Chapter 4

"My lord, he is in the iron cage on the left," the jailer called out.

It is truly a pity, Mr. Jie, that if you had been born in the southern region of the Xu family, you would surely have been able to showcase your great talents

She moved her arms slightly, but her hands were restrained behind her by him. Unless she exerted force to kick him away, she was unable to move.

Xiao Yuanxia did not hesitate to throw the cloth into the fire, watching intently as the blood-soaked part burned to ashes. Only then did he kick over the fire pit and say in a calm voice

In recent years, the Emperor's health has been deteriorating, and it is feared that he may not survive these years. ... The Emperor ... . ... Although he has never explicitly stated it, he has always had a vague understanding in his heart that the Emperor would not allow the two of them to grow old together.

Xiao Yuanxia was indeed quite displeased with such comparisons, but as a member of the royal family, if he were to show obvious favoritism towards Xu Liefeng, it would undoubtedly deepen the Fang family's resentment towards the Xu family. Such trivial matters, if they were to reach His Majesty's ears, who knows whether the old ministers of the Fang family would personally report to the throne, claiming that Xu family's sixth daughter was aggressive and completely absolving their own family's provocations. ... If she were to lose favor from then on, it would not matter much; what is concerning is that His Majesty might develop a dislike for Xu Liefeng, which would make it ... ... in the future, it would not be easy for her to enter the palace. ... ... This last point, Xiao Yuanxia did not make clear to her when she was still young.

She saw the tear mole under his eye again and blurted out, "Mr. Jie, have you ever met anyone with a tear mole like yours?" She waited for a moment but received no response. Looking at him, she was once again taken aback. Why was he looking at her with that same bright, sparkling gaze?

The sound of joy, neither warm nor cold, begins anew

There are people outside the prison shouting

"Due to Mr. Jie’s beauty, he entered the battlefield, enough to shock the enemy... No, no, I fear even our own people would be stunned; we might as well not fight this battle..." After a pause, she asked again, "You mentioned the war for no reason at the Academy; could it be that you are returning home after passing through Nanlin because your country is in trouble?"

Summer Garden

Does the young lady truly believe that the current Xu family in Nanlin is genuinely favored by His Majesty of Nanlin?

She was taken aback. "Mr. Xixuan, are you saying... you have seen a girl with my appearance in Xixuan?"

In the past, he was both angry and afraid, fearing that his father intended for Lie Feng to become his mother. He was angry that his father had no intention of allowing them to be together, yet still insisted on having Lie Feng come to the palace to accompany him, this weak prince, making him... making him... understand her virtues, appreciate her goodness, and cherish her kindness

He suddenly said: "You don't look like me at all."

Until two months ago... he inadvertently understood the truth... that there are some people he can never touch...

Therefore, she indeed endured, but as she did, the young rascals of the Fang family became even more unrestrained in their oppression. He was well aware that her father and brothers were her weaknesses, and he trampled on her father and brothers at every turn. Out of ten instances, she could not help but fight back twice.

He ultimately could not hide the thoughts in his heart, wanting to kiss her lips. Xu Liefeng finally came to his senses and timely turned aside, the kiss lightly brushing against her cheek. She felt a surge of anger in her heart and pushed him away forcefully, her palm grazing against the small thorns of the flower stems beside her

She was taken aback

He was surprised by her keen insight and smiled, saying, "Perhaps"

In this small cell with iron bars, the weak candlelight flickers gently, casting a glow on her cheeks. He feels a slight doubt in his heart, wondering whether it is the candlelight causing it or if she is truly blushing.

He let out a soft hum. "I will first go to see Fang Twelve. He hid a needle in his ring, and I instructed someone to take the ring off him and return it to the Fang family. Usually, when the young ones from both sides fight, it is of little consequence, but deliberately trying to disfigure someone is not something that an ignorant child would do."

Fu Ma, hailing from the ancient Fang family of Nanlin, is one of the few senior officials from the three dynasties who does not align with the Xu family. He is a versatile talent excelling in the Six Arts in the capital. In his youth, he was considered a genius of Nanlin alongside Xu Changmu, but unfortunately, he always ranked behind Xu Changmu. It was only after Xu Changmu left Nanlin that his prominence began to rise.

"Then... what about Xu Liu?" he asked

She smiled and said, "Xiao Yuanxia, if you have something to say, just say it directly. Is there any need to flatter me?"

