Xiao Wan shook her head and was so choked up it took her awhile to say anything.
Lian Jiye let out a sigh of relief. As he had thought, obviously once her head cleared, Xiao Wan would still be someone without a sense of shame. Becoming a side concubine would be more than enough for her. .
In the next room over, Zhao Zunâs half opened eyes hid a hint of red. His lips were pursed into a thin line and his hand had unconsciously clenched itself, causing a crack to form on the wine cup he was holding. He lifted his hand somewhat and drank the remaining wine. His lips curled into a mocking smirk.
Of course. Had his heart softened?
Xiao Wan shook her head and a burning sensation filled her stomach. She covered her mouth and could barely keep herself from vomiting. She laid down to one side, patted her head and threw up some alcohol. After that, her stomach finally felt better.
She tilted her head and cast a sideways glance at Lian Jiye before scornfully saying, âThird Prince, have you fallen ill to some imaginary disease? You should hurry and have the Imperial Physician take a look at you. In my opinion, it seems like your illness is quite serious.â
Lian Jiyeâs complexion darkened. He scowled at Xiao Wan, but she quickly spoke again.
âI, Xiao Ninth, am a dignified daughter of a minister. Why should I marry you and become your concubine? Letâs not even discuss the matter of concubine. Even if I were to become the princess consort, I would not care for it! Third prince, you overestimate yourself.â
Xiao Wan put both of her hands on her hips and gave Lian Jiye a disdainful look. She gave a carefree and happy laugh.
âYou!â At this moment Lian Jiyeâs complexion was similar to the bottom of a pot. He was ready to explode at any second. Clenching his teeth, he paused between each word, âYou better not fail to appreciate my kindness! This prince will ask you one last time. You truly are unwilling to be my concubine? You better think about this carefully. This will be your last opportunity. This prince is willing to disregard what happened in the past.â
Lian Jiye was so furious, his veins were popping out and he was tightly clenching his fists. If Xiao Wan dared to speak rudely to him again, then the fists he had at the ready would be for her.
Xiao Wan glared at Lian Jiye. She slightly raised her sharp chin. Her expression was both arrogant and indifferent. Her gaze was clearly a threat and showed off how immensely proud of herself she was.
âHave your ears gone deaf? You dare to bully me? My dad will have you sent to guard the frontier and make you eat dirt!â
In the next room over, Zhao Zun was caught off guard by Xiao Wanâs statement and almost choked. Everyone said the Right Minister was treacherous. She was using the Right Minister as a shield and was directly threatening the third prince. However, how effectual this would be was still to be seen.
At the mention of the Right Minister, a rush of hatred consumed Lian Jiye. His sense of humiliation doubled. How could a dignified prince like him be made to run in circles by the Right Minister? He even had to be cautious of the ministerâs moods. The fact Xiao Wan also dared to treat him like this was humiliation that Lian Jiye could not bring himself to bear.
Lian Jiye glared at Xiao Wanâs beautiful face and his lips curled up into an evil smile. âA man and a woman alone together. Miss Xiao Ninth has the cheek to seduce this prince. This prince cannot help but accept the offer.â
Xiao Wan matched his sinister gaze and her mind abruptly came to a realization. Of course. She had overestimated Lian Jiyeâs moral standing!
Xiao Wan became aware that something bad was going to happen so she turned her head and made
ready to run. At this moment, the large boat had already traveled to the center of the water and earlier on, Lian Jiye had asked his subordinates to leave. Full of himself, he laughed, âLetâs see where you can run to!â
Lian Jiye took two steps then three and it looked like he was about to catch up to Xiao Wan. Xiao Wanâs face went white and faced Lian Jiye while punching and kicking.
âDonât come over! Or else Iâll make you regret it!â
Lian Jiye disagreed, âWho told you not to appreciate favors? Shout. Shout until your throat is sore. No one will come save you. Besides for marrying this prince, what other choice do you have? You shameless s.l.u.t!â
Xiao Wan bit down hard on her lip, both angry and annoyed. Lian Jiye outstretched his long arm and grabbed onto Xiao Wanâs arm. Xiao Wan cried out that it hurt but could not struggle free from his grasp. In a fit of anger, she turned her head and aimed for Lian Jiyeâs arm. She bit him and did not let go.
âAh!â Lian Jiye was overcome with pain. He flipped his hand and with no hesitation, slapped Xiao Wan across the cheek. Xiao Wan started seeing stars and was terribly dizzy. Her ears were filled with a ringing sound.
