Chapter 31: Fondness for Men

That damned Li Yexuan just had to bring up the matter of the princess of Yuehua Kingdom marrying Yun Heng, making me, the actual princess, appear so miserable. I wandered aimlessly through the streets, uninterested in the snacks and trinkets that once caught my eye. If Yun Heng were to wed another, I knew I would be heartbroken; perhaps it would be better to simply leave, and seek out my younger brother.

What an unfit elder sister I am, to have neglected him for so long.

Once again, I reminded myself that even if Mother forbade revenge, I must not lose myself in fantasies of Yun Heng and forget the shame of my country and the hatred of my family. Best not to dwell on it. My talents must remain hidden, my silver is limited; I must first take care of myself.

“Mufan.”

Who was calling me? I looked around and saw Qiuling walking toward me.

Since the last time, when her gaze met Yunrong’s and she kicked me into the fish pond, I’ve done my best to avoid this harbinger of trouble, fearing her next kick might land on me again.

“Sister Qiuling.” There was no helping it; I had to go against my own wishes.

“The young lady and the cousin are just ahead, let’s go together.” She pulled me along without so much as asking for my consent.

“Greetings, miss, cousin.”

“What are you doing in the street? Could it be that cousin is here as well?” Qiao Ruoqing truly was clever—or perhaps I was simply too slow.

“Yes, the general is busy at the tavern.”

“Cousin, we’ve seen enough of the market. Why not let Mufan take us to brother?”

“Very well.”

With little choice, I braced myself and led the two ladies to the private room at the tavern where Yun Heng and Li Yexuan were discussing matters. I wondered if Yun Heng would blame me for bringing them to meet Li Yexuan; I only hoped he would see things clearly and not place the blame solely on me.

Clearly, both men were surprised to see the two women behind me.

“Prince Ye, this is...?”

“I am Yun Rong, General Yun Heng’s sister.” Upon seeing Li Yexuan, Yun Rong spoke up immediately. It was obvious she was taken with him. Only after she spoke did she realize Yun Heng had referred to him as Prince Ye, and she instantly regretted her boldness.

“Please do not take offense, Your Highness. My sister is rather forward. This is my cousin, Qiao Ruoqing.”

“Ruoqing greets Your Highness.”

Her courtesy was graceful and beautifully executed.

“Miss Qiao, you are too polite.” Li Yexuan rose and said to Yun Heng, “I have matters to attend to and must take my leave now.”

“Your Highness, take care. Mufan will see you out.”

“Oh.”

Was there any need for this? Surely a prince could not get lost.

“Your master sent you to see me out, and you give me such a face?”

I raised two fingers, pulling the corners of my mouth into a smile. “Is this better?”

I saw Li Yexuan’s mouth twitch.

It was odd that Li Yexuan, upon seeing two beauties like Yun Rong and Qiao Ruoqing, did not linger even a moment, but instead spoke to me. Could the rumors be true?

There really weren’t many rumors, only whispers that Prince Ye, Li Yexuan, for some reason, spent several years away from Yuehua Kingdom as a child, which left him with a cold temperament. He rarely engaged with court officials, kept his distance from women, and some even speculated he might prefer the company of men. But in the end, he was a prince—no one dared spread such gossip openly. It was only after Wan Chun had inexplicably dragged me aside to ask that I went and secretly inquired about it.