However, regardless of the circumstances, the two had never been this close to each other, almost half nestled in his embrace, leaving her somewhat unsure of how to respond

At the very least, I must wait until my fifth brother marries my fourth sister before...

Indeed. The gentleman is well-informed and would not take such lowly people to heart, so it is certainly not a matter of concern for him. She sighed with a smile. Unfortunately, she finds herself in the South, rather than in other countries. ... Thanks to the scholar's broad perspective, she can confidently assert her lowly origins ... ... in the eyes of the people of the South, she is looked down upon as a lowly person. ... ... ... Is it because of this that her family has always disdained her ...? ... Then why did they adopt her back then? ... ... ... Is it because of this that her family has always disdained her ...? ... Then why did they adopt her back then?

As her thoughts briefly paused, before she could even capture the unusual feelings deep within her heart, she smiled gently and took out a warm stone from her bag

Is the young lady unwell

"At that time, find a skilled embroiderer to sew it on; it should be indistinguishable from new," he suggested

"Is your father... General Xu?" he asked casually. "Do you have to do whatever the Xu family asks of you?"

She responded with a sound and smiled at Xie Fei

She kicked him and said resentfully, "My fifth brother will always be my fifth brother. Could he possibly be your fifth brother?" Throughout her life, she hated it most when someone said she was not a member of the Xu family

In fact, she has rarely fought in recent years. It is somewhat amusing to say that it was not any member of the Xu family who corrected her behavior, but rather an outsider, Xiao Yuanxia

The face of the attendant has turned black

Indeed, she is still quite young. Is it possible that I have been overly cautious, constantly reminding myself of her youth and refraining from taking action, only to end up scaring her now? Luo Qiuluo, at her age, was already strategizing for her family and had taken the initiative to get close to him. Why is this fellow still so foolishly oblivious to his own feelings? A hint of bitterness rose in his mouth, while his heart felt a slight sweetness.

He took out the cloth she had used to wipe the blood, stared at it for a long time, and commanded: "Go start a fire."

This time, it is merely venting anger on Xu Liu.

She looked up, surprised by the slightly stern expression on his face, as if he absolutely needed an answer. Indeed, she was Xu Liu; there was nothing embarrassing about that! ... The Xu surname was already a prominent one in the south, and she, Xu Liu ... ... he would eventually find out. Thus, she replied: "My surname is Xu ... ... just like the Xu you mentioned earlier ... ... "

He glared at her. "Dare you lie to me!" She was indeed not wrong; if she wanted to learn to scheme and bow to power like those people, she was no longer the little fierce wind he had in his heart

She composed herself, glanced around the prison, and when her gaze met his, she paused slightly and smiled, saying: "Mr. Jie need not worry, we will be released in no more than half a day." He was not from Nanlin, so he naturally did not know of her notorious deeds; within a month, there would always be one or two occasions when someone would come to the small prison to check on things.

He pondered for a moment and said

How?

Initially, it was the fried fish that fought with her, but later, when she turned twelve, she was ambushed from behind by the fried fish. A punch from the fried fish struck her squarely on the face, and from that moment on, the fried fish considered himself a gentleman who would not resort to violence. One hand cannot clap alone, and she found it impossible to fight someone who was unwilling to strike.

He also smiled and said gently

Isn't anyone at home paying attention to the young lady feeling cold? His expression softened somewhat

Xu Liefeng widened his eyes slightly. His words were indeed a grave offense, but fortunately, only she heard it. After a moment of thought, she whispered, "Your family is truly foolishly loyal"

The Xu family has always allowed Xu Liu to act freely, and with the intervention of King Xia, the Xu family will certainly comply. The Fang family claims that children are fickle in nature, and when they cause trouble, they should be punished as necessary, and they also request King Xia to take charge of the matter, assuring that they will never escalate it to the court.

Upon a closer look at her stunningly beautiful appearance, he said

What are you doing so far behind?

He has a younger sister at home who is lively and enthusiastic, which has led him to develop quite a fondness for girls with such a temperament. Unfortunately, women from various countries tend to be either too conservative or too uninhibited. Aside from his sister, the only young lady who strikes the perfect balance is the one before him.

