CHAPTER 327 (2): WARDROBE-DON
What Pei Qianhao didnât know was that Su Xi-er just so happened to be able to do all those things. Her needlework wasnât fantastic, but she knew the basics. As for the four arts, her calligraphy skill was amongst the best, and her skills in the other three were only slightly worse. As for leading troops and governing a country? It went without saying!
Su Xi-er smiled as she jested. âPrince Hao, regardless of how clever this servant is, I still wouldnât be able to lead the troops and govern a country. This servant is very impressed by your skills in these aspects.â
Her last sentence sincerely came from the bottom of her heart. She had already appreciated his talent when she was Ning Rulan, and this appreciation had only grown upon actually meeting him.
âHow impressed?â Pei Qianhao questioned, evidently a little displeased about her glossing over it by just saying the word âimpressedâ.
Su Xi-er pondered over it for a while. Sometimes, it is necessary to curry favour in an exaggerated fashion.
Hence, she smiled brightly. âThis servant is impressed from the bottom of my heart. In this whole wide world, Prince Hao stands at the apex, with no one ever surpassing you.â
Her words had greatly pleased Pei Qianhao, and a smile formed at the corner of his lips. âSu Xi-er, from what this Prince sees, your best talent lies in your speech.â
âThis servant doesnât dare to accept the compliment.â She turned to look outside the window where the moonlight illuminated the silent night. When is Pei Qianhao going to leave?
Pei Qianhaoâs smile immediately disappeared, his delight changing to despondence. Why is she still looking outside the window when I am right here?
Soon, Pei Qianhao stood up and asked in his low voice. âIs the moonlight very pleasing to look at?â
Su Xi-er looked at him with a slight smile. âPrince Hao, this servant is extremely grateful that you took time out from your busy schedule to visit this servant.â
âI see, then are you so grateful that youâve decided to turn away and admire the moon?â Pei Qianhao continued for her as he approached her, finally stopping beside her without doing anything.
âPrince Hao, should this servant have kept staring at you instead? Wouldnât you say that I am too fond of beauty?â The word âbeautyâ was naturally referring to Pei Qianhaoâs handsome face.
Pei Qianhao felt dejected. How can a manâs dashing looks be described with âbeautyâ? Doesnât she know how to use another term instead?
Noticing Pei Qianhaoâs unhappiness, Su Xi-er praised, âPrince Hao, you are the most handsome and mature man this servant has ever seen.â
Su Xi-er saw Pei Qianhaoâs eyes relaxing, a visible sign that his mood had improved. All of a sudden, she was taken by the impression that he was like a small child that was trying to fight for her attention.
âPrince Hao, whoâs Xie Liuli?â Su Xi-er suddenly remembered what she had read from the book that she had dropped earlier at the Imperial Library, and tried to sound him out.
âCommandery Prince Xieâs biological younger sister.â Pei Qianhaoâs reply was curt, signalling that he didnât wish to speak about the Xie Family.
Su Xi-er could sense his reluctance to divulge more information, but still tried to press forward. âPrince Hao, did you and Xie Liuli previously get engaged?â
She only saw that Pei Qianhaoâs brows were slightly knitted together before they returned to normal. âWhere did you hear that from?â
âWhen this servant was airing out books today, I found an old book called âPoetry Classicsâ. Some of its pages had their corners folded, and some underlined words on these pages suggested that you and Xie Liuli would be married. The bottom part even had your name written along with hers.â Su Xi-er slowly recounted, taking note to observe Pei Qianhaoâs expression carefully.
A moment later, Pei Qianhaoâs gaze became unfathomable. âThat book should have long been destroyed. You believe random nonsense written by others?â
Su Xi-er shook her head. âThis servant found it strange, which was why I asked you.â
âIn the future, donât believe any theories about this Prince. You can only trust this Prince, do you understand?â Pei Qianhao patted her head.
âIf thatâs the case, then the engagement must not have existed. But⌠who wrote those words in âPoetry Classicsâ then?â Su Xi-er immediately felt a flick to her forehead, prompting her to raise a hand and rub it as she looked at Pei Qianhao.
Pei Qianhao reached out his arm and held her waist, his other hand gently caressing her forehead. âHow would this Prince know who wrote it? Itâs impossible to investigate, even if I wanted to do so. Must it be Xie Liuli who wrote it just because her name is there?â