The candle flame swayed in the wind, flickering indistinctively. Its flickering light illuminating that beautiful face with devilish charm.
Duan Xingyi casually leaned against the edge of his imperial sovereign's chair, holding a folding fan in his hand, and a *lush blood-red rose bloomed gracefully on his chest*. Even the maidservant serving him at the side was mesmerised by this. She didn't even realize that the wine in her hand had fallen onto the ground.
"Aren't you afraid that I'll gouge your eyes…" A charming voice slowly spilled out from his perfect lips. Duan Xingyi's peach blossom eyes slightly narrowed. When the light from within swept past the maid at the side, it carried an indescribable chill!
"Second Prince, spare me… This servant knows her wrongs!" When the other maidservants heard the noise, they immediately knelt onto the ground. Their hands holding the wine jugs trembled. The two maidservants who were beating Duan Xingyi's legs also knelt at the side, trembling in fear!
"Since you know your wrongs, you should be punished… I think I really just have your eyes gouge out…" His gentle and charming voice had a hair raising quality to it. Duan Xingyi charmingly looked at the shivering servant girl beside him as his thin lips curled into an elegant curve!
"Ah… Second Prince have mercy… This servant didn't dare to… Please spare my life…" When the maidservant heard this, her face turned deathly pale and tears rolled down her cheeks. She continuously kowtowed towards Duan Xingyi until blood seeped out from her forehead. However, Duan Xingyi still didn't speak.
At this moment, the eunuch outside reported.
"Seventh Princess is here…" Before his shrill voice could fade away, Duan Zitong had already walked in delicate steps. Behind her was Qin Lan who waited respectfully outside the hall.
"Brother, what's going on?" Duan Zitong frowned slightly as she looked at the young maid who was crying silently on the ground. She then asked in suspicion.
"It's nothing. This maid is too infatuated with this Prince. This isn't good… I just wanted her to know that there's a knife on the table, so she could gouge out her eyes. Who knew that she wouldn't accept my kindness? I already got tired of this…" Duan Xingyi slowly put away the folding fan in his hand and casually replied.
"You—! Alright, alright! All of you, leave! You, in the future, would no longer have to wait upon the Second Prince! Go to Suttin and get another post!" Duan Zitong impatiently waved her delicate hand, ordering the maidservants to step back.
Now, in the entire Sage Storage Pavilion, only Duan Zitong and Duan Xingyi were left.
"Xing'han, how many times I have warned you? Imperial Father has always ruled the world with kindness, yet every so often you would threaten the people in gouging their eyes and breaking their legs. If this matter were to reached Imperial Father's ears, it would not be good for you!" Duan Zitong moved to her brother's side and spoke earnestly.
"Elder sister's words are wrong about this little brother… How come Xingyi can't remember when did he break someone's legs?" Duan Xingyi slightly raised his good-looking eyebrows and said disapprovingly.
"You—Do you even need to lie to your sister?! That day, when that slut Duan Muyan got married, who knew which flame you were on when you came back? That when a maid accidentally bumped into you, without saying a word, you broke her legs! Fortunately, Elder Sister helped you settle this matter, if not, I want to see how you will explain this to Imperial Father!" During this period of time, she had been busy trying to figure out Xiao Yuxuan's thoughts, so she didn't have time to worry about her little brother. But Duan Jingyang had been locked in his residence for more than half a month now and his brother had not made a move yet! She really couldn't figure out what was on his head.
"Oh… Then, Xingyi thanks elder sister. I don't know why elder sister took the time to come all the way here…" Duan Xingyi was still as sloppy as ever, causing Duan Zitong to feel unsettled. It was unknown when it started, but she couldn't guess what was his little brother was thinking anymore.
Back in Jiangnan, she and her brother had talked almost about everything. As long as Xingyi spoke, she would definitely be able to know what was he thinking. But perhaps it was the environment that had changed him to almost a different person. From the destitute environment where one had to worry about clothes and food everyday to suddenly becoming the prince and princess of the Mo Dynasty, there were only a few people who were able to remain calm amidst this earth-shattering changes. It obviously took a toll on Xingyi's personality.