As he left the Summer Garden, the rain in the sky intensified. He absentmindedly glanced at the horizon, reflecting on the continuous rainfall recently, with thunder and lightning raging through the night, only easing slightly by dawn. Such a situation had been rare in previous years, and it had never lasted for more than a month; he hoped it would not bring disaster to the south

She looked up at his serious and worried expression, momentarily unsure of how to respond. Did she misinterpret things? Just the two of them?

Xu Liefeng smiled and said, "The prince has personally come to invite me; if I do not go, it would be quite ungracious of me." She turned to Xie Fei, who was still behind the iron gate, and, displaying the composure and demeanor expected of a member of the Xu family, she performed a courteous gesture and said:

I have said that when the inferior people from the south arrive in other countries, they are no longer inferior people. What is there to be concerned about?

This is truly arrogant to the core. At that moment, Xiao Yuanxia couldn't help but want to laugh, but when he saw his father, the emperor, seemingly indifferent and instead quite pleased with her equestrian skills, he could no longer smile.

The phrase "perhaps" carries profound implications, suggesting that the difficulties may not lie in the present, but rather in the future. Xu Liefeng could not recall which country her father and brothers had mentioned would face disaster. She rarely consoled others, but at this moment, she felt compelled to comfort this person. She said: "This must be a dilemma for you. As a scholar, you could avoid calamity, yet you also possess expertise on the battlefield, which is beneficial to your country..."

He shot her a glare, feeling both angry and amused. He casually remarked: "Yu Yanxian happened to pass by the Bachelor Pavilion and saw you fighting, so he sent someone to inform me"

What is your family name, Miss? The black stones in her beautiful eyes sparkled brightly, quite dazzling.

"Then, bite my hand?" He extended his hand in front of her

Seizing this opportunity, he scrutinized her openly and thoroughly

Xiao Yuanxia turned to the left and met her gaze

Xiao Yuanxia, if you have been feeling down for two months and still haven't opened up, you can speak out. I am more loyal than you and will definitely help in any way I can! If I can't help, then let's bear it together!

I have no interest in the throne, nor have I considered staying in the capital as a prince assisting the state. I seek a small, remote territory in the south, just you and I going there, no longer concerning ourselves with any matters of the capital

Ah ... ...

He was eager to change the subject and said with a smile, "Miss, you have been living in Nanlin for quite some time, it must not be just a year or two, to have the Nanlin accent. What do you think of the Xu family in Nanlin?"

Upon hearing the voice, she immediately knew who it was. Sure enough, the jailer quickly opened the door, allowing Xiao Yuanxia to enter hastily

I am a descendant of the Xu family, and I shall serve the country with loyalty. Perhaps one day my father will need me, and I will then seek an audience with Your Majesty

When her cheeks were still a bit warm, the handsome man in front of her suddenly took her hand and asked:

She held the warm stone in both hands. ... Bats ... ... Bestow blessings. ... ... Hey, Fifth Brother bestowed blessings upon Fourth Sister, although it accidentally ended up with her in the end, now there are also people bestowing blessings upon her, even though it is something she earned herself.

At this moment, it is not cold in the prison. His voice softened slightly

It is always somewhat cold in this prison, especially in winter, when it truly chills one to the bone, and one must drink several bowls of ginger soup upon returning home. She can be considered quite loyal.

Given her appearance, she should be only a few years younger than him. How could she be so deeply impressed by Xu Changmu?

He displayed a hint of peculiarity. "Miss, you... you know him very well and even hold some admiration for him..."

He sighed and pulled her a little closer. "I am just afraid that you care too much about your fifth brother... Lianfeng, in the future, when Sister Fenghuang becomes the empress, I will ask for a small territory, and my Lianfeng will accompany me there to grow old together, alright?"

He felt a slight warmth in his heart and smiled, saying

On weekdays, I was locked up for half a day, yet I did not see you make a special trip here. Did you not say that on the surface, one cannot show favoritism, as it would make the teaching staff envious?

The beauty of the southern people is indeed beautiful, yet not flamboyant; such flamboyance he has only seen in the western Xuan people.

Thank you very much for your assistance today, sir. She gently withdrew her arm

"As an outstanding talent, anyone would admire her!" she said proudly

If the previous elegant and outstanding Jie Fei had not expressed herself so explicitly, making her feel as if she had been struck in the face by a thunderous cannon, she would not have thought that Xiao Yuanxia was actually... was actually... Wasn't he with Miss Luo from the Luo family? Could it be that he had quarreled with Luo Qiuluo?

