Chapter 14

The gentle breeze blew into the carriage, adding a bit of coolness to the stuffy interior.

Jing Lian sat silently across from Xie Yun, feeling extremely complicated.

After a somewhat dismissive explanation, he felt that his master might temporarily believe in his pure feelings for Miss Sang.

Of course, that didn’t matter.

Because based on his understanding of Xie Yun, if he really wanted someone, he was fully capable of resorting to forceful methods to win their love. So his preferences and his master’s preferences were not in conflict.

But then again, was Miss Sang really trying to seduce his master? How come he hadn’t noticed such a good thing?

Oh well, that didn’t matter either.

With the conversation at this point, Jing Lian suppressed his excitement and went with the flow, asking, “What does the young master think of Miss Sang?”

Jing Lian was ecstatic, thinking that regardless of whether the evaluation was good or bad, as long as the young master spoke, it would be a big step forward in their relationship!

Xie Yun replied lightly, “Nothing special.”

Jing Lian choked up.

How annoying! You’re like a block of wood!

He couldn’t help but think of his own task again.

Madam had repeatedly urged him a few days ago to persuade the young master to marry. At this rate, he wouldn’t get married for another three years.

As the eldest son of a prominent family, Xie Yun was expected to carry the honor and disgrace of the family, and marriage was largely beyond his control. But Xie Yun was different. His talent far exceeded others; he was a born politician, ruthless and unrelenting, seemingly gentle but actually extremely stubborn.

They had to admit that even if he didn’t marry into another family, Xie Yun had the ability to uphold the glory of the Xie family.

So strictly speaking, Xie Yun was not bound by the Xie family.

With coercion ineffective and persuasion ignored, the young master’s marriage had become a major concern for the elders and the elder’s wife.

Jing Lian cautiously continued, “However, young master, whether you like it or not, there must be a gentle woman by your side to take care of you. Recently, Madam and the elder have been pressing more and more urgently. Over here…”

Xie Yun nodded slightly, cutting him off, and then asked kindly, “You want to continue this way?”

__________

When Sang Yao returned home, it was already late afternoon.

As soon as Sang Yao pushed open the door, Ran Dong came out to greet her.

She hurried over, a joyful smile on her face, and grabbed Sang Yao’s arm, asking, “Miss, Miss, how did it go?”

Sang Yao’s mood was still not great, but the tears on her face had been wiped away, leaving only a slight redness around her eyes.

Her voice was dull as she asked, “How did what go?”

Then she remembered something else and, before Ran Dong could speak, pouted and complained softly, “Ran Dong, why didn’t you wait for me outside today?”

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have enthusiastically climbed into the carriage, only to see Lu Ting’s face immediately.

Noblewomen were not allowed to bring their own servants to the palace banquets, so in the past, whenever Sang Yao attended such events, Ran Dong would wait for her outside. Today, she thought it would be the same, but Ran Dong had actually returned first.

Ran Dong smiled, covering her mouth, “Miss, it’s for your own good!”

“Miss, was Fifth Prince waiting for you when you went there?”

Sang Yao nodded, feeling a bit puzzled.

Ran Dong continued, “Did Fifth Prince say anything to you?”

Sang Yao shook her head, feeling displeased, “He didn’t say anything.”

Ran Dong whispered, “Miss, did something happen in between? It seems like His Highness has some intentions towards you. Did he really not say anything?”

Sang Yao’s heart tightened, remembering Lu Ting’s face again.

She clearly didn’t like Lu Ting, but it seemed that in everyone else’s eyes, it was a blessing for her if Lu Ting even glanced at her.

She felt frustrated but couldn’t deny it.

Seeing Sang Yao’s unhappy expression, Ran Dong asked, “Miss, what’s wrong with you?”

She was startled, guessing, “Could it be that His Highness bullied you?”

Sang Yao shook her head.

Ran Dong explained, “Miss, I was waiting for you, but His Highness came over and asked me to leave first. He said he had something to discuss with you in private.”

“Fifth Prince was very determined, and I had no choice but to do as he said.”

Actually, if Ran Dong had insisted on staying, Lu Ting couldn’t have done anything to her. But was it worth offending a prince for such a small matter? Moreover, in broad daylight, outside the palace gates, Lu Ting couldn’t do anything to her. And in the eyes of others, this was a good thing.

Sang Yao nodded in understanding, not blaming her, and said, “Next time, you should wait for me, Ran Dong.”

Ran Dong nodded, “But Miss, if you and Fifth Prince are together, it would be a good match.”

“But forcing such a thing is indeed inappropriate. If you feel it’s not right, then forget it.”

Sang Yao fell silent, her arm still aching slightly. She lifted her sleeve while Ran Dong wasn’t looking, and saw that the red marks had not yet faded.

She wondered, was this really a good match for her?

Sang Yin returned home late today, not until the end of the hour.

As soon as he returned, he called Sang Yao into the study room.

After talking about a bunch of unrelated things, Sang Yin sat on the grand chair, cleared his throat, and then casually brought up the main topic: “I heard Fifth Prince gave you a piece of red jade?”

Sang Yao nodded obediently, “I was told to put it in my room. Does Father want to see it?”

Sang Yin waved his hand, “Why would I want to see that? I want to ask if you have had any contact with Fifth Prince?”

Sang Yao didn’t elaborate, just said, “We’ve talked a couple of times.”

“Then what do you think of His Highness?”

At this point, Sang Yao already understood the implication behind Sang Yin’s words. She thought for a moment and said awkwardly, “I find His Highness somewhat frightening, perhaps not as gentle as he appears. And his relationship with the Crown Prince…”

Sang Yin sighed, interrupting her, “You’re young, you don’t understand.”

“Who in the court is truly gentle? This is not a big deal. As for the Crown Prince, His Highness and the Crown Prince have never gotten along.”

Sang Yao thought to herself, they didn’t get along? The Crown Prince must be feeling so aggrieved.

But she also felt that what her father said made sense.

Upon careful consideration, Fifth Prince had not actually done anything to harm her. Moreover, as a member of the royal family, he must have a side that no one knew about.

But she suddenly felt very annoyed.

Sang Yao had always listened to her father and her elder sister the most. She was well aware of the situation regarding her marriage and her responsibilities. So if she was really asked to become a concubine, she wouldn’t be able to refuse.

Sang Yao lowered her head and said, “Father, please help me decide. I’ll listen to you.”