Chapter 97

Nie Changping is the same age as the Crown Prince, also eighteen years old. He wears an indigo round-neck brocade robe, with a face that features arched eyebrows and star-like eyes, a tall and straight posture, looking dashing and very handsome.

He is undoubtedly a rare beauty.

However, unlike the Crown Prince's cold, indifferent, and transcendent demeanor, Nie Changping is more unrestrained and wild, like an untamed wild horse, exuding an indescribable wildness.

To put it in the words of his parents, he is a troublemaker.

Xiao Xixi put down the wooden bucket and bowed.

"Your humble servant pays respects to the young marquis."

Nie Changping, with a blade of grass in his mouth, which he had picked from somewhere, circled around her, his tone quite playful.

"What's your name? Why haven't I seen you before?"

Xiao Xixi answered calmly, "Your humble servant is named Xiao Xi. I was recently transferred to the Eastern Palace and don't often appear, so it's quite normal that the young marquis hasn't seen me."

Nie Changping leaned in, staring at her face.

"You have a rather unique appearance."

Xiao Xixi felt a mix of emotions, thinking to herself, I'll take it as a compliment.

Nie Changping seemed to think that just looking wasn't enough and wanted to touch her.

But before he could reach out, he heard the voice of Eunuch Chang behind him.

"Xiao Xi, why did you run here without a word? The Crown Prince asked about you just now, and I realized you were gone. Come quickly, follow me to see the Crown Prince."

Xiao Xixi immediately ran over and followed Eunuch Chang away.

Nie Changping stared at her retreating back for a while, then turned and left, seemingly not taking this small matter to heart.

Xiao Xixi went upstairs and entered the guest room, where she saw Luo Qinghan sitting on the bed, his face expressionless, looking rather unhappy.

She approached, "Your Highness, is there something you need from your humble servant?"

Luo Qinghan dismissed everyone, leaving only him and Xiao Xixi in the room.

He asked in an unfriendly tone, "Do you completely disregard what I say?"

Xiao Xixi looked puzzled, "Your Highness, what do you mean?"

"I previously instructed you that wherever I go, you must follow me, not leaving even a step behind. But as soon as I turned around, you were gone."

Xiao Xixi hurried to explain, "Your humble servant..."

Luo Qinghan interrupted her, "There's no one else here, you don't need to call yourself 'your humble servant.'"

"Your concubine..."

"You don't need to call yourself 'your concubine' either."

Xiao Xixi thought for a moment, "Can I just call myself 'I'?"

This time, Luo Qinghan did not interrupt her.

That must mean he agrees.

Xiao Xixi continued, "I was afraid of disturbing you while you were bathing, so I went out to avoid it and took the opportunity to wash my face downstairs. After all, I have to serve the Crown Prince, so I need to clean myself up."

"You are my woman. When I am bathing, you don't need to avoid me."

Xiao Xixi blushed, "Although that's true, I still feel a bit shy."

Luo Qinghan remained silent for a moment, then said expressionlessly, "You will have to get used to it."

Get used to what?

Get used to seeing your flawless body?

Xiao Xixi's thoughts wandered for a moment, remembering that the Crown Prince was still looking at her. She quickly shook off the inappropriate thoughts and obediently replied, "I understand."

Luo Qinghan said coolly, "Since this is your first offense, I will forgive you. If you do it again, I will punish you."

Xiao Xixi couldn't help but feel nervous, "T-there's actually a punishment?"

"Of course, without rules, there is no order. Actions must be rewarded or punished accordingly."

Xiao Xixi tentatively asked, "What exactly do you mean by punishment?"