109: Crazy Prince Forced Love 4

The first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Wen Ci turned over in the brocade quilt, her fingertips brushing against a patch of warmth. She opened her bleary eyes and found herself staring directly into a pair of eyes as deep and dark as ink.

Xiao Jin had woken at some point. Propping his chin on his hand, he watched her. Seeing her awaken, the corner of his lips lifted slightly. "Awake?"

Wen Ci's face flushed with heat. Instinctively, she shrank deeper into the quilt. "Why is Your Highness awake so early?"

Xiao Jin chuckled softly. He reached out and brushed aside the stray strands of hair near her cheek. "I wanted to look at you."

His fingertips were slightly cool, yet they carried an undeniable force as he gently lifted her chin.

Wen Ci's heart fluttered erratically. But then she saw him suddenly retrieve a jade comb from beside the pillow. The jade was warm and smooth, carved with an exquisite crabapple blossom pattern.

"This is..."

"For you." Xiao Jin's voice was low and deep, his fingers tangling in her hair. "Today, this prince will comb your hair for you."

Wen Ci was stunned. Before she could react, he had gently helped her up and seated her before the bronze mirror.

The mirror reflected the figures of the two of them. He stood behind her, his tall frame almost completely enveloping hers. His slender fingers ran through her long hair, his movements clumsy yet gentle.

"Does Your Highness know how to style hair?" she couldn't help but ask.

Xiao Jin let out a soft hum. "No."

"Then..."

"But this prince wants to learn." His tone brooked no argument. Yet, due to his inexperience, his fingers tangled in a few strands of her hair, tugging slightly and causing Wen Ci to frown.

Xiao Jin's hand stilled. His gaze darkened abruptly. "Does it hurt?"

Wen Ci shook her head. But she saw his expression darken as he tossed the jade comb aside and called out coldly, "Someone!"

A guard immediately knelt outside the door. "What are Your Highness's orders?"

"Find the best hairdressing matron in the entire capital!" His voice was icy. "Immediately!"

Wen Ci quickly grabbed his sleeve. "Your Highness, there's no need for such trouble. I can do it myself."

Xiao Jin stared at her, his eyes turbulent. Suddenly, he pinched her chin, his voice hoarse. "You are mine. From head to toe, everything must be tended to by my own hands."

Even if he had no idea how.

A softness touched Wen Ci's heart. She whispered, "Then... would Your Highness like to try again?"

Xiao Jin pressed his lips together, picked up the comb again, and this time his movements were much lighter.

He learned extremely quickly. Though still somewhat clumsy, he was exceedingly patient.

After half an hour of struggle, he finally managed to tie a somewhat crooked and lopsided bun.

Wen Ci looked in the mirror and couldn't help but press her lips together to stifle a laugh.

Xiao Jin's ears grew slightly warm. Annoyed and embarrassed, he pulled her into his embrace. "Dare to laugh at this prince?"

Wen Ci looked up, her eyes reflecting his image. "It's Your Highness's first time styling hair. It's already quite good."

Xiao Jin's Adam's apple bobbed. He lowered his head and captured her lips in a kiss.

He had never imagined that a single word of praise from a woman could make his heart thunder so.

The news that the Regent had personally styled Wen Ci's hair spread throughout the manor overnight.

The servants were shocked into disbelief.

"His Highness actually served her by combing her hair? This... this is simply..."

"Shh! Have you forgotten those who were beaten to death a few days ago? His Highness protects her like she's the apple of his eye now. Who dares to gossip?"

The old steward stood beneath the corridor, gazing towards the main courtyard. A flicker of relief passed through his cloudy eyes.

After all these years, His Highness finally had a bit of life in him.

*

The news naturally reached Su Yao's ears as well.

Leaning in Lin Xiuyuan's embrace, she listened to her maid's report, her fingernails unconsciously digging into her palm.

"What? Still concerned about the Regent's affairs?" Lin Xiuyuan gently grasped her hand, but a flicker of calculation passed through his eyes.

Su Yao immediately replaced her expression with a charming smile. "How could I be? I just find it laughable. The esteemed Regent, stooping to such lengths for a mere maid."

Lin Xiuyuan gently stroked her hair. "Yao'er is right. However..." He changed the subject. "I heard your father has been investigating that shipment in the west city recently?"

Su Yao stiffened slightly, then smiled. "Why does Xiuyuan suddenly ask about this?"

"Just a casual inquiry." Lin Xiuyuan poured a cup of tea and handed it to her. "I'm merely concerned your father is overworking himself."

