It seems there’s hope. It’s not just Little Sister’s affection; General Shen must have feelings for her as well. Otherwise, with his calm demeanor, he wouldn’t pay attention to her changing attitude. Yet with one being stubborn and the other cold-faced, I could foresee their complicated path ahead.
Although Xia Zhiyuan had long been a venomous beauty in my heart, I cannot deny that he was also very attractive, drawing several unmarried princesses from Xiliang to visit the guest inn without reservation.
However, Xia Zhiyuan remained calm and indifferent, seemingly not paying special attention to anyone. Consequently, the frustrated princesses shifted their focus to General Shen.
General Shen, though usually composed, was driven to hide in his room by the scene. My younger sister looked down on them, believing these princesses were so desperate to marry that even a “turtle general” would suffice.
I smiled silently, sensing that this trip to Xiliang would not be in vain.
Chapter Fifty-Nine: Three Men
“Princess, please.”
After several invitations, I finally could not refuse and agreed to have tea with Xia Zhiyuan. A few osmanthus trees were in the guest inn, their fragrance lingering as autumn set in. He had someone set up a jade stone table under the trees, prepared fine tea and snacks, and dismissed the attendants to sit across from me. Unusually, he wore a simple white cotton robe, creating the illusion of an immortal.
I knew he would not choose to harm me here and must have something to say. Yet, after several rounds of tea, he only made small talk, urging me to eat snacks, appearing completely at ease.
I remained still, maintaining a polite smile. The wind rustled the leaves, dropping osmanthus petals. He stared at his teacup and suddenly fell silent.
“Your Highness, is something wrong?”
I asked tentatively, noticing him staring blankly at the teacup.
He said wistfully, “It’s late autumn again. Does my lady remember the White Crane Plain from last autumn?”
How could I forget? The Eastern Palace had me paint for his favorite concubine, Feiwu. I later encountered the Seventh Princess and ended up in a sorry state. The Eastern Palace must have known my background and approached me deliberately, hinting that An Jin could no longer hide me.
“Your Highness, please speak directly,” I refilled his tea.
