Chapter 108: A Genuine Misunderstanding

“Your Highness... no, Princess, you...”

“What is it? Didn’t Prince Brother just say that if you don’t eat it, you can just throw it away? Am I wrong to do so?”

The woman greeted with a smile, her eyes fixed on Liu Fu as if trying to see right through him.

Liu Fu, who had initially wanted to protest, was left speechless by her words. He could only watch helplessly as someone carelessly discarded the delicacy Yuan Zaichun had painstakingly prepared after watching others for an entire hour.

His heart ached with sympathy.

Yuan Zaichun took a deep breath and smiled, “It’s nothing. If you like it, I’ll bring it to you every day. If it’s thrown away, then so be it.”

“No need, I appreciate Prince Brother’s favor, but if you have the time, it’s better to watch over Bu Shenglian. Who knows when he might lose an arm or a leg?”

The woman’s words sent a chill down Liu Fu’s spine. Qiao Qingyun had never been one to attack anyone first, yet every word now seemed so unlike her.

“I understand.”

Yuan Zaichun nodded, his eyes full of inner conflict. Perhaps the moment Bu Shenglian returned was the beginning of all mistakes.

He had promised Qiao Qingyun not to bring Bu Shenglian into the mansion, fully aware of how much she despised such matters, yet he had done so right under her nose.

That alone would have been enough, but he had also allowed Bu Shenglian to occupy her Ting Zhu Garden.

Later, he realized that Qiao Qingyun’s anger wasn’t truly about the garden, but his pride forbade him from bowing his head.

Now, it was too late to lower it...

“All right, little sister still needs medicine. I won’t see Prince Brother off. Zhong Shi, escort the guest out.”

“Yes.”

Zhong Shi was resolute, stepping forward to respectfully address Yuan Zaichun, “Prince, please.”

He forcefully led the two out, guiding them towards the grand entrance while keeping an eye on the path ahead.

“Are you and Feng Ke feeling very proud now?”

Yuan Zaichun suddenly blurted out, his eyes seemingly fixed on Zhong Shi.

Zhong Shi smiled wryly, “What is the Prince saying? I don’t understand.”

“It’s better you don’t. Don’t ever think about getting close to Qiao Qingyun.”

“Your Highness, that’s mistaken. I’m by the Princess’s side every day—longer than you even—and it’s normal she relies on me.”

Zhong Shi’s words carried a sharp challenge; he didn’t want to leave any room for this man. A sly glint flashed in his eyes.

At this moment, Qiao Qingyun was probably having tea; if she heard this...

“Impudent!”

As expected, Yuan Zaichun’s eyes blazed with fury, his voice rising several decibels. “She is the Princess, and you are nothing but a servant.”

Thinking of his former wife, who might one day be with such a man, Yuan Zaichun’s heart ached deeply. How could he accept being bested by someone like this?

“What you say is far off, sir. I merely fulfill my duty, accompany the Princess daily, protect her safety, and take the blows for her, whereas Your Highness is the one who stabbed her in the back.”

Zhong Shi’s expression was usually impassive; only in front of Qiao Qingyun did he soften. But now, with that wicked smile, Liu Fu shivered.

Something about Zhong Shi seemed off.

“Prepare to die!”

Yuan Zaichun, once proud of his composure, lost all reason instantly. He drew a soft sword from Liu Fu’s waist and lunged straight at Zhong Shi. Zhong Shi dodged swiftly, the smile never leaving his eyes.

“Sir! This is the Princess’s residence; you can’t act like this!”

Liu Fu tried to intervene, but Yuan Zaichun was blinded by rage. He slammed Liu Fu aside and charged at Zhong Shi.

Perhaps due to his recklessness, he didn’t realize Zhong Shi’s martial arts surpassed his own. Zhong Shi effortlessly evaded his attacks, using retreat as his offense.

“Princess, Zhong Shi is probably just playing around, that’s why he hasn’t returned promptly. Please don’t worry.”

Just as Qing Luo tried to mediate, she saw the two men locked in combat. Yuan Zaichun’s weapon forced Zhong Shi to retreat step by step.

The proverb “an inch longer, an inch stronger” was not without reason; their clash was awe-inspiring.

“Zhong Shi!”

Qiao Qingyun’s eyes widened. Seeing the sword poised to pierce her, she didn’t hesitate. Using swift agility, she closed the distance in two strides, planting her legs firmly as she leapt in front of Zhong Shi, becoming a human shield without hesitation.

“Princess!”

Hong Ying’s eyes reddened with fear. She hurriedly grabbed Qing Luo and ran over. The next moment, Zhong Shi deliberately took the blow meant for Qiao Qingyun. The tenderness in his eyes seemed to drown her in warmth.

Yuan Zaichun was even more troubled. He hadn’t expected Qiao Qingyun to suddenly intervene and block the sword, leaving him no chance to retract his weapon. He could only watch helplessly as the blade sank in.

“Hmm...”

Zhong Shi held Qiao Qingyun tightly, groaning softly in her ear, sensing intense pain. Fortunately, he dodged quickly enough to avoid a fatal wound, but he would endure hardship for some time.

“Zhong Shi.”

Qiao Qingyun stared at his slightly bloodshot eyes, dazedly calling his name. Zhong Shi smiled weakly, tried to speak, but spat blood instead. The crimson droplets stained Qiao Qingyun’s clothes. He reached out to wipe it away, then closed his eyes and lost consciousness.

“Zhong Shi!”

“Brother! Brother!”

Hong Ying rushed over, trembling as she looked at Zhong Shi’s wound. Tears streamed down Qiao Qingyun’s face as she lifted her gaze to the incredulous Yuan Zaichun, her eyes filled with rage and hatred.

“So this is why you came to my Purple Lotus Palace! To kill Zhong Shi?”

“No, Princess, it’s Zhong Shi...”

“Are you trying to kill me too?”

Qiao Qingyun was blinded by anger. Before Liu Fu could explain, she cut him off with a fierce shout. Yuan Zaichun was flustered, unable to defend himself.

He suddenly recalled that Qiao Qingyun must have felt the same way back then...

His chest tightened with pain, realizing how it felt to be disregarded.

“Get out! You are never allowed into Purple Lotus Palace again!”

Qiao Qingyun pointed at the gates, shouting, “Someone, come here!”

The eunuchs hurried over and immediately carried the injured Zhong Shi into a room. Qiao Qingyun rushed after them without delay.

“Sir... perhaps this time, the Princess really misunderstood.”

“What else?”

The man forced a bitter smile, never imagining such a thing would happen to him.

“But... sir, I truly saw just now that he could have dodged. Why did he let himself get injured?”

Liu Fu pressed the point again. Yuan Zaichun’s pupils contracted. Indeed, Zhong Shi had planned all along to make Qiao Qingyun hate him utterly, so he would never be allowed into Purple Lotus Palace again.

What a clever scheme!