Chapter 21: Helping You, Willingly and Wholeheartedly

Today, Xu Mingyi wore a long robe of crow-blue brocade, its perfectly tailored waistline making him look vibrant and spirited. His meticulously groomed long hair was pinned up with a white jade hairpin, accentuating his sharply defined cheeks and lending him an even gentler, more handsome appearance.

Upon hearing this, Guan Muren promptly took the hint and excused himself.

“Has the choice for the tutor been finalized?” Ning Junruo halted in her steps.

“Not just that,” Xu Mingyi’s gaze lingered on Zisu with a faint trace of detachment.

“You may leave,” Ning Junruo said.

Zisu shot him a worried glance. “Is the young lady truly capable on her own?”

“Don’t worry, Young Master Xu is not a bad person,” Ning Junruo reassured as she sat down again.

“I’ll wait outside,” Zisu warned with a glance before reluctantly departing.

“Please have a seat as well, Young Master,” Ning Junruo invited.

She sat there quietly, her expression calm and serene, as if the earlier disappointment had vanished, as though the clamor of the world held no sway over her.

When she heard the words “Prince Jin,” her expression remained unchanged, yet Xu Mingyi caught in her flickering eyes a hidden, uncontainable fury.

Yet in just a short while, she was back to her usual self.

Xu Mingyi thought silently: no wonder she’s from the Ning family; her bearing rivals that of any man.

Her earlier conversation with Brother Guan seemed casual and light, but Xu Mingyi knew beneath the surface a turbulent undercurrent surged, a clash of blades in an instant.

“Apologies. Though I knew Brother Guan was no ordinary merchant, I didn’t expect him to conceal so much,” Xu Mingyi said with a respectful bow.

Whether it was his slightly magnetic voice or his manner, it sounded exceptionally gentle and lingering.

Though they were several yards apart, this was the first time they faced each other so directly, and his voice sent ripples across Ning Junruo’s heart.

“No matter, Young Master, please get to the point,” she forced herself to calm down.

As if oblivious, Xu Mingyi gracefully rolled up his sleeve, raised the teacup from the table, sipped lightly, and remarked, “Such exquisite Bi Luo Chun tea; it would be a pity not to drink a few more cups. Is the princess in such a hurry to see me off?”

What did he mean by that?

Like a stone thrown into a placid lake, Ning Junruo’s heart could no longer find peace.

She had once thought Xu Mingyi a gentleman of courteous manners.

Hearing this, she thought bitterly: the prince was right; he’s nothing but a hypocrite.

“If you want tea, I can send you a few boxes,” she replied dryly.

“The matter at hand is urgent, so please don’t keep me in suspense,” Ning Junruo said irritably.

“Does the princess think I’m teasing her?” Xu Mingyi set down the cup, looking at her with interest. “The ‘Dragon’s Chant’ scripture you gifted me last time is priceless. How could I accept the silver you sent through Shopkeeper Yuan?”

His eyes seemed to harbor a bewitching power.

Ning Junruo clenched her prayer beads tighter. “So it’s because of that you refused the money Shopkeeper Yuan delivered?”

“No,” Xu Mingyi’s lips curved into a charming smile. “I help you willingly. Please, princess, do not use money as a bargaining chip in the future.”

His direct gaze felt like needles piercing the skin.

Watching the flames reflected in his eyes under the candlelight, Ning Junruo’s heart surged with tumult. She had feared he might feel uneasy due to their difference in status.

It seemed she had overthought it.

His brazen stare truly left one at a loss.

Ning Junruo immediately put on a stern face, adopting the princess’s dignified tone. “I have matters to attend to. If you don’t wish to speak, you may leave.”

Was she angry?

Xu Mingyi hastily wiped the smile away and spoke seriously, “I have already written down the choice for the tutor and handed it to Shopkeeper Yuan. After getting my father drunk last night, I learned many secrets within the residence. I only worry about you.”

Xu Mingyi, you scoundrel!

Ning Junruo nearly spat blood but held strong…

Knowing he’d already given the list to Shopkeeper Yuan, she would never have sat here listening to his idle talk.

Afraid she might lose control if he continued, Ning Junruo sternly commanded, “See him out!”

No sooner had she spoken than Zisu entered wielding a sword, glaring fiercely at him. “Will you leave on your own, Young Master, or shall I make you?”

Xu Mingyi’s smile deepened as he rose and bowed. “Princess, there’s no need for anger. My words are sincere. If you ever need anything, I am willing to brave fire and water without hesitation!”

“How can you be so shameless!” Zisu stepped before her, sword drawn threateningly. “If you say one more word, I won’t hold back!”

Xu Mingyi bowed deeply, then turned and left.

Watching his retreating figure, Ning Junruo finally exhaled and sank down.

“Miss, I really feel this Xu Mingyi isn’t a good man. Did he do anything to you? Should I teach him a lesson?” Zisu asked anxiously.

Ning Junruo waved her off. “You may leave first. I want to be alone for a while.”

Zisu hesitated but ultimately left without another word.

Heavens!

What had just happened?

Ning Junruo rested her elbow on the small table, propping her chin in her hand, silently pondering how it seemed Xu Mingyi was flirting with her.

No!

It must be that, having grown used to the prince’s cold words, hearing a man speak normally made her imagination run wild…

She sighed as she watched the sparks crackling in the hearth. She mustn’t forget her position.

Until the divorce is finalized, she remains Princess Liang.

One wrong step and there is no turning back.

Even if Young Master Xu truly had feelings, she must not be swayed.

All along, she had been the restrained Princess Liang; now, at ease in body and mind, she had lost the commanding aura of a matron.

Lost in thought, she sat quietly in the dark chamber for the length of an incense stick before gathering herself and rising.

The secret wooden door behind the bookshelf closed softly behind her.

With determined eyes and a face as calm as still water, Ning Junruo regained her usual dignified composure.

Returning to the tranquil courtyard, the familiar surroundings finally eased her heart completely.

“Miss, Consort Xiao seeks an audience,” Huaixi announced before she had finished her tea. “I suspect the household lacks funds to invite you back.”

“You’ve finally come to your senses today,” Ning Junruo praised. “Let her in. Also, have Shopkeeper Yuan spread the word about my plan to establish free schools. The faster the news spreads, the better.”

No sooner had Huaixi left than cheerful laughter echoed outside the door. “Hahaha, having been to my sister’s courtyard in the capital, this place’s scenery is every bit as elegant as the Ning family’s. No wonder my sister refuses to return home.”