Volume One, Chapter 11: Perhaps It's Better to Find a Patron?

Wei Chengxuan saw that Changle's expression was serious and resolute, understanding that her decision to break off the engagement was not a momentary impulse.

It must have been that the first time Wei Shuye entertained the thought of ending the engagement, she was deeply hurt. Yet, because her heart truly belonged to Wei Shuye and she could not let go of years of affection, she tried desperately to salvage the relationship.

But some things, no matter how much one tries to mend them, only deepen the wounds.

From wholehearted devotion, to unwillingness to accept defeat, and finally to cold-hearted letting go.

She was patient enough to wait until her heart was truly cold before releasing her grip.

“Tomorrow, come to the prince’s residence to find me. If you still insist as firmly as you do today, and will not regret it later, then everything will proceed as you say.”

Changle was puzzled. Hadn’t it been said earlier that she would come to the Elegant Garden to find him? How did it change to going to the prince’s residence?

But as long as the young prince was willing to help her once more, it was enough.

Changle stood up and stepped away from the small table, bowing respectfully to Wei Chengxuan. “Thank you, young prince.”

“You have helped me twice now—once before, and once now.”

“I will remember both favors in my heart. If you have any requests in the future, just tell me. I will do my utmost.”

Though given Wei Chengxuan’s status, there seemed little she could do for him.

Still, she remembered the kindness he had shown her twice, and if given the chance, she would surely repay it.

“No need. I am helping you as a way of repaying a debt.”

“What?” Changle did not understand.

Wei Chengxuan smiled. “You saved my life. Have you forgotten?”

Changle hastily waved her hand. “No, that doesn’t count.”

She had once accidentally come across Wei Chengxuan injured and intended to rescue him. But she had only just pulled him up when Xu Jin arrived with others. It showed that even without her, Wei Chengxuan would have been fine.

So she never thought she had truly saved him, but she hadn’t expected Wei Chengxuan to remember.

Could it be that the last time Wei Chengxuan agreed to help her was for this very reason?

“You are righteous and do good without expecting return, but since you saved my life, it is only right that I repay you.” Wei Chengxuan turned his head and instructed, “Xu Jin, escort Miss Hua back.”

Hearing this, Xu Jin stepped forward and made a polite gesture. “Miss, please.”

---

Changle was moved to find Wei Chengxuan was someone who repaid even the smallest kindness with boundless gratitude, quite unlike the rumors circulating outside.

Feeling this deeply, she bowed once again to Wei Chengxuan before following Xu Jin out of the pavilion.

She had not gone far when a young man with a jade-like face approached.

Changle recognized him as Shen Huai’an, son of the current chancellor and a childhood friend of Wei Chengxuan.

Shen Huai’an entered the pavilion and naturally took a seat on the bench beside Wei Chengxuan, picking up his chopsticks to start eating.

He had been working tirelessly for two days, fasting all day today, nearly fainting from hunger.

Wei Chengxuan pinched the teacup between his fingers, sipping intermittently, his long lashes shading his eyes as if deep in thought. Suddenly, he spoke, “She wants to break off the engagement with Wei Shuye.”

“Cough, cough.” Shen Huai’an choked a bit, quickly pouring himself some tea to calm down. “Who are you talking about?”

After asking, he recalled the girl he had seen entering the pavilion earlier. “Oh, you mean the young lady from the Changle Marquisate. She came looking for you again today, asking for your help?”

“Tsk! I have to ask, what do you owe her to help her over and over?”

“Consort Rong already dislikes you. Last time you helped her preserve her engagement with the Third Prince, you offended Consort Rong once. Now Consort Rong and the Third Prince want to end the engagement, and she comes begging you to keep it intact. What is she thinking...?”

“Wait, you said she wants to break off the engagement with the Third Prince? Not that she came to ask you to keep the engagement?”

Wei Chengxuan nodded faintly.

Shen Huai’an was shocked. “What kind of unbelievable news is this?”

“Isn’t the young lady from the Changle Marquisate supposed to be infatuated with whoever the Third Prince likes? And now she wants to break the engagement herself?”

“What’s gotten into her? Has she been kicked by a donkey or caught in a door? How did she suddenly come to her senses?”

Wei Chengxuan put down his teacup and shot Shen Huai’an a cool glance. “Have you been kicked by a donkey? Speaking ill of a young lady behind her back—do you have the shame?”

“Yes, yes, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have spoken carelessly.” Shen Huai’an put down his chopsticks earnestly, confused as he looked at Wei Chengxuan. “So, she came asking for your help, and you’re going to help her again?”

Wei Chengxuan remained silent. Shen Huai’an grew anxious. “No, what are you thinking? Aren’t you busy enough every day? Why get involved in these trivial matters of young love? Isn’t it annoying?”

“If you find it annoying, I don’t.”

Shen Huai’an and Wei Chengxuan had grown up together, having done countless mischievous things behind each other’s backs. They knew each other better than anyone.

He had never seen Wei Chengxuan react like this before and immediately sensed something unusual. “Ding’an, you’re not acting right.”

---

Wei Chengxuan, surname Wei, given name Chengxuan, courtesy name Ding’an.

“Stop talking nonsense,” Wei Chengxuan raised an eyebrow. “What about the investigation I asked you to conduct? Any progress?”

Returning to the matter at hand, Shen Huai’an’s expression turned serious. “Two of our undercover agents in the Great Qi have been exposed one after another. There must be a traitor within...”

---

Xu Jin led Changle to a horse-drawn carriage parked in the alley. “Miss, please.”

“Thank you, Guard Xu,” Changle said but did not get into the carriage. “I came here by carriage, so I won’t trouble you to escort me back. I can return on my own.”

Xu Jin did not insist. “Then I will see you to the carriage.”

Changle nodded slightly, no longer refusing.

Xu Jin stepped back a couple of paces, keeping a respectful distance. “Miss, after suffering such a great grievance today, have you considered finding a patron to rely on?”

Changle paused mid-step. Xu Jin continued, “Though our prince seems cold and distant, he treats those around him very well. You saved his life; he is a man who remembers kindness and will surely treat you even better.”

Changle was utterly bewildered by Xu Jin’s words, which suddenly stopped.

The carriage was right before her. As she climbed in, she kept pondering Xu Jin’s unexpected remark.

What did he mean by finding a patron?

Was Xu Jin suggesting she take the young prince as her protector?

That was impossible!

The very thought seemed absurd to her.

Though Wei Chengxuan appeared refined and elegant, with captivating looks, his methods were notoriously cold and ruthless.

Just speaking to him from a distance earlier had made her palms sweat and her heart pound, afraid to make the slightest mistake. How could she dare to consider him a patron or deliberately grow close to him?

No, no. Though Xu Jin’s advice was well-intentioned, she would not bring trouble upon herself.

While having a patron was valuable, preserving her own life was more precious.

She did not want to risk her life just to claim a patron who might not truly protect her.