Wanqing was already annoyed by this man who had the audacity to appear on the road and interrupt the conversation between her and her brother. His uninvited presence, coupled with the way he was now targeting her, made it impossible for her to remain in good spirits.
“Since when does this young lady need to answer to the Young Master about whom she associates with? When did the Young Master become Sun Fengyu’s spokesperson? This doesn’t seem like your usual style.”
Hearing him slander her and her brother like this, if not for the fact that their true identities couldn’t be revealed, Wanqing would have gladly driven a silver needle into his skull to teach him that while he might be arrogant, words should never be spoken carelessly.
As he spoke, his dark eyes gleamed with mocking amusement, making her wonder what kind of stimulant he had taken to be in such high spirits. Her delicate face was icy as she coldly retorted, her tone dripping with sarcasm, her expression practically screaming that he was nothing but Sun Family’s lapdog.
“…” Leng Mingye had actually spent time reflecting on his own reactions after Liu Yufeng pointed them out. Gradually, he realized that he didn’t dislike this girl at all. Even though she had shown him no respect—even going so far as to seal his acupoints and abandon him at the gates of the royal residence—he hadn’t felt the slightest anger afterward.
Now that he thought about it, there was an indescribable feeling. Based on what he knew, if this girl truly despised someone, she wouldn’t have repeatedly shown mercy. Considering this, it seemed he didn’t dislike her—at the very least, being around her was far more comfortable than facing Wu Qingyang.
Perhaps this was what liking someone felt like?
Once he realized this, he hurried to the Marquis’s residence, only to be told by the servants that she had gone to the palace. So, he intercepted her on the way. But instead of finding her alone, he saw her with Prince Ning.
Understanding his own feelings, coupled with the sight of the two of them laughing and chatting behind the carriage curtain—her expression carefree, even shy like a young maiden—he realized he truly felt differently about her. Because an inexplicable discomfort rose in his heart, as if something that belonged to him had been snatched away.
This feeling made him want to step forward and reclaim her.
But when she and Prince Ning looked up at his approach, their expressions indifferent as if he were a stranger, the restless emotions in his heart flared up. That was why he ended up speaking so bitterly.
Originally, he had only been in a bad mood and used her current identity as a topic. But he hadn’t expected this girl to react so sharply, even going so far as to call him Sun Family’s lapdog. This reignited the displeasure in his heart, his eyes widening with anger as he glared at her. If not for the presence of others, he might have lunged forward to strangle her.
“Nothing to say now? A good dog doesn’t block the road. We’re in a hurry, so please step aside, Young Master…”
Seeing that her words had ignited his fury but he still didn’t act, Wanqing smirked coldly and urged him to move.
“‘We’? So the rumors are true? Your Highness Prince Ning, are you unaware of her identity? You may have nothing to lose, but what about her? Mu Wanqing, for his sake, have you abandoned even your own family?”
Her words made Leng Mingye’s eyes narrow dangerously. His tone was light, but the threat in his gaze deepened. Seeing her glance at him dismissively before turning away, he knew that using force would never make her yield. Though his heart ached, he still directed his question at Prince Ning.
“What’s it to you? What happens between him and me is none of your concern, Young Master. Shouldn’t you be focusing on finding the person who attacked you and curing your poison? Instead of wasting time here, you should worry about your own affairs. Brother Ning, let’s go—Qingfeng, move!”
Seeing that after a few words, he had turned his anger toward her brother—though her brother merely frowned without responding—Wanqing couldn’t stand it any longer. She glared furiously at Leng Mingye, mercilessly reminding him of his own wounds before turning to urge Prince Ning and Qingfeng to leave.
“And what if this Young Master refuses to move?”
Leng Mingye hadn’t expected her to disregard him so blatantly. His expression darkened slightly as he stared at her coolly.
“Then don’t blame me for being impolite—Qingfeng, go!”
His attitude finally pushed Wanqing over the edge. Her delicate face was frosty as she flicked her wrist, sending a silver needle flying straight at the man blocking their carriage. Watching him stagger back a few steps to steady himself, she coldly ordered Qingfeng to move.
The carriage lurched forward with a whinny from the horse.
“You wretched girl, you actually attacked me…” As their carriage passed, Leng Mingye looked down at the long silver needle embedded in his thigh. The thought that she would go so far just because he had interfered with her and Prince Ning filled him with a bitterness he couldn’t quite name. With a pained expression, he gritted his teeth and yanked the needle out.
“Hiss…” As the needle came free, his leg immediately felt lighter, but the pain still made him suck in a sharp breath.
“My lord, you’re here! Lady Qingyang has been waiting for you at the residence. She insisted I bring her to find you…” At that moment, Qingfeng’s helpless voice rang out, followed by the appearance of another person.
“Brother Ye, you’re here! Brother Ye, what’s wrong? Ah! Brother Ye is hurt! Qingfeng, hurry, take him back to treat his wound! Who could be so cruel as to stab Brother Ye with such a long needle? I—”
Wu Qingyang, dressed elegantly and exquisitely, spotted the man she adored and rushed forward with a radiant smile, clinging to his arm. Unlike usual, he didn’t push her away—instead, his gaze was distant, fixed ahead with an expression she couldn’t decipher.
Then she saw the long, bloodied needle in his hand and the thin trail of crimson seeping from his thigh. Her face paled with panic as she tremblingly took the needle from him, urging Qingfeng frantically.
When she saw just how long the needle was—almost the length of a finger—her anger flared uncontrollably. Clutching the needle, she gnashed her teeth in fury.
“Enough. It’s just a minor wound—I’m not going to die. No need for such dramatics. What are you doing here? If you have nothing important, go home. I have matters to attend to. Qingfeng, let’s go.”
Seeing Wu Qingyang only made Leng Mingye think of that ruthless woman who showed him no mercy. For some reason, the sight of her worry and panic only irritated him.
Watching her make such a fuss over such a small injury, he couldn’t suppress his annoyance. He subtly removed her hand from his arm and dismissed her coldly before walking away with Qingfeng.
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