Xiao Yu chuckled twice, "Prince, isn’t it just a word for you to decide how to deal with me?"
Prince Zhao felt his authority was being challenged. He leaned forward, his eyes gleaming coldly as he stared at the fair-skinned, slight figure before him. He found it hard to believe that this person had managed to lay out four guards from his Prince Manor.
"Who gave you the courage to speak so fearlessly with this Prince?"
"Of course, it was this Prince who gave her the courage. Is Prince Zhao so free today that he actually came to visit my little shop? Could it be that you also want to stop by for a bowl of noodles before leaving?"
Yan Qing appeared at just the right time, interrupting their conversation, and even unconsciously shielded Xiao Yu behind him as he approached.
Without turning his head, he commanded, "How could you be so blind? Hasten and prepare a bowl of our signature seafood noodles for Prince Zhao! Go!"
Xiao Yu sneered inwardly, but with outward respect, complied and bowed her head as she went to the kitchen.
"Since when have you become so protective? It’s just a cook, what’s the matter? Changed your taste?"
The bold words of Prince Zhao were meant to be sarcastic, yet to his surprise, Yan Qing looked calmly back at him.
"Ah, how embarrassing for you to notice. In fact, I’ve been quite busy lately, having her cook to please my Father Emperor on one hand, and on the other hand, keeping vigilant against others causing her trouble. It’s not easy for me. Since you’ve noticed, Prince Zhao, I might as well tell you, I have only just discovered my tendency in this regard, hence I’ve never dared to covet your daughter. Therefore, I think you should find a suitable match for Princess Yijia soon. As for me, I’m inappropriate. Sooner or later, I’ll be sent away by my elder brother, and then you will not see your daughter for years. Wouldn’t that be a loss? Right?"
A grown man, a Prince at that, admitting to having an interest in men?
Prince Zhao thought he was joking, inventing an excuse not to marry his daughter, which made him loathe Xiao Yu even more and hate that he could not flay her skin and pull out her tendons.
"Prince Qing, are you telling me that when you’re not around, you want her dead?"
Yan Qing’s gaze sharpened, his tone carrying a threat, "If you dare touch her, do you believe that your entire Prince Zhao Mansion won’t be enough to compensate?"
"Oh? This Prince really doesn’t believe that. Why don’t we try it out? See if you can protect her for a lifetime?"
"Talking about a lifetime? I, Prince Qing, can hardly ensure her safety for all twelve hours of the day. If you truly want to harm her, then do it, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. Father Emperor is currently addicted to the food she makes; even I have to stand aside. If anything happens to her, causing any trouble for Father Emperor, do you think your mere Prince Zhao Mansion can afford the loss?"
Prince Zhao retorted without showing weakness, "Rest assured, this Prince will eventually kill her, even if not right now,"
"Oh ho, from the sound of it, it seems you are waiting for my Father Emperor to... uh-huh?"
"What nonsense are you spouting? When did this Prince ever say such a thing?" Follow current novᴇls on NoveI★Fire.net
Prince Zhao’s complexion changed drastically, but Yan Qing sat back leisurely with his leg propped up, "Don’t try to deny it, you clearly meant that just now!"
"This Prince did not!"
"Yes, you did. Do you believe I can relay exactly what you said to my Father Emperor, and he would think the same?"
"You, you’re making arbitrary accusations."
"So what if I am? Did you really think that besides my Father Emperor, there is no one else who can back her up? Why not try asking my royal elder brother if he is willing? You dare to touch someone from my Yan Qing’s circle? Have you forgotten who saved your wife and daughter when they were stricken with the epidemic? Had I known you would turn around and bully him, I should not have saved you at all!"