When she turned her head, she saw Xu Ji An, panting heavily. He was looking at her intensely.

"Rong'er…"

Hearing Xu Ji An call her intimately, XuanRong could not help but s.h.i.+ver in disgust. She really hated it whenever Xu Ji An acted like he was familiar with her.

XuanRong's face showed an indifferent expression.

"Your Highness, please refrain from calling This Lady's name intimately. This Lady is an unmarried woman. If others hear Your Highness' words, they would think negatively. Your Highness should also remember that Your Highness' fiancé is this Lady's third younger sister. Instead of wasting time following This Lady, Your Highness should go back and properly care for This Lady's third younger sister."

XuanRong's words were direct and on point but instead of being angry, Xu Ji An's expression was akin to a summer's spring, bright and warm.

"Rong'er, This Prince knows that you are angry with This Prince. This Prince already investigated the matter during your coming of age ceremony. Although This Prince knew that it was staged by Xuan Furen to use you and at the same time destroy your reputation, This Prince did not have any choice but to welcome XuanFei as This Prince's woman. This Prince knows that Rong'er is angry at This Prince because Rong'er is jealous. Do not worry, leave everything to This Prince. This Prince will not let you down."

Hearing Xu Ji An's words, XuanRong felt like she was struck by a lightning.

'Jealous? What nonsense is he talking about?'

XuanRong incredulously stared at Xu Ji An as if she was looking at a fool. Hate suddenly filled her heart.

"Your Highness must be mistaken. This Lady does not feel anything towards Your Highness. Be it jealousy or happiness, This Lady does not care. Your Highness should wake up from your own delusion. This Lady will only say it once, may Your Highness bear it in mind."

XuanRong took a step closer and stared at Xu Ji An's eyes. Her pupils were full of hatred as competed with Xu Ji An's burning gaze.

"May it in the past, present or future, This Lady only holds disgust towards Your Highness's affection and nothing more. This Lady would rather marry Xu Qinw.a.n.g than be Your Highness' woman."

XuanRong turned and walked away.

As if she remembered something, XuanRong's footsteps stopped. Without turning her back, XuanRong opened her mouth and spoke.

"Xu Ji An, once the snow melts, it will no longer return to being snow."

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Another week pa.s.sed and Long Hao Chen's group successfully arrived at the Capital of Qian Zou.

Long Hao Chen was staring outside the carriage. The Capital's gate was bustling. Many people were entering and leaving the capital, making the entire gate full of people.

"So, this is the capital of Qian Zou, Zhong Yang?"

Long Hao Chen could not help but murmur.

"Your Highness is correct. We have arrived at Zhong Yang. Only a few more s.h.i.+chen[1] and we will reach Qian Zou's Imperial Palace."

Chu Ji Qing's eyes darted outside the carriage, towards the huge gate.

"Oh? The Imperial Palace is still far from here?"

"The Imperial Family of Qian Zou did not like to be near the places where commoners reside, thus, the Imperial Palace is at the elevated side of the capital and is being encircled by different n.o.ble residences. The capital's gate is where the commoners enter and exit, why would the Imperial Family live near here?"

Hearing Chu Ji Qing's plausible explanation, Long Hao Chen nodded in agreement.

When the carriage reached the market, Chu Ji Qing ordered the coachman to stop the carriage at the nearest inn.

"Your Highness, this subordinate will leave for now. Please do not walk around on your own."

Long Hao Chen only nodded and did not ask anything. He knew that visiting Qian Zou in order to celebrate the emperor's birthday was only secondary. They had much more important plan that needs to be accomplished.

When Chu Ji Qing left, Long Hao Chen brought three imperial guards and decided to visit the stalls outside the inn they occupied.

He was only strolling when suddenly, a small child ran forward and collided with him. Long Hao Chen lowered his head and saw his dress being ruined by a sticky candy. Anger rose inside his heart. He raised his hand, wanting to slap the child when a female voice suddenly spoke behind him.

"A man trying to bully a child? Heh.. such an embarra.s.sment!"

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[1]. one s.h.i.+chen is equal to two hours

[Unedited Chapter]