Chapter 21: Have You Ever Hated Me?

Gazing at the young woman's exquisite features, Jiang Chuyi rubbed his temple, feeling a strange sense of disorientation. When exactly had he and Jiang Ning grown distant? Was it when he began vying for power, or when he contemplated sacrificing Jiang Ning for his own gain?

After a long silence, Jiang Chuyi finally voiced a question that had puzzled him for some time. "Sister, have you ever hated me?"

Jiang Ning looked puzzled. "Brother, why would you ask that?"

Jiang Chuyi hesitated before saying, "About the marriage alliance..."

Seeing the guilt shadowing his expression, Jiang Ning interrupted gently, "Let bygones be bygones. Besides, in the end, you still turned a blind eye and spared me."

With a faint smile, she added, "It’s getting late; I should be going."

Leaving those words behind, she turned and walked away.

Watching her retreating figure, Jiang Chuyi frowned. He felt as though this sister of his was no longer the same as before. How had she changed so completely?

...

Once seated in the carriage, Jiang Ning patted her chest and sighed in relief. Talking with Jiang Chuyi was truly exhausting. If he had pressed any further, she would surely have slipped up. Fortunately, she was clever enough to leave at the right moment; otherwise, with her wits, she’d soon arouse his suspicion.

Noticing the young woman’s pale complexion, Chun Zhi, sitting beside her, couldn’t help but ask, "Princess, why not spend more time talking with the Crown Prince?"

Jiang Ning curled the corner of her lips. "What’s there to talk about? Someone so scheming, who even wants to push her own sister into the fire, doesn’t deserve my words."

Hearing the resentment in her voice, Chun Zhi earnestly advised, "Princess, you and the Crown Prince are siblings after all. In this world, only you two can rely on each other. Even if you resent him, you mustn’t show it. After all, your future depends on him."

Knowing Chun Zhi meant well, Jiang Ning covered her ears and replied dismissively, "Alright, alright, I get it!"

By afternoon, the rain had lessened. Back at the princess’s residence, Jiang Ning and Chun Zhi sat in the courtyard, watching the rain.

---

Just then, Mu Chi, returning from the military camp, happened to witness the scene.

Jiang Ning’s simple attire today highlighted her delicate and radiant beauty. Her fair, flawless face was as tender as a freshly peeled egg, irresistibly inviting a gentle pinch.

Perhaps it was the first time Mu Chi had seen this side of her, for he stood there stunned for a long moment. When he finally snapped back to reality, the hem of his dark blue robe was soaked through.

Noticing Mu Chi standing afar, lost in thought, Chun Zhi exclaimed in surprise, "Mu... Minister Mu?"

At the sound of this title, Jiang Ning licked her full lips and raised her head.

In an instant, their eyes met.

Looking into the young woman’s bright, almond-shaped eyes, Mu Chi’s pupils dilated and his heart suddenly raced. When had Jiang Ning become so beautiful?

Seeing the man’s dazed expression, Jiang Ning cleared her throat and, mimicking the elder princess’s tone, chided, "You see the princess and don’t even bow? Where did you learn such manners?"

Hearing her soft, coquettish voice, Mu Chi blushed for no reason. "Princess, just now... I was out of line. Please forgive me."

Lowering her lashes, Jiang Ning curled a slender finger. "Mu Chi, why haven’t you greeted me properly these past few days?"

Mu Chi coughed awkwardly, grasping for an excuse. "I’ve been feeling unwell lately, so I avoided greeting you to prevent passing on any illness."

Jiang Ning narrowed her eyes, her rosy lips pressing together. "Is that so? But you look quite spirited to me."

Her questioning tone made Mu Chi feel suddenly guilty. In the past, he would have dismissed Jiang Ning as a foolish girl, but today he found himself wanting to speak with her more.

After a brief pause, Mu Chi lifted his gaze and spoke slowly, "I exercise regularly and am quite strong, so I appear healthy."

Noticing the token hanging from his waist, Jiang Ning smiled faintly. "How did you come by a military pass?"

Meeting her scrutinizing gaze, Mu Chi hurriedly tucked the token away. "Princess, you’re mistaken. This isn’t a military pass—just a trinket I bought along the road."

Seeing him so evasive, Jiang Ning chuckled softly and changed the subject. "Have you encountered a woman skilled in medicine recently?"

The sudden question left Mu Chi puzzled. "A woman skilled in medicine? Why do you ask, Princess?"

His voice grew anxious. "Is your cold still troubling you? If you like, I can find a reliable doctor among the common folk."

Seeing that he hadn’t grasped her meaning, Jiang Ning sighed in frustration. "I meant, have you recently saved a woman skilled in medicine by the roadside?"

Mu Chi shook his head honestly. "No."

Jiang Ning sighed again, feeling something amiss. According to the story’s timeline, the heroine, who was being hunted by order of the Crown Prince, should have met Mu Chi by now...

Could it be that Mu Chi was lying to her?

Noticing the slight furrow in her brow, Mu Chi grew curious. "Princess, are you looking for someone?"

Jiang Ning waved her hand lazily. "No, just asking casually."

Seeing her deeply troubled expression, Mu Chi assumed she was testing whether he had other women in his life. To dispel her doubts, he said firmly, "Princess, rest assured, as your consort, I would never entangle myself with another woman."

His earnest words left Jiang Ning speechless. Was Mu Chi unwell in the head? Why say such things out of the blue?

Watching her annoyed and exasperated expression, Mu Chi swore once more, "Princess, I promise, I have no other women. If anyone dares to speak nonsense about me in your presence, please don’t believe them."

Seeing him become increasingly ridiculous, Jiang Ning quickly interjected, "Enough, enough. I believe you."

With that, she turned her head and tugged Chun Zhi’s sleeve. "I’m feeling a bit tired. Let’s go."

Chun Zhi nodded, draping a cloak over the young woman’s shoulders and supporting her gently. "The ground is slippery; please be careful, Princess."

Hearing Chun Zhi’s tender voice, Jiang Ning lifted her chin with a touch of pride. "You don’t have to do that. I’m not a child anymore; I don’t need anyone to hold me up!"

Chun Zhi obediently replied, "Yes, yes, I was just being overly cautious."

Watching the delicate figure disappear into the rain, Mu Chi’s ears flushed a deep red. He suddenly felt that Jiang Ning was not so unpleasant after all. The way she spoke when angry was simply adorable beyond measure.