Chapter 1 The Ordinary Carriage

An ordinary-looking carriage drove out of the city suburbs.

Inside, Jiang Chen and Yang Muxi sat facing each other, chatting and laughing.

After spending several hours together, the relationship between the two had subtly deepened.

As a man, Jiang Chen knew very well that when a woman didn't mind him entering her private space, 'getting her' wouldn't be far off.

Therefore, Jiang Chen behaved like a gentleman throughout the journey, carefully selecting topics that surprised Yang Muxi and made her feel a deep connection.

Several times, her beautiful eyes revealed excitement and joy at being understood.

This conversation also made Jiang Chen realize that this highly skilled, world-renowned Sect Leader Yang was very simple in her ways, even a bit stubborn.

Once she set her mind on something, she would stick to it no matter what, even if it meant being covered in wounds.

*Hmm, with such a personality, if she met a shameless swindler, she would probably be scammed badly… It’s definitely safer to let her enter the palace. At least We have no ill intentions towards her and can protect her!*

Just as Jiang Chen was planning how to trick Yang Muxi, they arrived at their destination.

The carriage turned into a quiet alley with only one house, the front of which was filled with Xiang bamboo.

"Your Highness, I've arrived. You can drop me off here," Yang Muxi said, getting out of the carriage and gesturing to see him off.

Jiang Chen had anticipated this and made an excuse, "Sect Leader Yang, we've known each other for so long and can be considered friends. It's not appropriate to just chase me away like this, is it?"

Yang Muxi's expression faltered, and a hint of hesitation appeared in her beautiful eyes.

After all, Jiang Yan had sent her back. It would be rude to send him away directly, which would be against the etiquette of hospitality.

After a moment of thought, Yang Muxi said decisively, "Alright, come in then."

"But let me make it clear, you can't stay here for too long. I'll make you a cup of tea, and you'll leave after you finish it."

Jiang Chen nodded, entering with a smile, his gaze towards Yang Muxi carrying a hint of passion.

*Now that he's inside, when he leaves is up to him.*

Yang Muxi felt uncomfortable under Jiang Chen's gaze and quickly opened the door, wanting to send this uninvited guest away as soon as possible.

Jiang Chen followed behind her, slowly entering the small courtyard, while the guards around him stayed at the entrance under his instructions.

Inside the main hall of the courtyard.

The two sat facing each other at a table, with two cups of tea placed between them.

"Jiang Yan, I don't have much, and the tea in my house is just something I bought casually. If you're not used to it, you don't have to force yourself."

"It's fine, this prince is not a pretentious person." Jiang Chen winked at Yang Muxi, a mischievous smile on his lips, "Besides, tea brewed by the Great Sect Leader Yang herself is hard to find in this world, how could this prince not cherish it?"

Hearing this, Yang Muxi's fair ears instantly turned red under her hair, but she didn't show it on her face, still looking aloof and refined.

She said crisply, "Why are you becoming more and more glib? Drink quickly, and leave after you finish."

"It's getting late, and it's not appropriate for us to be alone in the same room."

Jiang Chen raised his eyebrows, ignoring Yang Muxi's urging, looking around without any intention of leaving.

"Your house is too simple, can you live comfortably? This prince will have some furniture sent over tomorrow, okay?"

Yang Muxi was stunned for a moment, then softly declined, "No need, I am a cultivator, and I don't care about these material things."

Jiang Chen couldn't accept this explanation and wanted to persuade her further when he heard Yang Muxi say again:

"Jiang Yan, you are a royal nobleman, growing up in luxury, but there are very few people in this world like you."

"I, and many more poor people, live like this, so you don't need to do these unnecessary things."

"If you really have so much money that you can squander it, I would rather you use it to help those who are truly in need, rather than using it on me."

Jiang Chen frowned and said directly, "You seem to be a little resistant to my kindness, is it because of my status as a prince?"

Yang Muxi showed a faint smile and shook her head, "It's not like that."

"I just think that you people in high positions, your food, clothing, housing, and transportation are all supported by the people, so you should do your best to repay the people."

"Instead of squandering wealth and ignoring the suffering of the people."

"So, I'm not resistant to your kindness, but I don't like people abusing their power and squandering wantonly."

After speaking, Yang Muxi seemed afraid of hurting Jiang Chen and quickly added, "Of course, you are different!"

"What I just said is not..."

But before she could finish, Jiang Chen at the table suddenly approached, aggressively grabbing her snow-white wrist, his eyes burning, "I'm different? How am I different?"

Yang Muxi felt ashamed, the burning temperature of their skin touching made her panic.

Avoiding his gaze, she said, "You, drink quickly, and leave after you finish."

"These messy questions, I, I refuse to answer."

"You're already chasing me away?" A dangerous glint flashed in Jiang Chen's eyes.

Yang Muxi didn't see it, putting on a cold appearance, "Of course, I live alone, it's not convenient for you to stay longer."

"Well, alright then." Jiang Chen released her wrist, thinking that he couldn't push her too hard, and slowly stood up, taking out a wooden box from his sleeve.

His tone was exceptionally gentle, "This is a jade hairpin I specially carved for you. I did everything from selecting the material to shaping it. Open it and see if you like it."

A look of surprise flashed across Yang Muxi's beautiful eyes. She stood there, somewhat at a loss.

As the number one beauty in Yu Province, she had quite a few pursuers around her.

Young masters from prestigious families, famous figures in the martial world, noble officials… The men who wanted to win her heart could line up from the south of the city to the north, and the gifts they sent were rare treasures that ordinary people could hardly see, worth a lot.

But this was the first time she had received a handmade gift, especially from someone with such a remarkable status.

She froze in place, not reacting for a long time.

Seeing that she didn't speak, Jiang Chen forcefully placed the box in her hand, then, like a magician, conjured a light blue flower from behind his back.

He laughed loudly, "I picked this from the courtyard just now, I'll give it to you too."

Yang Muxi didn't dare to meet Jiang Chen's eyes at this moment, her cheeks flushed, "You, what do you mean by this?"

"Giving flowers to a beautiful woman, this is a wonderful thing!" Jiang Chen said with a smile.

Yang Muxi instantly lost her composure, feeling that the wooden box in her hand was starting to burn, and said in a panic:

"You, I'll give it back to you, I don't want any of these!"

Jiang Chen firmly held her hand, pretending to be hurt, and said decisively, "There's no such thing as taking back a gift that's been given!

"Moreover, this jade hairpin was made for you, no one else is qualified to use it. If you really don't like this jade hairpin, just smash it!"

"My heart, once given, will never be withdrawn!"

Jiang Chen's words made Yang Muxi's heart beat wildly, and her attitude softened instantly...