The same number

I have yet to meet anyone like me who has a tear mole. He gently brushed over the scar on her face where she had touched, saying: This small injury, if it were on a man's face, would naturally be of no great concern, Miss need not worry

"The horse is disturbing the people, let’s use a sedan chair," he replied. Suddenly, he recalled the intense gaze of the scholar Jie Fei in prison, as he looked at the fierce wind. If it weren't for the fact that the fierce wind had been accustomed to her fifth brother's ordinary appearance since childhood, and even had a special fondness for ordinary-looking people, she might have been captivated by that enchanting male visage.

Then... please, sir... in the future, when you see me in the capital, or when you mention my appearance to others... do not bring up this matter

What are you angry about? Is it because I won against you in last year's autumn hunt, and you are still upset about it?

Upon hearing this, she could not help but laugh. "How could I possibly look like that? I certainly do not want to go out with Xiao Yuanxia's face."

I... I still have an elder brother above me..." she spoke incoherently. "They haven't married yet, how can it be my turn..."

"This king has heard from others, thank you, Mr. Xie, for your assistance." He caught sight of the scar on Xie Fei's cheek, and his brow furrowed. If it were not for Xie Fei today, that scar would have fallen on Lie Feng's face. That person surnamed Fang, truly does not know how to restrain himself

As the hunt began, he did not see the fierce wind until sunset. Only after the horse and its master returned with a pile of game did she appear not long after.

... ...

She pursed her lips and asked, "Xiao Yuanxia, are you angry with me?"

He followed her gaze to the warm stone

She was blushing all over, stammering

What is your name

King Xia and Xu Liu were close friends, to the extent that it would not be an exaggeration to say they were sworn brothers. His skills in archery and horsemanship were certainly not inferior to those of Xu Liu; however, King Xia was always kind-hearted. Therefore, during the autumn hunting competition, he requested to temporarily use the game hunted by Xu Liu to represent his own. King Xia appeared to be a gentle cat, but in reality, he was a fierce tiger in the mountains. The fierce winds feared his determination, for if his subordinate were to suffer defeat, it would be a disgrace to the princess. He understood the principles of brotherly respect deeply and asked for the subordinate's understanding. She looked at him with her clear, large eyes, neither hurried nor proud.

When it comes to military achievements, Fang Sanlang has always fallen a bit short, which is why he cannot secure a position of power in the military. The youngest rogue of the Fang family constantly seeks trouble with Xu Liefeng, and which citizen of the capital does not regard Xu's sixth daughter and Fang's twelfth son as equally unruly?

After Xiao Yuanxia became aware of the situation, her hatred for Fang's Twelfth Young Master grew even stronger. However, she could only ask her to endure for the time being, even if a fight were to break out, it should be kept to a minimum. She instructed the nearby constables that if the two were to engage in a fight, they must not injure anyone, and should detain them on the spot, keeping them confined for half a day before releasing them.

The attendant shot a roe deer, and thus her prey became a roe deer; the attendant shot a string of rabbits, and their carcasses hung on her horse; if you bring one, I will give you one; if you bring two, I will immediately present you with a pair.

Last year's royal autumn hunt, my father issued an edict for Xu Liutong to attend, which was indeed an unexpected grace. However, he was not surprised at all, as my father has been extremely fond of Lie Feng, especially in recent years. Unfortunately, my sister Fenghuang's attendant was attending the autumn hunt for the first time, and upon seeing Xu Liutong, she casually remarked:

"Indeed. This beauty is not only unsatisfying, but also of little use on the battlefield." Xu Liefeng tilted his head, pondering for a moment, and then jested:

Fierce Wind

You have indeed heard of him. I said that Wu is well-known in Nanlin, and sooner or later, the world will know of him. His studies are similar to yours, but if I may be so bold, I must say that in terms of talent, you are slightly inferior to him. You are in good health, have excellent eyesight, and are exceptionally good-looking, making it easier for you to learn anything. However, Nanlin Changmu is different; he has not had good eyesight since childhood, and his appearance... Others do not particularly like him either. To acquire new knowledge, he has to put in a lot of effort, requiring someone to write for him and someone to read aloud to him repeatedly. Under such circumstances, his reputation as a genius is not unfounded; rather than calling him a genius, it would be more accurate to say that the hard work he has put in is beyond what ordinary people can compare to. She was beaming with joy, filled with delight. The fact that people outside of Nanlin have heard of Wu Ge indicates that he truly has talent! Just the reputation of Nanlin has spread abroad, so he must be thriving out there!

