Chapter 3: The Harmless Princess of Beiyang vs. The Ruthless Prince of Beiyang

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Wen Yurou cautiously glanced toward the open window, catching sight of a shadow swiftly slipping inside. Her brows knit tightly like slender willow leaves.

The man had sharp, sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes; his delicate face bore a faint smile, while his peach-blossom eyes shimmered with a captivating light.

“Who are you?” Wen Yurou asked warily, clenching her fists.

Xiao Qiheng shrugged with a smile, revealing pearly white teeth. “Yurou, are you trying to keep your distance from me?”

“...”

Me?

Fragments of the original owner’s broken memories flooded her mind.

The Crown Prince?

Was this man out of his mind?

Why would he come looking for her?

Could it be that the original owner had some connection with him?

027 never told her anything about that!

The original owner’s memories were too fragmented. Was there truly such a person?

“Yurou, shall we talk?” Xiao Qiheng said with a gentle smile.

Wen Yurou’s expression darkened, and she waved him off impatiently. “You’d better leave quickly. I’m about to be married off; if anyone sees you, it won’t be good for either of us.”

Xiao Qiheng was taken aback—he hadn’t expected such words. The smile on his face stiffened momentarily but soon returned to its original ease.

“Yurou, I worry about you. My sixth brother is reckless and lustful; he even killed...” Xiao Qiheng’s handsome face twisted with distress. “But let’s not speak of that. If you don’t want to marry him, I can take you away.”

“I will only marry him!” Wen Yurou paused. “Who did he kill?”

Xiao Qiheng was momentarily stunned. Why was she so strange today? She usually only cared about him!

“He killed my fifth brother... After all these years, I still haven’t found the evidence to convict him, which is why he’s still alive...” Xiao Qiheng smiled bitterly, pain hidden deep within his eyes.

“I don’t want you to be hurt. I’d rather burn everything to the ground than let anyone bully you. Do you understand my intentions?”

Wen Yurou frowned. She felt this man’s eagerness toward her was almost abnormal. Unfortunately... this body’s memories were too chaotic; nothing useful remained.

Forget it. Let’s draw him out and see what he really wants.

“I understand...” Wen Yurou replied tentatively.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qiheng beamed with joy, grabbing her arm excitedly. “I knew you cared for me, Yurou, but...”

His excitement vanished suddenly, replaced by gloom. “But I still haven’t found evidence to punish the King of Beiyang... Yurou, will you help me?”

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“When the truth is revealed and he is convicted, I will beg His Majesty to grant us marriage...”

“I only need you...”

Listening to his words, Wen Yurou felt like she might vomit last night’s meal. Could this man be any more disgusting?

After all the emotional appeals, he just wanted the original owner to be his pawn, spying on the King of Beiyang.

But now, Wen Yurou was no longer who she used to be. She wouldn’t fall for such sweet talk.

Suddenly, she changed her mind and said, “I’m willing...”

Xiao Qiheng’s eyes narrowed slightly, a cold and cunning smile playing on his thin lips. “I will protect you completely!”

“Mm.” Wen Yurou replied indifferently.

“...”

Xiao Qiheng was somewhat surprised—her earlier odd behavior and now such a straightforward agreement? Could there be a hidden agenda?

But he had no better informant; he had to take a gamble.

“Are you alright?” Wen Yurou noticed his strange demeanor.

“N-nothing!” Xiao Qiheng shook his head, masking the calculation in his eyes. “I have other matters. I won’t keep you company. Be good.”

“...”

“See you in a few days.”

“Mm.”

Their conversation was overheard clearly by two people on the rooftop.

Xiao Zexuan’s lips curled into a cold arc. Just as he suspected, this Wen Yurou was indeed Xiao Qiheng’s agent.

“Your Highness, shall we strike now?” Qing Yu eagerly asked.

Xiao Zexuan waved his hand. “If we kill her now, how will you explain it to Father?”

“But Your Highness, she’s the Crown Prince’s person. It’s better to eliminate her sooner.”

“What’s the rush? After I marry her, won’t there be plenty of good chances to kill her?”

Xiao Zexuan’s voice held a dark shadow.

Though he longed to get rid of this troublesome woman immediately, the timing was not right. He had to wait for the perfect moment.

...

At Beiyang Mansion, lanterns and decorations hung everywhere, draped in red silk, exuding a festive atmosphere.

Inside the room.

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A woman dressed in red sat upright on the bed. Her long black hair cascaded down to her waist. Her figure was exquisite, and her delicate, perfectly shaped face radiated innocence, while her slightly parted, cherry-like lips were irresistibly alluring.

Beside her lay a man, his tall figure hidden beneath a voluminous red robe. His face was devilishly handsome, seeming capable of drawing anyone into an inescapable abyss with a single glance.

“Are you asleep?” Wen Yurou blinked.

The man’s eyes were tightly shut, ignoring her.

About an incense stick’s time ago, Xiao Zexuan had stumbled drunkenly through the door, said nothing, yanked off her red bridal veil, and then lay motionless beside her.

Wen Yurou bent slightly, reaching out to brush the stray hairs from Xiao Zexuan’s forehead. “What’s wrong? Are you unwell?”

Her voice was soft and sweet, like a clear stream flowing through the heart, evoking a sense of unprecedented comfort and joy.

As she spoke, Xiao Zexuan suddenly opened his eyes, his deep gaze fixed intently on Wen Yurou.

“I... am hungry...” he murmured.

“Oh, Your Highness, wait here. I’ll have someone prepare food for you immediately.”

Wen Yurou breathed a sigh of relief. Luckily he wasn’t truly asleep—otherwise, with his size, she wouldn’t be able to carry him, and would have to sleep sitting up!

She stood and began to walk away, but was pulled back into an embrace.

Covering her nose, Wen Yurou looked tearfully at the close figure of Xiao Zexuan, her cheeks flushed. She deliberately avoided his gaze. “What is it, Your Highness? Any orders?”

Xiao Zexuan pressed his lips tightly, his expression cold and solemn, as if trying to see through her.

Wen Yurou shivered under his gaze, swallowing nervously. “Your Highness, why are you looking at me like that?”

“What did you call me?” he asked sternly, his tone serious.

Wen Yurou was taken aback, unsure what she had done wrong. Could it be that he was upset because she called him Your Highness?

But wasn’t that how she was supposed to address him?

She didn’t understand.

After racking her brain for a moment, she finally whispered, “Your Highness...”

“Tell me... do you truly favor the Crown Prince?” Xiao Zexuan’s grip on her wrist suddenly tightened.

“What?” Wen Yurou was stunned, wincing in pain. Gritting her teeth, she said, “Your Highness... what are you talking about?”

Xiao Zexuan’s eyes grew darker still. He squeezed her wrist harder, forcing her closer so that his burning breath brushed against her flushed ear.

“I know your intentions!”