"This princess's maid has deep feelings for you, and as her master, I cannot overlook her heart. After all, she's served me faithfully for many years. I hope you'll treat her well," Ning Shu said, observing the disbelief spread across Duan Xinghui's stern expression. Even Madame Duan was staring at her, puzzled.
"Princess?" Yuan Dong's emotions were a mix of delight and apprehension. She was thrilled to be given a chance with General Duan, but nervous about the princess's attitude and the fact that Ning Shu knew about her secret feelings. It was a confusing situation for her.
"Please, Princess, don't chase this servant away!" Yuan Dong knelt before Ning Shu, trying to show how deep their bond was as servant and master.
However, this act would only work if Ning Shu was willing to play along.
In a mild tone, Ning Shu replied, "You're now part of the Duan Residence. Serve the Duan family well."
Feeling helpless, Yuan Dong kowtowed to Ning Shu and then took her place beside Duan Xinghui.
"Princess, forgive this worthless commoner for being unable to accept this," Duan Xinghui said, his voice sincere. "I already have a true love and can't accept anyone else." At that moment, he seemed to have forgotten about his injury, bowing respectfully to Ning Shu.
Ning Shu shrugged. "What does your so-called true love have to do with this princess?"
Duan Xinghui: …
He couldn't understand why communicating with Princess Jiahui felt so difficult now.
Turning away, Ning Shu returned to her residence, leaving them behind.
Eventually, Duan Xinghui had no choice but to accept Yuan Dong's presence and headed back to the Duan Residence with Madame Duan.
Upon arriving, they found Er Ya waiting at the entrance. She was dressed in a brightly colored silk garment that made her skin appear even darker in contrast, like a leopard wearing a crown prince's attire—ridiculous rather than regal.
Yuan Dong's expression darkened with disdain at the sight of Er Ya. When Er Ya caught Yuan Dong's glare, embarrassment washed over her, and she turned to run back into the house, crying, oblivious to Duan Xinghui's injured arm.
Her woman's intuition picked up on Yuan Dong's hostility, and she felt a similar animosity towards her.
Seeing the woman he loved in distress, Duan Xinghui rushed after Er Ya without thinking, acting impulsively like a hot-headed teenager.
"Xinghui! Your injury!" Madame Duan called after him, exasperated. It looked like a game of tag in the Duan Residence, and it was giving her a headache.
"General…" Yuan Dong felt shocked and envious watching Duan Xinghui chase after that village girl without a second thought. Why her? Why that ugly wretch?