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Lin Jiao was still trembling in fear. Bai Jue went extreme today. She had many bad experiences in her life, but this one was the worst.

Mingquan held her hands, and she peered at him. “I am here,” he said and caressed her hands.

“Why didn’t the Fourth Prince come earlier? He almost kissed me,” Lin Jiao said, and again her eyes filled with tears.

“I didn’t think Bai Jue would stoop this low,” Mingquan said, and he pulled her close. He put his hand on her back and patted it. “He will be punished severely for molesting you,” he assured her.

Lin Jiao felt better with that warm embrace. He slowly moved his hand to the back of her head. He stroked her hair and asked her not to think about it.

“How am I supposed to forget it? I was truthful to him, yet he was forcing himself on me,” Lin Jiao muttered.

“You don’t listen to me. You could have refused to speak with him. Why did you go away?” Mingquan scolded him.

Lin Jiao moved back and glared at him. “I didn’t know what was going on in his mind. Why did His Highness take so much time to come there? What if he had done something to me? I want my father to be here,” she said.

.....

“In my presence, nothing would have happened. You don’t have to think about it anymore,” Mingquan told her.

“Thank you for saving me once again, Your Highness,” Lin Jiao said and lowered her gaze.

“Do you want to sleep?” Mingquan asked.

Lin Jiao shook her head.

“Then, what should I do to cheer you up?” He inquired her.

“Just stay with me,” Lin Jiao said, “until my father and brother return home.” She raised her head, and asked, “Will His Highness stay with me? This was scary for me.”

Mingquan hummed and told her he would stay with her.

“Thank you.” She then placed her hand on her stomach. “I am starving. Will His Highness take eat lunch with me?”

“Of course. I cannot see you eating alone. It will make me hungry too,” Mingquan said and called in a servant. 4

Lin Jiao looked at his large hand which was holding her hands. Her heart fluttered feeling that warm touch and unbeknownst to her, a tiny smile formed on her lips.

“What’s the reason for this smile?” He asked.

Lin Jiao stopped smiling. “Nothing,” she murmured.

~~~~~~

Ai Fen did an embroidery over the silk handkerchief and looked at it. “Sister Xiaolin will surely like it,” Ai Fen said and stood up.

She left to see Xiaolian, however, she didn’t find her in the chamber. From the servant, Ai Fen found out that Xiaolian had gone outside with her mother to her uncle’s house.

She descended the stairs and reached the bottom soon. While heading towards her chamber, she encountered Huang Xi, who was followed by three soldiers.

Huang Xi and the three soldiers bowed to her before going ahead.

“Commander Huang Xi is still upset with me,” she mumbled. But it wasn’t her fault either. She said the truth to him. She didn’t like the way he treated Jingfei.

“Your Highness!” Ai Fen heard a familiar voice and turned around to check.

Chang Shi was standing before her.

“The Second Princess dropped her handkerchief,” Chang Shi said and forwarded it to her. Ai Fen was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t realize it.

“Thank you,” Ai Fen said after she took the handkerchief from Chang Shi. It had gotten the dirt on it. “Oh no. It got dirty,” she muttered.

“It needs to be washed,” Chang Shi said.

“Hmm.”

“Did the Second Princess drink after that day?” Chang Shi suddenly asked her and she gazed at him.

“No. Why do you ask?” Ai Fen questioned while knitting her brows together.

“I was just curious,” Chang Shi replied with a smile. “The Second Princess looks upset. Is everything okay with her?”

“There’s nothing to do these days,” Ai Fen said. “Also, I heard from my mother yesterday that I have to get married after my two brothers’ marriage,” she ended up telling Chang Shi.

“Is Her Highness upset about it?” Chang Shi inquired.

“I am nervous to know whom I will get married to. But I cannot even speak about it. I have to get married before turning twenty-three,” Ai Fen stated.

Chang Shi hummed.

“Thank you for the handkerchief. I should go,” Ai Fen said when Chang Shi stopped her.

“Does the Second Princess want to go outside?” Chang Shi asked.

“Will you take me out? But I do not know where I should go,” Ai Fen said. “Do you know any good place to visit since you have visited many places?” She inquired.

“I was thinking to go to the nearby mountain to pick up the herbs,” Chang Shi said.

“Mountain?” Ai Fen’s eyes shimmered. “I would like to accompany you,” she expressed her desire.

“Forgive me, Your Highness. I cannot take the Second Princess to such hilly terrain,” Chang Shi said.

“I have never been to the mountain. Father never allowed his daughters to go and explore such places. Please take me with you. It is a bright day,” Ai Fen requested him.

Chang Shi wanted to turn down her request, but then Ai Fen looked so desperate to have a day out.

“Your Highness should inform her mother first about it. Then, we will go,” Chang Shi said.

“Sure. I will see you at the imperial palace gates,” Ai Fen said and quickly went to see his mother.

Chang Shi went to the palace gates and waited for Ai Fen to come. After fifteen minutes of waiting, Ai Fen arrived.

“My mother allowed me. Let’s go, Chang Shi,” Ai Fen stated.