As night fell, Xie Zhaofan squatted by her courtyard wall to observe the drama as per her routine.
After monitoring her for some time, Xie Zhaofan had basically figured out the patterns of Xie Jinyi’s nighttime excursions. Sure enough, it wasn't long before she heard a slight movement from the neighboring courtyard.
Xie Zhaofan perked up.
Here it comes.
She peeked out cautiously and saw that the mysterious Prince had already appeared in Xie Jinyi’s courtyard.
Based on her careful observation, Xie Jinyi seemed to use a strange bird to exchange messages with the Prince. When the spiritual ginseng was stolen, she had immediately notified him.
With the system’s enhancement, Xie Zhaofan’s vision, hearing, and even her perception far exceeded those of an ordinary person. Otherwise, let alone a normal person, even a martial artist might not have noticed the specialized incense in Xie Jinyi’s room.
This made it exceptionally convenient for her to watch the show. She didn't have to risk getting too close; she could hear their conversation clearly just by leaning against her own courtyard wall.
“Jinyi, it was just a stalk of spiritual ginseng. You don't need to take it to heart,” the Prince’s voice said, deep and melodic with a hint of comfort. “I will have someone find another one for you.”
Xie Jinyi shook her head. “Century-Old Spiritual Ginseng is a rare heavenly treasure. One cannot simply find another whenever they wish.”
“The matter of the ginseng aside, the fact that someone could enter your room in the Prime Minister's residence without a sound is indeed something we must guard against.” The man’s tone gradually became serious. “Tomorrow, I will have Shadow Seven enter the Prime Minister's residence to stay by your side temporarily as your personal maid.”
The man’s low, resonant voice was truly pleasant to listen to, somewhat resembling the top-tier voice actors Xie Zhaofan had heard back on Blue Star.
More importantly, for a Prince to be so gentle, considerate, and caring—very few women could withstand that.
Xie Zhaofan suddenly felt invigorated. Shadow Seven? Was that the female hidden guard whose Lightwork was so good it made Xie Zhaofan’s teeth itch with envy?
This Prince was quite generous, even willing to send his own top expert to protect his girlfriend.
“Will that be too much trouble for Sister Shadow Seven?” Xie Jinyi asked with slight hesitation.
The Prince chuckled softly. “You needn't worry about her. Being able to stay by your side is her honor.”
The man’s attitude toward his subordinate was vastly different from his attitude toward Xie Jinyi. That female hidden guard with the impressive Lightwork was, in his eyes, nothing more than a pawn to be moved at will.
Xie Zhaofan curled her lip at the corner of the wall. Truly worthy of the imperial family—arrogant enough and definitely didn't treat ordinary people like human beings.
“There is one more thing,” the Prince said, his tone suddenly shifting. “That foster sister of yours—do you need me to deal with her for you?”
Xie Zhaofan: “?”
She had been leisurely watching the drama, but hearing this, she almost choked on her breath.
What the hell? They were having a perfectly good romantic conversation, so why did they suddenly start discussing murder? And the target was her?
She quickly pricked up her ears.
“Don't go looking for trouble,” Xie Jinyi’s voice followed quickly, clearly tinged with displeasure. “She’s just spoiled and acts on impulse. If something really happened to her, my mother would be heartbroken.”
Xie Zhaofan breathed a sigh of relief. Good, this sister still had some measure of conscience and boundaries.
But immediately after, the Prince spoke again.
“It’s just that I see her constantly causing trouble for you. Keeping her around is ultimately an eyesore. If nothing else works, I can ask Imperial Father to bestow a marriage upon her and marry her off to some distant place. That way, she won't be appearing before you every day.”
Xie Zhaofan’s face instantly darkened, and she couldn't help but curse in her heart.
Where are your manners? She was a perfectly healthy, living human being—how did she become an obstacle to be discussed in passing while they were flirting? And what did he mean by bestowing a marriage to somewhere far away? Was that something a decent person would do?
Xie Jinyi clearly didn't agree either.
“Prince, you shouldn't always fixate on her. She is still my sister in name, and my mother and brother dote on her. As long as she doesn't bother me in the future, I naturally won't bother with her.”
Hearing this, Xie Zhaofan felt a bit better. As expected of the Female Lead sister—she was indeed magnanimous.
However...
She glanced at the Prince standing in the moonlight, her gaze gradually turning dangerous.
He wanted to marry her off to some godforsaken corner just now? He even wanted to "deal with" her?
Fine! She didn't have many virtues, but she was vengeful—exceptionally vengeful. Although she didn't want to continue the original owner’s suicidal antics, since this Prince had actively targeted her, he couldn't blame her for not showing him respect in the future.
Xie Zhaofan lightly stroked her chin, a glint of cunning flashing in her eyes.
Although she was currently just a girl with monstrous strength and fourteen points of Strength, who said she couldn't continue to add points in the future? As long as the system kept giving her opportunities, she would eventually max out her Strength, Agility, and Constitution.
When that time came...
Hmph!
She really wanted to see exactly how this high and mighty Prince intended to make her behave.
Beneath the moonlight, the girl quietly withdrew back to the corner of her wall, a smile returning to the corners of her mouth.
Although life in ancient times was a bit troublesome, it didn't seem as boring as she had first imagined. At the very least... there was plenty of drama to watch, and she was enjoying it immensely.
...
Early the next morning, while Xie Zhaofan was still in a deep sleep, she was awakened by the commotion outside.
“Second Young Miss, it is time to rise. Madam has already sent someone to urge us. She says we are to go to Gangen Temple today to pray, and she wants you to wash and dress early.”
Hearing Chunxing’s cautious voice outside the door, Xie Zhaofan groggily rolled over, the instinct to sleep in from modern society still lingering in her mind.
It took her a while to remember that she was no longer a free individual who could hug her blanket and sleep until she woke naturally on weekends.
“I know,” she replied weakly, eventually dragging herself out of her warm bed.
Her attire for the day was much more grand than usual. Madam Shen clearly placed great importance on this temple visit, as she had specially prepared elegant yet noble-looking dresses for her two daughters.
Xie Zhaofan changed into a light green long dress with a jade belt tied around her waist. Her jet-black hair was pinned into an exquisite bun with only two white jade hairpins, making her look both refined and dignified.
Xie Zhaofan stood before the bronze mirror and spun around, nodding in satisfaction despite herself.
She had to admit, although ancient clothing was troublesome, it really did give off the feeling of a classical beauty. Especially since her current fifteen-year-old body was at its freshest and most youthful stage.
Added to the physical condition reinforced by the system, her overall spirit was much better than when she had first arrived. Her skin was fair and delicate, her eyes were lively, and every frown and smile exuded the unique radiance of a young girl.
“The Young Miss is so beautiful,” the little maidservant beside her couldn't help but whisper a compliment.
Xie Zhaofan’s mood improved upon hearing this, and she casually pinched the girl’s small cheek.
“You’re quite beautiful too.”
The little maid’s face instantly flushed red. She clearly hadn't expected the Second Young Miss to suddenly praise her, and she hurriedly lowered her head.
Rate on N.U.