Su Yao took the teacup, feeling something was off.

These past few days, Lin Xiuyuan had been probing about court affairs, intentionally or not. Whenever she pressed him, he would evade with sweet words.

"Xiuyuan," she probed, "you seem quite interested in court politics lately?"

Lin Xiuyuan's eyes flashed. Then, looking deeply affectionate, he took her hand. "Isn't it all for our future? Once I pass the imperial examinations, I must secure a good future for you."

The unease in Su Yao's heart was diluted by these sweet words. She coquettishly retorted, "You're such a smooth talker."

After Lin Xiuyuan left, Su Yao sat alone by the window, gazing blankly at the blooming peonies in the courtyard.

She felt she had overlooked something important, but whenever this thought surfaced, it was dispelled by Lin Xiuyuan's gentle smile.

"Miss," her maid cautiously asked, "that chest of silver Young Master Lin sent..."

"Store it for now." Su Yao waved her hand, then suddenly remembered something. "Ah, right. Go investigate who Young Master Lin has been associating with recently."

*

In the dead of night, Xiao Jin pressed Wen Ci onto the bed. His fingertips traced her lips, his gaze profound. "Today, someone sent an invitation for you to attend a flower-viewing party."

Wen Ci was taken aback. "How does Your Highness know?"

Xiao Jin sneered. "Nothing in this manor escapes this prince's notice."

He suddenly lowered his head and bit her lip fiercely, not releasing her until he tasted blood. "You are not to go."

Wen Ci winced in pain, yet still replied softly, "Alright, I won't go."

Xiao Jin stared at her, then suddenly asked, "Will you leave me?"

Wen Ci shook her head. "No."

His eyes darkened abruptly. He seized her wrist with a grip so strong it nearly crushed her bones. "If you dare to run..."

"I will break the legs of the person you love most."

Instead, Wen Ci let out a soft laugh and leaned closer, gently kissing his chin. "Your Highness, I won't go anywhere."

Xiao Jin's breath hitched. He pulled her fiercely into his embrace, his voice hoarse. "Remember your words."

He could give her anything. The only thing he couldn't bear was the price of losing her.

However, Wen Ci licked her lips, already thinking about how to properly teach this mad prince to be a little gentler.

Always like this, no one could endure it.

Either covered in bruises or with a split lip.

She let out a soft sigh.

Anyway, take it slow for now.

*

Three days later, Su Yao finally realized something was wrong.

The servant she had sent to tail Lin Xiuyuan brought back shocking news: Lin Xiuyuan was not only secretly in close contact with several court officials, but he was also using her to obtain confidential information from the Prime Minister's residence.

"Impossible..." The teacup in Su Yao's hand shattered on the floor. "He clearly said..."

"Miss, there's worse." The servant lowered his voice. "Young Master Lin seems to have connections with the rebel forces in the northern border. He approached you in order to..."

Su Yao felt as if she had plunged into an icy abyss.

She recalled the court secrets she had inadvertently revealed, her father's worried expression these past days, Lin Xiuyuan's gentle smile every time he probed for information...

She abruptly stood up, only to see Lin Xiuyuan standing at the doorway, an unknown time having passed. His face still wore that gentle, jade-like smile.

"Yao'er, where are you going?"

Su Yao trembled all over. "You... you've been using me all along?"

The smile on Lin Xiuyuan's face gradually faded, replaced by a chilling indifference. "Only realizing it now? Miss Su, you're even more slow than I imagined."

"You beast!" Su Yao raised her hand to strike him, but he caught her wrist in a tight grip.

Lin Xiuyuan sneered coldly. "I advise you to behave. Surely you don't want all of the capital to know how the Prime Minister's daughter infatuated with love a mere scholar, even to the point of betraying her father?"

Su Yao collapsed to the floor, finally understanding the magnitude of her foolish mistake.

She had thought she had found true love, but it was all just an elaborately designed deception.

She was finished. Unknowingly, she had become an accomplice to a traitor.

If word got out to the entire capital, how could she face anyone?

How could her Su family face anyone?

How could she have committed such a monstrous crime!

If only... Suddenly, a face appeared in her mind.

If only Xiao Jin were here.

In her past life, no matter what monstrous trouble she caused, Xiao Jin had always handled it for her. Including promotions and transfers for her family members. Anyone who caused problems, Xiao Jin would take care of it.

But in this life, he was not there.

When she had possessed it, she had taken it for granted. Only now did she suddenly awaken to the realization of what immense honor and power that had been!

How foolish she had been!