowered her head, he withdrew his gaze and inadvertently glanced in Yun Xi's direction.
Yun Xi was already the most beautiful of the princesses born to the Emperor of Wei. She had dressed up today and looked even more charming. The pink dress made her look delicate and lovely, like a blooming weeping crabapple tree.
Everyone loves beauty, and Duan Song's gaze couldn't help but linger on her for a moment.
However, the next moment, he felt a chill on his neck. When he raised his eyes again, he met Ji Xun's cold eyes.
The pair of dark pupils narrowed slightly, with a hint of coldness and harshness, as if scrutinizing his behavior. His knuckles moved slightly, stroking the hilt of the knife.
Duan Song was so frightened that his wrist bones trembled and the folding fan in his hand almost fell. He turned his head away awkwardly: "..."
"Hey, Prince Duan, did you see Princess Roujia across from us? She is so dazzling today."
Duan Song covered half of his face with a folding fan and gave a stiff smile: "It's better to look at more flowers at the flower viewing banquet."
He was afraid that one day he would accidentally have his eyeballs gouged out while walking on the street.
Halfway through the banquet, everyone moved to the Hundred Flowers Garden to admire the famous flowers.
Yun Xi was stopped by the emperor, who invited her to Zuifang Pavilion to discuss something.
Having anticipated this day, Yun Xi took a deep breath and decided to face it calmly. She turned to look at Ji Xun and said, "You go enjoy the flowers first. Remember to pick a peach blossom for me. I'll be there soon."
Ji Xun nodded and watched her leave without changing his expression.
"Your Highness, wait a moment."
He suddenly called her. Yun Xi paused and just as she turned around, Ji Xun took out a handkerchief and wiped the biscuit crumbs from the corner of her lips.
"I know what your Highness is thinking," he said slowly. "Today, your Highness told me that if I find someone I like, I must pursue him. I also hope that your Highness will marry his beloved one in the future."
"I will be guarding nearby. If Your Highness needs me, I will be willing to die for you."
Yun Xi was stunned for a moment, and suddenly her nose felt sore, but she held it back this time.
She raised her hand and hit Ji Xun, and whispered, "Don't say such things at this time. If others hear it, they will think I want to elope with you."
She couldn't do anything that would hurt Ji Xun, asking him to confront his father for her.
"Don't do anything, just go pick flowers for me." Yun Xi pushed him, "Go quickly, I want the most beautiful ones."
After Yun Xi finished speaking, she turned and walked towards Zuifang Pavilion at the urging of her maid. Ji Xun stood there without moving, watching her figure disappear.
After a long while, a sneer suddenly came from behind: "A guard dares to covet a princess of golden branches and jade leaves?"
Ji Xun didn't turn around. He had already recognized who it was, so he ignored the other person.
"Hey, I'm talking to you, Guard Ji." Xie Yange, holding up her purple skirt, walked up to him with a beaming look on her face, looking him up and down.
"You're dressed nicely, but it's a shame you can't change your inherent lowliness." Xie Yange raised an eyebrow and said, "Why, even after entering the Prime Minister's Mansion, you refuse to show your true face. Are you too ugly? I'm really curious, what exactly does Yun Xi see in you that makes you stay with her?"
“…”
"You know, she might marry my brother soon. By then, the Prime Minister's Mansion won't tolerate a dirty mistress like you."
Xie Yange had already inquired about Ji Xun's news. He heard from others that the reason he always wore a mask was because he had a scar on his face.
"Yun Xi has loved to play since she was a child. She might feel pity for someone with an incomplete appearance, but she cares about her reputation the most. It's okay to play with someone like you, but if you really want to talk about it, you can't show it to her. Otherwise, why would she give you a mask?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Ji Xun, who had been motionless for a long time, finally moved his eyes, shifted his gaze, and looked down at him condescendingly, his eyes as quiet as a pool of stagnant water.
"As far as I know, His Highness likes 'men'. Is that true, Miss Xie?"
He spoke indifferently and hit the nail on the head.
-----------------------
Author's words: Yun Xi: I like good-looking ones [shy]
Ji Xiaogou's face: Oh
Heart: [burst into tears] [heartbroken]
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com