It reminded me that I had come today to cajole, not to argue.
Thus, the mighty Prince Jing could only swallow his pride and admit, "It’s my fault, my fault for the oversight, for not giving proper instructions."
As he spoke, Prince Jing glanced at Ye Jiu and feigned a posture, saying, "But the steward of that manor really lacks foresight. Such a beautiful little maid standing there, how could she look anything like a swindler?"
"If I’m not treated as a swindler, could I then be welcomed inside? What if I really were a swindler and made off with your possessions? Could the steward afford to take that risk?" Ye Jiu countered.
Knowing that he was at fault in this matter, Prince Jing quickly made amends, "I did not consider everything thoroughly. When I return, I will definitely remember to issue the command. That manor will be yours from now on. I said I would give it to you, and I won’t go back on my word, especially since I’m not a man who breaks his promises."
Speaking of which, Prince Jing looked at the box handed back to him and, once again, pushed it into Ye Jiu’s hands, "This Luminous Pearl is also yours, take it with you."
Ye Jiu didn’t really blame Prince Jing and, upon hearing him speak , accepted the items half-heartedly.
"Early tomorrow, I will depart the capital city with the War King. Upon this separation, who knows when we’ll meet again. Please take care of yourself in the future, Prince Jing," Ye Jiu suddenly felt a tinge of reluctance in her heart.
Facing her biological father, whom she did not recognize at first, Ye Jiu had held resentment in her heart, but after true contact, those previous thoughts vanished without a trace.
Even though they joked and laughed together in daily life, Ye Jiu never felt any affection towards him, and deep down, she even faintly felt he owed her something.
However, it was only at the moment of parting that she realized she did indeed have feelings for Prince Jing—she’d hidden them so well that she had fooled even herself.
Prince Jing said, "I will come to see you off tomorrow."
"No need. When I leave, you will likely be in the imperial court, and time will not allow. There’s no need coming specifically to bid farewell." Separations are always painful, and seeing each other again is unpredictable—Ye Jiu really did not like that.
Yet, Prince Jing insisted, "I will certainly make it tomorrow."
As he spoke, Prince Jing reached out to remove the veil from Ye Jiu’s head, "From now on, you don’t have to cover your face every day. It’s just that you look very much like me, that’s all. We have nothing to hide in our hearts, there’s no need for such concealment."
He may not have ghosts in his heart, but she did!
If her identity were exposed, she could foresee the massive upheaval it would cause.
Leaving aside whether the Imperial Family would acknowledge her, just the current situation of the Princely Heir would become extremely difficult, and he might even lose his life.
Therefore, Ye Jiu could not take that risk.
Once again seeing Ye Jiu’s face, which bore an exact resemblance to his own, Prince Jing felt a strange sense of emotion stir within him.
If this girl were really his child, how wonderful it would be.
Her temperament and everything else were to his liking, much more endearing than those sons at home.
After returning to his residence, Prince Jing immediately gave instructions about the Hot Spring Manor, and even ordered a search for the indenture contracts of the servants there.
Likewise, thinking of Ye Jiu’s departure the next day, his heart felt an indescribable sense of reluctance.
Thus, when Ye Jiu received the items, she found not only numerous indenture contracts but also a chest of jewels and ornaments, as well as an entire carriage filled with precious fabrics.