âb.i.t.c.h! Quickly, stop biting me!â Lian Jiye felt like his arm was close to having a chunk taken out of it as there was already a hint of blood leaking out.
Xiao Wan suddenly loosened her mouth. She used her entire bodyâs strength to push Lian Jiye aside. Lian Jiye fell back a few steps while Xiao Wan struggled to crawl to the deck of the boat, the corner of her mouth still dripping blood.
âYou better not come over! Or else, Iâll jump overboard!â
Lian Jiye shook himself out of his stupor. He wasnât scared at all. âIf you jump over board this prince will save you. It doesnât matter as itâll just further my reputation of me being a hero who saves beautiful women. How wonderful!â
âYou!â Xiao Wanâs eyes widened and she was filled with regret. She shouldâve never trusted this sc.u.m from the start.
Lian Jiye got closer step by step. Xiao Wanâs head was terribly dizzy. One hand supported her body as she leaned closely against the pillar.
âLian Jiye, I never thought you would be this shameless! Iâm telling you. Even if I die, I still wonât marry you!â
Xiao Wan was starting to panic as she saw that he was coming ever closer. She screwed her eyes shut. Was it possible that sheâd have to repeat the tragedy of her past life again?
Suddenly, she heard a loud sound of something falling into the water.
Xiao Wan immediately opened her eyes and saw Lian Jiye bobbing up and down on the water as he used all his strength to stay afloat. Xiao Wanâs eyes widened in surprise.
In the next moment, her body was being lifted by a large hand and they stepped into the hold of the ship.
Zhao Zun was doing his best to bear it but, finally, could no longer hold himself back and decided to do something. This silly girl was certainly quite brave and did not know how to admit defeat. Her character was unyielding; she would rather break than bend herself to someone elseâs will. If a few choice words had been said at the start, perhaps this slap wouldnât have happened in the first place. She certainly had come close to making Lian Jiye explode from anger.
Xiao Wan turned her eyes and coincidentally caught the faint smile in his pair of sly, half-opened eyes. His glittering smile and dark eyes were able to unconsciously attract peopleâs attention.
Xiao Wan rubbed her eyes and placed both of her hands onto Zhao Zunâs handsome face. She even dared to pinch him a bit.
âHuh, doesnât it hurt?â
She was going to make Zhao Zun laugh out of exasperation. The large hand at her waist pinched her slightly. Xiao Wanâs small mouth grimaced and with tearful eyes, glared at him.
âZhao Zun? How come itâs you again? What a coincidence. How come youâre also here?â
Xiao Wan pulled in her neck as she was somewhat fearful of him. Every time she talked, it irritated the corner of her mouth, bringing her pain. She couldnât bear it and gaspedâa pitiful thing.
Zhao Zun loosened his grip and placed Xiao Wan onto the ground. Xiao Wanâs body swayed side to side. She was dazed and almost fell onto the ground when she tried to take a few steps.
Zhao Zun immediately reached out to support Xiao Wan and held onto her arm. This girl was never at rest. Each time they met, she was being bullied to some degree.
Zhao Zun was angry and helpless. He wanted to have no part in her affairs but also couldnât help but take action.
âWhatâs the matter? Am I not allowed to come?â
Xiao Wan placed a hand on her head. Over the course of this mess, the full strength of the alcohol had become apparent. She smiled sheepishly, shaking her head. âYouâre busy. I wonât bother you anymore.â
Zhao Zun discovered that this girl was resistant towards him. He contradicted himself and with squinted eyes, coldly asked, âAre you afraid of me?â
Xiao Wan took a step back. This man was truly dangerous. Less trouble would be for the best. Xiao Wanâs gaze darted around as she fake laughed. âYou should go soon. The third prince fell into the water. If by any chance you become implicated, that wonât be good for you.â
Zhao Zun glanced at her and couldnât keep himself from saying, âIâm asking you. You truly do not want to marry him? I predict that Lian Jiye will not give up on you. I just happen to have a solution which will prevent him from ever daring to bother you again.â
Xiao Wanâs eyes lit up and she couldnât keep herself from getting close to his ear. A delicate fragrant scent wafted into his nose. She had a wonderfully pleasant scent. It was not too strong and very faint but could permeate right into someoneâs heart. Zhao Zun took in a deep breath and an elegant grin appeared on his face.