Killer Queen + 18

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Xiao Li knew right away—Yuwen Ruocai's little speech was going to get her into trouble.

And sure enough, it did.

This bunch of so-called princes? In modern times, they'd totally be your typical gossip guys.

Just the way they all surrounded her, chattering nonstop, almost made Xiao Li want to bolt. Thankfully, she wasn't some sheltered girl—after all, she'd had years of hardcore training. So even under their full-on verbal assault, she kept her cool. Barely, though.

But that wasn't the worst of it—they started egging her on.

"Hey, since Cousin Ruocai hyped you up so much, Miss Lier, why don't you show us what you've got? We'd love to see it for ourselves," said the Seventh Prince, always the instigator of the group.

And it wasn't just him. There were at least five or six others just like him in the bunch. Even Yuwen Ruocai, a girl herself, was acting more rowdy than any of the guys.

"Exactly! Come on, Lier, show them what we're made of. Otherwise, they'll keep thinking all noble ladies like us do is sit around embroidering and playing instruments."

The Seventh Prince laughed. "Hey now, Cousin, don't say that. We never said we look down on you girls. I actually think staying home and playing instruments or doing embroidery is pretty charming. Really adds to that feminine grace, y'know?"

"Hah! So you're saying our dear Lier here isn't feminine enough?" Ruocai snapped, glaring.

The Seventh Prince panicked and quickly covered his mouth. "My bad! I spoke out of turn. Sorry, Miss Lier, I didn't mean it!"

Xiao Li couldn't even be bothered to argue. She just smiled calmly. "Your Highness is straightforward and sincere—how could I possibly hold a grudge?"

At that moment, Prince Wu (Huangfu Haobo) stepped in to smooth things over. "Miss Lier is the daughter of a great general and grew up in a military camp. Of course she'd pick up some real skills. Isn't that right, Miss Lier?"

She couldn't dodge the situation anymore, so she smiled politely. "Just a few party tricks, hardly worth mentioning. You're too kind, Prince Wu."

"Well, let's see whether it's flattery or not after a quick demonstration," Prince Wu said cheerfully. "Why not show us a little something? I'm sure all of us would love to witness your talent."

The Seventh Prince laughed. "Hey now, Cousin, don't say that. We never said we look down on you girls. I actually think staying home and playing instruments or doing embroidery is pretty charming. Really adds to that feminine grace, y'know?"

"Hah! So you're saying our dear Lier here isn't feminine enough?" Ruocai snapped, glaring.

The Seventh Prince panicked and quickly covered his mouth. "My bad! I spoke out of turn. Sorry, Miss Lier, I didn't mean it!"

Xiao Li couldn't even be bothered to argue. She just smiled calmly. "Your Highness is straightforward and sincere—how could I possibly hold a grudge?"

At that moment, Prince Wu (Huangfu Haobo) stepped in to smooth things over. "Miss Lier is the daughter of a great general and grew up in a military camp. Of course she'd pick up some real skills. Isn't that right, Miss Lier?"

She couldn't dodge the situation anymore, so she smiled politely. "Just a few party tricks, hardly worth mentioning. You're too kind, Prince Wu."

"Well, let's see whether it's flattery or not after a quick demonstration," Prince Wu said cheerfully. "Why not show us a little something? I'm sure all of us would love to witness your talent."

As princes, they'd seen all kinds of dances—like Li Sai Jun's Butterflies Among Flowers, or the popular palace sword dances. These guys knew quality. Especially Prince Wu, Huangfu Haobo—he was both a scholar and a warrior, and knew music and dance as well. When he saw Xiao Li's performance, he was completely blown away.

Then came the applause.

Clap—clap clap… clap clap clap…

Suddenly the whole courtyard erupted with cheers and clapping.

"Brilliant! Miss Lier, that was amazing! Like a fairy descending from heaven!"

"That was incredible—so beautiful!"

Xiao Li just smiled lightly. "A small trick, nothing special. Glad you enjoyed it."

Before long, it was time for lunch. Even though it was just a family gathering, all the guests were royal, so the Prime Minister's estate had gone all out with the feast.

After the meal, everyone headed to the rear garden.

