The Prime Minister's Darling
Chapter 891 - 891 411 Ahen (second watch)

Chapter 891: 411 Ahen (second watch) Chapter 891: 411 Ahen (second watch) Xiao Liulang’s body stiffened.

How long had it been since he heard that voice? Hearing it again seemed as if from another lifetime.

He collapsed to the ground, his back to Princess Xinyang, and even so, he felt her gaze upon him.

He dared not turn around, nor did he dare to face her; he tried his best to control his trembling body and said calmly, “I’m fine.”

“You…” Princess Xinyang, hearing him say he was fine, caught a glimpse of the walking stick that had fallen out of his hand.

To call it a walking stick didn’t seem quite right; it was more like a cane, suited for someone with inconvenience in their legs but who was not completely unable to stand.

Princess Xinyang wasn’t sure if the person was born with a disability or had recently been injured but, either way, it seemed he wasn’t truly without issue.

She said, “It seems that I tripped you earlier, can you get up? I’ll call a doctor for you. Come, someone, help this gentleman up first.”

As soon as she finished speaking, the young maid who had been supporting her stepped forward, reaching out to help Xiao Liulang.”

Xiao Liulang quickly raised his sleeve to stop her: “Don’t come over!”

The maid was startled and turned her head back, looking at Princess Xinyang with confusion.

Xiao Liulang steadied himself and said, “I’m not used to being touched by others.”

At fourteen, his voice hadn’t changed yet; it was the green and childish tone of a young boy. Now, after his voice had changed, it held a timbre between that of a young man and an adult male, low and clear.

Princess Xinyang didn’t immediately notice the difference in his voice, but she clearly felt his evasion and resistance.

Considering that men and women should not be too familiar with each other, he was wearing the official robe of Hanlin Academy and was near Hanlin Academy. It was indeed necessary to be careful and not to jeopardize one’s reputation.

Princess Xinyang didn’t press further: “If you have any issue, just come to the Princess Residence and let me know.”

Although she did not reside at the Princess Residence, her servants were there, and they could inform her.

Xiao Liulang struggled to control himself from turning back: “No need, I’m fine.”

Princess Xinyang always thought this person was strange, and she felt strange inside as well, filled with indescribable emotions: “Where are you heading? I can have my guard escort you.”

“No need,” Xiao Liulang rejected outright, “I can walk on my own.”

Having said this, he pushed himself up off the ground and limped to the doorway under Princess Xinyang’s watchful eyes, bending down to pick up the cane that Gu Jiao had made for him.

He had never been so embarrassed as he was at this moment. He knew she was watching from behind, but he didn’t want her to see him like this.

His hand holding the cane trembled slightly. He didn’t look back and swiftly disappeared into the crowd.

Princess Xinyang watched his departing figure with a thoughtful expression.

“Princess!”

Yujin entered, panting heavily.

Princess Xinyang’s awareness snapped back, and she glanced at her, saying, “You went to buy a cake, so how did you end up looking like this?”

“I…” Yujin opened her mouth, hesitant about whether she should tell her about the scene she had just witnessed.

Princess Xinyang said, “Speak if you have something to say, when did you become so hesitant?”

Yujin looked at her, gathering the courage to say, “Princess, just now… I think I saw the young marquis.”

Princess Xinyang’s complexion changed slightly, but in an instant, she regained her usual composure: “Yujin, how many times do I have to tell you, he’s dead.”

Xiao Liulang escaped back to the Hanlin Academy in one breath.

Ning Zhiyuan had just come out from Hanlin Academy and saw Xiao Liulang looking somewhat distraught. He pulled him aside and asked in puzzlement, “Liulang, what’s wrong with you? Weren’t you going to teach at the Imperial College? Has someone bullied you? I knew it! Those re-exam students from the Imperial College all come from protected backgrounds—all arrogant troublemakers! Here’s what we’ll do, next time I’ll go for you!”

“I’m fine, there’s no problem at the Imperial College.” He had managed to get the crown prince, the ultimate troublemaker, to submit, let alone those minor ones.

“But you seem troubled,” Ning Zhiyuan didn’t believe Xiao Liulang was fine. Knowing him for so long, he was aware of Xiao Liulang’s temperament. Yang the Scholar-teacher had made his life difficult in all sorts of ways, but even then, he had never looked this disheveled.

A thought suddenly flashed through Ning Zhiyuan’s mind: “Is it… you’re worried about the incident this morning? I broke the inkstone, or did I offend Princess Xinyang? Don’t be upset, I’ll go and explain to her! It’s my fault for breaking the inkstone; the matter started because of me—”

“I’m really fine,” said Xiao Liulang.

Ning Zhiyuan looked at him dubiously: “But you look so pale.”

Xiao Liulang casually replied, “Maybe I didn’t sleep well last night.”

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