Killer Queen + 18

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Before Xiao Li could even react, a loud, clear voice rang out from the entrance:"Prime Minister, you haven't been in here for quite a while—don't tell me you've got new guests again?"

Xiao Li mentally sighed. Ugh, speak of the devil...

A whole group of ridiculously good-looking men—what, six, seven, maybe even eight?—had suddenly appeared and surrounded both Lord Yuwen and her before she could even blink.

The one walking at the front was a young man dressed in elegant blue robes, with sharp, handsome features and a strong, heroic presence.

Huangfu Haobo?

That name popped into Xiao Li's mind the moment she saw him. She knew instinctively it came from her own subconscious—well, technically, from the original Xiao Li's memories, which were hers now too.

His sword-like brows arched sharply toward his temples, and his hawk-like eyes were piercing. The second he laid eyes on Xiao Li, a strange gleam lit up in them.

But before Huangfu Haobo could say anything, someone behind him had already squeezed up next to the Prime Minister.

"Whoa—Prime Minister! This stunning beauty looks like a fairy descended from heaven. Who is she? Which noble family is she from?"

Lord Yuwen narrowed his eyes with a fox-like grin."Haha! You boys arrived at just the right time. Why don't I introduce you all?"

"Much appreciated, Prime Minister! Come on, don't keep us in suspense!"Apparently, even these so-called royal princes were just a bunch of nosy gossips. Couldn't they at least try to be subtle?

And this Lord Yuwen—what was his deal? Xiao Li wasn't even his daughter! Why was he so eager to push her toward these guys?

Of course, he couldn't hear what she was thinking. His old face was practically blooming like a chrysanthemum with that smile of his.

"Come here, my dear niece." He beckoned her over and then turned to the group of princes."Gentlemen, this lovely young lady beside me is none other than the treasured daughter of General Xiao Chao, the great commander of our Anjiang army."

"What? She's that General Xiao's daughter?"The group instantly erupted into a noisy mess of chatter and exclamations.

But Xiao Li had no way to escape. Bracing herself, she forced a stiff, polite smile and gave a formal curtsey."Xiao Li greets Your Highnesses."

"Wow, Lady Xiao really is breathtaking—absolutely drop-dead gorgeous!"One of the handsome young men in blue stepped forward."If Lady Xiao doesn't mind, maybe we could be friends? What do you say?"This guy—clearly the Fifth Prince—wasn't shy at all.

But before Xiao Li could answer, another prince squeezed in front of her.

He flashed her a charming smile, eyes twinkling like he was already imagining their wedding:"Tell me, Lady Xiao—is there someone in your heart already? If not, maybe I should go speak to Father and just have you marry me, what do you say?"

"Seventh Brother, stop being so rude! Can't you behave yourself in front of a lady?"Finally, someone with a bit of authority—Huangfu Haobo, the Prince of Wu—spoke up and immediately shut everyone up.

Xiao Li raised an eyebrow and looked over just in time to see Huangfu Haobo push through the crowd and stop in front of her."Miss Li'er, long time no see."

His warm smile gave Xiao Li the creeps. But considering the situation, she couldn't exactly insult him outright. So she returned the greeting politely:"Xiao Li greets the Prince of Wu."

Huangfu Haobo smiled even more kindly."No need to be so formal, Miss Li'er. We're friends, aren't we?"

Friend? Yeah right—like hell.Xiao Li silently cursed him, but on the outside, she kept up her fake smile."Your Highness flatters me."

Honestly, chatting with a guy like this and pretending to be friendly? Exhausting. Xiao Li figured it was time to make her escape.

She bowed again and said,"If Your Highnesses don't need anything else, I'll take my leave now."

But of course, Huangfu Haobo wasn't going to let her go that easily."Miss Li'er, are you in a hurry? Why the rush?"

Xiao Li replied with a polite smile,"I came here today just to visit Sister Ruoxue and Miss A'cai, that's all. So if Your Highnesses will excuse me..."Then she turned to Lord Yuwen."Uncle Yuwen, would that be alright?"

Seeing she was asking to visit his daughters again, Lord Yuwen couldn't very well stop her. He nodded."Of course, of course! Ruoxue and A'cai have been talking about you for days. They'll be so happy to see you."