It was autumn, and most flowers were gone, but the chrysanthemums were still in full bloom. The group, slightly buzzed and very relaxed, strolled through the garden admiring the flowers. It was a lovely afternoon.

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, Xiao Li realized it was time to head home.

But as soon as she mentioned leaving, a bunch of the princes also decided to go.

The Prime Minister wanted to keep them, but Xiao Li was a young woman, and her father, General Xiao, had clearly said he wanted her home early. Plus, she'd come with a full entourage. So Yuwen the elder didn't insist.

The princes, on the other hand, were asked to stay by Yuwen's wife—their aunt. It had been hard to get them all together, so she wanted to enjoy their company while she could.

Naturally, none of them dared refuse their aunt.

So Xiao Li said her goodbyes and prepared to leave with her maids.

There was still a bit of a walk to the carriage, so the group chatted and laughed about the day's events at the Prime Minister's place.

Just then, Xiao Li heard fast footsteps behind her. Someone was running up quickly.

"Miss Lier, please wait! I have something to say to you in person." It was Huangfu Haobo.

This guy seriously had no shame—chasing her out like this? Xiao Li's expression darkened for a moment, though he didn't notice at all.

He rushed ahead and stood in front of her, blocking her path. "Miss Lier, please—just hear me out."

Then, right in front of everyone—Qinjian, Wang Zhong, all of them—he grabbed both of her hands.

Xiao Li frowned and tried to pull away, but he held on tight.

Her displeasure deepened. She spoke coldly, "If you have something to say, just say it. But grabbing someone like this in public? Don't you think it's a bit unworthy of your status? Please, show some respect."

Huangfu Haobo flushed slightly, but he still didn't let go. "Miss Lier, you misunderstand me. I'm speaking from the heart—I truly mean what I say."

He gazed at her beautiful face, aching to pull her into his arms.

"From the first time I met you, I was captivated. I've made my feelings clear more than once, but you keep dodging and never give me a straight answer."

Xiao Li almost burst out laughing.

This guy was unbelievable. The mighty Second Prince, Prince Wu, had skin thicker than armor. Dodging his feelings? Hadn't she rejected him multiple times already? What, did he think she was talking to the wind? If he lived in modern times, he'd totally be a walking red flag.

But Huangfu Haobo ignored her changing expressions and kept playing the love-struck fool.

"As long as you accept me, I swear—if I ever get to marry you, I'll never look at another woman again!"

Now Xiao Li really couldn't hold it in. She raised an eyebrow and gave a cold laugh. "Your Highness, that's quite the promise. I honestly don't think I can handle such… devotion."

"Miss Lier—" he started again, but just then he saw a woman approaching from behind Xiao Li.

"Cousin Haobo? Lier? What's going on here?" It was Yuwen Ruoxue, looking puzzled.

Huangfu Haobo looked flustered. "Ruoxue, I…"

Xiao Li seized the moment, yanking her hands free and smiling calmly. "Oh, Ruoxue! You came just in time. His Highness must be a little tipsy—he was saying all kinds of things I didn't quite understand. You'd better take him home to rest. I really should be going. Excuse me."

She turned and told Qinjian, "After spending the day at Ruoxue's, I bet Father and Mother are getting anxious. Let's hurry back."

Qinjian picked up the cue immediately. "Yes, Miss. Just before we left this morning, Madam reminded me several times to get you home before sunset."

She then stepped forward and bowed politely to Huangfu Haobo and Ruoxue. "Your Highness, Miss, thank you for your hospitality today. We're very grateful. But it's getting late—we'll take our leave."

Huangfu Haobo stood there awkwardly, lost for words. Ruoxue managed a faint smile. "Take care, Lier. I won't walk you out."

Qinjian bowed again. "Please stay, Your Highness, Miss."

Then she gently supported Xiao Li as the group made their way to the carriage waiting at the end of the street.

Huangfu Haobo watched her walk away, his face full of regret. Beside him, Yuwen Ruoxue stood quietly, her heart heavy.

"To me, you're a treasure… but to you, I'm just a weed."

Cousin Haobo, oh Cousin… how long will it take before you finally see how deeply I care for you?

But alas…

As she followed his gaze to Xiao Li's retreating figure, a shadow passed through Ruoxue's eyes.

"....."