The Sulking Highness

— "I am the best at coaxing men."

Just a few sweet words will do. How could he possibly stay angry at a lovely woman like me?

This statement made the little maid laugh happily.

It sounded a bit boastful, but it was true. Who would have the heart to blame a woman as beautiful as a flower?

But that person was Prince An! It was Prince An! How could he let her off the hook so easily?

In a flash, the two reached the main courtyard, not far from the study. Handing over the great responsibility to Shi Yi, the clever maid ran off first to avoid trouble.

Seeing her approach, he hurriedly picked up a memorial, pretending to be engrossed in reviewing it.

A moment later, she walked in and saw him still busy reviewing memorials, thinking to herself that his work was indeed endless.

That ice-cold face was as beautiful as meticulously carved jade. This appearance was truly captivating, with charm radiating in all directions.

She approached and waved her hand a few times, but he didn't react at all. Having no other choice, she let out a very loud "Hmph."

As expected, this trick worked.

— "What is it?"

Knowing it was her, he didn't look back yet, still immersed in his role as a cold man, treating her like air. His cold voice echoed through the room.

This demeanor would frighten others, but it had no effect on her.

Without any worry, she stepped in front of him, snatched the memorial he was halfway through reading, and conveniently took the brush from his hand as well.

This action was truly reckless and arrogant; no one had ever dared to do such a thing before.

He was about to lecture her when she quickly spoke first:

— "All day long, it's just review, review, and review. Don't you find it boring? Stop reviewing. Look, I brought something delicious for you."

She took out a plate of very attractive osmanthus cakes, their sweet aroma stimulating the appetite. But Prince An didn't even spare them a glance.

Dinglun, with a face as cold as stone, said:

— "This Prince is busy with a hundred tasks, unlike someone who spends all day flirting outside. It's more useful to sit here diligently reviewing memorials."

His cold voice rang out, and the room fell silent for a moment. It was still that ice-like figure standing tall before her. If it were anyone else, they would surely be trembling with fear.

Each of his words carried immense damage. Shi Yi felt a prickle all over after hearing them. "Hmph, this demon is truly sharp-tongued. Isn't he implying me?"

It was truly frustrating. But since it was her fault first, she had to humble herself.

Suddenly, those mischievous eyes flashed with a spark. Directing a curious gaze toward him, she took a sharp breath and asked:

— "Don't tell me... you're jealous?"

She smiled playfully, her eyes full of meaning, awaiting his reaction.

He was slightly flustered, his hands instinctively clenching. "If I say yes, what will she do? She won't be scared away, will she?"

Thinking this, his face remained expressionless:

— "Why would I be jealous?"

— "Really not?" — She continued to probe.

— "No. You're overthinking."

His answer left her a bit disappointed. She had intended to take the opportunity to tease him, but he had no reaction. How dull. But at least it saved the conversation from a dead end.

She didn't know that his gaze was constantly avoiding her, fearing she would catch him.

She stayed by his side, trying all sorts of tricks. With a pouting face, she said:

— "Aiya, I know you're unhappy. But I did that with good intentions. I just wanted to help Sister Lin Ling. Why are you so petty?"

She tugged at his sleeve, her body like a slender willow branch in the wind.

Dinglun turned his head away, his tone somewhat reproachful:

— "There's also me. Why didn't you ask me, but went to ask him instead?"

— "How could I? If I asked you, Sister Lin Ling wouldn't agree. She doesn't want to rely on you. Furthermore..."

— "Furthermore, no matter how difficult it is, you know the Eighth Prince won't refuse, right? Your sweetheart is truly good."

How could his words smell so strongly of jealousy, with so much sour vinegar added? But she didn't realize it, thinking he was just mocking her. Honestly! She just wanted to give him a punch. Every word hit the mark.

Her mind wouldn't give in either, immediately coming up with a retort:

— "What sweetheart? Don't talk nonsense. The Eighth Prince and I are just friends, good friends. This young lady wants to travel the world, live freely, and leap across lands like a wandering hero. I've never even considered the matter of marriage."

— "Really?"

— "Why would I lie to you?"

Hearing that bold declaration, for some reason, a sudden feeling of joy welled up in his heart. The corners of his mouth twitched up and then down very quickly.

Yes! He was smiling. He was just afraid he wouldn't be able to keep his mouth shut.

Truly, men only need a few sweet words to become like children.

But very quickly, he regained his serious demeanor. Honestly, he couldn't stay serious for more than three seconds.

He said sternly:

— "I can let it go. Unless..."

— "Unless what?"

Seeing her excitement, he leaned down, whispering in her ear with a devious smile:

— "Unless you stay at my manor as my maid for a few more days."

— "Huh?"

She gasped in shock. Good heavens, she wanted to escape and now he's forcing her to stay? She looked at him, cursing silently: "Want me to stay? Every day I see that stone-cold face of yours, my life will be shortened. Not to mention having to continue serving you? Dream on!"