"Oh? So Miss Li'er came to visit the two cousins too?"Huangfu Haobo chimed in again."What a coincidence—we came today for the same reason."

He turned to Lord Yuwen and bowed slightly."Since we're all here, why don't we go together to visit them?"

Lord Yuwen laughed."Excellent suggestion, Prince of Wu! Everyone, come with me to the inner courtyard."

In the inner courtyard, Madam Yuwen had already brought out her daughters, Ruoxue and A'cai, to greet the guests.

After the usual polite small talk, the two sisters stepped forward and curtsied."Ruoxue (A'cai) greets the Prince of Wu and Your Highnesses."

Huangfu Haobo gently helped them up with a smile."No need to be so formal. We're all family."Then he walked over to Madam Yuwen and bowed."Your nephew greets Royal Aunt."

It was only then that Xiao Li realized—Wait, Madam Yuwen is the emperor's own sister? That makes Lord Yuwen actual royalty too! No wonder the whole house is crawling with princes today.

Despite the high status of everyone present, it was still a private gathering, so the atmosphere quickly turned cheerful and relaxed.

Ruoxue was quiet and demure, sitting beside Huangfu Haobo and nibbling on snacks. A'cai, on the other hand, was the life of the party—her laughter ringing out wherever she went, fluttering through the crowd like a colorful butterfly.

But after a while, Xiao Li noticed A'cai suddenly sighed.

"Huh? Why's our cheerful A'cai sighing all of a sudden?"Before Xiao Li could ask, the blue-robed Fifth Prince jumped in."Tell me what's wrong. Did someone bully you? If they did, just say the word—I'll take care of it!"

A'cai chuckled."You're funny, Fifth Brother. Who would dare bully me in Lingjiang City?"

"Then what's got you down?" Seventh Prince joined in.

A'cai frowned."I'm just sad that even though all you royal cousins managed to come over today, the First, Third, and Fourth Princes are still missing. It's so hard to see them even once a year..."

Huangfu Haobo laughed."Ah, so that's what it is. You know the First Brother's health is fragile. As for Third Brother, he's rarely in the capital. And Fourth Brother—he actually was supposed to come today. But this morning, Father had an urgent matter and sent him out to handle it."

A'cai pouted."Why'd Uncle have to assign something to him today of all days? He could've come and had fun with us too!"

Huangfu Haobo grinned."I know you two are close. Don't worry, he'll make time to visit you another day."

Xiao Li smiled at A'cai."Really, A'cai? You're upset over that? Weren't there plenty of people who came to visit you today? You've completely ignored me since I got here! Don't tell me you're the type who ditches your friends for cute guys?"

A'cai's face turned red, but she shot back,"You brat! Talking nonsense again! I should teach you a lesson!"She ran over with a mischievous grin, ready to start a playful fight.

"Stop right there!" Xiao Li waved her hands."Hey, hey, I surrender, okay? I just recovered from my injuries—don't go roughing me up again!"

"You were injured?" Huangfu Haobo's reaction was immediate."What happened? Are you alright now?"

Xiao Li instantly regretted her big mouth.Why did I say that out loud...?

But her regret didn't stop A'cai from getting excited.

"Oh! Second Cousin, you haven't heard, have you? If it hadn't been for A'li that day, my sister and I might've lost our lives!"

"A'cai, don't exaggerate..." Xiao Li tried to stop her.

But A'cai pouted."It's true! I'm not making anything up!"

"Wait, what happened? Tell us the story!"The princes were all curious now.

"Yeah! Come on, tell us!"

A'cai was a great storyteller. She launched into the tale, complete with dramatic flair and extra details, making the whole Phoenix Mountain incident sound even more intense.

By the time she finished, the royal cousins were gasping and murmuring in awe. Xiao Li's bravery and quick thinking had clearly left a deep impression.

Huangfu Haobo looked at Xiao Li, eyes darker and more thoughtful than ever.

He raised his teacup and stood."I never imagined Miss Li'er was so courageous. You've certainly earned my respect."

Xiao Li stayed composed, even though his interest in her was obvious."You flatter me, Your Highness. I only did what I could. In the end, I wasn't able to stop Ruoxue and A'cai from going through such a terrible ordeal."

"No way! Don't say that!" A'cai jumped in again."If you hadn't acted so fast and cut the reins, we might not even be here right now, laughing together like this."

"....."