Chapter 54

Chapter 54

Xie Xun was in no hurry to return to the capital. First, he was certain that the Prince's attention was now fully absorbed by the seal he had already unlocked from him, so he would not send anyone to disturb the Former Empress's tomb for a while.

Second, he was still waiting for news from the Yin Yang Office.

Ever since Jiang Xiaoxiao had beaten the examiner Zhu Yan to near death, there had been no word from Yanjing City.

Dean Gu, as the person in charge, had already sent a thousand-mile message inquiring about it, saying that news should arrive within the next few days.

Xie Xun had an even more important reason for not rushing off – the night of the full moon was approaching, when Jiang Xiaoxiao's curse would take effect.

If they left now, it meant Jiang Xiaoxiao would revert to a child form midway. No matter how well he concealed it, he would inevitably reveal signs of her secret.

The little girl's secret could not be known to outsiders.

...

Su Hai brought his guards and palace maids to stay at the inn. He would come over every day to probe Xie Xun's intentions and see when he would return to the capital, so he could make arrangements.

However, Xie Xun's response was indifferent. He went about his routine, attending the academy every morning as usual.

Su Hai could tell that the Third Prince harbored some resentment towards Yanjing City and the Emperor.

But he could not say much, so he simply stood guard outside quietly.

Ever since learning Xie Xun's true identity, Yang Ershun spoke to him in a much softer tone.

As he put it, he had never been so respectful even towards his own father.

That day, Su Hai came again.

Xie Xun had already gone to the academy and was not home.

Jiang Xiaoxiao was in the courtyard, supervising Yang Ershun's meditation.

The boy was unruly – whenever someone came, he would lose focus. Taking advantage of Jiang Xiaoxiao's momentary distraction, he peeked an eye open to glance at Su Hai.

Jiang Xiaoxiao swiftly pulled a black cloth over his eyes, then thought for a moment and stuffed cotton into his ears as well.

Yang Ershun muttered, "Sister, isn't that a bit too harsh?"

Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "If you aren't serious now, those bad people will treat you even worse when they beat you up later."

Yang Ershun pursed his lips, not daring to retort.

He couldn't even avoid his own father's beatings, let alone those from outsiders.

He'd better focus on cultivating!

Jiang Hai stood by the courtyard wall, holding a sword as he watched the two of them.

It was hard to imagine that the unruly, bright Third Prince would have a silly girl and a lively child around him.

But on second thought, the Third Prince used to have that temperament too, mischievous yet smart and endearing.

If not for that incident, he would have been a carefree prince today.

Unlike now, his heart filled with so much hatred and resentment that his entire being had become cold and aloof.

From a certain perspective, Su Hai did not quite agree with how the Emperor had handled things. But he was just a guard after all.

His master gave the orders, and he could only follow, not ask questions or make his own judgments.

Thinking of this, Su Hai sighed quietly.

At noon when classes ended, Xie Xun would return to cook for Jiang Xiaoxiao.

Dean Gu came back with him.

Seeing Su Hai there, Dean Gu was taken aback for a moment.

But Xie Xun acted as if nothing was amiss, washing his hands and heading straight to the kitchen.

Besides, if the Third Prince finds out about this, I won't be able to explain myself!"

Jiang Xiaoxiao barely listened, only responding to Qin Fengmian on the roof with a simple "Okay."

Dean Gu was dumbfounded.

Even Qin Fengmian didn't expect her to agree so readily, "Are you sure you want to compete?"

Jiang Xiaoxiao said, "After Xie Xun enters the capital, he'll need a little attendant. I think you'll do well - if you lose, you'll go be his attendant."

Qin Fengmian didn't get angry. Instead, he laughed, "Little girl, what if I win?"

Jiang Xiaoxiao spoke in her usual calm tone, "If you win, you can name your terms."

"What if I want you to marry me?"

"Okay."

Dean Gu's face turned black with anger, "Qin Fengmian, you're going too far!"

"Hahaha..."

Qin Fengmian took a big gulp of wine, wiping his mouth with his sleeve in a bold and brash manner befitting his age.

"Why is Dean Gu in such a hurry? In our circle, ability is paramount.

My master has always favored those with great talent and strength, and I am no different.

A powerful practitioner like Miss Jiang is hard not to be attracted to!"

Dean Gu had lived many years but had never seen someone so shameless. His old face was black with anger.

However, before he could say anything, Jiang Xiaoxiao had already flown up to the roof.

Qin Fengmian smiled sweetly at her, "Since Miss Jiang is so eager, I won't decline. Servants, bring the wine!"

An hour later, a long row of wine jars was arranged on the roof.

Qin Fengmian handed one to her, "If you can't drink anymore, just say so."

Jiang Xiaoxiao took it, opened the lid, and tilted her head back to pour the contents into her mouth.

Soon, the entire jar was empty.

Jiang Xiaoxiao reached for the second jar.

Qin Fengmian hadn't taken a single sip yet, and the confident expression on his face gradually turned to disbelief.

Because the second jar was already empty, and Jiang Xiaoxiao was opening the third.

This was strong liquor - even if she drank it like water, it would be understandable.

But the key issue was, how could she handle chugging so much liquor at once?

Qin Fengmian was utterly baffled. Even if it were just plain water, drinking that much so quickly would make most people vomit, right?

Yet Jiang Xiaoxiao not only didn't throw up, she didn't even show the slightest sign of being drunk from the alcohol.

What kind of devilish drinking ability and tolerance was this?!

Dean Gu, who had been watching from below, was also astonished by Jiang Xiaoxiao's drinking capacity.

This young lady never ceased to surprise him.

Jiang Xiaoxiao was about to open the fourth jar.

Qin Fengmian grabbed her wrist, "Enough, enough, I concede. Don't drink anymore, or something bad might happen."

Jiang Xiaoxiao looked at him, "So are you going to be Xie Xun's attendant now?"

Qin Fengmian produced a folding fan from somewhere and used it to fan her, "As long as he doesn't mind keeping a romantic rival by his side, I have no objections."