Chapter 57: No Other Way

“What do you mean by this, Feng Baiyu?”

“This gentleman does not understand what Your Highness is referring to.” Jun Huang was calm, as if it wasn’t her wrist that Nan Jihan was holding onto, but someone else’s. Not even someone she knew at that.

Nan Jihan realized that he had crossed the line again. He let go of Jun Huang and inhaled deeply. “We have a deal. It’s natural for us to see each other from time to time. Why did you try to avoid me?”

Jun Huang laughed incredulously. Her eyes were bright under the sunlight. “Your Highness has misunderstood me. If this gentleman really was trying to avoid Your Highness, I wouldn’t have come at all.”

They both fell silent. In the lake next to them, colorful koi fish swam around, swishing their tails. By the lake stood a willow tree, its branches hung down into the water, making ripples as they moved. Catkins fell and danced in the air. Some landed on top of Jun Huang’s head.

Nan Jihan felt his heart skip for this handsome gentleman. It was a horrifying realization. He wanted to ignore his feelings, but he couldn’t. Why had he fallen for a man? Why did he feel the attraction even when he was sober?

Jun Huang had always been observant. She noticed the strange look in Nan Jihan’s eyes. Thinking back to what happened that night, she took a step back with her brows furrowed, keeping a safe distance between the two of them.

Nan Jihan took a step forward to close their distance again. “Why doesn’t the gentleman consider serving this prince? What they can give you, I can give you as well. I am willing to gift the gentleman with all the beautiful women in Southern Mu.”

“Your Highness has asked this question already, and I have given you an answer. Why must Your Highness ask again and again? My answer will always be the same, and Your Highness will again give into rage. There is no point in repeating this cycle.” Jun Huang kept her tone polite. She looked at the royal garden with half-lidded eyes.

On the other side of the garden, palace maids roamed the banquet tables with fine wine in their hands. The light yellow dresses waved as they moved. The whole scene looked not unlike a meeting of celestial beings by the mythical Jade Lake.

She was distracted and didn’t see Nan Jihan was trying to grab her again. Before his hand could come in contact with Jun Huang, however, it was seized by Nan Xun.

Nan Xun’s eyes were as sharp as a keen blade. Nan Jihan was a scholar, not a fighter. He had never been under a murderous gaze like this. He flinched and

One of the guards recognized him and asked, “What happened to Your Highness?”

Nan Jihan glowered at the man and said impatiently, “I fell. No need to make a big deal out of it.” He patted his clothes clean and took a deep breath before leaving for the relay station, his nails digging into his palms.