Escaping Prince An's Estate, the Eighth Prince's Intentions

Bei Zhencheng stood up, leaning on his sword. He panted heavily, his body covered in scratches of various sizes. *Puff, puff. Damn it, what kind of strength is this? It's terrifying. She is clearly injured, so how can she move so agilely? Does she feel no pain at all?*

Guard Bei's entire body trembled. Perhaps this was the first time he had faced someone this strong. Give up? No, he still forced himself to stand, hiding the fear in his heart. Bei Zhencheng gripped his sword tightly, swinging it weakly. From the battle just now, his stamina had been severely depleted.
– Still want to fight? Look at the state you're in. You truly do not know your own limits.

Bei Zhencheng took a deep breath, placed his hand on his chest, and said proudly:
– I am a personal guard of the General. For so long, I have fought bravely on the battlefield, taking the heads of countless fierce enemy generals. I would rather die on the battlefield than fold my hands and surrender. Therefore, I will continue to fight!

Shi Yi clicked her tongue:
– Tsk, how troublesome! Quite stubborn, aren't you?

Shi Yi flashed a wicked smile, then rushed forward as fast as a tempest, her speed terrifying. Bei Zhencheng's eyes darted back and forth continuously, but he still could not capture her movements. *Where is she?! She's too fast! I... can't see anything at all.* Guard Bei panicked slightly, swinging his sword helplessly into the empty air. He could only defend, unable to attack. Her extensive experience as an assassin allowed her to use certain abilities, primarily one that increased her speed for a sustained period. Shi Yi smiled with amusement, leaning close to his ear to whisper:
– Hey... too slow.

Before he could react, she grabbed him by the neck and lifted him up. Bei Zhencheng's feet gradually left the ground. The more he struggled, the tighter she squeezed. A spark flashed in her eyes, her pupils turning dark and ominous. Just when it seemed he would suffocate to death, she suddenly dropped him, laughing disdainfully:
– Want to fight me? You're still too green! Go practice your swordplay for another ten years.

Then, she vanished before his eyes.

At that moment, in the Eighth Prince's Estate, the Eighth Prince—Wu Ziqin—was leisurely drinking tea, reciting poetry, and enjoying literature. His second brother, Wu Jin, walked in.
– Brother, what are you doing?

– Reciting poetry, writing, and relaxing my mind.

– Wow! You truly have the leisure for this!

The small room was neatly arranged by Wu Ziqin, with a bookshelf filled with all kinds of literature behind him. On the wall hung two famous paintings titled "Giang Son" by Li Xuan. Wu Jin looked around, his attention caught by a painting of a mountain shrouded in white mist. Gazing at the painting as if looking at a celestial wonderland, the younger brother could not help but ask curiously:
– Brother, did you recently collect this 'Wang Shan' painting?

Wu Ziqin stopped his brush and replied calmly:
– It was a gift from Miss Han. Knowing that I like Li Xuan's paintings, she went to great lengths to find it for me. Seeing her sincerity, I had no choice but to accept.

– Han Rong? That girl is quite decent. She has admired you since childhood, truly devoted. 'A gentle and graceful lady is a fitting mate for a gentleman!' Han Rong's father, Grand Tutor Han, is highly trusted.

– And so?

– And so, you could consider her. Look at her, she is a lady from a prestigious family, dignified, virtuous, and filial. Most importantly, she understands the bigger picture. She is a suitable choice for the position of Princess in our Eighth Prince's Estate.

Wu Jin smiled, eager to play matchmaker for the two. However, in response to that expectant face, Wu Ziqin remained indifferent, not paying much attention. He stared at his younger brother with a probing look. The younger brother gasped:
– Big Brother, why are you looking at me like that?

– I am wondering how Han Rong bribed you to make you speak so highly of her.

Exposed so quickly, Wu Jin made a cute face and asked:
– Is it that obvious? How do you know everything?

– Because I am your older brother. – Wu Ziqin winked.

The gentle sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting light onto the window of the room. A gentle breeze blew past, lightly rustling the Prince's hair. He stood up, walked slowly to the window, and pushed it open. The golden sunlight streamed in, brightening the entire room. He turned to his brother and said:
– I already have someone in mind, so do not waste your efforts. Miss Han and I will have no future.

Wu Jin was both surprised and excited:
– What? No way! Which family's lady has caught Big Brother's eye?

Wu Ziqin replied with a face full of pride:
– Even more than that. She is a Princess.

Wu Jin pondered, for a moment surprised, then stunned, and finally dumbfounded:
– A Princess?! Princess Taiping?!

Before his brother could answer, Wu Jin hastily tried to dissuade him:
– Brother, this absolutely cannot be! Princess Taiping... she is destined to be the betrothed Princess of Prince An's Estate, arranged by the Late Emperor. Besides...

Wu Jin hesitated and did not continue. The Eighth Prince leaned closer and asked:
– Besides what?

– Do you not know what kind of person Princess Taiping is? Her personality is unlike anyone else, willful and completely ignorant of etiquette. She is also very eccentric, constantly causing trouble in the palace. If you let her be your Princess, I'm afraid the entire Eighth Prince's Estate will lose all face. Are you truly serious?