It is merely a trivial effort. However, the heart is not in it, as my gaze is fixed intently on Xu Liefeng.

He originally intended to kiss her alluring lips, but upon seeing her wide-open eyes, he realized that she was completely unaware of the nature of romantic relationships... His handsome face flushed slightly, and he said in a hoarse voice:

Xu Liefeng exclaimed in surprise

Injury on the face

He felt displeased, withdrew his hand, and said lightly: "If your fifth brother wants you to bite, you would definitely bite, right? You must understand that your fifth brother can only ever be your fifth brother, and cannot have any other identity"

This summer garden was purchased by him in the capital, where only rare flowers and plants are cultivated, and only ancient poetry, lyrics, and paintings are collected. On ordinary days, it is also a place for some talented but powerless literati to gather. The only one who can be considered influential here is her.

If it were usual, she would confidently assure that on the day he becomes a prince, she would definitely go to see him, staying for a few months, or even a year without any issue. The bond of friendship between her and him far surpasses the sibling affection he shares with Princess Da Feng.

Each person has their own aspirations. They are determined to be loyal, and I am willing to exert my final effort for them. I will have my military recommendations, which I have privately written over the years, conveyed to the king by my father and brothers. If the king is unwilling to heed advice, then I shall henceforth be a scholar, free as the vast sky, with no further ties to my homeland.

He smiled and said, "Exactly so"

Xiao Yuanxia has a relatively mild temperament, but that does not mean he is unaware of the political trends in the court. The Fang family in Nanlin has been a prominent figure for three generations and has always sought to intervene in the military and political affairs of Nanlin. Among the descendants of the Fang family, there are many outstanding military personnel. Unfortunately, the Xu family holds a high position and significant power in Nanlin, making it difficult for their influence to be shaken.

Someone is walking briskly ahead

Only today

He chuckled dismissively and said

She let out a soft exclamation and gently touched his finger. ... It really is warm ... . ... She then responded with an "oh" and laughed, saying: "Men and women are different." So she decided to swallow this warm stone herself

Did the young lady forget that Scholar Rongsheng mentioned her entering the palace in armor at the Bachelor Pavilion

His smile faltered, and his thoughts came to a halt

Xiao Yuanxia's gaze fell upon the extraordinarily beautiful face of Jie Fei, and then he noticed Jie Fei tightly gripping her hand. He concealed all expressions and said: "Liefeng, you may come out now"

Fried fish? She pondered. "He must have notified the wrong person! The Yu family is on good terms with the Fang family; he should have informed the Fang family instead."

After a long while, she finally nodded and replied in a hoarse voice

He laughed out loud. ... This girl, truly straightforward, straightforward to the point of being adorable, straightforward enough to remind him of someone...

She smiled upon hearing this. "It's just a small matter." After a pause, she softly repeated, "It's just a small matter."

The person in front suddenly came to their senses, looked around but saw no one, and upon turning around, found themselves face to face with the person following behind.

The servant immediately held up the umbrella and respectfully said, "Your Highness, would you prefer a sedan chair or horses?"

What should I do? I cannot see the beauty of Xiao Lie Feng, I can only think of your loyalty

"Not at all, I am as strong as an ox," she laughed

The people in his family are all the same. I just don't understand how Your Majesty can tolerate them. Whether it is the Fang family or the Yu family, they always start with their own interests before considering the South. This order is fundamentally reversed, isn't it? Xiao Yuanxia, do you want me to learn cunning tactics to deceive you and His Majesty?

The candlelight in the cell flickered gently, casting a faint glow on the young girl in the corner. Xie Fei glanced at the silk handkerchief she still tightly clutched, which must have been a precious gift from someone important

Are you really thinking of going to the border to guard Nanlin

Yes, everyone has been attentive to me, my family treats me very well, always caring for my health. I think it might be because I was too lively as a child, which is why I am slightly afraid of the cold. Looking back now, I really shouldn't have made myself look so miserable during my menstrual period just to attract everyone's attention

The common people refer to Xu Wuchangmu as Nanlin Changmu. When discussing the contemporary talents of Nanlin, he must certainly be included. Sir, being well-read and knowledgeable, you must have heard of him, right

