I took the handkerchief and wiped my face vigorously twice before letting her take it away. From now on, I'll stay away from Xie Yuancheng, whether it's necessary or not.
But it seemed the heavens didn't hear my cries; soon, they summoned me to a meeting. I had been playing with the Phantom Sword in the courtyard, but now I had absolutely no interest in it.
I dawdled my way to the study, and Meng Anshi said that only I could go in, while Xiren was waiting outside the door, so I had no choice but to go in by myself.
Xie Yuancheng was scribbling on a blueprint. He had a scholarly air about him, but he managed to manage such a large city as Linyang City in an orderly manner. He should not be underestimated.
I spoke first: "My Lord."
Xie Yuancheng didn't look up: "Yingdi, as I said, you don't need to be so polite in the future."
I argued, "This is the Marquis's residence; we should be more careful."
Xie Yuancheng put down his pen and looked over: "There's no need to be restrained in the entire Linyang City. Don't worry, I won't mention what happened last time to anyone else. Come here and take a look at the governance map of the North City."
The weight lifted from my heart; things would be fine as before. I walked over to him and looked at the dense annotations on the paper. "Brother Yuancheng, you've already marked it all."
Xie Yuancheng moved a little closer, and I could smell his breath. I took a step back without making a sound, but Xie Yuancheng actually took a step forward: "Brother Ying, look here. Last year there was a sudden flood, and a new ditch was dug afterward. This year's flood was diverted to some extent. However, the ditch was too shallow and could not be used for a long time, so this time a low-lying area was dug to expand the area and finally divert the water to the big river more than ten miles away."
Was Xie Yuancheng doing it on purpose or unintentionally? He was so close. When I heard him speak, I immediately praised him and wanted to move away.
Xie Yuancheng continued, "And here..." I couldn't take it anymore, my ears were about to give way: "Brother Yuancheng, I have never been too close to people, could you please take a step back?"
Xie Yuancheng blinked. "We'll be working together on business for a long time, like brothers. Don't worry about such trivial matters." You should at least take a step back. Besides, who wants to be like a brother to you?
I listened to him ramble on and on for ages, and all I remembered was that I was going to Beicheng tomorrow. My stomach had started hurting recently, and I really didn't want to go, but Wan'er wasn't there, so I had no one to help me.
As I walked out of the study, I rubbed my ear. Xiren came up to me, and after we crossed the corridor, she said, "Prince Consort, the princess has been granted permission to come to Linyang in a month."
My goodness, one problem after another! I need to see the pawnshop owner with the same name.
With a smile on my face, I went to the west wing. While Xiren went to fetch something, I took Wan'er's hand and said, "Wan'er, I have to go out for a bit now. Can you help me with the arrangements?"
Wan'er: "Young master, where are you in such a hurry to go?"
Me: "It's hard to explain in a short time. Go find an inconspicuous outfit, quick." Wan'er hurriedly found a light blue outfit with a dark red lining. Compared to her usual clothes, it was indeed not very eye-catching.
I changed my clothes, took off the golden crown from my head, tied a dark red silk cloth around my neck, grabbed a fan, took some silver, and went out.
Just as they reached the door, they saw a carriage. The curtain was lifted, revealing Xie Yuancheng's face. He raised an eyebrow and asked, "Yingdi, why are you in such a hurry? Where are you going?"
I held my fan and said, "I just wanted to go for a walk. Farewell." Meng Anshi, holding a sword, blocked my way.
Xie Yuancheng got out of the car and changed into casual clothes. His white clothes were embroidered with some gold patterns. A gust of wind blew by, making his clothes flutter like a fairy from another world, as if he was about to fly away at any moment.
I fanned myself to hide my unease: "Brother Yuancheng, you must have important business to attend to, so I won't bother you any longer." But Meng Anshi was standing in my way. If only I had cultivated a good relationship with him before, I might have been able to lend him a hand now.
Xie Yuancheng said, "Yingdi, let me see you off." It was clearly an invitation, but it carried an air of absolute certainty. I was outnumbered and outmatched, so I had no choice but to get into the carriage with him.
Meng Anshi asked from outside, "My lord, where are we going?"
Xie Yuancheng looked at me, asking for my opinion. Since we couldn't go to Nancheng today, I could only say that I would just take a walk and relax.
The carriage was already moving, and I pretended to look out the window.
Xie Yuancheng said to himself, "It's still early, why don't we go for a walk in the countryside?"
I turned around and said, "The outskirts, great." It's good to calm down a bit; once Li Zhaole arrives, there will never be a peaceful day.
Xie Yuancheng reached out, and just as he was about to touch my wrist, I quickly dodged. He's quite handsome; he could easily pick up any woman, but I never expected him to be gay!
I held the fan in both hands and said, "Brother Yuancheng, please have some self-respect. I have no choice but to accept this."
Xie Yuancheng laughed and actually moved closer. Although the carriage was spacious, there was nowhere to hide, so he might as well stay where he was.
Fortunately, he only moved a little closer: "Brother Ying, I consider myself to have met countless people, but I have never seen anyone like you."
I opened my eyes briefly: "What kind of person am I?"
Xie Yuancheng rested his chin on one hand and said with a smile, "Someone who can please my heart."
I wanted to slap him, but I held back: "Xie Yuancheng, there's a limit to how much you can joke around."
Xie Yuancheng said innocently, "Yingdi doesn't believe me. I liked you from the first moment I saw you. Otherwise, I wouldn't have agreed to let Consort Ji take you with me."
Oh my god, this guy has been scheming since the first time we met. I didn't expect Ji Ying to be so good at attracting suitors. It's terrifying to think that he'll find out I'm a woman.
I fanned myself with a fan, trying to appear calm: "But I like girls."
Xie Yuancheng withdrew his hand and sat up straight, his eyes filled with ruthlessness: "These are the two maids you brought with you. I can easily find someone to sell them. Anyone can buy them, as long as they pay the money."
I was startled: "They are the princess and Consort Ji's people, you are not allowed to do anything reckless."
Xie Yuancheng leaned closer, looking at me sideways: "At first, I thought I only liked talented people, but then I found out you can't do anything, and I thought maybe that would cool down my feelings. But then I realized I was wrong. Yingdi standing among a group of women, actually shines brighter than them all, which surprised me. The more I look at you, the more I like you."
I dodged his hand and stepped aside: "Xie Yuancheng, I respect you as a man, but you...you mustn't do anything reckless. Besides, I'm the son of a prince consort and a general. If you do anything out of line, they won't...they won't..."
Xie Yuancheng grabbed my sleeve: "This is Linyang, anything can happen here. I assure you, it will be done flawlessly."
I tried to pull my clothes back, but I was no match for his strength. Just as I was about to tear them, he finally let go.
I sat in the corner, watching him warily. After Xie Yuancheng got out of the car, I secretly lifted a corner of the curtain. I don't know what he said to Meng Anshi, but when I saw Xie Yuancheng get into the car, I quickly closed the curtain and left it as it was.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
