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

Xie Jingchen immediately placed the medicine bowl on the table, his brow furrowing slightly, his tone carrying a hint of scrutiny and vigilance: "Xiao Yi, you didn't do anything to Atao, did you?"

Xiao Yi jumped up like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, his voice rising involuntarily: "You...you shouldn't talk nonsense!"

I didn't do anything!

only……"

"Just what?"

"only……

I just wiped Tao'er's face and hands, don't overthink it!

Xie Jingchen stared at him for a few moments, his gaze like a soft knife slowly scraping across Xiao Yi's face.

After a moment, he nodded slightly, but his tone remained indifferent: "That's good."

Thinking that Xiao Yi was a person who wouldn't do anything that violated etiquette or law.

At least he shouldn't be a despicable person who takes advantage of others' misfortunes.

Xie Jingchen picked up the hangover soup on the table, tested its temperature, and said, "Brother Xiao, could you please move aside? I need to feed Atao some hangover soup."

Xiao Yi immediately stepped forward and reached out to take the bowl: "I'll feed you the hangover soup."

After all, you are a prince, of noble birth and high status. It's better for us roughnecks to do this kind of work of taking care of people.

You're used to a life of luxury; I'm afraid you wouldn't be able to do this kind of servant work.

"It wouldn't be good if you burned yourself."

Xie Jingchen deftly dodged Xiao Yi's hand with a flick of his wrist, his voice low but undeniable: "No need."

I personally brewed this hangover soup; I can do that kind of work. So, feeding someone medicine is a piece of cake for me.

Don't forget, when I was in the palace, I also served my mother when she was ill.

Even so, you are a prince, so I still can't let you do such a thing.

With me here, there's no need for Your Highness to trouble yourself.

"Brother Xiao, now that we're outside, please stop calling me 'Your Highness' all the time."

And as for the matter of feeding me medicine, don't argue with me about it.

Ah Tao is feeling unwell right now, so she should take her medicine as soon as possible.

Xiao Yi glanced at Tao'er, who was curled up on the bed. Her brows were slightly furrowed, as if she was feeling uncomfortable even in her sleep.

He gritted his teeth and didn't try to snatch it again, but he didn't leave either. He just stood there with his arms crossed, his eyes fixed on Xie Jingchen's every move, just like a cat guarding its food.

Xie Jingchen ignored him, walked to the bedside and sat down, gently helping Tao'er sit up and lean her against his shoulder.

He put one arm around her shoulder and held a bowl in the other, his voice low and gentle, as if coaxing a frightened bird: "Atao, come on, drink this hangover soup."

"Honey, you'll feel better after drinking it."

Tao'er mumbled an "Mmm" in her sleep and instinctively opened her mouth.

Xie Jingchen patiently fed her spoonful by spoonful, blowing on each spoonful to cool it before bringing it to her lips. After finishing the bowl of soup, he used his own handkerchief that he always carried with him...

He gently wiped away the remaining medicine stains from the corner of Tao'er's mouth.

The handkerchief was made of fine brocade, embroidered with a delicate green bamboo, and he carelessly stained it with the medicinal soup.

Xiao Yi watched from the side, his eyes twitching, his fist clenching and unclenching repeatedly.

He finally couldn't hold back any longer. He stepped forward, grabbed Xie Jingchen's arm, and said angrily in a low voice, "Xie Jingchen!"

How could you make such intimate gestures towards Tao'er?

At this moment, Xiao Yi was consumed by jealousy and, disregarding everything else, directly called out the name of the Northern King.

Xie Jingchen was pulled up by him, but his expression remained calm, and he even smiled slightly.

He straightened his sleeves and said slowly, "Brother Xiao, didn't you just wipe Miss Atao's face and hands?"

What, you're allowed to do it this way, but I'm not?

That doesn't make sense.

"you……"

Xiao Yi was speechless for a moment, then stubbornly said, "My relationship with Tao'er is different from yours!"

"Oh?"

Xie Jingchen raised an eyebrow, looking calmly at Xiao Yi, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.

"Brother Xiao, please explain clearly how they differ."

