“Master Xie, you truly come from a distinguished family. Though your lineage is impeccable and your residence is extraordinary, the arrogance and domineering air in your bones make Wanqing take notice. Anyone unaware might think you’re the master of this imperial palace.”
Regarding Xie Shaojun’s uninvited arrival, Wanqing had imagined their first meeting many times, picturing various versions of him. Yet, seeing him in person now, she was utterly disappointed.
Though he was the young master of the Xie family and had contributed to the empire of her grandfather and uncle, his prideful demeanor and the way he looked at her—as if she were someone he could casually choose—left her unimpressed.
With her naturally aloof disposition, Xie Shaojun didn’t even meet her standards, let alone earn her favor. His arrogance, disregarding not just her but the entire Daqi royal family, only drew a faint smile from her. As she walked toward the couch behind her, she remarked mockingly.
“You and I—well, it’s only because His Majesty, your grandfather, remembered the kindness my ancestors showed him that I was allowed to grow up in the palace. Calling myself the master of this palace isn’t entirely wrong. Does the princess disapprove of my words?”
Wanqing’s sarcasm and mockery visibly irked Xie Shaojun. After a pause, he looked at her with a hint of anger, still maintaining his air of superiority. “Qing’er has no issue with your words, Master Xie. But your self-important attitude might make others think you’re actually surnamed Feng. Unfortunately, you’re a Xie. No matter how great your ancestors’ contributions to the Feng imperial family, those are theirs. If you don’t achieve anything yourself, you’ll only disgrace the trust the Feng family has placed in you, won’t you?”
His stubbornness and inability to grasp her meaning made Wanqing smile faintly. She had initially worried that Xie Shaojun might be a formidable figure—perhaps a refined gentleman like Leng Mingye or her elder brother, Prince Ning. If so, rejecting him outright might hurt his feelings and put her uncle and grandfather in an awkward position.
But it turned out he was nothing more than a crude man.
Seeing his confused and frustrated expression, she patiently explained, her tone laced with amusement. “You think I’ll bring shame to my ancestors? You’re mistaken. Though you’re a princess, you’re still the woman betrothed to me, Xie Shaojun. The Xie family may not equal the Fengs, but we’re the only other great name in Daqi. Countless noblewomen in court vie for my attention, yet I’ve never cared. I thought if you were as shallow as them, I could easily annul this engagement. But you’re not just beautiful—your temperament and thoughts are remarkable too. Are you worried I’ll disgrace the Xie family or be mocked in the palace?”
Wanqing’s words stunned Xie Shaojun. Having grown up in the palace, he had always been treated with respect by the Feng family, even regarded as a son by the king and queen. His elders saw him as their sole hope. Accustomed to flattery, he had never been so bluntly criticized before. Though the princess seemed frail, he believed proper care would strengthen her. Yet, he completely misread her sarcasm as genuine concern.
With undisguised satisfaction, he replied smugly, “Worried about me? Which of your eyes saw Wanqing worrying about you?”
His sheer lack of perception made Wanqing laugh outright. “Haha, didn’t you just criticize me? I know your court’s customs differ from ours, and personalities vary. Your question is just shyness—I understand. I don’t blame you; you’re concerned for me, aren’t you? But your health is truly weak. You must exercise more, or you’ll struggle to bear children. Since you’re free, why not let me take you out for training? A stronger body will naturally toughen up.”
His ridiculous reasoning made Wanqing shake her head in disbelief. Xie Shaojun, however, blushed slightly and scratched his head, grinning as if he had everything figured out. When she turned away with a faint smile, he stepped forward, eyeing her delicate face—smaller than his palm—and her slender waist, so fragile he wondered if a breeze might break her.
“Master Xie, please restrain yourself. Though we’re betrothed, that arrangement was made by my mother before I was born. Wanqing may not be of high birth, but I am still of royal blood. Shouldn’t I have a say in my own marriage? Moreover, my health is fine—I don’t need exercise. And whether I can bear children is none of your concern.”
His presumptuous remarks, treating her like a breeding tool, infuriated her. She had tolerated him to avoid troubling her uncle and grandfather, but his audacity crossed the line. As his large hand reached for hers, she deftly evaded it and stood, her voice icy. “You’re my intended woman—how is it none of my concern? Marriage isn’t something you can decide. And if you call this frail body ‘fine,’ then—you’re coming with me to train. If you refuse, I’ll drag you. This is for your own good. The woman of Xie Shaojun can’t be this delicate.”
His persistence and entitlement baffled her. Was he truly this obtuse? When he grabbed her arm again, she glared coldly at his hand. “Master Xie, control yourself.”
“What’s there to control when we’re engaged? Come, let’s train. Your body is too weak—you’d struggle to carry a child. And you two maids—you’re just as frail. You’ll train first, then I’ll bring the princess consort along.” Ignoring her fury, he summoned attendants and pulled Wanqing toward the door, undeterred.
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