Though he smiled, Qiao Nian clearly heard the displeasure hidden in his gentle tone.
Regarding this, Qiao Nian understood.
These earrings held too many stories between her and Xiao Heng.
She had thrown them away in front of everyone yesterday, yet today she wore them; anyone would mind.
So, she explained honestly, "Perhaps because I discarded them publicly yesterday, tarnishing General Xiao's reputation, he made me wear them today. If I didn't, he might go to my grandmother and speak nonsense..."
Prince Ming knew of her grandmother's frail health.
"I see." Prince Ming looked enlightened, "I thought Nian liked them and picked them up again. So they were from General Xiao."
By the end of his sentence, the darkness in Prince Ming's eyes became more pronounced.
Qiao Nian's brows furrowed slightly, "Your Highness can rest assured, I will clarify things with General Xiao upon my return, and I won't wear these earrings again."
"Is that so?" His tone was light, carrying a hint of sarcasm, "What if he continues to threaten you with your grandmother?"
Qiao Nian was taken aback; she hadn't considered this possibility.
After all, it was just a pair of earrings; surely Xiao Heng wouldn't hold onto this grudge over his lost face?
But then Prince Ming chuckled, brushing her hair behind her ear, his fingers lightly grazing her earlobe. For a moment, the cruelty in his eyes was almost palpable, but he restrained himself.
Withdrawing his hand, he smiled, "Would you like to accompany me somewhere?"
Hearing this, Qiao Nian's heart sank.
Could this be the West City Xiao Qingnuan warned her about?
What was in the West City?
Seeing Qiao Nian's face stiffen, Prince Ming raised an eyebrow in confusion, "What's wrong? Unwilling?"
Qiao Nian shook her head slowly, probing, "Where does Your Highness wish to take me?"
Prince Ming's gentle eyes just gazed at Qiao Nian, smiling, "Naturally, for a boat ride on the lake. Yesterday was my fault, inviting so many people and spoiling our appointment. Today, it will just be the two of us, alright?"
His voice was like a spring breeze, stirring the heart.
As if the darkness and cruelty in his eyes from before had never existed!
But Qiao Nian knew she hadn't misseen.
She also knew that Prince Ming must harbor secrets that even Liu Niang hadn't noticed!
A lake tour, not the West City; then, there was no harm in going.
Qiao Nian nodded slightly, "Alright."
A hint of triumph flashed in Prince Ming's eyes, "Then I'll have it arranged immediately."
Preparation simply meant readying a carriage.
Qiao Nian sat upright in the carriage, even adjusting her posture quickly with each jolt.
This sight made Prince Ming laugh, "Is Nian nervous?"
Qiao Nian was momentarily taken aback, then shook her head.
She wasn't nervous; it was just that the carriage was small, and relaxing even slightly would mean her legs touching Prince Ming.
Then Prince Ming asked, "Was Nian also this nervous when sitting in a carriage with General Xiao before?"
Qiao Nian's expression stiffened, looking up at Prince Ming, only to see him smiling gently.
As if he was just curious.
Seeing Qiao Nian not answer, Prince Ming's smile deepened, "I was just asking casually; Nian doesn't need to take it to heart."
But he continued, "What did Nian like about General Xiao?"
This time, he didn't wait for her answer, speaking on his own, "Was it his dashing appearance, his martial prowess, or his wisdom and courage? Or perhaps, all of these?"
"Xiao Heng is indeed a rare talent, not just for Nian, but even Princess Shuyuan admires him. That's why she turned a small matter into a big one after you broke that glass bowl, sending you to the laundry bureau."
Shuyuan was the name of the current Eldest Princess.
Qiao Nian's brows knitted; she was indeed unaware of this connection.
But now, her concern wasn't about Princess Shuyuan; it was about Prince Ming!
"Why does Your Highness suddenly bring this up?" Qiao Nian was puzzled.
Prince Ming responded with a question, "Do you still like Xiao Heng?"
Again, he didn't wait for her reply, continuing, "Of course, you do. You were once willing to risk your life for Xiao Heng, weren't you? Even if it was just for a pair of earrings he gave you. How could you not like someone you're that fond of, right?"
"I allow you to like him."
Prince Ming still smiled, but the darkness in his smile was increasingly evident.
Seeing that smile, Qiao Nian's heart skipped a beat.
As if suddenly realizing something, she quickly lifted the carriage curtain; they were in a desolate area outside the city.
This wasn't the way to Ming Lake!
"Has someone said something to Nian?"
Prince Ming's voice suddenly came from above Qiao Nian.
Startled, she saw Prince Ming had somehow moved beside her, half-bent over, almost pressing down on her.
The dangerous aura emanating from him made her heart clench involuntarily.
Yet, she endured, not showing any sign of fear.
She looked directly at him, her voice steady, "I don't understand what Your Highness is talking about."
But then Prince Ming burst into laughter.
He looked down at her, like a beast eyeing its trapped prey, no longer concealing the bloodlust in his eyes, "I like it when you're like this, enduring pain, hiding fear, thinking your stubborn strength is power? Hahaha, hahahaha..."
He laughed without restraint.
Qiao Nian gritted her teeth, staring at him, "We are betrothed by the Emperor's decree, does Your Highness not consider the Emperor and the Marquisate if you wish to do something?"
Prince Ming's laughter subsided.
But the cruel smile remained.
He grabbed her chin, his grip so tight it felt like he wanted to crush her bones, "Do you know what I hate the most?" He sneered, his eyes turning cold, "I hate when people use my father to pressure me!"
With that, he pushed her back hard.
Qiao Nian's head hit the carriage wall with a thud, and his hand moved to her neck, tightening, as if to strangle her, "However, you're right, I should consider my father and the Marquisate..."
His voice lowered as he leaned close, his breath hot against her ear, yet chillingly terrifying, "But you'll consider your grandmother, won't you?"