Chapter Fifty-Four: Xiao Yi’s True Thoughts

Xiao Yi could not escape Xue Fanzhi’s earnest and persistent gaze.
He suddenly asked, “Do you truly wish I would let you fend for yourself?” Was that why she pressed their lord so relentlessly, exposing his flaws?
Xue Fanzhi fell silent.
Quickly, she replaced her expression with a cheerful smile. “My lord, I’ll bring you some tea in a moment!”
Would serving tea settle everything?
Xiao Yi pointed at Xue Fanzhi’s bed and asked, “Do you think there might be mosquitoes?”
Xue Fanzhi struggled to quell her anger, forcing a smile. “I think there must be mosquitoes; otherwise, how would you have seen them? If you saw them, there are mosquitoes. You aren’t blind, my lord!”
Why did her compliment sound so awkward?
Still, at least she admitted her fault and Xiao Yi was somewhat satisfied, nodding. “I’m a bit hungry.”
Xue Fanzhi glanced at the pitch-black night outside—she had no kitchen to use. Gritting her teeth, she said, “I’ll order some food for Your Highness.”
Xiao Yi waved his finger, smiling lightly. “No, no, I want something made by your own hands.”
“I don’t know how.”
Xiao Yi knew she could cook, sensing her reluctance to give in. He didn’t press the issue, saying, “Then make something you don’t know how to make. Whatever you prepare, I’ll eat it.”
Xue Fanzhi was speechless.
When she returned, Red Lotus and Red Gauze followed, half an hour later, each carrying midnight snacks.
Xiao Yi watched as Xue Fanzhi produced two bowls of northern stewed noodles, topped with red oil and fresh vegetables, with large chunks of meat—hearty and colorful, both meat and vegetables, practical and generous.
Yes, Xue Fanzhi was always practical; in their previous life, the food she made for him was always substantial, fitting her style perfectly.
A slow smile curled at Xiao Yi’s lips. This stubborn girl had her merits—at least she hadn’t tried to fool him.
Xue Fanzhi had intended to have the kitchen maid prepare something to throw together for Xiao Yi, but feared being discovered, so she had to cook herself.
Once the midnight snacks were placed, Xue Fanzhi signaled to Red Gauze and Red Lotus to leave.
Red Gauze was always obedient, but Red Lotus was more prickly. She worried Xiao Yi would use the weather as an excuse to linger; after all, these nobles were not exactly trustworthy.
She reminded Xiao Yi, “The rain cloak has already been found for Your Highness, along with a waterproof lantern. It will be quite convenient when you leave.”

Xiao Yi had no interest in the maids. Seeing that Xue Fanzhi didn’t stop Red Lotus, he realized she thought the same of him. He had never intended to stay the night before marriage, but since others saw him as a villain, why carry the guilt for nothing?
Staring at Xue Fanzhi, Xiao Yi declared, “Tonight, I’ll stay here.”
As someone upright and honorable, his tone was serious—who would dare think he was joking?
Xue Fanzhi’s face flushed. “Your Highness, what are you saying?”
Xiao Yi pointed at the two maids, feigning surprise. “Didn’t you tell them?”
“Tell them what?”
Xiao Yi didn’t clarify, simply smiled. “If you haven’t said anything, then let it be. As long as we know.”
He smiled ambiguously, then lowered his head to eat his noodles.
It was as though some unspeakable agreement existed between them. What had she ever said?
Xue Fanzhi saw the maids looking at her with suspicion and quickly protested, “I haven’t told them anything, don’t imagine things! Really, I’ve said nothing to His Highness.”
Red Gauze thought, other people’s mistresses were trustworthy; her own was rather foolish, not so reassuring.
Red Lotus’s expression was even more doubtful.
Xue Fanzhi glared at Xiao Yi. Seeing he ignored her, she snatched the bowl away from him. “Do you really wish to ruin my reputation, Your Highness?”
Seeing Xue Fanzhi’s eyes redden, Xiao Yi realized he had gone too far. He quickly told Red Gauze and Red Lotus, “I have important matters to discuss with your mistress. I’ll leave shortly!”
He added, “Whether or not the rain stops!”
Red Gauze and Red Lotus knew the two had things to discuss and sensibly withdrew.
Now the room was quiet. After Xiao Yi finished his noodles, Xue Fanzhi asked, “Your Highness, will you finally tell me? Why are you here?”
Xiao Yi had already prepared an excuse. “It’s true I deliberately let you see Qin Jianyu. I didn’t want you to live as a fool. I never use fools as retainers. Of course, I feared you might not see through things, so I came to tell you again.”
Xue Fanzhi frowned. Why was she always called a fool, and yet not truly angry?
Perhaps in her previous life, she really had been foolish.
She asked, “Your Highness still hasn’t told me—how did you know about this?”
Xiao Yi made up another excuse. “I’m a man. Out in the world, I hear many things. The matter of Qin and the girl from the Kong family—probably only you inner court women don’t know, everyone else does.”

So it was known to all. Qin Jianyu didn’t care if she knew, because he thought she was easy to bully.
How could she not mind such a thing? It was outrageous.
Xue Fanzhi’s gaze grew sharp and fierce.
Xiao Yi laughed inwardly—if he didn’t make her hate Qin Jianyu, all his efforts would be wasted.
He continued, “Of course, I help you for my own reasons. I remember I asked you to promise me one condition. Now I’ve decided: I’ll take charge of your marriage.”
“No!” Xue Fanzhi refused without hesitation. Was he joking? What if he made her marry him? Impossible, not in this life.
But fearing Xiao Yi would be angry, she quickly added, “Marriage is determined by parents and matchmakers. My parents are unreliable; in the future, my grandmother will make the decisions. This cannot be up to you.”
Xiao Yi said, “Then tell me, what value can you offer me in exchange?”
“I can help Your Highness ascend the throne!”
Xiao Yi had expected her answer; she’d hinted before that the Crown Prince was gravely ill.
No one knew—after living again, in this life, he had no desire to be emperor.
Everyone thought that power and status were best; he too had believed it in his previous life, but only when he heard of Xue Fanzhi’s death did he realize what truly mattered.
His greatest ambition was to reclaim the lands—but even if he succeeded, with whom would he share the joy if A Zhi were gone? With Wen Xian, greedy for profit?
Or the venomous Imperial Consort De?
Should he shower them with affection and let them enjoy everything he conquered?
No. All his happiness belonged only to honest, gentle A Zhi.
But to become emperor meant losing all freedom.
Last time, had he not been emperor, he wouldn’t have needed a son, nor watched A Zhi grieve as woman after woman entered the palace.
A Zhi had once been so happy, but because of all this, became depressed and rarely smiled.
Why?
Since she was the most important in his life, this time, he would rather be a leisurely prince. Together, they would be joyful as husband and wife, never burdened by the affairs of the world.