Before the house was raided, the maidservant of the Prime Minister's residence absconded with t

"Young master, something seems off about you today."

Is it because of the Northern King or Miss Tao'er?

Seeing his master enter the room with a gloomy face, Qingfeng hesitated for a long time before finally asking a question.

He's still in pain; he suffered a bit being caught between the two of them.

Xiao Yi didn't speak at first, but his face remained ashen as he stood by the window with his hands behind his back, staring intently at the old locust tree in the courtyard that was rustling in the night wind.

Qingfeng looked Xiao Yi up and down again. Seeing that he remained silent for a long time, he braced himself and continued, "Young Master, do you feel a lot of pressure?"

Is it because of His Highness the Northern King, his rival in love?

Your subordinate feels that it is unnecessary. Although he is indeed very outstanding, he certainly cannot compare to the affection between you and Miss Tao'er.

"You and Miss Tao'er have a life-or-death bond, and you've known each other for much longer."

Xiao Yi sighed and finally spoke: "Qingfeng, it's not because of His Highness the Northern King, but because of Tao'er..."

Although His Highness the Northern King is of noble status, he is not afraid. He will never give Tao'er away to anyone else, not even if he is the emperor.

"Because of Miss Peach?"

What's wrong with her?

Qingfeng asked in confusion.

She wondered if the young master and Miss Tao had quarreled.

"Just now, His Highness the Northern King and I heard Tao'er say she didn't like it..."

"dislike?

"Young master, do you mean that Miss Tao'er said she doesn't like you?"

Qingfeng gasped in surprise.

"Ah...could it be that she likes His Highness the Northern King?"

Oh no, oh no, the young master has no hope now!

No wonder he looked so dejected; he seemed to have lost all his energy.

Qingfeng inwardly groaned. His young master was usually so imposing; when had he ever seen him like this?

After thinking for a moment, Qingfeng could only advise, "Young master, although Miss Tao'er is very nice, if she has no feelings for you, you should just let it go!"

There are plenty of beautiful women out there, no shortage of lovely ladies.

"When the Xiao family is finally exonerated, you will still be a majestic general, and all those noble ladies of the capital will be yours to choose from."

"No matter how wonderful those noble ladies are, they are not her."

Xiao Yi's voice was deep and firm, like a stone thrown into a deep well, hitting people's hearts with a dull thud.

"It means nothing to me!"

He didn't know whether he was saying this to himself or to Qingfeng.

"this……"

Qingfeng scratched his head, speechless for a moment, before finally speaking again, "Young master, don't be sad. Actually, it's not unjust for you to lose to His Highness the Northern King."

After all, he is an outstanding person, and it would be good for Miss Tao to marry him in the future.

She'll live a life of wealth and luxury for the rest of her life; you should be happy for her.

Xiao Yi shot Qingfeng a glare, his cold gaze sweeping across Qingfeng's face: "Qingfeng, what nonsense are you spouting?"

Who told you I lost to that weak scholar?

"So what if she's a little fair-skinned? She talks like she hasn't eaten, so weak and listless!"

Qingfeng shrank back and stammered, "Young Master, didn't you just say that Miss Tao'er doesn't like you?"

"I meant Tao'er doesn't like me, but I didn't say she likes that weak scholar, the Northern King!"

Xiao Yi was furious. This guy had been with him for so many years, how come he hadn't improved at all? His brain was like a block of wood.

"Oh, I see."

Qingfeng suddenly realized what was happening and quickly tried to salvage the situation with an embarrassed laugh, "You didn't explain it clearly yourself..."

"Who does Miss Tao'er like? I'll go and settle things for you!"

At worst, we can kidnap that person and send them to work in a mine without anyone noticing, so they can never come back.

Qingfeng secretly plotted, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes.

"Why……"

Xiao Yi let out a long sigh, as if he wanted to expel all the pent-up frustration in his chest.

"She doesn't like anyone. She said she doesn't like either of us."

"Qingfeng, what should I do?"

Previously, there was no antidote for his cold poison, and he dared not hope for it. He could only suppress his feelings and pretend that nothing was wrong.

Now that he can live a long, long life, those thoughts have grown wildly like weeds and can no longer be suppressed.

Qingfeng's eyes darted around, and he grinned: "So that's how it is!"

Even the most virtuous woman can be won over by a persistent suitor, sir. Just be good to her from now on.

Over time, he will eventually win her heart.

Just because she says she doesn't like it now doesn't mean she won't like it in the future.

"Or how about this, I'll have Miss Dongkui whisper sweet nothings in Miss Tao'er's ear, and maybe Miss Tao'er will fall for you."

After Qingfeng finished speaking, he glanced at Xiao Yi, wondering if it was appropriate to say it that way.

Xiao Yi pondered for a moment, then his eyebrows gradually relaxed: "That works too. Then you can talk to Miss Dongkui more."

"When you marry Dongkui, I'll cover the betrothal gifts."

Xiao Yi patted Qingfeng on the shoulder, and his tightly furrowed brows instantly relaxed a lot, with the corners of his mouth even turning up slightly.

"Thank you, young master!"

Qingfeng grinned from ear to ear; now he wouldn't have to save up for his bride price.

He was already planning in his mind what presentable things he should prepare so that he could marry Dongkui in a grand and glorious manner.

"No need to thank me, kid. You'd better treat her well after you marry her."

Otherwise, not only will Dongkui punish you, but Tao'er will be the first to not let you off the hook.

"I won't be able to help you then."

Xiao Yi's mood improved instantly. It didn't matter if she didn't like him now; she could like him in the future.

"Young master, I promise that day will never come."

Qingfeng patted his chest and assured him, his eyes full of seriousness.

"It's nothing, go to sleep!"

I have to get up early tomorrow to teach Ayan kung fu!

After Xiao Yi finished speaking, he closed his eyes, a slight smile still lingering on his lips.

Qingfeng tiptoed out and closed the door behind him.

In another room, Ah Chen tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep.

Moonlight streamed in through the window, casting a thin layer of silver frost on the ground.

He stared at the bed curtains above his head, his mind constantly echoing the words Ah Tao had spoken.

"I don't like Xiao Yi, and I don't like Xie Jingchen either."

That casual remark was like a thorn stuck in his heart, and he couldn't pull it out no matter what.

He originally thought she had some feelings for him, but who would have thought that she didn't like him and only considered him a friend.

But if she doesn't like him at all, why would she let him go with them?

Are you worried that you will be hunted down again and put in danger?

Ah Chen couldn't understand it more and more.

If she had no feelings for him at all, she could have simply stopped caring about him once he recovered.

Why would she bother with all that?

Could it be that I have some other identity?

The thought flashed through his mind like lightning, and Ah Chen suddenly felt a splitting headache.

He suddenly clutched his head, veins bulging on his forehead, cold sweat instantly soaking his undershirt.

Images kept appearing in his mind, becoming clearer and clearer...

The magnificent Crown Prince's Palace, the solemn and dignified imperial court, and the high and mighty man calling him "My Son"...

And everyone respectfully addressed him, "Long live the Crown Prince..."

Then came the clash of swords, the blood staining the white jade steps, screams of agony, and wild laughter...

He collapsed from poisoning, and when he opened his eyes, he saw a girl.

An hour later, Ah Chen finally slowly opened his eyes.