The Dramatic Crown Princess Wants to Poison Me!

Chapter 726: Chapter 725: Gifts

Ling Xiao’s skills were best known to her. In terms of martial arts, Ling Xiao might not be the strongest, but he had a certain ability—if he didn’t want to be discovered, it was very difficult for others to find him, even those much stronger in martial arts.

Because he could conceal his presence, a person without presence leaves no trace. Therefore, Pu Yangji, who hurriedly ran past, did not notice him; nor did Huangfu Jingchen, who was in hot pursuit!

Ling Xiao had followed all the way to Fengming Manor. Once Xia Wenjin was more certain that she would be safe, she made an excuse to dismiss the Four Beauties and met Ling Xiao. Learning that Huangfu Jingchen had appeared after she fainted last night, she was quite surprised.

How could it be such a coincidence?

Her intention was merely to make Huangfu Yuxuan hoist with his own petard. Her father was about to return to the Capital City, and Ling Xiao would, unbeknownst to anyone, deliver the message. Once her father personally discovered that Huangfu Yuxuan was responsible, her plan would be successful.

Yet Huangfu Jingchen was not part of her plan.

Hearing that Huangfu Jingchen had gone to such lengths for her, her heart felt sweet, but sweetness aside, it also brought a touch of worry.

If Huangfu Jingchen were unaware of the matter, it would be fine. But now that he knew, and even pursued all the way, only to lose track, he certainly wouldn’t let it go.

Someone who is anxious and worried is easily caught in others’ traps.

It’s even possible that Huangfu Yuxuan captured her initially to target Huangfu Jingchen.

She wondered how exactly she had caught Huangfu Yuxuan’s eye, and knowing she and Huangfu Jingchen shared mutual affection, even if this wasn’t a scheme against Huangfu Jingchen, Huangfu Yuxuan might also exploit the situation, just as she did, to make Huangfu Jingchen suffer.

Therefore, she had Ling Xiao keep an eye on the road from the city gate to Fengming Manor to spot any anomalies.

Learning that there was indeed an ambush, she instructed Ling Xiao to protect Huangfu Jingchen in the shadows at all costs.

Ling Xiao’s martial arts might not stand out in one-on-one combat compared to Huangfu Jingchen, but in secret protection, especially when the opponent believes victory is assured, acting silently and tracelessly, it was easy enough to guard someone without being detected.

Throughout the entire process of deduction, Xia Wenjin understood Huangfu Yuxuan was targeting Prince Zhuang, who was targeting Huangfu Jingchen, and Huangfu Jingchen was there to rescue her.

She calculated that her father and brother would return from ancestral rites to the Capital City, personally discover the matter, and rescue her, becoming a situation where Huangfu Jingchen and her brother come to save her, which was almost the same. Of course, what mattered most was her father’s current stance.

Haotian Village, once composed of five village chiefs like siblings, was finally going to part ways, wasn’t it? Her father, with his deeply emotional and upright personality, would surely be saddened knowing Second Uncle and Third Uncle’s choices.

Being sad and letting go is always better than being trapped by reluctance!

Haotian Village would henceforth be clean and respectable Jianghu people, while Second Uncle and Third Uncle pursue their own futures. In a sense, it’s a fulfillment of their desires, each obtaining what they need!

The time set for the banquet by Xia Wanqing had arrived, and Huangfu Yuxuan came early. The gifts he prepared were precious: high-quality jewelry from Zhenlong Pavilion, new brocade clothes from Fengyi Pavilion, a painting, and a fine horse.

Every item was valuable, especially the horse, which was indeed an exceptional steed.

However, despite the fine horse, the giver was inappropriate. Xia Wanqing’s impression of Huangfu Yuxuan was no longer what it was during their time in Haotian Village; no matter how good the horse, he would not joyfully accept it.

As for jewelry and new clothes, how could Xia Wenjin be fond of them?

However, Xia Sichen was quite pleased to accept the horse, along with the painting, jewelry, and new clothes, showing enthusiasm towards Huangfu Yuxuan: ”I always knew Prince Liang Mansion was awash in wealth; surely these items are of fine quality! But Young Master Xuan, gentlemen like you are too refined; why send paintings? Just look, the paper is yellowed, old! Were you deceived? You must have been swindled out of silver, right? Why go through all this trouble? Wouldn’t it be more straightforward to just send silver? Your roundabout way is hardly satisfying!”

Following Huangfu Yuxuan, Hong Jie almost choked. That painting was the masterpiece left behind a century ago by the painting master Mr. Qing Yan, incredibly precious, worth a fortune, yet in this martial artist’s view, it was old with yellowed paper?

He yearned to scold this ignorant brute!

Huangfu Yuxuan smiled slightly, without a hint of anger; he was gifting it to Xia Wenjin. Although Xia Sichen did not recognize its value, he believed Xia Wenjin would!

Even if Xia Wenjin didn’t, it didn’t matter. He would marry her eventually, and what he gifted her would inevitably be his own!

Having accepted the gift, Xia Sichen was even warmer, personally ushering Huangfu Yuxuan into the hall and instructing the servants to promptly serve tea.

Seeing Xia Sichen’s demeanor, Huangfu Yuxuan felt quite satisfied. The heroic rescue from two days ago had produced effects; although he hadn’t rid of Huangfu Jingchen, there was some gain.

He would think of further strategies later.

A beauty’s heart needed to be gradually won.

Additionally, the news he’d arranged to spread would, within ten days or half a month, start showing results. New schemes could then be devised.

Hua Yuanming and Gu Hongxin’s families had also arrived.

Previously at Haotian Village, the families got along excellently; everyone was casual and informal. Even if Second Aunt Hua was a bit self-centered, who would bother about a woman?

This time, upon Second Aunt Hua and Third Aunt Gu’s arrival, they initially thought that the Xia Mansion lacked a matriarch, and Xia Wenjin was young, surely needing their support. Although their forced luggage move had met Xia Wenjin’s admonishment, they didn’t mind; back in the village, Xia Wenjin was quite the willful young lady.

But once entering the mansion, discovering everything was orderly, from the gatekeeper to every servant, with clear responsibilities—though few in number, well-organized.

Second Aunt Hua was very surprised and said, ”Today’s banquet at Big Brother’s place, who’s in charge?”

Welcoming them was Chun Tao, who smiled and said, ”It’s the young lady. She mentioned that today’s banquet, as the heroes and ladies from the village arrive in the Capital City, should be well-managed and instructed the servants to be cautious, making no mistakes!”

It was Xia Wenjin?

Third Aunt Gu laughed, ”Wenjin really is capable. Clearly, experiences in Jianghu truly benefit people. I feel Wenjin has become steadier in her actions than in Haotian Village, and even more beautiful!” Even her thoughts seemed harder to discern.

Second Aunt Hua remarked, ”Oh, Wenjin shouldn’t be formal with us. We’re all family!” Though she said this, she greatly enjoyed Chun Tao’s respectfulness.

Huangfu Jingchen arrived a bit later, feeling somewhat surreal as he was ushered in. This time, he could officially pay a visit, truly wonderful!

Following Huangfu Jingchen, Jiang Ning was somewhat surprised to see his princely heir seemed rather uneasy, was he mistaken? When had the princely heir ceased to be calm and composed, becoming somewhat awkward?

At that moment, Xia Wanqing happened to come forward, and Huangfu Jingchen felt slightly nervous, offering a carefully chosen fine blade with both hands, ”Uncle Xia! I apologize for the intrusion! A modest gift, not enough to show my respect!”