"It's nothing. I just want to ask how was your relationship with Imperial Father now? I heard that that you have been frequently seeking Imperial Father for tea recently, this is a good thing. But that Duan Jingyang, you have not done anything about him yet!" Duan Zitong slowly sat beside Duan Xingyi.
"Was that why Elder Sister is here at this hour… Big sister, don't worry. I know what I am doing…" Duan Xingyi didn't seem to have any intention of telling Duan Zitong about anything in his thought.
"Right… has elder sister's tutor been honest recently? He doesn't want to argue about returning to General Xiao Manor?" Duan Xingyi casually spoken like he was without any intention as a bright light flashed through the depths of his eyes.
"Heh… He did! It depends on whether I am willing or not though." Mentioning Xiao Yuxuan, Duan Zitong's watery eyes lit up. She would never let go of such supremely handsome man in this lifetime.
"Elder sister doesn't want to, but it is hurting the Imperial Tutor's heart. It'll be hard to get back…." Duan Xingyi reminded him as he fiddled with the folding fan in his hand.
"Of course, I know this. But even if I let him return, it should be after a period of time. That Duan Muyan is currently locked in the Xiao Manor's firewood house. If Xiao Yuxuan was to see that slut's wretched appearance, I really wouldn't have the confidence to recall him…" Duan Zitong's willow eyebrows slightly raised as her eyes bloomed with a beam of wild joy. 'This was only the beginning, Duan Muyan! Do you think you can be carefree after leaving the palace?! Do you think Ling Ziyan's death can pacify the grievances my mother and I had?! Wrong! The show is yet to come. If I don't let you live a life worse than death, how can I, Duan Zitong, face mother!'
"What? Duan Muyan entered the woodshed? Huh… Who would have thought that the Prince of Qi would be so bold? As the saying goes, a skinny camel is bigger than a horse! Even if Duan Muyan is an unfavoured princess, she is not someone that a prince with another surname can trample as he pleases…." Duan Xingyi's charming peach blossom eyes slightly narrowed and his thin lips gradually curved. When his slender jade-like fingers grasped onto the folding fan, he couldn't help but tightened his grip.
"Xingyi… I don't understand what you're saying. Could it be that you want to fight for that Duan Muyan?! Don't forget, if it wasn't for her mother, Ling Ziyan, we would not be living outside the Imperial Palace in a sorry state, and how mother had died with hatred!" Duan Zitong's expression was solemn, and her ice-cold voice contained a hint of anger. Everyone in this world can sympathise with Duan Muyan. But not his brother!
"Elder sister why are you so angry… Xingyi was just spouting things. Since elder sister doesn't like it, then Xingyi won't speak about it…" Duan Xingyi still lazing in his sovereign chair, his eyes were bright like stars rippled with a faint light!
"It's not that I don't want you to talk about it, Xingyi! Just let elder sister deal with Duan Muyan. You don't have to worry about her. As for that Duan Jingyan, this sister will leave it to you. And… since Xiao Jinfeng hates Duan Muyan as much as we do, then… maybe we can try to get him to join us? Among the princes with different surnames from the imperial court, the Xiao Manor is one of the most important estate in Imperial Father's heart. If we include Xiao Jinfeng to our side, we will definitely obtain the support of Xiao Estate. Duan Zitong plotted arrogantly.
"Elder sister is right. Since that's the case, how about we make a trip to General Xiao Manor tomorrow to scout Xiao Jinfeng?" Duan Xingyi slowly sat up straight. It was rare for him to get serious.
"About this… A prince of the palace is not allowed to interact with outside officials. If you want to go to the Xiao Manor, you must have a reason…" Duan Zitong pondered as she spoke.
