The True Daughter of the General's Household

Untitled Part 6

Seeing my lack of interest in her offerings, Qinyin hesitated, then forced a smile to please me.

"Xiaowan, I have some pocket money saved. Let's go buy something nice for you."

I found it hard to refuse her sincerity, and I was curious to interact with her more, so I agreed.

We wandered in and out of stores in town.

I wasn't particularly interested in hair accessories or makeup, and barely looked at anything.

Undeterred, Qinyin finally led me to the city's finest restaurant.

Though the food here was delicate, the portions were small. Nothing compared to my mother's hearty dragon bone soup, rich and filling.

Seeing my indifferent expression, Qinyin frowned.

"Oh, I know! Are you upset because I took the crown prince from you?

"Yes, yes, if it weren't for me, the crown prince would be marrying you.

"Please don't be mad at me. I'll go back and give him to you."

I couldn't help but laugh in disbelief.

This silly girl—could she be any more ridiculous?

Mistaking my reaction, she bit her lip, a little hurt but trying to appear generous.

"Do you really think he likes me? He defended you as soon as we met, scolding me on your behalf. I don't like him one bit."

Her face turned awkward, and she scratched her nose.

"Well, he just didn't understand the situation," I replied. "He thought you'd be bullied by me, so he acted tough.

"Once you get to know him, you'll see he's not so bad.

"If he bullies you again, I'll scold him for you."

She held a serious expression, as if she truly believed she could stand up to the crown prince.

I didn't mock her naivety.

The first time I saw the crown prince, I could tell he wasn't so simple.

My foster mother had a skill—she could tell at a glance whether a pig was sick or healthy, lean or fat.

At first, it was based on experience, and over time, it became instinct.

She always said that judging people was the same.

A person's appearance is shaped by their bones, their face revealing what lies beneath. But it's hard to see into the soul.

The crown prince appeared dignified and righteous on the surface, yet there was a cloudiness in his eyes that I couldn't read.

What his intentions were toward Qinyin, or his aims for the General's Mansion, I didn't know.

Not that I particularly cared.

"Qinyin lowers herself to dine with a pauper like you, yet somehow you're still unhappy?"

The crown prince's voice cut through the air like a stubborn fly that wouldn't leave.

"Brother Ming," Qinyin said, turning to him. "Xiaowan suffered because of me.

"She's upset with me, and I'll accept that. When her anger fades, I know she'll be good to me."

This was the same Qinyin who had said she'd protect me just moments ago.

When she was with me, she seemed sincere.

But with the crown prince, everything she said was laced with a strange air of resigned endurance.