At this point in the conversation, if Feng Yexuan did not make himself clear, it would have been far-fetched.
He understood now.
But, that ever-changing, ice-bound face remained expressionless as ever.
"I am already married," he said lightly.
The words were uttered casually, but the meaning was undeniable.
Yu Linglong felt a jolt in her heart, and she staggered, nearly failing to keep her stance.
This was the first time he had personally acknowledged the fact of his marriage.
Just to reject her.
Yu Linglong's heart ached as she spoke softly, "Actually, Miss Chu could have easily avoided that night's Peach Blossom Trap with your abilities, Prince."
How could someone like him be so easily schemed against?
Feng Yexuan remained silent.
Yu Linglong said mournfully, "You knew it was a trap, Prince, yet you did not extricate yourself and allowed the rumors to stick to you, all... all for her."
Yu Linglong's voice was very soft.
But she knew, every word she said, Feng Yexuan could hear clearly.
"Once the Peach Blossom Trap was set, Miss Chu's reputation was doomed. If the Prince left, Miss Chu would bear all the infamy alone."
"The Prince would rather stay and fall into her trap, just... just to repay a debt of gratitude," she added.
"What exactly do you think you know?" Feng Yexuan narrowed his eyes, his gaze stormy and unpredictable.
Yu Linglong knew he was displeased, yet she still mustered the courage to look up at him.
In a low voice, Yu Linglong said, "It's because Miss Chu's mother, Long Qianyue, once saved you, Prince."
"Since you know, you should understand that even if I do not fancy her, I will not abandon her," he replied.
Feng Yexuan turned his back to her, his silhouette icy cold.
"Miss Yu, you have been devoted and diligent in treating the Empress Dowager over these years, and I am grateful. But that is all there is, from me to you," he said.
"As for the words you've spoken tonight, I will pretend I never heard them. In the future, Miss Yu will surely meet someone who cherishes her, farewell."
He was about to leave.
Yu Linglong chased after him, pressing urgently, "If she weren't Long Qianyue's daughter, would you still protect her like this, Prince?"
Feng Yexuan did not answer the question.
In his world, there was never such thing as "what if."
Yu Linglong stopped, watching his tall figure disappear into the night.
The sadness in her eyes, gentle and warm, slowly frosted over into a thick layer of ice.
Just by banking on the kindness her mother offered years ago, Chu Qianli could marry Feng Yexuan.
That woman was too despicable!
She would not let Chu Qianli continue to afflict Feng Yexuan!
She must rescue Prince Yexuan from his misery!
…
Not long after Feng Yexuan left the entrance of the Wuxia Pavilion, he stopped.
He was a short distance from the Wuxia Pavilion on a shaded path.
He spoke indifferently, "Aren't you coming down, or do I need to come up and personally bring you down?"
The woman in the tree cursed silently to herself and swayed slightly, floating down in front of him.
"When did my Princess learn Qinggong?" Feng Yexuan narrowed his eyes.
How many more secrets was his Princess hiding?
"There's a lot more I can do, what does it have to do with you, Prince?"
Chu Qianli said cheerily, completely disregarding the anger in his eyes.
"Really, Prince, a beauty throws herself at you, and you remain unmoved? Could it be that you are incapable?" she teased.
Feng Yexuan's face darkened.
This woman, not only did her behavior differ tonight, but her attitude towards him was also different.
Even her speech had become so bold and unrestrained!
It was as if she had changed into another person!
He snorted coldly, "Do you want to personally test whether I am capable, Princess?"