Chapter 13: I Will Stand Up for You
Pei Heng squinted slightly and pinched the tip of her reddened nose.
“All right, all right, I was just babbling nonsense. Please don’t be angry, Princess.”
Jiang Ning crossed her arms and shot him an annoyed glance. “Get lost. Good dogs don’t block the way!”
With that, she strode quickly toward the exit.
Watching the lively and radiant figure of the young lady, Pei Heng’s brows curved unconsciously.
……
Inside the imperial palace, the atmosphere was bustling.
After the banquet began, the sounds of stringed instruments and flutes filled the air without pause.
At the center of the grand hall, several graceful dancers twirled lightly.
The court officials were seated according to rank, with the fifth rank as the boundary.
As the eldest princess, Jiang Ning, like other princes and princesses, was seated in front of the hall.
Noticing Pei Heng by Jiang Ning’s side, the usually antagonistic Third Princess Jiang Xue sneered sarcastically, “Sister, how can you, the eldest princess of the realm, bring a favored companion to a banquet?”
“If this gets out, where will our royal family’s face be?”
Hearing this, Jiang Ning snorted coldly. “Who I bring is none of your business.”
Jiang Xue sipped her tea and continued her verbal taunts.
“If it were a few years ago, little sister would have no right to speak to the eldest princess. But times have changed; don’t forget, the Empress has long passed away.”
“Now, it is my mother who manages the harem.”
Jiang Ning was taken aback by Jiang Xue’s audacity before her. It turned out the original lady’s situation was even worse than she imagined.
After pondering for a while, Jiang Ning slowly spoke, “Even if my mother has died, I remain the sole eldest princess of this harem.”
“If Third Sister continues to speak disrespectfully, don’t blame me for being unkind.”
Hearing Jiang Ning’s commanding words, Jiang Xue angrily overturned the candied fruit on the table. “Hmph, who do you think you are?”
“If not for the Crown Prince, who would give you face?”
Seeing Jiang Xue so flustered, Jiang Ning lowered her lashes, too indifferent to respond further.
Noticing the young lady’s downcast expression, Pei Heng sitting beside her peeled a tangerine and offered a segment to her. “Not happy?”
The tangerine was sweet.
Jiang Ning involuntarily chewed a few more times.
“I’m not unhappy.”
Pei Heng’s fingers lightly brushed her cheek, his voice low and husky. “You’re lying. You’re clearly upset.”
Jiang Ning snorted coldly and brushed his hand away.
“Whether I’m happy or not is none of your concern.”
Pei Heng raised his eyelids, his gaze darkening. “Don’t be unhappy.”
---
“That incident just now, I’ll help you get back at her.”
Jiang Ning was somewhat surprised by his words.
“How do you plan to get back at her for me?”
Pei Heng chuckled lightly, his narrow eyes filled with inkiness. “Tonight, I’ll have someone kill her. How about that?”
His casual tone made it sound as if it were no big deal.
Seeing that he wasn’t joking, Jiang Ning’s arm trembled in fright.
“You’re mad?”
Is this how you get back at someone?
Seeing the girl’s fearful expression, Pei Heng frowned slightly, his voice lazy. “Then how do you want me to help?”
As he spoke, the distance between them seemed to shrink.
Feeling the man’s domineering and forceful aura, Jiang Ning shivered involuntarily and shrank back.
“Just give her a little lesson.”
After saying this, she curiously asked, “Why are you suddenly so kind?”
Pei Heng chuckled softly and ruffled her hair with his large palm.
“Aren’t we partners now? How could I let my partner be bullied?”
Feeling the meaningful look in his eyes, Jiang Ning’s face tightened. She slapped his hand away. “Stop messing around, you’ve already messed up my hair!”
Seeing the tender and soft young lady before him, Pei Heng propped his chin on one hand and lifted his brow with delight.
“All right, all right, I won’t touch you anymore.”
Midway through the banquet, large snowflakes began to fall outside.
After several cups of tea, Jiang Ning suddenly felt a twinge of stomach pain.
To avoid making a scene, she lifted her skirt and struggled to stand.
Before she could take two steps, Pei Heng grabbed her hand. “Where are you going?”
Jiang Ning clutched her stomach and muttered softly, “Let go of me. I need to go to the restroom!”
Hearing this, Pei Heng’s ears reddened, and he quickly released her. “It’s not safe for you to go alone. I’ll accompany you.”
With that, the man swiftly rose.
Jiang Ning furrowed her delicate brows, embarrassed. “You’re not allowed to come!”
Pei Heng stepped forward firmly. “I am your favored companion. Wherever you go, I go.”
Seeing his stubbornness, Jiang Ning said no more.
“Suit yourself.”
With that, she darted out like a rabbit.
---
Watching the lively figure leap away, Pei Heng sighed deeply and hurried to follow.
When Jiang Ning emerged from the restroom, the snow outside had already piled thick.
Seeing Pei Heng waiting under the tree, Jiang Ning felt an inexplicable sense of safety welling within her heart.
Even she found the feeling strange.
Noticing the girl’s dazed expression, Pei Heng brushed snowflakes from his shoulder and stepped forward leisurely. “What are you thinking about? So lost in thought.”
Jiang Ning licked her tender lips, avoiding his gaze.
“Nothing, just feeling a bit cold.”
Pei Heng lowered his eyes and gently squeezed her small hand. “Let me warm you.”
Hearing his earnest tone, Jiang Ning didn’t hesitate and clasped his hand with hers.
“Your hand is so warm.”
Noticing her action, Pei Heng was momentarily stunned.
Jiang Ning tilted her head and blinked her beautiful eyes softly. “Why aren’t you cold at all?”
Pei Heng raised an eyebrow and interlaced his fingers with hers.
“Martial artists do not fear the cold.”
Jiang Ning nodded thoughtfully. “So that’s one of the benefits of martial arts.”
“One day, I want to learn too.”
Looking at the girl’s stunningly beautiful face, Pei Heng’s voice grew hoarse. “If the eldest princess wants to learn, you can let me teach you.”
Just as Jiang Ning was about to reply, a voice interrupted.
“Sister, what are you doing outside in such cold weather?”
Startled, Jiang Ning stepped back two paces upon seeing the handsome man suddenly appear.
Could this be the original lady’s brother, Jiang Chuyi?
Seeing her silent hesitation, Jiang Chuyi frowned. “In broad daylight, how can you be so entangled with a favored companion?”
Hearing his rebuke, Jiang Ning felt uneasy.
“He is my favored companion. Even if I’m entangled with him, it’s none of your concern.”
Looking at her richly expressive features, Jiang Chuyi was momentarily stunned.
How had his sister become even more beautiful than before?
Such breathtaking beauty.
Even he found it hard to resist…
After a long pause, Jiang Chuyi softened his tone and spoke slowly, “Sister, don’t be angry. It was my fault just now. I shouldn’t have spoken harshly.”
Thinking of the arranged marriage, Jiang Ning shot him an annoyed glance.
“Your Highness, you are too formal. I wouldn’t dare oppose you.”