It is only by getting married that he truly does right by Hezhen.
Ye Qichi said, "Master Yuan, I am well aware of why you are reluctant to marry, and it is not that I do not trust your loyalty to Xiao Jinxing, but I clearly understand your true reason. Did you know, actually, by getting married you would be fulfilling a duty, whereas staying unmarried leaves room for idle thoughts, and it is the same for both you and her."
Yuan Wenkang fell silent, not saying a word.
"You must have seen Hezhen yesterday. I will not hide from you that Hezhen is currently not on good terms with Young Master. The two of them are quite distant, and their relationship is making no progress. After Hezhen saw you yesterday, she was influenced by it. If you truly want Hezhen to have a better life, you should first give Hezhen a resolution and live your own life well. Do not let her keep thinking about you," Ye Qichi persuaded.
After a long silence, Yuan Wenkang finally said, "Princess Consort, I will not hide from you either. Many things are known to both you and the Prince, and to Young Master as well. I do have overreaching thoughts about the Princess, but I will never do anything out of line. I only watch the Princess from a distance and would never dare to offend her. I understand everything you’ve said, Princess Consort. If possible, I do not wish to delay the happiness of the Princess. However, the Princess is well aware of my feelings for her, and she would never believe that I would get married so soon. In such an instance, the Princess might suspect someone forced me, which could instead affect her relationship with Young Master."
Listening to this, Ye Qichi felt that there was some truth to it.
"I believe," Yuan Wenkang continued respectfully, "that for Young Master and the Princess to cultivate feelings for one another, they need to sincerely and genuinely engage with each other, not through the meddling of outsiders. If such a method brings about a good result, then it’s a happy cause; but if not, it could backfire. I ask that you, Princess Consort, think it over carefully."
Ye Qichi saw how far Yuan Wenkang had reasoned.
Forcing him to marry would indeed be immoral.
After all, feelings can’t be forced.
She is not an ancient person who would abide by betrothal at birth.
And as for that night, she really was just speaking casually.
She truly hadn’t expected that Xiao Jinxing would take it seriously.
"Alright, then. I’ll speak to the Prince later and tell him not to arrange a marriage for you."
"Thank you for your understanding, Princess Consort. I am deeply grateful!" Yuan Wenkang relieved, "I will take my leave."
Lu You couldn’t help but say, "Princess Consort, about Master Yuan and the Princess..."
"Keep those words to yourself."
"I understand," Lu You quickly nodded.
Of course, she knew such things were not to be spread around.
But she was also a bit surprised.
"I’ll go see Xiao Jinxing." Ye Qichi said.
Lu You hurried to follow.
Ye Qichi walked into Xiao Jinxing’s courtyard.
Today the sun was shining brightly.
A lot of the snow had also melted.
The courtyard had been swept clean by the servants.
When she arrived at Xiao Jinxing’s courtyard, he had finished the morning court and was practicing swordplay in the courtyard.
Xiao Jinxing’s practice partner was naturally Xiaowu.
At first, Xiaowu held back in the practice to avoid injuring the Prince.
He found every martial arts practice challenging.
Without exerting his full strength, he simply couldn’t parry the Prince’s strikes.
The Prince’s talent was nothing short of extraordinary.
With so many years of martial arts training, Xiaowu had never seen anyone improve as swiftly as the Prince.
The two of them fought.
Ye Qichi and Lu You just watched.
And were impressed all the while.
Also trained in martial arts.
Xiao Jinxing truly had the aura of a male protagonist.
To such a miraculous extent, she was out of her depth.
"The Prince is amazing!" Lu You exclaimed uncontrollably and then added, "Xiaowu is amazing too."
She was utterly infatuated.
Ye Qichi watched earnestly as well.
Watching Xiao Jinxing and Xiaowu’s foreheads soaked with sweat.
Their bodies emitting something called male hormones.
The two finished their sword practice.
Xiao Jinxing turned and glanced at Ye Qichi.
His tone was cool, "What do you want with me?"
"I’d like to talk about Yuan Wenkang. You said you arranged a marriage for him?" Ye Qichi asked.
Xiao Jinxing took the white handkerchief that Xiaowu handed him and wiped the sweat off his forehead.
The usually somber man radiated brilliance.
Ye Qichi was somewhat dazzled just looking at him.
Before her eyes seemed to appear the image of someone from the past.
That person was not only good-looking but also gave a sense of warmth.