Knowing that Xiao Lingchen was about to go out, Xiao Shisan hurriedly called a group of guards and followed him at a distance. Although he saw Xiao Lingchen talking to Prince Helian, Xiao Shisan was far away and did not hear what they were talking about.
But then the second young lady arrived, and after a few words, the atmosphere between the three of them was clearly off. The adult even abandoned everyone and rode away. Xiao Shisan was taken aback and hurriedly led the guards to carefully follow.
As soon as they got closer, they saw that Xiao Lingchen looked strange. Before they could figure out why they were arguing, they heard the Second Miss's angry questioning voice.
"If you only want to be my brother, why did you change my surname? Xiao Lingchen, do you dare to look me in the eye and speak to me!"
Xiao Shisan almost fell off his horse!
He hurriedly dispersed the guards, telling them to stay away, and he himself retreated in a panic, his heart pounding.
What... what's going on here?!
"Xiao Lingchen, do you dare look me in the eye and talk to me!"
Xiao Lingchen's fingers, hidden under his sleeve, trembled slightly, and he almost slipped off the reins.
He lowered his eyes to avoid the angry look on the girl's face, and his fingers clenched again, gripping the reins tightly.
“Bai Zhu,” his voice was hoarse, “I…I am twenty-six years old this year, ten years older than you.”
He's a full ten years older.
Just as Prince Helian said, he was rigid and serious, while she was just a young girl who hadn't met many people. Otherwise, why would she be willing to talk to him?
She was so young, full of youthful energy, in the prime of her life. The Xiao family was her support. She could have easily found someone more suitable for her, a cheerful and spirited young man of similar age from Wuling, riding high in Chang'an.
Zongzhi, a handsome and dashing young man, raised his cup and rolled his eyes at the blue sky, as radiant as a jade tree standing in the wind.
And what about him?
He was about to embark on a path of no return, a path he couldn't bear to take her with him.
If it were to succeed, the towering, deep palace would be oppressive and restrictive.
If we are defeated, the crime of exterminating the entire tribe will be tragic and unforgivable.
Xiao Lingchen gave a wry smile.
Although he disliked Helian Muyun so much before, he had to admit that even Helian Muyun was more suitable for him than himself.
Helian Muyun was a few years older than her, but much younger than herself. He was unrestrained and had a more youthful spirit than she, who was rigid and serious.
He was also far more charming and philandering than I was, and knew how to win a girl's heart.
The Northwest is remote, and the imperial court can't reach there for the time being. If she goes to the Northwest with Prince Helian, she will be free and unrestrained, and no one will be able to control her.
If she could win, with him backing her up, Prince Helian would never dare to betray her.
Even if he were to lose, he would make sure she was taken care of before he died. The Xiao family's connections, guards, and assets would be enough for her to be on equal footing with Prince Helian. Even if they were to divorce, she would live a happy life together.
Xiao Lingchen carefully chose his words before speaking: "Bai Shu, you're about to come of age. This winter hunt has brought many outstanding young men of marriageable age from the capital; you'll have a good opportunity to meet them. If you find one you like, just tell your brother, and I can..."
"What can you do!" the girl glared at him menacingly. "Perfect, I have someone I like, what do you want?"
There is one—
Xiao Lingchen felt a pang of pain in his heart.
Her words struck him like needles piercing stone, leaving him breathless and his vision blurring. But he forced himself to stay calm and said in a hoarse voice, "...I can let him come and propose marriage."
The little girl's eyes instantly turned red!
"Xiao Lingchen, you coward!"
She suddenly sprang up and pounced on him. Xiao Lingchen's expression changed drastically. Before he could even utter a cry of "Watch out!", she grabbed his collar, brought him close to his face, and bit down hard on his lips!
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