When Nangong Yu entered the west courtyard with his men, Xiao Man was playing chess with Wen Mohan by candlelight in the pavilion. Second Miss Xiao Xiang was also nearby, occasionally refilling their tea, her affection for Wen Mohan subtly revealed.
Unfortunately, Wen Mohan's entire focus was on the chessboard, oblivious to the lady's tender gaze.
"Young Master Wen, are you sure you want to play there?" Xiao Man asked softly.
Wen Mohan nodded. "No regrets once the piece is placed."
Nangong Yu and his entourage approached the pavilion. Xiao Xiang was the first to spot Nangong Yu and quickly rose to bow. "Greetings, Your Highness the Prince of Qin."
Wen Mohan and Xiao Man rose in unison to bow. "Greetings, Your Highness the Prince of Qin."
Nangong Yu glanced at the chessboard. The game was nearing its end, indicating they had been playing for some time. A small red clay stove nearby was still heating water, the kettle emitting a bubbling sound.
Seeing Xiao Man and Wen Mohan playing chess late at night, he felt a surge of irritation.
"The melon field and the plum tree – don't you know how to avoid suspicion?" Nangong Yu asked Wen Mohan coldly.
Wen Mohan's expression shifted slightly. "Firstly, I am not alone in a room with the lady. Secondly, no improper actions have occurred. How can I be accused of not avoiding suspicion?"
Nangong Yu's icy gaze swept over Wen Mohan. Wen Mohan felt a chill down his spine but maintained a straight back, knowing he had done nothing wrong and had nothing to fear.
"As a man, you may not fear gossip, but it's different for women. If you tarnish a young lady's reputation, can you bear the consequences?" Nangong Yu asked pointedly.
Prime Minister Wen was known for his cunning, and this son was not to be trifled with. Why had he become so foolish lately?
Didn't he have a falling out with Xiao Man? Why was he sitting with her playing chess?
Wen Mohan seemed to realize something and looked at Xiao Man, his earlobes turning slightly red, though it wasn't noticeable in the dark. "If that were the case, this humble servant would come to propose marriage and protect her."
Hearing this, Xiao Xiang looked at Wen Mohan with delight, assuming he was speaking of her. After all, in her opinion, Xiao Man had no reputation to speak of! If Wen Mohan were to propose to her, her father and grandmother would surely agree, especially since she had long harbored feelings for him.
Nangong Yu's already displeased expression worsened upon hearing this. His heart felt heavy, as if something were stuck, causing him immense discomfort, akin to having his beloved possession snatched away. He clenched his fists and looked at Xiao Man.
"Did you go out tonight?" Nangong Yu asked, interrupting Xiao Man's reverie.
Xiao Xiang, thinking he was asking her, quickly replied, "No." She then saw Nangong Yu looking at Xiao Man.
Seeing Xiao Man lost in thought, she pinched her hard. Xiao Man winced in pain but merely frowned, looking at Xiao Xiang. "What are you doing? Have you no manners?"
"Eldest Sister, His Highness is asking you a question!" Xiao Xiang desperately wished she could slap Xiao Man. It was one thing to be arrogant and overbearing, but did she know who she was dealing with? If he decided to punish them, even their father couldn't help them!
Xiao Man finally turned to Nangong Yu. It was said that Prince Qin, Nangong Yu, was exceptionally handsome. She had thought his profile beautiful earlier that day, but now, up close, his face seemed ethereally beautiful, yet not effeminate. However, his complexion was pale, unlike during the day. Was he unwell?
"Is Your Highness feeling unwell? Your face is so pale."
Nangong Yu was slightly taken aback, a strange feeling washing over him that Xiao Man had noticed his discomfort at a glance.
"I am indeed unwell. Someone has trespassed onto my territory and injured me. We are currently searching for the audacious thief."
Nangong Yu's gaze fixed intently on Xiao Man. He suspected it was her. He slightly bent his head, trying to get closer to Xiao Man to smell if she had a familiar scent.
"Your Highness, please be mindful of your conduct!" Wen Mohan immediately stepped in front of Xiao Man, shielding her behind him.
Nangong Yu straightened up, his expression displeased. His deep, dark eyes pierced through Wen Mohan to gaze at Xiao Man, hiding behind him. The feeling of suffocation intensified, as if something was about to erupt. Especially seeing Xiao Man step back step by step, as if trying to escape, he pushed Wen Mohan aside and lunged for Xiao Man.
Xiao Man seemed startled and turned to flee. Nangong Yu managed to grab the fabric of her shoulder, and with a tearing sound, her garment was ripped from shoulder to back, exposing a large expanse of skin.
"Shameless!" Xiao Man cried out in shock. She spun around and slapped Nangong Yu across the face. The loud crack of the slap made everyone's heart jump.
Old Madam Xiao, alerted by the commotion, arrived just in time to see Prince Qin, Nangong Yu, ripping Xiao Man's clothes. Then, she saw Xiao Man slap Prince Qin without hesitation, her mouth agape in astonishment, unable to speak for a long time!
It wasn't until Wen Mohan took off his outer robe and draped it over Xiao Man, covering her exposed skin, that the old madam regained her senses.
"Please forgive Your Highness the Prince of Qin." Old Madam Xiao stepped forward to bow. This seemingly gentle Prince Qin was not easy to deal with. Without any backing, he had earned widespread respect through his own capabilities, a testament to his methods.
The old madam glanced at Xiao Man's torn clothing and the handprint on Prince Qin's face. Her eyelids twitched involuntarily, fearing that Prince Qin might vent his anger on the General's mansion. Xiao Man's death would be insignificant, but she couldn't let the entire General's mansion be implicated!
"I was investigating an assassin and have disturbed Old Madam and the young ladies of the General's mansion. I ask for your understanding."
Nangong Yu turned and left after speaking, still clutching the piece of fabric torn from Xiao Man's clothing. Xiao Man's shoulder bore no bite marks. If it wasn't her, then who was it?
Seeing that Prince Qin was not pursuing Xiao Man for her disrespect, Old Madam Xiao breathed a sigh of relief and glared fiercely at Xiao Man. "What did you do this time?"
"Old Madam, Eldest Miss did nothing." Wen Mohan began to explain, "It was Prince Qin..."
"Young Master Wen, this is the private quarters of the ladies of my General's mansion. Your presence here is inconvenient. I must ask you to leave." The old madam interrupted Wen Mohan, showing him the door.
Wen Mohan intended to explain for Xiao Man, but seeing Xiao Man shake her head slightly, he swallowed the words that were about to be spoken. "I have been presumptuous. This junior takes his leave."
As soon as Wen Mohan left, the old madam ordered the doors to be closed and led her people inside.
"Xiao Man, kneel!" the old madam commanded angrily.
Xiao Man knew she had greatly displeased the old madam and knelt obediently.
"Speak, why did you provoke Prince Qin?"
"Grandmother, your granddaughter did not provoke Prince Qin. I happened to encounter Young Master Wen. He heard my chess skills had improved and invited me for a game. Second Sister was also present, so we started a game with Young Master Wen. But before we could finish, His Highness Prince Qin arrived."
Xiao Man bit her lip, appearing wronged and unsure how to explain.