Chapter 189: Chapter 189: Do You Have Proof?
"These guards were clumsy, disregarding etiquette, and let Prince Xiao make fun of us," Pei Ji’an’s tone was very friendly, courteous, embodying the perfect host image.
Qu Fulan followed up, "The guards usually don’t handle these things, occasional negligence is inevitable."
She knew Heir Pei was strict in handling matters, and the guards would be punished for even minor mistakes, so she tried to protect them. It was unreasonable for them to be punished for a small mistake while protecting her.
As a result, this scene was perceived differently by others.
Xiao Shiqing watched everything with a blank expression, his lips stiff.
Pei Ji’an’s lips curved gently and instructed the maid to bring the tea-making stove and other tea implements.
It was an indication to make tea, to treat guests with great etiquette.
The stone table was round, and the three sat forming an isosceles triangle, Qu Fulan sitting at the apex position, while Pei Ji’an and Xiao Shiqing sat facing each other.
Qu Fulan slightly turned her head to watch Pei Ji’an use a bamboo spoon to prepare tea, his every movement exuding elegance and noble demeanor, true to his family upbringing; even a glance was pleasing.
Unlike Qu Fulan, a wild girl since young, growing up in the fields, even though she had been refined over the years, she could pretend in front of others, but some habits were ingrained, making it easy to slip when pretending too long.
Qu Fulan quickly regained herself and looked at Xiao Shiqing, "Prince Xiao, what brings you to me?"
Xiao Shiqing’s gaze fell on Pei Ji’an, "I wish to speak with Jirou alone. Can Heir Pei step aside?"
These words shouldn’t have been spoken by a guest, but neither Pei Ji’an nor Qu Fulan realized this issue, forcing Xiao Shiqing to voice and specifically mention Jirou’s name.
Pei Ji’an hadn’t had the chance to speak when Qu Fulan said, "No need. Prince Xiao may speak directly; there’s no need to avoid anything before me."
She needed a witness; otherwise, whatever was said, Xiao Shiqing would not take seriously.
Xiao Shiqing fell silent, but Pei Ji’an took the initiative, "I roughly understand the situation. It’s better to address things directly rather than delay them, Fulan, what do you think?"
Qu Fulan said, "I want to live my life well and don’t wish to be involved with Xiao Family, but this point seems to have little effect despite my telling Prince Xiao."
Pei Ji’an observed Xiao Shiqing’s increasingly grim expression, his lips curling with subtlety, "Prince Xiao, what are your thoughts?"
Xiao Shiqing’s lips tightened, fingers clenched, "My mother doesn’t know you’ve regained your freedom and still wants to redeem you, to bring you back to Xiao Family. Although her expression may be lacking, her intentions are good. I hope you can come back with me."
These words made Pei Ji’an raise his eyebrows, a flicker of sarcasm in his eyes.
Qu Fulan laughed, "So my wishes are insignificant; as long as you desire, I must go back with you, right?"
She didn’t know how Mrs. Xiao conveyed the message to Xiao Shiqing, but she could imagine that she would be vilified in Mrs. Xiao’s narrative, while Mrs. Xiao herself would appear quite noble.
That’s how it is in novels; Mrs. Xiao has different faces before and behind people, causing the original protagonist to be caught off guard, being treated unfairly.
"Living alone outside is unsafe for a young girl. Returning to Xiao Family is good for you," said Xiao Shiqing.
"Oh, if I were a long-lost sister of your Xiao Family, I would have gone back with you. Alas, I have no connection with your Xiao Family, so you have no right to dictate my stay," Qu Fulan responded.
"Jirou, don’t be willful. Back then, I promised Mr. Li to take care of you for life, and how can I let you suffer outside now?" Xiao Shiqing said seriously.
In Xiao Shiqing’s view, the greatest challenge was his mother’s disagreement. Now that his mother agreed to let Jirou return, other issues were irrelevant.
Rigid, unreasonable, stubborn, ignoring others’ opinions.
This is typical of Xiao Family.
Qu Fulan found herself speechless, as their thoughts were not on the same wavelength, and communication became futile.
Xiao Shiqing saw her silent resistance, utterly confused, "Returning to Xiao Family, you can still do what you want. Why choose outsiders over Xiao Family?"
Qu Fulan had said a lot, yet he still didn’t understand. Speaking more would be useless, "There’s no reason. People change, and Prince Xiao needs only to understand that."
Xiao Shiqing sealed his lips, not understanding her thoughts, yet he sensed her helplessness and rejection. He was perplexed as to why.
Naturally inept at handling relationships, he felt uncertain at heart.
All he knew was the desire to protect her, guard her for life, but was that wrong?
Pei Ji’an interjected at the right time, offering final remarks, "I’ve understood the intentions of both sides, but regardless, the person’s wishes are vital. The laws of our dynasty are clear. If Fulan is unwilling, Prince Xiao cannot force, right?"
Xiao Shiqing ignored Pei Ji’an and remained silent.
Pei Ji’an wasn’t annoyed, poured a cup of hot tea for him, handed it over, signaling the end.
"Prince Xiao, please."
Xiao Shiqing acknowledged that it wasn’t beneficial to speak further today, reached to receive but the cup fell upon contact.
Hot tea splashed up, burning his hand.
Both Pei Ji’an and Xiao Shiqing frowned, though one was because of the burn, the other was puzzled.
Qu Fulan immediately checked Heir Pei’s hand and couldn’t help but blame Xiao Shiqing, "He kindly poured you tea, Prince Xiao. If you didn’t want to drink, just refuse. Why deliberately knock over the cup?"
Xiao Shiqing was angry because of her rejection, too narrow-minded!
Pei Ji’an quickly said, "It was my carelessness, nothing to do with Prince Xiao."
This scene made Xiao Shiqing’s chest feel congested, "I barely touched the cup and hadn’t secured it before he let go."
Qu Fulan only trusted her own eyes, "When someone serves you tea, do they need to hold it indefinitely? You failed to secure it, yet blame others. What logic is this?"
Actually, Qu Fulan was projecting anger elsewhere. Disliking someone often breeds bias, inclining to trust their own perceived truth.
Xiao Shiqing was left speechless, greatly aggrieved.
Pei Ji’an appeared sincere, "Fulan, you truly misunderstood Prince Xiao."
Qu Fulan intensely looked at Xiao Shiqing, "Does Prince Xiao never apologize when making mistakes?"
Xiao Shiqing clenched his fist tightly, finally saying stiffly, "I’m sorry!"
Pei Ji’an was very magnanimous, "It’s alright, just be more careful next time."
This incident passed, ultimately as it grew late, both men simultaneously rose to take their leave.
Upon exiting the door, Xiao Shiqing looked ahead, not at Pei Ji’an, "Don’t think I don’t know; you did that on purpose."
Pei Ji’an smiled faintly, tranquil as ever, "Oh, do you have evidence?"