Feng Lie shook his head with unrestrained energy, his dark hair brushing across his shoulders as it was tossed by the gentle breeze, his entire being exuding a captivating charm that dared not be approached. Liu Liu glanced at him, having to admit that both brothers of the Feng family were handsome, though their personalities left much to be desired.
Feng Xie was arrogant and unrivaled, while Feng Lie was ostentatious, looking down on everyone in the world.
Liu Liu sighed, wondering who in this world could tame these two magnificent steeds.
"Who in this world can catch my eye? Besides you, Liu'er," Feng Lie exaggeratedly made a gesture to tease Liu Liu. Liu Liu furrowed her delicate eyebrows and retorted.
"Then shall I ask the Emperor to betroth me to you?"
Feng Lie's gaze darkened, the momentary flash quickly returning to normal. But Liu Liu, so sensitive and proud, could not overlook the deep meaning in his eyes. A faint bitterness bloomed in her heart, accompanied by a surge of anger.
Bah, all crows are black. Men have always preferred beautiful women, regardless of the era. But what of it? Ever since she arrived in ancient times, she had never expected any man to love her wholeheartedly.
"Alright, if you are willing," Feng Lie replied with a smile.
Liu Liu's expression turned cold, disdain etched in her features. Even her tone was frigid. She glanced at Cui'er by the pavilion and sternly ordered, "Escort the Prince of Yan out."
"You? What do you mean?" Feng Lie was taken aback by Liu Liu's sudden change of demeanor. If there was anyone in the Fengtian Dynasty he respected, it was Liu Liu. Her tranquility, her disinterest in worldly affairs, and her character and wisdom, he believed no other woman in this world could match her.
As for the so-called most talented or most beautiful women of the capital, they were merely beautiful facades.
But men in this world were all muddled, and he was no exception. Though he admired her and found her rare qualities commendable, he couldn't fully accept such a woman.
"Go back, Prince of Yan. You mustn't tarnish your reputation," Liu Liu said with a faint smile, a hint of bitterness in her tone.
She had initially thought he was somewhat different, at least a little bit, and had considered continuing their acquaintance. Unexpectedly, he turned out to be just another flawed gem. A cold sneer touched her lips.
So, in his eyes, she was also an ugly woman. Like all men in the world, even if he admired her, he held her in contempt deep down.
"Why? You woman are too malicious. So many people greet me with smiles, yet you mock me with sarcasm," Feng Lie stood up angrily.
He had initially considered her a friend and had even thought of speaking well of her to his imperial brother later. To think this woman completely ignored him, infuriating him. A dignified Prince of Yan, when had he ever been reduced to such a state?
Liu Liu turned away and walked towards the pavilion. The garden was adorned with blooming flowers. It was a warm and fragrant season, yet she felt a chill. Was it disappointment in this man, or the sorrow of losing a friend?
"Because I will be your imperial brother's concubine in the future, so it's best to keep some distance," her cold, indifferent voice reached Feng Lie's ears.
His expression darkened further. In his life, he had rarely become friends with a woman, only to be so disliked by her. How unlucky. Yet, he still wanted to be friends with her. True friends were hard to find in life.
"My imperial brother won't stop us from being friends," Feng Lie still struggled. Even if she became his imperial brother's concubine, it wouldn't matter. She could still be his friend, Feng Lie's friend. Besides, his imperial brother might not even care about her, and perhaps he could offer her comfort later.
"Prince Yan, hurry back. Cui'er will see you out," Liu Liu's voice was even colder this time. Was there such a shameless man?
She had made her point so clearly, yet he lingered. Seeing her resolute attitude, Feng Lie's face turned ashen and hardened. As noble and proud as he was, this was the first time he had begged someone to be his friend, only to be rejected. A cold, alluring smile curved his lips.
"Liu Liu, you are truly inexplicable. From now on, even if you beg me to be your friend, I will never consider you one," he said, flicking his sleeve. His figure flickered and vanished, indicating his formidable martial arts skills.
Liu Si watched the sudden turn of events. Just a moment ago, the three of them were chatting and laughing, and in the next, they were exchanging harsh words. Her gaze fell upon her sister's lonely and slender figure, and her heart ached.
"Liu'er, Prince Yan is a very good person. How did you upset him? You know, after you enter the palace, you can ask him for help,"
"I don't need it, Sister. I don't need anyone's help. I am who I am. Liu Liu never needs help," Liu Liu proudly straightened her back and slowly turned around, her face blooming into a smile. Who said she was ugly? They simply didn't appreciate her beauty.
"Liu'er, why are you so stubborn? Sometimes, shedding tears in someone's embrace doesn't mean losing dignity," Liu Si advised her sister. Her sister had always been strong-willed, and she feared she would live a difficult life in the palace.
"Sister, let's go back. It's getting late. Look, the wind has picked up," Liu Liu didn't want to continue the conversation. She pointed to the sky outside. It was indeed getting late. Liu Si quickly stood up. She had promised her husband she would return. She looked up and bid farewell to Liu Liu.
"Sister, I'm leaving. Remember what I said. You have an aunt in the palace, so no one will dare to bully you. If they do, go find Aunt," Liu Si reminded her sister.
Liu Liu didn't want to worry her caring and loving sister, so she nodded in agreement. Turning, she instructed Cui'er, "Escort the Eldest Miss out."
"Yes, Miss," Cui'er curtsied and saw Liu Si and her maid out.
After her sister left, Liu Liu sat alone by the pavilion, gazing blankly at the vibrant flowers filling the garden. In this world, women were like brilliant flowers, yet after their bloom, they withered. Why should she endure those moments of brilliance? Tranquility was the true essence.
Liu Liu had a realization and her mood brightened. She took a deep breath of the floral fragrance in the air.
She would not allow anyone, especially a man, to affect her emotions.
When Cui'er returned to the garden pavilion, Liu Liu was smiling and admiring the flowers, toying with a rose in her hand. Cui'er couldn't help but sigh. She had grown accustomed to her young lady's capricious nature.
"Miss, let's go back," Cui'er reached out to help Liu Liu up. Liu Liu smiled and nodded, "Let's go back, the wind is a bit strong."
Is no one reading this? Why are there no votes? Move your little jade hands, or they'll turn ugly.
June 5th, the day the selected candidates were to enter the palace for the selection. Early in the morning, Liu Liu was pulled from her bed by Cui'er to get ready. Sleepy, she let Cui'er arrange her, washing and applying makeup. She chose a peach-pink long dress.
The sleeves were embroidered with light pink lotuses, outlined by green silk thread forming a few green leaves. The hem of the skirt was also embroidered with green lotus leaves, complementing each other, making her appear like a tender, delicate, and alluring lotus in the water, elegant and fragrant.