Chapter 42: Bitten by a Cat

Jiang Huaiyue made up her mind: since she was sleeping with him, she naturally had to get some reward. It was time to start living well.

In the pavilion of the Pingyang Marquis Mansion, the wind blew softly, causing the white gauze curtains to flutter, and ripples to spread across the water surface.

Pei Ji leaned sideways against the railing, his gaze calm as he looked into the distance, his expression thoughtful.

“I’m wondering why you suddenly made a move against Jiang Jingchen, and what’s more…” He Lan’s face showed a hint of complexity as he recalled the rumors.

Normally, although Pei Ji was ruthless, he wouldn’t use such tactics. It seemed Jiang Jingchen had crossed his bottom line. He was very curious about what exactly had happened.

“He always tries to scheme against me, so naturally I treat him the same way.”

Getting rid of him was difficult, but Pei Ji had managed it.

Hearing this, He Lan’s thoughts twisted and turned. A sudden idea flashed through his mind, and he said incredulously, “Are you saying Jiang Jingchen drugged you again?”

Pei Ji didn’t reply immediately but glanced down at his hand, where faint teeth marks were visible on the web between his thumb and forefinger. Thinking back to the pleasures of last night, a dark shadow clouded his eyes.

“That’s not it. His tricks are just too shameless. Does he really think he can control you with a woman?” He Lan scoffed disdainfully.

After all, Pei Ji never indulged in women. The idea that a woman could seduce him was a poor strategy.

He shook his head and looked at Pei Ji, then suddenly his eyes widened in surprise. “Whose hand did this to you?”

Could it be true? Did he actually get involved with a woman?

Pei Ji covered his hand with his sleeve and said calmly, “A cat bit me.”

“You have to have some proof if you lie. What cat bites someone like that?” He Lan snorted skeptically.

Pei Ji ignored him and changed the subject: “In a few days, there will be the Xiangshan hunt. Prepare early.”

“Don’t worry, it’s all under control.” He Lan raised his eyebrows.

Every year there was the hunting event, and they were used to the political performances that came with it.

More than that, He Lan was still curious about the teeth marks on Pei Ji’s hand. Recalling what he said, he cautiously asked, “You’ve been with the Lady, haven’t you?”

After much thought, that seemed the only possibility.

Pei Ji lowered his eyes and took a sip of the cooling tea on the table.

Seeing that he didn’t deny it, He Lan knew he had guessed right. He withdrew his teasing expression. “Are you serious? Though she isn’t Jiang Qi’s daughter, she belongs to Jiang Jingchen.”

Though these two no longer had blood hatred, Jiang Huaiyue was Jiang Jingchen’s royal sister. Everyone knew her purpose by his side.

“There’s one sentence that’s wrong,” Pei Ji said coldly.

He Lan asked, “Which one?”

“Once someone enters the prince’s mansion, they belong to me. Besides, it’s just playing around. What are you worried about? Are you afraid I’ll develop feelings for her?”

Pei Ji spoke deliberately and slowly.

“No, there’s an old saying—‘the soft land, the hero’s tomb.’ What if…”

He Lan smiled slyly.

“There’s no ‘what if.’ If that day ever comes, I will end her with my own hands.” Pei Ji put down his teacup, his gaze deep.

He wouldn’t leave himself a weakness, nor allow such a thing to happen.

He Lan said nothing, but for some reason, he had a bad premonition.

After Pei Ji returned to the mansion, he didn’t see Jiang Huaiyue and asked Fu Yao. He learned she had gone to find A Yuan.

Though he knew she wouldn’t dare harm A Yuan, he was still somewhat worried.

As he was pondering, he heard clear music from the courtyard. Moving closer, he saw Jiang Huaiyue holding a pipa, bowing her head as she played.

The lively and beautiful melody flowed from her fingertips. The sunlight gilded her silhouette, breathtakingly beautiful.

Beside her, A Yuan rested her chin on her hand, happily watching her, her eyes shining. The rice ball at her feet squinted in the sun.

The scene was so beautiful that even Pei Ji was somewhat dazed. He stopped and quietly watched from not far away.

After Jiang Huaiyue finished a tune, sensing something, she instinctively looked up.

Seeing Pei Ji, she smiled: “Prince.”