"Brother-in-law!"
Prince Helian approached with a grin, thinking that the drunken girl might at least spare him out of respect for Xiao Lingchen.
Given his skills honed in the military, he shouldn't have been unable to escape a young girl like her. However, considering that they were by the river, where the wind was cold and bleak, and also because she was drunk, he was afraid that if things got out of hand, she might lose her footing and fall into the river.
Besides, she's just a young girl, so it wouldn't hurt much if I hit her. He's always loved beautiful women and considers himself the most chivalrous person, so why would he fight back?
Sure enough, as soon as he called out "brother-in-law," Tong Su squinted and quietly came over. She snorted coldly, withdrew her hand, and continued to roast the venison while shaking the firewood, ignoring even Xiao Lingchen.
Unaware that Prince Helian was excitedly trying to speak to Xiao Lingchen, Xiao Lingchen walked straight past him to Tong Su's side and said softly, "Bai Shu, I'm here."
Tongsu had her back to him and was absentmindedly turning the roasted venison over the fire.
The fresh venison is marinated with spices beforehand. When sizzled over a fire, it turns a deep red and glossy. The hot oil slowly seeps out with a sizzling sound and drips into the fire, creating a burst of sparks and releasing a wonderful aroma.
"Bai Shu, I hunted a few white foxes for you. Would you like to come and take a look?" He carefully chose his words. "I also found a little white fox that's just over a month old. It's still nursing and very cute. Would you like to keep it?"
The aroma of venison gradually wafted out. Tong Su flicked her wrist and sprinkled on the pepper and cumin powder that Prince Helian had brought from the Northwest. The spices infused the meat with a unique fragrance, dispelling the greasy and gamey smell. The venison was roasted until it was slightly charred, and it looked incredibly delicious.
She said, "What merit do I have to trouble Lord Xiao to risk his life to hunt foxes for me? Lord Xiao, you should not say such things. It is inappropriate to be suspicious, so as not to tarnish your reputation."
"Atractylodes macrocephala!"
Xiao Lingchen almost angrily hissed, then his face fell, and he felt deeply helpless: "Bai Shu, I am, after all, your elder brother. What do you mean by that?"
However, as soon as he said that, Tong Su's face instantly turned cold and dark. Xiao Lingchen realized that he had said the wrong thing again. He was annoyed and at a loss, and said in a panic, "Bai Shu, that's not what I meant..."
"Then what do you mean!" Tong Su turned around and glared at him fiercely. "You know exactly what I want. Who are you trying to humiliate? Fine, if you don't want to, I won't force you. Anyway, I'm a member of the Ji family, and it has nothing to do with you!"
"Atractylodes macrocephala—"
Xiao Lingchen's eyes trembled, and his voice was filled with trembling and helplessness.
Tong Su turned around, seemingly finding the roasted meat more appealing than herself. She pulled out the dagger that Prince Helian had prepared for cutting meat, cut off a piece of venison, and tasted it. The hot meat couldn't hide its tenderness and savory flavor; it was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making one's mouth water.
She cut off a large piece of venison with a flourish, wrapped it in oiled paper, placed it on a plate, and said to Prince Helian, who was staring at her with wide eyes, "Prince, how about giving me this piece of venison?"
"Of course, of course, okay, okay!"
She nodded, ignoring Xiao Lingchen, and turned to leave with the plate. Xiao Lingchen instinctively took a step to chase after her, but then suddenly felt timid, and a few words echoed in his mind—
She doesn't like him... Since she wants to leave, he has no choice but to reluctantly agree... This will put an end to his inappropriate feelings, allowing him to choose someone better for her... She doesn't like him, does she? Definitely not, what is there about him that she would like...?
"Brother-in-law," Prince Helian shuffled closer, trying to ingratiate himself, "Did you and Miss Ji have some kind of conflict? I can help mediate. We'll be family sooner or later, so don't be shy..."
Hearing the sound, Xiao Lingchen turned to the side, looked at him coldly, slightly raised his chin, and curled his lips in a cold smile.
Prince Helian suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.
“Alright,” he heard Xiao Lingchen say, “then come here. I’ve heard that the young master is skilled in martial arts, and I’d like to ask you for a few pointers.”
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
