“Yes.” Qu Tang’er softly moved with airy steps. Skirt fluttering, she walked to the chair nearby. She slowly sat down and folded both of her hands on the knee. She had again put on the act of a lady from the noble family.
“Do you need something from benwang?” Mo Lian Cheng slowly got up. Afterwards, he turned around and faced Qu Tang’er. The corners of his mouth were slightly lifted, evoking a hint of smile that was not yet a smile.
“Yes——” Qu Tang’er slightly raised her head. Originally she wanted to reply. However, when the line of her sight made a contact with Mo Lian Cheng’s appearance, she was taken aback. She stared with her eyes wide open, then she narrowed her eyes. She didn’t make a mistake nor did she see a ghost. It was indeed the face that made her gnash her teeth with hatred.
Mo? Right. She was a pighead. That jerk also said that his family name was Mo!
Mo Lian Cheng?!
Qu Tang’er appeared to be calmly moving away her sight. Her expression looked like usual, “Tang’er came to ask your Highness whether your Highness has time to accompany Tang’er go back to Qu manor.”
“Don’t you feel that benwang seems a little familiar?” Mo Lian Cheng suddenly asked, avoiding her question. His sight was firmly fixed on Qu Tang’er. There was no shriek he was looking forward to. No cursing nor impulsive actions. It was a bit different from what he has anticipated; or rather how come he was a little disappointed? There was no anger nor change in her facial expression…..
“Unfamiliar. Tang’er never gets in contact with strange men.” She lied brazenly.
“What? Did you forget benwang so fast? Originally, I have thought that after you saw benwang, you will be very happy. It doesn’t seem so.” Mo Lian Cheng had a noble bearing, firm yet graceful movement. Step by step, he strode toward Qu Tang’er. Those phoenix eyes exuded tenderness. They glittered with a soft light more charming than the bright moon on the sky.
Qu Tang’er dropped her eyes, remaining silent. Silence was the best answer.
“What? Aren’t you happy seeing benwang?” Mo Lian Cheng’s voice that was like the gentle caress of spring breeze was a little bewitching.
“Your Highness misunderstood. Qieshen1 is naturally happy.” Qu Tang’er smiled gently. She very cooperatively come up with a brief rap for him, “Tang’er has always admired your Highness greatly. I heard that your Highness is stunningly handsome, capable of causing the downfall of cities and states2, even more beautiful than the top courtesan inside the Yi Xiang Yuan3. After today’s meeting, this reputation was indeed well-deserved.” Her soft and quiet voice spoke out words of unmatched admiration.
Just, these words were……a little odd.
Comparing the dignified prince with top courtesan inside the brothel? Furthermore, comparing him, a big man, with a woman?
The corners of Mo Lian Cheng’s mouth inadvertently twitched. Then, he returned back to his blue sky and soft breeze state. He coolly said: “Apparently ben wang has underestimated you.”
“Unbeknownst, what does your Highness mean?” She understood, yet feigned an ignorance.
“You know very well.”
“Tang’er doesn’t understand.”
“Playing dumb?”
“Tang’er doesn’t dare. Your Highness, please see it for yourself.”
“Not calling benwang hubby or sweetheart anymore?” Mo Lian Cheng turned his words. He had a very deep impression on words he had heard on a particular wedding night. He naturally understood that she was deliberate. The feeling of being given the cold shoulder was truly not very good. He still took this to heart.
“Your Highness doesn’t like it? Tang’er will call you husband then.” Qu Tang’er intentionally behaved like that. Hubby was a form of address used by wives of common scholars. And he, the highly respectable prince, being called hubby was undoubtedly lowering his status. No matter what, she still should call him husband…… right?
“Let it be.” Mo Lian Cheng’s face was full of indifference.
“Oh. Does your Highness have tomorrow time then? Is it possible….”
“Is there any matter?” Mo Lian Cheng seemed to be purposely insisting on interrupting her in such time.
“There is. And that’s to——”
“Oh?” Unbeknownst, if it was intentionally or not , he could constantly pick a moment to utter some sound.
Translator’s notes:
[1] Qieshen is a first person pronoun used by ancient women to modestly address themselves
[2] Cause the downfall of cities and states is a Chinese idiom used to describe a devastatingly beautiful woman
[3] Yi Xiang Yuan is a name of a brothel
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