Mu Xueshi stood beside the Third Prince, not daring to sit. He could only brace himself against the table with one hand, biting his lip as he looked at him. At first, Mu Xueshi had thought he alone was being sent here to reside—never did he expect it was in exchange for another person.
In truth, this was not entirely bad. At least he would not have to live here alongside the Princess, nor witness with his own eyes the Third Prince’s kindness toward her.
Mu Xueshi cast a couple of glances toward Princess Wenyang, only to find her gaze already fixed upon him. The moment their eyes met, he felt a distinct hostility, discomfort stirring within him, and he hastily averted his gaze.
Princess Wenyang’s eyes grew even more brazen, shooting toward him. Receiving no response, she stepped forward, one pace at a time.
“Wenyang greets Young Master Xue,” she said, her face turned toward the Third Prince, her smile gentle and refined.
Mu Xueshi returned the courtesy perfunctorily. Having no mood to entertain her little performance, he simply chose to ignore it.
Princess Wenyang’s gaze sharpened further. On the surface, it seemed as though she were looking up at him, yet upon closer inspection, one would realize she was, in truth, looking down upon him.
Suddenly—
Smack!
A resounding slap landed viciously across Mu Xueshi’s left cheek.
The teacup in the Third Prince’s hand trembled slightly, yet his expression remained unchanged.
“This slap—I deliver it on behalf of His Highness the Third Prince,” Princess Wenyang declared sharply.
Mu Xueshi’s hand clenched tightly against the edge of the table, his complexion instantly worsening.
Endure… you must endure… he reminded himself silently. Above the character ‘endure’ (忍) hangs a blade—never stoop to contend with a woman.
“These past days, though I do not know what strange illness has afflicted you, you have caused His Highness worry and toil on your behalf. And now, having come here, you still show such ingratitude. His Highness bestowed upon you the Chun Nuan Pavilion, yet you did not even offer a word of thanks.”
Her words rang out with force and clarity, devoid of any trace of frailty. It was as if she truly cared for the Third Prince to such an extent that she would force herself to stand and argue reason with Mu Xueshi.
Mu Xueshi did not know how much further he could lower himself. Her accusations were not entirely directed at him, yet any fault still fell upon his shoulders. What pained him was not this—but that from beginning to end, Princess Wenyang spoke to him from a particular standing.
That standing tore open a scar within him.
He had never imagined that one day he would be contending with a beauty over a man. Yet here it was. He felt jealousy—but he had no right to speak of it.
At the side, the Third Prince leisurely sipped his tea, his gaze fixed upon the red mark on Mu Xueshi’s cheek, a faint, almost imperceptible sneer curling his lips.
Mu Xueshi knew well that this would be his reaction. Thus, he did not even dare look at him, only lowering his head and saying, “Many thanks to Your Highness for the reward.”
At that single word of thanks, the Third Prince’s brow twitched slightly, before he accepted it with an air of satisfaction.
Only then did Princess Wenyang feel the burning pain in her hand. Pouting, she blew on it, glancing pitifully toward the Third Prince.
“It hurts!” she said, her tone tinged with coquettish complaint.
The Third Prince replied calmly, “Return and apply some medicine.”
“Then let us go back now!” A glimmer of delight flashed in her eyes.
The Third Prince nodded and rose from his seat. His handsome eyes flickered, and he cast one final glance toward that person.
Mu Xueshi never raised his head, nor did he look at him. Only when the room was left with himself and several unfamiliar servants did he finally exhale—and collapse to the ground.
“Young Master! Young Master…” The maids hurried forward to support him.
“Should we report this to His Highness—”
“His Highness has not yet mounted his horse…”
Mu Xueshi quickly grabbed a maid’s sleeve, pleading, “Don’t… don’t go find him… I beg you…”
I do not wish to see that cold face of his… nor hear Princess Wenyang’s mockery…
Leaving the Chun Nuan Pavilion, Princess Wenyang followed behind the Third Prince. The arrogance she had displayed earlier had vanished, leaving only a delicate blush upon her cheeks.
