I stopped struggling and slowly raised my eyes to meet his gaze. "Your Highness, is this considered a threat?"
I've always been one to yield to kindness, not coercion. If Situ Yao dared to use force, I wouldn't mind putting up a fight. Just as I was radiating murderous intent, Situ Yao suddenly burst into laughter.
His laughter was as warm and gentle as a spring breeze, leaving me utterly baffled.
Shouldn't he be radiating murderous intent and about to start a fight at this moment? Why is he being so gentle and smiling so warmly?
"What are you laughing at?"
"A Chun is becoming more and more adorable."
Adorable, my foot.
Situ Yao said with utmost sincerity, "A Chun, I am proposing to you, not declaring war. If you wish to fight, I will gladly oblige once you've recovered. But for now, I only wish for you to nod your head and accept my heart. Do you understand?"
His voice grew lower, his magnetic tone so husky it felt like a barbed hook with soft fur, instantly captivating my heart.
My heart pounded violently, and I felt my face burn like fire.
"Miss, I've returned."
Fortunately, A Xiu's voice rang out at the opportune moment, pulling my senses back from his captivating charm. I quickly pushed Situ Yao away. This time, he didn't hold on tightly and allowed me to break free.
I immediately put three steps between us.
That was close, so close. If A Xiu hadn't returned in time, I would have fallen for his charm. If I had truly agreed, how would I explain it to my mother?
Wait a minute, where is A Xiu?
Situ Yao chuckled lightly, "You're a good girl, with sharp eyes. A Chun..."
"Stop right there, this young lady hasn't agreed to anything."
"You still intend to meet other potential suitors?"
"Your Highness the Crown Prince, be reasonable. The matchmaking was arranged by my mother. Is it appropriate for you to expect me to defy my mother with just a few words? If you have the ability, go talk to my mother. What kind of skill is it to corner a weak woman like me and bully her?"
"Pfft..." A Xiu, the troublemaker, actually snorted aloud.
This maid is useless. Anyone who wants her for two taels of silver can have her.
Situ Yao seemed unfazed by my self-proclaimed weakness, only saying, "Don't worry, A Chun. I will personally persuade Aunt Qing. I just believe that when it comes to pursuing you, you should be the first to know every decision."
I suspected this fellow had taken a course in romantic clichés.
"Your Highness, please sort things out with my mother before coming to find me!"
I had already refused him countless times, but Situ Yao clearly took it in one ear and out the other. I resigned myself to the thought, might as well let him find my mother himself.
Leaving the willow grove, A Xiu obsequiously offered me a stack of pastries. "Miss, would you like some more?"
"I'm full of anger."
"Uh..."
"You unloyal girl! You hid when your mistress was being harassed by a rogue. What else can I expect from you?"
A Xiu whispered, "But Miss, he's the Crown Prince. Do you know how many girls would give anything for the honor of being harassed by him?"
I turned cold, "A Xiu, do you think I want to become a concubine in the Eastern Palace?"
"Miss, His Highness the Crown Prince has never once mentioned making you a concubine. Perhaps you misunderstood him? I truly believe he is sincere towards you. Otherwise, given his status, why would he be rejected so many times and still pester you? Especially when you've already 'worn a green hat' for him."
"What green hat? Are those words to be spoken carelessly?"
"You went to meet other young lords, isn't that wearing a green hat? It's just that those young lords didn't catch your eye, so the green hat wasn't worn too tightly."
I was speechless.
"Never mind, let's go home first. Go tell Princess Sui Sui that I'm going to bid farewell to Miss Song."
Miss Song was standing not far away, conversing with several other young ladies. Upon hearing my intention, she said, "Sister Shi Chun, please follow me. I have a few private words to tell you."
"Alright."
Song Shuxian led me through several corridors to a secluded rock garden. "Let's talk here."
I nodded indifferently.
Song Shuxian let out a scoff. "I recall two years ago in the palace, the Second Prince wanted to take you as a concubine, and you beat him soundly. You said back then that you would never be a concubine. Yet, only two years have passed, and you've forgotten that vow."
Two years ago?
I vaguely recalled there was indeed such an incident.
However, Situ You was even more unreliable two years ago than he is now. I never paid attention to his words. I glanced at Song Shuxian. "A joke from two years ago. It's quite something for Miss Song to remember it until now. But who told you I was going to be a concubine?"
Song Shuxian's face was still full of mockery. "Sister Shi Chun, although you are the daughter of a merchant, you have lived in the capital for many years. Don't you understand? A sparrow cannot be paired with a phoenix. Given your family background, you can never be the Crown Princess."