"I originally thought that was the case," Xiao Jinxing said profoundly.
To Xiaowu, anything could be said.
Xiaowu also knew that he was the only confidante whom the Prince could truly confide in, yet the Prince rarely shared such thoughts with him.
"But now I find myself beginning to feel conflicted," Xiao Jinxing spoke, as if confiding in Xiaowu.
Xiaowu was still taken by surprise.
When would the Prince ever reveal his emotions to him?
Despite all that he had been through, never had he seen him so melancholic.
The Prince actually seemed as emotional and sensitive as any normal person.
"What exactly are my feelings towards Wan’er?" Xiao Jinxing spoke again.
Xiaowu was truly at a loss.
How would he know the feelings of the Prince?
And even if he did, dare he say it?!
He just remained silent.
Thinking perhaps the Prince was just uttering words in passing to vent the melancholy within, not really expecting a thorough answer.
At that moment, he heard the Prince’s voice somewhat sternly, "Xiaowu!"
Clearly demanding an answer.
Xiaowu truly felt as if he had been struck by an arrow while lying down.
When it comes to matters of feelings, even the Prince himself is unsure, how would he know?
Yet at that moment, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and respond, "General Bai has been with the Prince since childhood, when the Prince was bullied, ridiculed, or even punished by the Empress Dowager, it was General Bai who provided warmth to the Prince. It is only natural for the Prince to be grateful to General Bai."
"Grateful?" Xiao Jinxing looked at Xiaowu.
"I am foolish and do not know the thoughts of the Prince. I truly do not know what kind of feelings the Prince has towards General Bai, but I only know that the Princess’s kindness towards the Prince is no less than that of General Bai towards the Prince," Xiaowu hurriedly said.
Xiao Jinxing’s gaze hardened.
Naturally, he thought of Ye Qichi.
Clearly speaking of Bai Mowan.
Yet dragged Ye Qichi into it.
Ever since returning to the study, his mind was also filled with thoughts of Ye Qichi.
Not just since returning to the study.
Having sent away Bai Mowan.
Standing in General Mansion and watching Bai Mowan’s departing silhouette, he thought of Ye Qichi.
Wondering when this woman started to have such a great influence on him.
Making him, whose attention should have been solely on Bai Mowan, so distracted.
Just sincerely trying to sort out his feelings.
Sorting for a long time.
Yet still, he could not understand.
But his emotions were adjusted.
Adjusted to no longer being influenced by Ye Qichi.
No longer disturbed by Xiao Jinsen’s flirtations with Ye Qichi.
Yet now returning to the study.
Again, he was disturbed.
Xiaowu’s words gave him more to ponder.
Ye Qichi’s feelings towards him, he was very clear.
However, Ye Qichi’s magnanimity still surprised him.
She seemed truly unbothered by his relationship with Bai Mowan.
Even truly more self-aware than he thought.
Knowing fully well that he does not love her, therefore she holds no expectations.
Not even getting jealous.
This kind of Ye Qichi... Is this really what he hoped for?!
Showed everything excellently.
Not causing him trouble, not fighting, not grabbing...
"Prince," Xiaowu saw the Prince’s frown deepen, and quickly spoke again, "I really don’t know whether the Prince’s feelings are with General Bai or with the Princess. All I feel is, the Princess is truly sincere to the Prince, and if the Prince really does not like the Princess, please do not hurt her, the Princess truly is a good person."
Good person, meaning nice to everyone?!
Xiao Jinxing pursed his lips.
At this moment he didn’t understand why such thoughts came to his mind.
Such thoughts, in fact, made him feel somewhat uncomfortable inside.
He said, "I must not betray Wan’er."
This moment was clarifying his own attitude and stance.
Xiaowu was somewhat speechless.
Since the Prince had already determined what he ought to do, what use was there to say so much?!
Was it to bring some inner balance to himself?!
Was it to make it seem somewhat justifiable when he wholeheartedly favored General Bai while bringing harm to the Princess?!
He just wouldn’t follow the Prince’s intent.
In the matter of the Princess being good to the Prince, he would absolutely not compromise.
"Of course, the Prince can fulfill his duty to General Bai, but please also, do not betray the Princess," Xiaowu said.
Xiao Jinxing glared at Xiaowu.