You are right. She carefully tucked away the silk handkerchief, raised her beautiful eyes, and forced a smile at him: "I haven't properly thanked Mr. Jie for his assistance yet"

In the eyes of the young lady, Xu Liu is merely like this

Then... after you return, what if your family remains blindly loyal? What should be done about that

After a moment of silence in the prison, Jie Fei finally said淡淡道:

Jie Fei must be held back, but Xiao Yuanxia took a step forward and pulled her out first. He said to Jie Fei:

It is merely a trivial matter. That silk scarf must be a valuable item, which is why the young lady places such importance on it

She was taken aback for a moment, then forced a smile. "Thank you, sir." She smiled again: "You seem like a cold and indifferent person, but in reality, you have a broad perspective and are magnanimous towards others. You do not mind the common people at all, do you?"

Do you take me for a puppy? I do not want that

I am surnamed Xu, the sixth daughter of the Xu family from Nanlin. Today, at the Bachelor’s Pavilion, I am grateful to Mr. Rong for speaking on behalf of Xu Liu. Please convey my thanks to Xu Liu on my behalf. After a pause, recalling his ambiguous hint from earlier, she was unsure of how to position her hands and feet, especially as she felt two piercing gazes upon her face, causing her to blush slightly. Steeling herself, she said: "In the future, if we meet in the capital, please allow Xu Liefeng to host a banquet to express my gratitude."

He only hopes that his father and elder sister will see his desire to become a leisurely prince

These words, spoken from his mouth, truly lack compassion, she asked straightforwardly:

Open the door

Her eyes widened slightly, feeling quite uncomfortable with his sudden intimate gesture. When they were young and he encountered unhappiness in the palace, they would touch foreheads to share warmth; as they grew older, even if he had something on his mind, he no longer performed such actions, merely telling her that there are eyes even through walls, and not to let others catch her and use it against her.

I fear that the Summer King does not wish to see me" Xu Liefeng said matter-of-factly: "For two consecutive months, the Summer King has been shutting his doors to visitors. Despite my repeated visits, the doorman has turned me away each time. It seems that the Summer King, after much contemplation, is preparing to devote himself to his cultivation and pursue immortality.

Her arms trembled slightly within her sleeves as she stared intently at the warm stone in her hand. After a long while, she spoke softly:

Xu Liu

Someone was following slowly behind.

Having an additional companion to keep her company in confinement made her feel quite embarrassed. She glanced at the small cut on his cheek, which had been caused by the sharp ring on Fang Twelve's finger when he blocked a punch for her. ... That bat silk handkerchief was more important to her than her own life; although she was reluctant to give it to him to wipe his wound, it was the only handkerchief she had on her.

The servant moved swiftly, returning with several guards. Although it was still raining in the sky, dry leaves were quickly gathered to start a small fire.

She smiled and replied

She carelessly attempted to wipe away the blood that was gushing out, but was met with cold hands that gently pressed a white cloth against her wound

How did this young lady see Xu Wuchang back then? Was it on the streets of the capital? In a certain shop? How could she have such an impression at first glance?

He pulled her closer, half a circle in his embrace, gently touching her forehead with his, locking eyes with her beautiful gaze

He responded ambiguously with a sound

This is a matter of course. Xiao Yuanxia, did you... did you have a quarrel with Miss Luo?

Her eyelids did not droop, and she gazed straight at him, her beautiful eyes as clear as a mirror, without a single speck of impurity. She did not shy away or flinch when looking at others. Compared to the women of Nanlin, she was vibrant and unconcerned with trivialities, a personality that greatly appealed to him, a man who roamed freely.

She was momentarily taken aback, sensing that he was alluding to something.

If I could meet someone like the young lady, even if she were a lowly commoner from the south, I would still wish to spend time with her. Who knows, perhaps we would share similar interests and be destined to be together for life. When I travel the world as a scholar, she could accompany me as my wife, without having to worry about her status as a commoner.

... is not considered valuable, it was given to me by my sister, this silk scarf comes from abroad, so I particularly cherish it

Xu Liefeng was naturally unaware of the thoughts of Xiao Yuanxia beside her. She only felt that this prince-born Xiao Yuanxia sometimes resembled her younger brother, yet in significant matters, he was even more like her elder brother than the Xu family members, stepping forward to bear the burden for her. She was not without responsibility; since she could not tolerate Fang Shier's provocation and resorted to violence, regardless of the outcome, she voluntarily requested to stay in the jail for an additional half an hour—at least allowing Fang Shier to leave the jail feeling smug and triumphant, rather than leaving together only to be relentlessly pursued and beaten by him.