"Elder sister, how could you forget… The Xiao Family has Third Imperial Sister, and as her Imperial Brother, it is but reasonable for me to go and visit her, right?!" Duan Xingyi's thin lips curled up as he casually said this.
"You…? The goal of going to the Xiao Manor would not be Duan Muyan, right?" For some reason, Duan Zitong felt that her younger brother had some sort of interest or intention towards that slut, Duan Muyan.
"It's not only once but twice did Elder sister doubted my intentions towards Duan Muyan. Although Xingyi didn't want to say it, but he still must remind elder sister. Duan Muyan is the biological daughter of Imperial Father, like us. So objectively speaking, she is my big sister, too because our father is the same person. Besides, do you think Big Sister will like me after all that had happened?!" Duan Xingyi could not help but shake his head as he sneered.
"Truly—! Forget it! Perhaps elder sister is just too worried. Then you should make a trip tomorrow. It's now getting late… elder sister will be leaving first." Duan Zitong glanced at Duan Xingyi, feeling that something was off.
Watching Duan Zitong's figure gradually disappear into the distance, Duan Xingyi couldn't help but smile coldly. 'Crown Prince? The Throne? Heh!' what he wanted was the Great Mo River!
A gentle breeze blew past. Duan Zitong walked in front with small steps. Qing Lan respectfully followed behind her. There were several times when she wanted to confess to Duan Zitong.
That in reality, Xiao Yuxuan had seen her face when they fought before. Furthermore, Xiao Yuxuan had already recognized her when they were at the Tutor Hall. Yet Xiao Yuxuan had not interrogated her master nor at least had given some reaction. And it got stranger because Xiao Yuxuan, during this period of time, had become more and more respectful towards the Princess, which was beyond common sense. However, if she would tell the Princess now, she wouldn't be able to keep her life.
Just as Qing Lan was at a loss, Duan Zitong suddenly stopped her steps midway.
"Princess?" When Qing Lan saw Duan Zitong glanced back, she immediately lowered her gaze, hiding all her emotions.
"No! Qing Lan, go to the Xiao Manor and find Su Jinxiu. Tell her to pay more attention to the Second Prince's words and actions tomorrow." Duan Zitong whispered.
"The Princess is doubting the Second Prince?" Qing Lan opened her mouth in surprise.
"It's not that I am doubting him. It's just that I keep having this feeling that something is wrong, but I couldn't quite point my finger on it… Anyway, for now just do as I say…" Duan Zitong couldn't help but exhaled a long breath.
"Yes, Princess…" Qing Lan accepted the order and left. Duan Zitong stood on the spot for long time before finally deciding to visit the Hall of Tutor first before going to her pavilion.
Grand Tutor Pavilion
On the jade bench beside the pond, a seemly ethereal figure sat quietly. As the wind blew past, his ink-black hair ruffled, and his white robe fluttered, appearing like an immortal from the celestial kingdom; appearing like the setting sun; and appearing like the beginning of every new month. Under the moonlight, the outline of his face was exceptionally clear, the bridge of his nose was pointed, and several streams of light flowed in front of his forehead.
Perhaps it was because Duan Zitong's footsteps were too light, or perhaps Xiao Yuxuan was too lost in his thought that he didn't hear that someone was already behind him.
"What are you thinking about?" A sudden voice interrupted Xiao Yuxuan's train of thoughts. What was he thinking? Other than Duan Muyan, there was nothing else he would think about. Not seeing her for half a month had made him absent-minded most of the times. He was simply full of worries, and fear that she might be hurting and feeling alone…
"This humble official didn't know that the Princess had arrived, so he wasn't able to welcome her in properly. Yuxuan hope that he can be forgiven…" He stood up respectfully and bowed, bowing humbly. In front of Duan Zitong, Xiao Yuxuan's expression was always the same. It was so calm that no one could see any other emotion from him. It was always calm and quiet that it started to make the Princess feel insecure and panic. 'Would I be able to make a ripple, even the slightest, in his heart?'