His Highness is jealous
Since that time, within a single day's work, news of the second young master of the black family desiring to marry Helian Weiwei spread throughout Taibai Academy.
Rumors circulated that Hei Laozi had almost disowned his favorite grandson upon hearing about the second young master's intentions.
How could the heir of the black family marry someone so infamous? It was simply a joke.
"Your Highness, are you aware that this academy is causing trouble?" Sun Gonggong shook his head as he shared the gossip he had heard. "Tell me, what skills does that young lady from the Helian family possess? How could Young Master Ze be attracted to her?"
Snap!
The black chess pieces landed crisply on the chessboard, and Baili Jia Jue stood up, flicking his sleeves. His face remained composed, with a straight posture akin to a towering pine or cypress in the mountains, emitting an air of indifference and coldness that lacked any warmth.
Duke Sun was taken aback, his hand frozen mid-air as he poured the tea. Just a moment ago, His Highness...was he angry?
Why?
Duke Sun tried to recall what he might have done wrong. Was it because he assumed the position of Youyuan without proper authorization?
No, His Highness had clearly agreed to it.
Then, what else could it be?
Unable to pinpoint the problem he hadn't yet solved, Duke Sun abandoned the thought. Meanwhile, Nangong Lie, who was stationed outside the academy, wore a sinister smile. "Someone has dared to lay hands on the pet that has recently piqued his interest. Oh, I can't wait to finish things quickly and see what he'll do."
"Lord Sacrifice, who are you referring to?" The minister looked puzzled as he observed the genius sacrifice who was in the midst of divination. He raised an eyebrow slightly. "Is it possible to solve this drought by seeking his assistance?"
Nangong Lie cleared his throat twice, suddenly remembering that he was still in the middle of a divine prophecy. Waving his hand dismissively, he continued chanting the words.
In the ancestral hall of Chayuan Courtyard, Helian Weiwei lay on the wooden table, as usual, tinkering with martial arts components.
The surrounding students gazed thoughtfully at her, whispering and pointing.
Helian Weiwei furrowed her brows, lifting her eyes. The moment their eyes met, those individuals quickly silenced themselves.
They didn't know why, but whenever they looked at this "waste," an instinctive fear overcame them.
Helian Weiwei had no ulterior motives; she simply wanted to understand what had happened to this group of people who seemed unusually excited today.
Before she could inquire, someone arrived outside, stating that the third prince needed a piece of fabric. The cloth that had been blown away by the wind earlier needed to be washed.
Hygiene had its own sense of ownership, and Helian Weiwei understood that.
This time, Helian Weiwei didn't sell the cloth again. She washed it meticulously, clutching the clean fabric as she followed the shadow to the courtyard.
Amidst the secluded winter bamboo, with the melodious chirping of green warblers, mist enshrouded a jade-carved arch bridge. Uncharacteristically, the pool of spring water beneath the bridge emitted warmth instead of icy coldness, seemingly defying the weather's expectations.
Don't even try to imagine what springs might exist nearby.
The third prince truly knew how to enjoy life.
"His Highness has just entered the palace to accompany Emperor Taishang in drinking some wine. He's currently resting inside. Miss Helian, please have some pastries while I go to pray," the shadow said, placing Helian Weiwei on a carved sandalwood chair in the outhouse. Next to the chair sat a small wooden table, delicately adorned with various snacks and nuts, arranged in an appealing manner. However, it was evident that no one had touched them. Adjacent to the fruit plate stood a purple clay teapot with a meticulously carved lotus handle. The craftsmanship was exquisite, and below the teapot sat a small stove, with the fire providing just enough heat to maintain the water's temperature.
Helian Weiwei happened to be hungry, and without hesitation, she picked up a pastry to eat. From inside, faint noises could be heard.
"Let her in."
The voice seemed to echo on its own, with a hoarse and low tone that conveyed intense allure.
"Yes, Your Highness."
The shadow led Helian Weiwei in, tracing a cold line across the desolate sand mantle.
"Come here." Baili Jia Jue, wearing an ancient black robe, appeared to be sitting on the ground. His clothes were partially open, and his long, curly black hair cascaded messily around him.
Upon entering, Helian Weiwei caught sight of this scene—the high and mighty third prince sitting on the brown floor, leaning against a wooden bed. His long legs were casually folded, and his arms rested on his knees, exuding a forceful presence blended with a touch of casual elegance.
Upon hearing the commotion, he glanced at her, his narrow Danfeng eyes reflecting a hint of intoxication. His thin lips moved as if he were chewing something.
Catching a glimpse of Helian Weiwei's puzzled expression, Baili Jia Jue casually took out an unopened sugar melon from his robe, tossing it to her. His voice carried a light tone as he spoke, "Eat it."
So, he had been eating sugar melon.
But...
Helian Weiwei looked at the object in her palm, then at the man adjusting his collar. She was certain that the Third Highness must be intoxicated.
Otherwise, someone as aloof and cold as him would never share the snacks he carried with others.
Observing that she hadn't eaten the sugar melon he had given her, Baili Jia Jue swept her face with an indifferent and calm gaze. It seemed that after a moment of recognition, he uttered with a touch of irritation, "Don't call me Your Highness." After a brief pause, he added in a deep voice, laced with displeasure, "Everyone addresses me that way. Did you all discuss it?"
Helian Weiwei: ...
He was truly drunk.
This...a drunk Highness was quite adorable!
Helian Weiwei glared at him playfully. "Let me pat you. While no one is around, I can remove the silver mask and see what you truly look like."
Unexpectedly, Baili Jia Jue brushed her aside indifferently, stroking his forehead. A heavy guard formed between his eyebrows. "Go and fetch water." His voice carried a slight huskiness, akin to the resonance of a precious cello, elegant and deep in texture.
As pouring water was a simple task, Helian Weiwei took the cup and leaned down to offer it to him.
Baili Jia Jue didn't take it, instead lowering his forehead against his fist. His long eyebrows furrowed, and the dark Danfeng eyes, originally void of emotion, seemed to emit a faint malevolence. He looked at her with mild curiosity and said, "Who are you to be so obedient?"
Helian Weiwei: ...
He was so busy that he didn't even recognize her.
Should she conclude that the third prince had a poor memory, or was he too drunk to be aware of his surroundings?
Regardless, the cloth was delivered, water was poured, and it was time for her to leave.
Little did Helian Weiwei expect that as she attempted to stand up, her wrist would be firmly grasped in his hand...
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