Xiao Yuanxia personally mediated several times, and she also explained to him, correcting his actions— the Xu family should focus their thoughts on defending the borders, rather than being consumed by her, ultimately falling into the trap of fully dealing with the jealousy of the Fang family

I am truly not angry," he sighed gently and said, "In the future, do not be too arrogant in front of the attendants. It would be better for you to retreat early, as Sister Fenghuang will be the Empress of Nanlin, and creating this enmity will not benefit you.

How much longer does the gentleman intend to stay in Nanlin

Do you not have any lingering affection for your country

Xiao Yuanxia nodded and said to her: "The fierce wind has passed."

She felt the man holding her hand tremble slightly all over

Although each of them appeared to be unperturbed and compliant, Xiao Yuanxia had already discreetly taken note of this little rogue from the Fang family in his heart

I have forgotten everything I just said, what should I mention?

Her utterly innocent yet arrogant demeanor is truly beautiful, yet it incites a wicked desire to torment her fiercely

Xu Liefeng lightly coughed, leaned in slightly, and intended to express a bit of apology. "Mr. Jie... this injury on your face..."

In the Western Xuan, one is not considered a lowly citizen. According to Miss's family teachings, living in the Southern Lin is certainly not in a lowly manner. Did the young lady come from the Western Xuan?

"Miss has not forgotten that there is also Xu Liu." He smiled

He laughed and said

Matters that are well understood are simply not spoken of by anyone. Such heartfelt words I would only share with you; with others, I would not reveal my true feelings.

Upon hearing this, a flicker of fragmented brilliance passed through his eyes... It turned out to be a gift between sisters

Miss, are you... of mixed heritage from the South? You possess the beauty of a Southern person, along with an overly striking complexion

Xu Liefeng was astonished. "Xiao Yuanxia, am I hiding your eyes behind my back?" How could you know so quickly?

This will be useful; next time we come to the prison, we can rely on it for warmth. She looked at him and placed the warm stone between the two of them. "You touch one half, and I will touch the other half, and we can warm each other up."

She let out a sound. "Sir, just say that he is a inferior citizen, and that he is mixed race."

"It is indeed very good! If she had ten thumbs, she would raise all ten to show her support. The Xu siblings are all excellent! Xu Da, Xu Er, and Xu San take turns guarding the frontier. Although Xu Si is not a true blood relative of the Xu family, her loyalty is no less than that of her other brothers. As for Xu Wu, she has long admired..."

It is indeed a mystery! Moreover, it is a mystery with a twist! Does this scholar in front of her have a slight interest in her?

I really cannot think of what benefits she has

He smiled readily. "This is not a matter of difficulty. In the country of my birth, the monarch has long ceased to trust his ministers, regardless of their loyalty, as they are disregarded by the monarch due to their lowly status. I have long since lost any affection for such a country; were it not for the sake of my family, wishing to preserve their well-being, I would have left long ago"

She hesitated for a moment, gathered her courage, and asked him, "Sir, where do you think I am from?"

Xu Liefeng was unaware of his thoughts, only focused on retrieving the silk scarf at all costs. Once she turned back, she intended to place the scarf in her precious box, wanting to take it out again and ensuring that no one could easily snatch it away.

Miss Luo? He averted his gaze, suppressing his anger, and wiped the blood droplets from her palm until the bleeding ceased. Only then did he tear the handkerchief in half, using the clean end to bandage her wound. He spoke softly: "I have no feelings, no affection for her! If it is a political marriage, one Phoenix Empress is enough."

The efforts Your Majesty has put in over the past few years are about to go to waste ... She thought, and then noticed that he had been observing her for quite some time

Upon hearing this, her eyes lit up, and she directly leaned against the cold wall to sit beside him. "Exactly. As a man, what does it matter about a broken appearance—you're not quite like the men from Nanlin. The people of Nanlin love beauty, but what use is beauty, right?"

