Chapter 3, Hidden Needles in the Softness (I)

"Princess, princess!" A girl, appearing to be around fifteen or sixteen years old, with braided hair and dressed in thick palace maid attire, rushed over as if being chased by a ghost. Upon seeing Ling Yuexingli's relaxed demeanor, she revealed an expression of exasperation: "Oh my ancestor, why are you still here? Didn't I tell you yesterday? His Highness the Crown Prince is coming to see you today, hurry, hurry! His Highness has been waiting for you in the main hall for quite some time!" While speaking, she bent down to straighten Ling Yuexingli's high-heeled black leather boots that had been kicked aside, and as she saw Ling Yuexingli's calm demeanor again, her expression turned to one of frustration: "Oh my ancestor, why are you still here? Didn't I tell you yesterday? His Highness the Crown Prince is coming to see you today, hurry, hurry! His Highness has been waiting for you in the main hall for quite some time!" While speaking, she bent down to straighten Ling Yuexingli's high-heeled black leather boots that had been kicked aside, and she pulled at her foot, trying to help her put on her shoes.

The beauty of snow, the fragrance of plum blossoms, the aroma of tea, and the warmth that lulls one to sleep are indeed great pleasures in life

Ling Yuexing smiled faintly, yet did not rise. In front of her, there was not even a chair for the guests to sit on.

Ling Yuexing held a steaming cup of tea, a satisfied smile gracing her exquisite face, thoroughly enjoying this serene tranquility. However, this tranquility was soon disrupted.

Early in the morning, Ling Yuexing ordered someone to move a贵妃椅 (concubine chair) covered with snow-white fox fur to the plum garden, surrounded by four or five stoves. It may sound somewhat peculiar, but this woman particularly enjoys such arrangements. She is exceedingly picky about many things, to an exasperating degree, and temperature is one of her most scrutinized aspects. Perhaps it cannot be classified as an object, yet she is indeed particular about it. She does not want it hot, nor does she want it cold; what she desires is warmth. What kind of warmth, you may ask? The kind that makes one feel drowsy is her favorite. Just like on scorching hot days, she would turn the air conditioning to the maximum and then cover herself with a quilt to sleep, feeling so comfortable that one would wish to sleep indefinitely. She is exceedingly picky about many things, to an exasperating degree, and temperature is one of her most scrutinized aspects. Perhaps it cannot be classified as an object, yet she is indeed particular about it. She does not want it hot, nor does she want it cold; what she desires is warmth. What kind of warmth, you may ask? The kind that makes one feel drowsy is her favorite. Just like on scorching hot days, she would turn the air conditioning to the maximum and then cover herself with a quilt to sleep, feeling so comfortable that one would wish to sleep indefinitely.

Upon hearing her say this, Xiao Li came to her senses, and immediately her face lit up with joy as she bent down to help Ling Yuexing take off her shoes. However, just as her hand touched the foot, Ling Yuexing retracted it and hid it back in her snow-white fox fur.

With a glance at the distant figure of the little pear, she continued to savor her tea, suppressing the cold arrogance in her eyes, a mocking smile playing at the corners of her mouth. Is the show finally about to begin? After months of patience, can she no longer hold back? Well, she must admit that she too has been somewhat tempted to play; just moments ago, she was thinking that if those people did not start playing with her soon, she would have to venture into another world.

A black brocade robe with golden edges, adorned with a fiercely arrogant golden dragon, is worn with great flair. The eyebrows arch dramatically, and the slender phoenix eyes, if not examined closely, exude a sense of charm; however, upon closer inspection, they reveal a chilling coldness, utterly ruthless. The strong nose and moderately thin lips combine to create a ruggedly handsome visage with a wild allure.

Little Li looked at the tea in front of her and almost couldn't help but roll her eyes at her, anxiously jumping up and down: "Princess, you must not neglect the Crown Prince! He is the Crown Prince, the future monarch! Once you are married, having him as your support from your maternal family will ensure you are not bullied!"

Pfft... Ling Yuexing couldn't help but laugh, it was as if a thousand trees and ten thousand trees were blooming with pear flowers, even the noisy little pear couldn't help but be mesmerized.

"Is the injury on the princess's foot getting better?" The calm voice did not resemble that of a nineteen-year-old youth at all

Watching the distant figure leave, Ling Yue Xing Li let out a cold sneer. How dare they show off such petty tricks in front of her? This tea is indeed good tea; she would have gladly accepted it if it weren't laced with soul-concealing powder. However, it seems that Ling Yue Xing Feng is not so foolish after all. If she is not fooled, it indicates that Ling Yue Xing Li possesses some skills and must be more alert in dealing with this situation. If she is fooled, it would be a perfect opportunity to dispose of this princess who has appeared out of nowhere, achieving the perfect outcome of killing two birds with one stone.

You, either tell the Crown Prince to come meet me at the Plum Garden, or say that I will not see him, the choice is yours.