You are no longer Atao's lover, and neither am I.

So, in Tao'er's eyes, we're probably the same!

We both heard clearly what she said in the yard that night.

She said she didn't like anyone.

Brother Xiao, you haven't forgotten those words, have you?

Xiao Yi felt as if he had been punched in the chest, and his momentum immediately weakened.

He released his grip on Xie Jingchen's sleeve, remained silent for a moment, and then whispered, "Then... then I'm still better than you."

Tao'er and I have known each other for a long time, and we have even been through life and death together.

The bond between us is something you can't compare to.

He raised his head, looking directly at Xie Jingchen, his face showing no fear, as if he had already made his intentions clear: from now on, it would be up to each of them to rely on their own abilities.

Upon hearing this, Xie Jingchen was not angry at all; instead, he showed a hint of appreciation.

"Brother Xiao, if you say that, then my affection for Miss Atao is no less than yours."

Atao not only saved my life, but she also treated my injuries and examined my body.

It seems she quite admires my figure.

Do you think I should make Ah Tao take responsibility for me?

"Oh, right, that's not all, there's more..."

She even cooked me egg noodles herself, and they tasted amazing.

She even made me pork rib soup.

She even stayed with me while I sunbathed in the yard.

Brother Xiao, has she done any of these things for you?

Xie Jingchen's tone carried a hint of boastfulness and smugness.

Hearing this, Xiao Yi gritted his teeth in anger, finally managing to utter, "Special circumstances require special treatment."

She doesn't have feelings for you; she's just kind-hearted and doesn't want to see someone die.

She would even save stray cats and dogs on the street.

Don't flatter yourself!

Furthermore, I forbid you from using your status as a prince to coerce Tao'er, or I'll fight you to the death.

Xie Jingchen looked at Xiao Yi seriously and said solemnly, "Brother Xiao, you can rest assured about this."

I, Xie Jingchen, act with integrity and never use my status to oppress others, much less force Tao'er to do anything she doesn't want to do.

If one day, Tao'er tells you herself that she likes you, I, Xie Jingchen, will keep my word.

I will withdraw voluntarily and will not pursue this further.

From this day forward, she will be my sworn sister, and I will protect her for the rest of my life without question.

When he said this, his gaze was open and honest, his tone sincere, and his whole being exuded an air of integrity.

Although he harbored feelings for Tao'er, he also knew that a forced relationship would not be happy.

He has studied the classics since childhood; how could he possibly bully others by abusing his power?

If he really did that, how would he be any different from his sinister and domineering younger brother, Xie Jingxing?

Xiao Yi was taken aback by Xie Jingchen's words, and the hostility in his eyes gradually subsided.

He nodded and said seriously, "Alright, I hope Your Highness will remember what I said today."

Of course, I, Xiao Yi, am the same.

"Then let's compete fairly."

"Okay, fair competition."

Xie Jingchen reached out his hand.

Xiao Yi looked at the hand, hesitated for a moment, and then took it in his hand.

The two hands clasped tightly in the air, a gesture considered a gentleman's promise.

The two of them released their grip and glanced at Tao'er, who was fast asleep on the bed.

She was sleeping soundly, breathing evenly, her face flushed, and a faint smile lingered on her lips; it was unclear what she was dreaming about.

Xiao Yi said in a low voice, "Your Highness, let's go out."

Staying in Tao'er's room for too long will damage her reputation; people will gossip if word gets out.

Xie Jingchen nodded: "You're right, let's go out and let her get a good night's sleep."

The two of them, one after the other, quietly left Tao'er's room.

Xiao Yi walked behind her, closing the door behind him to keep the noise outside from disturbing her.

Xie Jingchen took a few steps, then looked back at the closed door. His gaze softened for a moment before he turned and strode back to his seat.

The courtyard was still bustling with the sounds of clinking glasses and boisterous laughter.

Qingfeng and his bride had already entered the bridal chamber, while the people outside were still drinking and having a lively time.

The two returned to their seats, raised their glasses, and continued to toast with their fellow villagers without making a sound.

Only occasionally would their gazes inadvertently drift towards the direction of Tao'er's house.