Just then, a clear voice came from outside the crowd: "What's going on? Why is it so lively?" The voice, like a clear bell, resonated in the air and instantly attracted everyone's attention.
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw a man dressed in white slowly walking towards them. The moonlight, like water and a light veil, shone on him, illuminating his exceptionally handsome face. His features were exquisitely sculpted, with sword-like eyebrows that slanted upwards, deep, dark eyes like pools, a high, straight nose, and thin lips that were slightly upturned, carrying a faint smile that made him seem elusive.
His eyes were deep and bright, seemingly gentle and refined, yet concealing a sharp edge. Wherever his gaze swept, people couldn't help but feel awe and involuntarily lower their heads. His posture was as upright as a pine tree, with a powerful stride, each step carrying an innate majesty, as if the whole world was at his feet.
"Your Highness!" the crowd shouted in unison, their voices perfectly synchronized, their faces filled with reverence. They bowed respectfully, their eyes brimming with esteem for the Crown Prince.
It was actually the Crown Prince! Lin Qian's heart leaped with joy, a glint of anticipation flashing in her eyes. She narrowed her eyes slightly, a barely perceptible smile curving her lips, thinking to herself, "This is going to be interesting." She stood quietly to the side, observing the unfolding events with unwavering composure.
His Highness the Crown Prince calmly walked to the center of the crowd, his gaze sharp as a sword, slowly sweeping over everyone. His eyes seemed to see through everything, leaving no one nowhere to hide. Finally, his gaze landed on Prince Ning, and he said with a half-smile, "Brother, what's wrong? Your face looks so pale. Has some fool offended you?" His tone appeared relaxed and casual, yet carried an undeniable authority, as if everything was under his control.
Prince Ning felt uneasy under the Crown Prince's gaze, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. He tried to hide his unease, forcing a smile that appeared extremely stiff, and said, "Your Majesty is joking. I was merely disciplining a lowly servant girl who had disobeyed me." A hint of panic flashed in his eyes as he secretly observed the Crown Prince's expression, his heart pounding with anxiety.
The Crown Prince smiled slightly, but the smile didn't reach his eyes, and his gaze was devoid of any warmth. He said, "Oh? Is that so? I'd like to hear how this lowly servant dared to disobey her superiors." His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears, carrying an invisible pressure.
Prince Ning's heart tightened, and he was speechless for a moment. His mind raced, but he didn't know how to answer. At this moment, Lin Qian stepped forward, bowed gracefully, and looked at Prince Ning with a firm gaze. She said, "Your Highness, this maid has only stated some facts. It seems a bit inappropriate for Your Highness to have her beaten to death." Her gaze was unwavering, revealing a fearless aura.
The Crown Prince looked at Lin Qian, a hint of barely perceptible admiration flashing in his eyes, and nodded slightly, saying, "Miss Lin is right. Your Highness, shouldn't you give everyone an explanation for this matter?"
Prince Ning's face grew even uglier. He glared fiercely at Lin Qian, his heart filled with resentment. His eyes were brimming with anger and venom, as if he wanted to tear Lin Qian to pieces. But in front of the Crown Prince, he dared not retaliate. He could only suppress his anger and said with difficulty, "This... there must be a misunderstanding."
At this moment, the surrounding ministers also began to whisper among themselves.
"It seems that His Highness Prince Ning has indeed gone too far," a minister said softly, frowning as he expressed his dissatisfaction with the prince's behavior.
“Indeed, according to what that maid said, Prince Ning’s behavior was indeed inappropriate,” another minister echoed, shaking his head and revealing his disappointment in Prince Ning.
Hearing these comments, Prince Ning grew increasingly furious, yet he was powerless to do anything about it. His hands clenched into fists, his knuckles turning white from the force, but he dared not lash out, and could only suppress his anger.
Seeing Prince Ning's predicament, the Crown Prince had already formed a plan in mind. His eyes were deep and unfathomable, making his thoughts difficult to fathom. He slowly said, "I, the Crown Prince, will investigate this matter thoroughly. If there is indeed an injustice, I will not tolerate it." After speaking, he turned and left, his white figure appearing exceptionally majestic in the moonlight. The crowd quickly made way for him, their eyes filled with awe.
After the Crown Prince left, the lively atmosphere gradually dissipated, but the crowd still lingered. The moonlight, like water, spilled into the courtyard, bathing everything in a silvery glow. The crowd whispered among themselves, still discussing what had just happened. The subtle tension between Prince Ning and the Crown Prince, as well as Lin Qian's courageous actions, became the hot topics of their conversation.
Only Prince Ning remained standing there, his face ashen, his eyes burning with fury. He glared fiercely in the direction Lin Qian had left, gritting his teeth as he said, "Lin Qian, you're very good! You dare to embarrass me in public, just you wait!" His body trembled slightly with rage, his hands clenched into fists as if he wanted to vent his anger through his fists.
Lin Qian seemed completely unfazed by Prince Ning's threat. She simply smiled, a hint of disdain in her eyes, and said, "Your Highness is joking. I was merely stating the facts. It is Your Highness who is so enraged; doesn't that make you seem narrow-minded?" Her tone was calm and firm, unaffected by Prince Ning's anger.
Prince Ning trembled with rage, his chest heaving violently, but under the watchful eyes of everyone, he could not lash out at Lin Qian. He could only angrily turn and leave. His retreating figure looked particularly pathetic, like a defeated rooster.
Prince Ning traveled at breakneck speed, his anger burning like a raging inferno that could not be extinguished. As a prince, when had he ever suffered such humiliation? He blamed it all on Lin Qian, secretly vowing to make her pay the price.
Lin Qian watched Ning Wang's departing figure, a cold smile playing on her lips. She knew in her heart that Ning Wang was nothing but a strong-willed but weak fellow, easily provoked and not worth fearing.
"Miss, are you alright?" Xiao Huan asked softly, her face filled with worry.
"What could possibly be wrong with me?" Lin Qian smiled and shook her head, looking relaxed. "But you, you must have been really scared just now, right?"
Xiao Huan nodded with lingering fear, her eyes still filled with dread, and said, "Miss, I thought... I thought Prince Ning was really going to beat me to death!"
"Don't worry, with me here, he won't dare to do anything to you." Lin Qian patted Xiao Huan's hand, giving her a reassuring look.
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