In December, the Western Ling Kingdom finally saw the fall of snow, soft and white like goose down, which dressed the grass and trees in military attire overnight

Thank you very much, Your Highness. Ling Yuexingli smiled as she reached out to take it, but the moment their hands touched, she suddenly withdrew her hand, causing the tea to fall to the ground and spill out

Indeed, she is truly a peculiar person

It is evident that Ling Yue Xing Li's low profile and her tolerance towards subordinates during this period have caused many to forget her title of 'Disciple of the Mysterious Elder.' However, Ling Yue Xing Li is not offended; although she can be a bit arrogant and proud, she has not reached the point of disregarding others as mere objects. As long as it does not cause significant harm, it is acceptable.

Injured foot? Ling Yuexing curled her lips, this little pear certainly knows how to weave a tale

Retrieving his foot from the small pear's hand, he did not take her anxiety seriously at all, slowly pouring a cup of clear tea: "Seeing you so anxious, you've said so much, are you thirsty? Here, have a cup of tea first"

Princess? Little Pear does not understand, wasn't it agreed that we would go to meet the Crown Prince? Why has it been retracted again

After about the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, Ling Yuexing Li saw the Crown Prince who had caused the death of the six-year-old Ling Yuexing Li.

Oh dear, Your Highness, look at me, my foot hurts and now my hand is in pain as well, I have wasted your fine tea, oh dear! I truly deserve to be scolded!" She seemed on the verge of tears, filled with deep regret, bending down to pick up the remaining tea leaves that had not spilled, but unexpectedly grabbed the wrong end, and now not a single leaf was left.

This is the maid Xiao Li specifically chosen by Ling Yue Zheng Kang for Ling Yue Xing Li. It is said that she is clever, sensible, well-behaved, and obedient, and she is also a talented individual of the light orange class. Moreover, she is of a similar age to Ling Yue Xing Li, which is why she was sent over. However, Ling Yue Xing Li cannot see how she is well-behaved at all; she clearly resembles a spicy little pepper.

He approached slowly from afar, just as his name suggests, arriving on the wind, truly deserving of being called a genius of the middle and young class. His expression was one of tranquility, seemingly deep in understanding the disrespect shown by this younger sister, unperturbed by praise or blame; he was indeed well-suited for the position of crown prince.

She cast a gentle glance at Xiao Li, took a delicate sip of the clear tea, and spoke in a soft tone that carried an absolute arrogance and audacity: "Let him come to the Plum Garden to see me himself." While she mentioned seeing him, she did not say that she would go to see him.

Is that so? Then it is truly the fault of the imperial brother. Next time, when the imperial brother brings you something 'better', he will certainly remember to 'seal' it. " After saying this, he turned around with a pale face and left.

"What brings my royal brother to seek out Xingli today?" She took a sip of tea, yet had no intention of pouring a cup for Lingyue as a gesture of hospitality.

Ling Yue Xing Feng stood before Ling Yue Star, his brows slightly furrowed

"Oh dear! Your Majesty! Why didn't you seal the opening? My precious tea!" Ling Yuexing suddenly turned the tables, seemingly displeased that her fine tea had been lost so easily, and within just two seconds, she shifted all the blame onto Ling Yuexingfeng. Observing the increasingly sour expression on Ling Yuexingfeng's face, she felt a surge of mockery in her heart

In that case, Your Highness, please take more rest. By the way, I heard from Father that Your Highness enjoys good tea, so I brought some fine tea for you to savor.

Setting up a stove on the deep snow, covered with thick fur, savoring fragrant tea, this perverse beauty

Xiao Li felt that if heaven were to grant her the courage and ability, she would certainly pull Ling Yue Xing Li's ears and conduct a thorough ideological education. Were these two choices not both disrespectful to the Crown Prince? Although she could not understand why Her Highness the Princess would create such a formidable enemy for herself, after following her for several months, Xiao Li knew that Ling Yue Xing Li was always resolute in her words and did not like to repeat the same thing. Xiao Li was a clever child and naturally would not say anything further that might be self-deprecating or annoying. She thought of a set of relatively inoffensive remarks and hurriedly made her way to the Princess's grand hall.

"Alright, I will meet him." Although Xiao Li, this little firecracker, can be quite sharp-tongued, she genuinely knows how to treat her well.

It is much better now, but I was unable to go to welcome my royal brother. Not only did I keep my royal brother waiting for a long time, but I also made him come personally. I truly feel sorry for this, so I hope my royal brother will not take offense. " With such words spoken, there was not a trace of regret on her face. Since Xiao Li had woven such a tale, she might as well play along.

Clever as Lingyue Xingli is, how could she not know what is on Xiao Li's mind? However, she does not care and is too lazy to say anything.

In that moment, Xiao Li wished that a bolt of lightning would strike her down from the heavens. The Crown Prince, oh, the Crown Prince! He would one day be the ruler of Xiling! Although Xiling is merely a vassal state, it is still a country, is it not? Moreover, aside from his identity as the Crown Prince, Ling Yue Xing Feng is a member of the middle youth class, only nineteen years old, and a genius figure across the entire Eastern Continent. How could this princess fail to see the reality? Even if she is the most favored princess of His Majesty, what use is that in a world where strength reigns supreme? The Emperor cannot accompany her forever.