Chai Shijing's men kept on answering without raising their heads, "I haven't married a wife, nor have I taken a concubine."
Didn't people in ancient times get married very young? "How old are you?"
"Twenty-two! I've been engaged twice before, but both times the marriages ended. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince asked a high monk to read my fortune, and he said I'm doomed to be alone, and I can't get married until I'm twenty-seven."
"Twenty-seven? And even the decimals."
Chai Shijing smiled bitterly, "I'm a prince. If I'm still not married by the age of thirty, I'm afraid my father will go to great lengths to change my fate."
The prince could marry after he turned 20, and after marriage he would have the support of his wife's family. However, the civil and military officials in the court could not accept him getting married after 30, so 26 or 27 was almost the bottom line for officials.
Kang Yueran didn't want to delve into the story behind this bitter smile; she only cared about herself. "Your Highness, Prince Ping, you once advised me to be careful about the rules between men and women. Shouldn't you also be careful and not smile when talking to me in front of others?"
"I was born with a smiling face, is it my fault? I see you chatting and laughing with Master He and Master Zuo, so why can't I?"
"Master He and Master Zuo are old enough to be my grandfathers. You are about the same age as me. If any rumors spread, wouldn't it ruin the reputation of His Highness Prince Ping?"
Chai Shijing pretended not to know what Kang Yueran was angry about. "Didn't you say that the rules and etiquette in the eyes of the world may not be entirely correct? I think you are right."
For Kang Yueran, interacting with a prince who has been granted the title of prince and has real power is both dangerous and an opportunity.
It’s like an official who stands on the right side when the princes are fighting for the throne. If he stands on the right side, he will rise to a high position; if he stands on the wrong side, he will be demoted at best, and even lose his life at worst.
"We're not old enough to be friends. I think it's better to keep our distance. Besides, I don't want to work so hard only to be accused of currying favor with the powerful. Besides, I'm a woman, and currying favor... always sounds bad."
Chai Shijing poured Kang Yueran a cup of tea and said, "I understand what you said. How does the tea I brew taste?"
I understand! Kang Yueran took a sip of tea and said, "It tastes good!"
The topic of their conversation returned to tea. After talking for a while, Kang Yueran left with the tea set, leaving the tea leaves to Chai Shijing.
Kang Yueran thought that since Chai Shijing did not refute her statement that they were not suitable to be friends, it meant that he agreed.
But who would have thought that the next day when she was practicing calligraphy in the study, Liu Xiaocao knocked on the door and told her that Prince Ping had come.
Chai Shijing was invited into the study. Seeing Kang Yueran looking at him unkindly, he kept his smile. "I used a teacup to brew tea last night, but I didn't think it was as good as the one brewed in your purple clay teapot. So, I came to ask today if you could lend me your purple clay teapot for a few days."
Kang Yueran stood up and took a new one from the antique shelf. "I'll give you a new one. I haven't opened the pot yet."
Chai Shijing consciously sat down next to the tea table where Kang Yueran usually drank tea, "What do you mean by 'open the pot'? This, this table of yours is nice, very unique!"
Kang Yueran also walked over. Chai Shijing sat on the chair she usually sat on, so she had to move a stool and sit opposite Chai Shijing. "I'll open the kettle for you."
As long as he is not driven away, he can do anything. Chai Shijing nodded quickly, "Okay!"
Kang Yueran stood up and walked to the door, handed the kettle to Liu Xiaocao, asked her to wash it clean, and then boil a pot of hot water and bring it over.
Chai Shijing was fiddling with various things on the tea table, feeling very curious.
Kang Yueran sat back on the stool and asked seriously, "Didn't I tell you clearly yesterday? Keep your distance!"
“What is keeping distance?”
"Keeping distance means keeping distance. I don't believe you don't understand what I mean. Your Highness Prince Ping, what exactly do you want to do?"
Chai Shijing stroked a scented cup in his hand and asked nonchalantly, "Guess!"
Guess what! Kang Yueran replied unhappily: "I can't guess! I'm good-looking, but you grew up watching beauties, so I don't think you will fall in love with me.
In the eyes of the disaster victims and the common people, I am the boss and a powerful figure. But in front of you, the people of Qingping Village and I are insignificant.
You don't love me, and I'm of no help to you in your bid for the throne, so Your Highness, Prince Ping, please speak frankly."
Chai Shijing put down his cup and looked directly at Kang Yueran. He said, "Qingping Mountain has a bad reputation, so you've been trying every possible way, bit by bit, to change people's perceptions. Coincidentally, I've also been patiently changing my own situation."
We are very similar in this respect, but you have lived a life that I have always wanted but never achieved. Watching the wolves you considered your friends being killed, you were heartbroken, and then you killed the Tiger Gang to avenge the wolves.
But I can't. Four of my loyal servants who grew up with me have died. I know the truth, but I can only admit that they were all accidents. I have endured for many years, and I really hope that one day I can be like you, avenging my enemies and living a carefree life.
Kang Yueran was silent. She didn't know how to respond. Should she comfort Chai Shijing and tell him that everything would be fine? Or should she persuade him that he didn't need to endure it anymore?
Chai Shijing smiled again, "Miss Kang, I know that if I get too close to you, it will cause you trouble. If you, if you really don't want to associate with me, I will not bother you anymore."
"It is said that a fire at the city gate will affect everyone in the pond. Your Highness, the fight for the throne is fraught with danger. Qingping Manor is as weak as an ant and is of no use. It is better not to cause trouble for Your Highness."
Chai Shijing smiled faintly, but beneath his smile there was a sense of loss that he couldn't hide. "It was Shijing who caused trouble for the young lady."
He stood up and bowed, "Goodbye."
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
