I've heard this too many times to be surprised, but my brother hadn't.
He turned his head in surprise, only to see Situ You popping osmanthus cake into his mouth, his expression nonchalant, as if he had just said something as mundane as what to eat for lunch. His brows immediately chilled: "Your Highness the Second Prince, you can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want."
Situ You swallowed the pastry in his mouth, "Zi Huan, why have you become like my elder brother? I'm just offering a suggestion. Don't worry, when it comes to Nannan's reputation, I'm not so foolish as to speak carelessly in public."
My brother's face tightened further, "Your Highness the Second Prince, when it concerns my sister's reputation, I implore you to be mindful of your words, no matter the place."
"Brother, you know His Highness the Second Prince, he speaks without thinking."
"If he speaks without thinking, it's even more reason not to say it casually. Little sister, you go home first. I'll have a good chat with His Highness the Second Prince."
I was a little surprised.
My brother was Situ You's reading companion. Even though His Highness the Second Prince always treated him like a brother, he always maintained the proper respect and etiquette due to a sovereign. He rarely contradicted him, but now he seemed ready to confront him. I didn't want him to fall out with His Highness the Second Prince over something like this, so I quickly said, "Brother, it's really not necessary. I'll talk to His Highness the Second Prince."
"If your words were useful, His Highness the Second Prince wouldn't have said such things in front of Brother."
"That's because I haven't spoken to him properly before." I walked over, shook my brother's arm, and then subtly winked at Situ You: Aren't you going to leave quickly? Are you waiting to be lectured by my brother?
Years of understanding allowed Situ You to quickly grasp my meaning. He quickly said, "Then I'll escort Nan... oh no, escort Miss Wang out. Zi Huan, you continue with your studies. I'll come find you later."
With that, he turned to leave, naturally not forgetting to take the roasted chicken with him.
That was something I had specifically bought for my brother, but I couldn't afford to worry about that right now. After I appeased my brother a few more words, I followed him out.
Situ You waited for me outside the door. Seeing me emerge, he sighed silently and gave me a rather helpless expression, "It's just a few years older, why have all of you become so rigid?"
"Has Your Highness the Second Prince never considered that it might be your own words and actions that are too outlandish?"
"Nannan, I'm being serious. Of all the women in the capital, you and I are the most compatible."
"Stop right there. We're compatible as friends. As for being a couple, let's forget it. In the future, Your Highness the Second Prince should never say such things again, or I will be angry too."
Situ You deflated, "Why not? So many women in the capital want to marry me. Don't you have any desire for the position of Crown Princess?"
I looked at Situ You for a moment, "Your Highness the Second Prince, this is not a place for conversation. Let's find a place, and I'll properly discuss this with you."
"Alright, let's go to my study."
"It's inappropriate for an unmarried man and woman to be alone."
"It's fine, you're wearing men's clothes."
...
Before going to Meicheng, this matter needs to be clarified. I thought about it and followed him around the corner. As the Second Prince, his study was a small courtyard.
Unfortunately, he was punished and sent to the Imperial Academy. Apart from his personal guard, Wen Liang, there were no servants to attend to him, otherwise, he wouldn't be drooling over the food I brought.
Wen Liang was quite surprised to see me, but he said nothing. Upon learning that we needed to talk, he brewed a pot of tea and stood guard at the door.
Situ You poured me a cup, "Speak."
After so many years of friendship, I was too lazy to beat around the bush, "I entered the palace at a young age to accompany Princess Sui Sui, and I grew up with Your Highness the Second Prince. I dare not say much else, but I know a thing or two about the kind of women Your Highness the Second Prince likes."
"Oh, then tell me, what kind do I like?" httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
"It's certainly not someone like me. To be direct, why have you repeatedly said such things?"
Situ You feigned a cough, "Nothing can escape your notice. I do have a special intention in wanting to marry you."
"Tell me about it."
"Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. My father, the Emperor, does not allow me to travel for studies. In these years, I haven't been to as many places as you, a young woman. My father has only two children, myself and my elder brother. Even if I'm ennobled as a prince in the future, I will still have to stay in the capital to help my elder brother. How can I possibly have more opportunities to go out? It's different if I marry you. With a lifetime ahead of us, I'll always have a chance to go out and explore."