“You, Princess, I truly don’t understand. What exactly is wrong with me, Xie Shaojun? Why do you meet this fraud alone but refuse to even glance at me? You are the princess of a nation and the woman I, Xie Shaojun, was betrothed to since childhood. How can you be so unfaithful? Leng Mingye, are you even a man? You dare to act but not take responsibility. I wonder if all the people under your so-called great name are as shameless and despicable as you.”
Xie Shaojun entered and saw Wanqing not only present but also playing chess with Leng Mingye as if no one else was around. What’s more, with every move they made, they exchanged knowing smiles and flirtatious glances. Leng Mingye went even further by feeding the princess a pastry right in front of him, and the woman actually opened her mouth to eat it, then gave him a coy smile.
Though they were in her own palace, behaving this way in front of many maids, it only made the scene more unbearable for him. Any man witnessing this would find it impossible to remain indifferent.
Indeed, Xie Shaojun’s face darkened as he glared at the two. First, he directed his bitter accusations and doubts at Wanqing, then turned his scorn and blame toward Leng Mingye.
“Lord Xie, I believe you’ve misunderstood. Qing’er and I have always been close, and our feelings are mutual. Before she developed any affection for me, she had no idea she was betrothed to you. How can you accuse her of being unfaithful? We were meant to be together—why should she spare you another glance or treat you differently? Besides, the betrothal was arranged by her mother and the Feng family. What does that have to do with us? As for whether I’m a man, since my heart belongs to Qing’er, why wouldn’t I dare to say so? And as for the reputation of my name, I don’t think it’s your place to judge. Qing’er, ignore him. It’s your move.”
Leng Mingye responded with a faint smile, soothing the petite figure who had looked up at his words. He spoke as if he were the protagonist, then turned to Wanqing, urging her to make her move.
“Fine. Since he’s already said it, I won’t waste more words on you, Lord Xie. If you have any grievances, take them up with my uncle and grandfather. Please don’t disturb our game. Mingye, watch—I’m placing this piece.”
Leng Mingye’s words were infuriatingly blunt. Hearing this, Wanqing hadn’t expected the man, known for his aloofness and loyalty in love, to be so bold and unapologetic in his actions.
With a soft smile, she nodded in agreement, studying the board before placing her piece. Then, without turning, she addressed Xie Shaojun behind her before giving Leng Mingye a tender smile and making her move.
“Wait—are you sure you want to place it there?”
Seeing her play along to provoke Xie Shaojun, Leng Mingye smirked. Though her move was actually quite clever, he feigned concern, gently taking her hand—still holding the piece—right in front of Xie Shaojun.
“You—what’s wrong with this move? You’re so annoying. With outsiders here, how embarrassing.”
Despite knowing Xie Shaojun was watching, Wanqing pretended confusion. When Leng Mingye refused to let go, she struggled slightly, feigning shyness as she scolded him.
“What does it matter if he sees? Since he already knows, why hide it? If this embarrasses you, what about all those nights we spent together, eating, sleeping in each other’s arms? Should you be too ashamed to show your face?”
Leng Mingye spoke as if Xie Shaojun were invisible, teasing her while playing with her hand. As she lowered her head in mock embarrassment, his voice dropped just enough for Xie Shaojun to hear clearly.
“You—”
“You—”
Though touched by his affection and genuinely hopeful for their future, Wanqing still felt a pang of embarrassment at his boldness in front of others. She glared at him, a mix of reproach and flustered anger.
Meanwhile, Xie Shaojun watched as Leng Mingye shamelessly held her hand, her scolding eyes lacking any real anger. Though their betrothal was nominal, and his feelings for her were complicated, their behavior felt like a slap in the face—a blatant cuckolding right before his eyes.
Enraged, he swung a fist at Leng Mingye.
“You—ugh… Xie Shaojun, let me tell you—even if you kill me, it won’t stop Qing’er and me from being together!” Though Leng Mingye had expected his words to provoke Xie Shaojun, he hadn’t anticipated the immediate punch.
He could have dodged, but for the sake of his plan, he took the hit, staggering back and falling to the ground, blood trickling from his lips.
Seeing Wanqing’s worried gaze, he exaggerated his injuries, glaring at Xie Shaojun while leaning weakly into her arms.
“You hypocrite! What do you know of love? If you truly loved her, you’d think of her future. You’re cousins! If you stay together, you’ll be scorned by all, and she’ll be ridiculed and shunned. Fine—if you want to play the victim, I’ll beat you to death today. Only then will Qing’er be saved!”
Though Xie Shaojun was furious, he knew his punch shouldn’t have caused such damage. Suspecting Leng Mingye was feigning weakness to gain sympathy, he sneered at the man’s theatrics and righteous declarations. Remembering his family’s warnings, he roared and threw another punch.
“Ow! Murder! Someone help—Lord Xie is killing me! Murder!”
Though the punch barely hurt, Leng Mingye played it up, refusing to dodge or push Wanqing away. He sprawled on the ground, wailing like a child.
“You—!”
Seeing his act, Xie Shaojun’s fury intensified, and he swung again.
“Xie Shaojun, what are you doing? You know he has no inner strength—that punch could kill him! If you want to vent, take it out on me! Bullying someone defenseless is cowardly. And even if we’re cousins, who says we can’t be together? Is it wrong to love each other?”
As Xie Shaojun attacked again, Wanqing checked Leng Mingye’s pulse, confirming it was just a minor injury. Though inwardly cursing his overacting, she feigned panic, grabbing Xie Shaojun’s arm with a mix of anger and pleading.
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