Chapter Nineteen: Xiao Xuan, the Forger

Qin Wanru entered the room directly this time. The gatekeepers, though surprised at how she managed to slip out earlier, remembered that the general and his wife had only forbidden her to leave, not to enter; thus, they dared not truly stop her.

Though the second young lady was not favored by the general’s wife, the old lady had always doted on her, so no one in the Ningyuan General’s Mansion dared treat her poorly.

Qin Wanru headed straight for the Prince Chen’s courtyard. After waiting outside for a moment, she was summoned inside.

In just that short time, Qin Wanru noticed that the Prince Chen seemed to have changed his clothes. He wore a bright crimson brocade robe—a striking color few men could carry, yet it made him appear even more handsome and serene. The vividness of the robe, however, accentuated the paleness of his lips and his sickly fragility.

This Prince Chen’s beauty was such that even Qin Wanru, as a woman, couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy.

He rested one hand on the table, casting her a sidelong glance as she entered, sizing her up. A playful smile tugged at his pale lips, and with his luminous, beguiling eyes, there was an illusion of tender regard.

Of course, it was only an illusion. Anyone foolish enough to believe it might not even know how they’d meet their end.

Such a strikingly handsome man truly seemed unmatched. At least in her previous life, even up to her death, it was said that this Prince Chen had never taken a Crown Princess.

“Did you find it?” Chu Liuchen arched his handsome brows, his gaze deep and shimmering.

“Please have a look, Your Highness. Is this the item?” Qin Wanru took the small bundle from Qingyue, presenting it respectfully.

Little Xuanzi hurried forward, received it, and carefully placed it on the table before Chu Liuchen.

Chu Liuchen picked it up, examined it, and nodded. “The item is fine. Then let’s consider the matter that disturbed me before settled!”

“And what of the other matter Your Highness mentioned?” Qin Wanru pursed her lips, cautiously hinting, “I managed to leave entirely by my own means, without seeking anyone’s help.”

She was reminding him of his earlier promise to reward her, a reward she truly needed.

“I know you managed it by your own skill. Well done!” Chu Liuchen narrowed his eyes lazily, leaning back against his chair, his pale face showing a hint of fatigue.

“Are you tired, Your Highness?” Little Xuanzi, seeing his master’s state, promptly fawned.

“Hmm, yes, I’m tired.” Chu Liuchen nodded, even closing his eyes. The smile on his face faded, becoming nearly imperceptible.

Qin Wanru’s cheeks flushed—not from embarrassment, but from anger. She refused to believe he had forgotten.

He was clearly feigning ignorance, trying to renege on his promise. A dignified prince—no, not just a prince, but the Crown Prince—had the audacity to break his word.

“Let me help you inside to rest, Your Highness,” Little Xuanzi said carefully.

“Well… very well,” Chu Liuchen’s hand slid up to support his forehead as he spoke vaguely.

“But—” Little Xuanzi wanted to say something respectful, but Qin Wanru cut him off. “Your Highness once promised Wanru that if I could obtain the Phoenix Glass Lamp by my own ability, you would grant me a reward.”

Qin Wanru felt she simply couldn’t endure it any longer.

Right before her eyes, this young prince dared to feign exhaustion, as if she were some simple fool.

“Did I say that?” Chu Liuchen opened his eyes a sliver, asking.

“You did!” Qin Wanru bit her lip, refusing to back down. She truly needed this reward, or she would not persist in risking her life to ask again and again.

Though she trembled with fear inwardly, she kept reminding herself: she was a girl, and still a child—she was allowed to be ignorant!

“I didn’t hear it,” Little Xuanzi replied.

Both of them spoke nearly in unison. Hearing her clear and resolute voice, Little Xuanzi felt inexplicably embarrassed. To lie and be confronted by the truth was awkward indeed.

“You two sort it out. I’ll rest for a while,” Chu Liuchen’s handsome face showed fatigue as he lazily turned his head to look at Qin Wanru, his fox-like eyes narrowing again. “Are you here to ask something of me?”

“Nothing to ask.” Since the Prince Chen was determined to deny his promise, did she have the power to force him to keep his word? He was the Prince Chen, after all. Qin Wanru suddenly regained her composure, suppressed her anger, and lowered her head.

So, he could also pretend? And the reason he had been so harsh with her before must have been because of this condition she pressed for. He was ruthless, patient, clever, and decisive—able to extend his claws and retract them swiftly—far better than those noble young ladies who only sought to throw themselves at him.

Perhaps her own plans could be adjusted because of her.

“Actually, it’s not impossible to discuss. Tell me, what reward do you seek?” Qin Wanru, who had almost given up hope, heard these words and a spark of excitement flashed in her beautiful eyes.