The Third Prince ordered a carriage to be prepared, watching as two guards helped her aboard. He himself mounted his horse. As he raised his whip, he noticed a small section stained with blood.
I struck him that hard…
He stared at the whip for a few seconds, a faint ache stirring in his chest.
Within the carriage, Princess Wenyang took several deep breaths, yet the Third Prince did not join her. Instead, the carriage began to move forward.
Startled, she lifted the curtain. “Is His Highness not coming up?”
The guard gestured ahead—where the Third Prince rode on horseback.
“Why is the carriage so far from His Highness? Catch up!” she ordered sharply.
The driver flicked the reins, urging the horses forward.
When the carriage drew level with him, she lifted the side curtain again, asking softly, “Why will Your Highness not ride with me?”
“I do not like sitting in carriages,” he replied coldly.
“I see… the men of Lubei are strong and valiant. Riding suits a man’s bearing far better—especially for someone like Your Highness…” Her voice trailed off, cheeks flushing as she hastily lowered the curtain, clutching her silk handkerchief tightly.
Outside, the Third Prince rode on expressionlessly, not even aware of what she had said.
When she lifted the curtain again, she found him already riding far ahead. She stared at his retreating figure for a long while, cheeks warming, before turning to her maid.
“Tell me… why would His Highness refuse to sit in the carriage?”
The maid’s first thought was that the Third Prince simply did not wish to ride with her—but seeing the princess’s shy, delighted expression, she hesitated, unsure how to answer.
“Useless thing.” Princess Wenyang glared at her, then turned to another maid. “You—why?”
The maid hesitated, then ventured, “Didn’t Your Highness say… the Third Prince’s bearing is better suited for riding…?”
Before she could finish—
“Aah—!”
Princess Wenyang stomped hard on her foot, looking as though she had been wronged.
At last, the carriage fell silent. After a deep breath, Princess Wenyang murmured, almost to herself, “Did you not see? His Highness rides outside… to protect me.”
The two maids froze, exchanged glances, and forced stiff smiles. “Yes… yes… this servant was foolish.”
Hearing this, Princess Wenyang brightened immediately, as though reassured.
Su Ruhan returned to the palace from the streets at dusk. As he approached the Third Prince’s residence, he noticed Mu Xueshi’s attendants all standing outside in formation. Sensing something amiss, he quickened his pace into the hall.
The Third Prince was speaking with Sun Ye. Su Ruhan intended to wait until they finished, but the Third Prince signaled him to come forward and listen.
After bowing, Su Ruhan asked directly, “Your Highness summoned me earlier—what is the matter?”
“That matter—I will explain tomorrow.”
“Then why call me now?”
“Princess Wenyang now resides here. Mu Xueshi has been moved to the Chun Nuan Pavilion.”
Su Ruhan showed no surprise. He had already anticipated that the Third Prince would give Mu Xueshi some hardship, yet still ensure his safety—relocating his servants and placing skilled guards among them.
“Then allow this subordinate to protect Mu Xueshi. His health is improving, and I can also instruct him in martial arts…”
He spoke not only because he had seen Sun Ye’s expression, but also out of concern for Mu Xueshi. Having familiar faces around might ease his suffering.
“No need.” The Third Prince cut him off sharply, a chill deepening in his eyes.
“Why not?” Su Ruhan persisted. “Sun Ye has long been at Your Highness’s side—he is accustomed to it.”
“Yes… this subordinate also wishes to remain by Your Highness’s side…” Sun Ye added, his tone softening as he looked toward Su Ruhan.
Though he enjoyed Mu Xueshi’s company, the thought of being reassigned had troubled him. Now that Su Ruhan volunteered, he felt somewhat relieved.
“There is no reason.” With that, the Third Prince turned and entered the inner chamber.
Su Ruhan pondered his tone carefully. A faint smile appeared on his usually stern face.
Who would have thought—the ever cold and unfeeling Third Prince… also harbored private sentiments.
Seeing Sun Ye still downcast, Su Ruhan said, “Do not worry. It will not be long before you return.”
Sun Ye forced a smile and turned to pack his belongings.
Futile Devices Scans 
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