Her lips parted slightly, and her heart was instantly filled with tumultuous waves. No matter how careless she was, she could still discern the hidden meaning in his words

I have never seen a common girl in Nanlin with beauty comparable to that of the young lady. Perhaps it is due to the prolonged intermingling of the commoners in Nanlin that their appearance has become more typical of Nanlin. However, in Xixuan, I have encountered a few girls of mixed heritage from Nanlin and Xixuan... They possess a certain elegance tinged with a hint of allure. Yet, the young lady's skin is as white as snow, and her beauty is captivating; there remains a distance between them and you. If he had not traveled, at first glance, he would only perceive her as possessing extraordinary beauty, without considering other places. But the young lady's skin is as white as snow, and her beauty is captivating; there remains a distance between them and you. If he had not traveled, at first glance, he would only perceive her as possessing extraordinary beauty, without considering other places.

She lowered her eyes, feeling an overwhelming sense of... embarrassment? Shyness? Even she herself could not quite understand it. She instinctively touched the handkerchief at her waist... Indeed, everyone is meant to marry, yet she had not given any thought to her own marriage. Instead, she was preoccupied—worried about what gift to present when Fifth Brother married Fourth Sister, and concerned whether she should return all the gifts Fifth Brother had given to Fourth Sister to her room upon his return, to avoid disappointing him

Your Majesty has yet to establish an heir, and it may not necessarily be Princess Da Feng

In recent years, the noble youths of the capital have become exceedingly delicate. Although they have mastered the Six Arts and maintain the reputation of their prestigious families, they still fall short when it comes to practical application. As the saying goes, "One who is close to vermilion becomes red, and one who is close to ink becomes black." The prince has been quite friendly with the Xu family, a renowned family of talents, so it is likely that his skills in horsemanship and archery have greatly improved." After speaking, he disdainfully glanced over at Xu Liu, then briefly lingered on Xu Liefeng's handsome face before shifting his gaze away.

Indeed... which emperor throughout history did not first establish a crown prince, yet only my father has not done so to this day. " He murmured to himself, finally releasing her waist and walking slowly with her in the garden

I will go to the pharmacy to seek medicine later. Although the medicine from Nanlin is not as good as that from Dawei, it should still be suitable for treating such a small scar. Up close, the blood beads were still rolling on his wound. After hesitating for a moment, she rolled up her sleeve, revealing her inner sleeve to wipe away the blood beads. She examined the wound carefully and confirmed that it was small and should not be a serious issue.

He half-lowered his eyelashes and responded with the same directness. "Yes, I have a younger sister at home, but unfortunately she cannot leave, and I am unable to take her with me"

He was taken aback and chuckled: "Silly girl, how could I possibly be angry about this?"

Fierce Wind, be my queen! Do not mention this to Father for now, and do not allow any other marriage proposals. If Father truly wishes to arrange a marriage, I will refuse. Wait a few more years, and I will take you to my territory to marry...

That year, he was startled by the bruises on her face, and only after careful questioning did he learn that she had been in a fight with someone. After much deliberation, he had always thought that her personality was extroverted, and that she would only get into minor scuffles with a few local ruffians. To his surprise, she had actually clashed with the descendants of high-ranking officials, often causing disturbances.

The prison warden said with great courtesy: "The door is not locked, Miss Liu can come out at any time."

Xiao Yuanxia, you ... ...

His expression remains quite subtle. This young lady greatly admires Xu Wuchang, as if she has seen Xu Wuchang in person. Back in the day, Xu Wuchang's appearance in Nanlin could not be described as ugly; rather, it seemed overly ordinary in the realm of Nanlin, to the extent that he was looked down upon by others

I certainly know there is also Xu Liu. This Xu Liu ... ... this Xu Liu ... ... is not very good ... ... cannot compare to her Fifth Brother ... ... in front of His Majesty Nanlin ... ... only knows how to please him, no different from a sycophant ... ...

Xiao Yuanxia, upon hearing this, smoothly added: "Perhaps he saw that Fang Shier wanted to disfigure you, and out of concern for the Fang family, he came to inform me. Liewfeng, look at him; among the Yu family, he is the only one clever enough. No matter how much trouble he caused when he was young, as he grew older, he learned to discern the situation and understood how to achieve what he truly wanted with the least amount of effort."

"... ... I do not know at present." His expression was complex. It seemed that she wanted him to leave Nanlin to keep it a secret.

"What are you talking about..." He pulled her hand, lowering his eyelashes to conceal his gaze. After a long pause, he finally lifted his eyes and smiled at her, saying: "See, as soon as I heard you were locked up, I came to find you, didn't I?"

Returned to the palace