Chapter 14: People Change Over Time

Knowing Jiang Ning’s spoiled temper, Jiang Chuyi patiently continued to coax her, “It’s only been a few days apart, how have you become so distant from your brother already?”

“Oh, by the way, recently your brother has acquired many fragrant spices. Tonight, he will have them sent to you.”

Hearing this, Jiang Ning wisely decided not to push further and dared not make a fuss. “Thank you very much, brother.”

Seeing Jiang Ning’s softened attitude, Jiang Chuyi smoothed his sleeve and spoke deliberately, “In three days, the envoys from Panbang will come to the palace to pay their respects. How about you and I receive them together?”

Surprised by his eagerness, Jiang Ning curled the corner of her lips, her delicate face tilting slightly upward. “Such an important matter is better handled by you alone, brother.”

“I’m clumsy and tactless; if I offend the envoys, it would be terrible.”

Jiang Chuyi was undeterred. “It’s alright. I will personally teach you what to do and what not to do.”

“Someone as clever as you shouldn’t make mistakes in this.”

Seeing his persistence, Jiang Ning lowered her head, her lovely face full of impatience. “Why do you insist on having me help entertain them when it’s clearly your responsibility?”

“According to past customs, this should be your sole duty.”

Jiang Chuyi’s expression slightly darkened, and his tone suddenly chilled. “I have my reasons for doing this.”

“You must behave and not be willful.”

Listening to his lofty words, Pei Heng standing nearby snorted. “The Crown Prince’s words are laughable. What envoy requires the personal reception of the Princess Royal?”

He added, “Could it be that the Crown Prince has ulterior motives?”

Meeting Pei Heng’s mocking gaze, Jiang Chuyi narrowed his eyes and smiled indifferently. “Minister Pei, long time no see. You’ve become more insufferable.”

“I am speaking with my own sister. What business do you have interfering?”

Pei Heng raised an eyebrow, unafraid, and met his stare. “Your Highness, I dare remind you: Do not harm your own kin, lest you end up abandoned and betrayed.”

Jiang Chuyi’s eyes darkened, his voice icy and harsh. “Who gave you the courage to speak to me like that?”

Pei Heng shrugged dismissively. “Naturally, it’s the Princess Royal who gave me that courage.”

At that moment, Jiang Ning felt as if she were shattering into pieces.

She could never have imagined that Pei Heng, this madman, would be so brazen!

After calming herself for a moment, Jiang Ning parted her red lips and spoke cautiously, “Brother, please don’t be angry. Pei Heng always has this temper. Please be magnanimous and don’t take it to heart.”

She then took Pei Heng’s hand proactively. “Don’t just stand there, apologize quickly!”

Pei Heng cleared his throat and said nonchalantly, “Sorry, Your Highness, I’m always straightforward and don’t beat around the bush.”

“If you’re upset, you can hit me a couple of times to vent.”

As he finished, Jiang Ning hurriedly tried to smooth things over. “Brother, Pei Heng is spoiled by me.”

“But don’t worry, once I return, I will teach him a proper lesson!”

Jiang Chuyi snorted coldly, his expression proud. “No need for you to do that, sister. I would not stoop to quarrel with a lowly favorite.”

He deliberately emphasized “favorite” to show his disdain.

Fearing the two would quarrel again, Jiang Ning quickly changed the subject.

“Brother, I heard from the palace maid just now that Father intends to bring Jiang Zhaozhao back to the palace. Is that true?”

Jiang Chuyi nodded, a hint of disgust in his eyes. “Yes.”

“Father must have some feelings toward Jiang Zhaozhao’s mother. Even though her fate is special and unfavorable to the royal family, Father wouldn’t let her suffer in the outside world.”

Jiang Ning licked her pink lips, a smile in her eyes. “Brother, you know Father well; he always cherishes old feelings.”

Thinking of Jiang Zhaozhao’s fate, Jiang Chuyi forced a smile without warmth. “An ill-omened person, how could she be worthy of entering the palace? If I were Father, I would have eliminated this disaster long ago.”

Seeing his cold expression, Jiang Ning pouted and muttered inwardly, “He’s just being stubborn now.”

The heroine’s charm is incredibly strong.

Once you meet her, you’ll be utterly bewitched, only wishing to please her every day...

Noticing Jiang Ning’s pitiful gaze, Jiang Chuyi was puzzled.

Why is this fool looking at me like that?

—

After dealing with Jiang Chuyi, the exhausted Jiang Ning only wished to return to the princess’s residence to sleep.

Seeing the girl’s drowsy state, Pei Heng offered, “Want me to carry you?”

Jiang Ning shook her head, brushing off his hand.

“No need. I’m not a child who needs to be carried!”

After saying this, the girl crossed her arms and looked up at Pei Heng. “Why were you so impulsive just now?”

“If I hadn’t been there, he would have surely killed you.”

Hearing her worried tone, Pei Heng smiled happily. “You’re worried about me?”

Jiang Ning shook her sleeve and lightly bit her beautiful lips.

“You’re overthinking it!”

At that moment, her face flushed.

“I know you’re not ordinary, but Jiang Chuyi is the Crown Prince!”

“Angering him won’t do you any good.”

Pei Heng lowered his eyelashes and fixed his gaze on her delicate face. “If I hadn’t acted just now, you wouldn’t have been able to refuse him.”

“Do you really want to receive the envoys with him?”

Jiang Ning frowned slightly, fingers twisting nervously.

“Of course not.”

Pei Heng chuckled. “I said I’d help you.”

“As long as it achieves the goal, what does it matter if I anger him?”

Watching the man’s reckless fearlessness, Jiang Ning clenched her sleeve tightly and whispered, “Pei Heng, thank you.”

Although this madman is no good, he is the only warmth she’s found in this strange world.

Seeing the girl’s earnest expression, Pei Heng’s lips curved into a faint smile.

“I never thought the Princess Royal would say thank you.”

Hearing his teasing tone, Jiang Ning gave a delicate hum of displeasure and her round apricot eyes widened slightly. “There are many things you wouldn’t expect.”

Pei Heng raised his hand and gently stroked the reddened corner of her eye.

“Princess Royal, I suddenly realize you’re different from before.”

This sudden remark sent a chill through Jiang Ning.

She hurriedly raised her head to speak but was silenced by the man’s sharp, probing gaze...

Could it be that Pei Heng has sensed something?

Thinking this, Jiang Ning’s fingers trembled as she awkwardly turned her head away. “People do change.”

“Speaking of change, I think you’ve changed even more.”