Chapter 269: Chapter 270: Not as Pretty as You

Li Ji escorted the delegation to the guesthouse at Honglu Temple, specially designated for receiving foreign dignitaries, thus completing his mission.

He was about to take his leave when Princess Longzhu called out to stop him.

She wore a red cloak trimmed with white rabbit fur. Standing in the snow, she looked like a vibrant red plum blossom in full bloom.

By now, she had removed her veil, revealing an exquisite, beautiful face.

Her skin was fairer than snow, her nose was high-bridged, and her red lips were luscious. Her pair of emerald eyes, like the finest jade, sparkled with a vibrant light.

"Great General, thank you so much for your care along the journey. Without you, we would not have arrived in Shangjing so smoothly."

She spoke the official language of Great Zhou. Her accent was a little awkward, but because her voice was so pleasant, it was still very melodious to the ear.

Li Ji glanced at her, his expression cold and indifferent.

"I was merely following orders. Besides, I am no longer the Great General."

Princess Longzhu gave a charmingly innocent smile. "But in my heart, you will always be the Great General of the Great Zhou Dynasty."

Li Ji couldn’t be bothered with her any longer and simply turned and walked away.

Princess Longzhu watched him leave, her gaze lingering on his departing figure for a long time.

Only when he was completely out of sight did she reluctantly retract her gaze.

The maid had clearly discerned Princess Longzhu’s intentions and reminded her in a low voice.

"Your Highness, Prince Zhao is already married."

Princess Longzhu smiled, unconcerned. "So what? Even if he’s married, he can still divorce his wife." 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

The maid hesitated. "But the King’s intention was for you to form a marriage alliance with the Emperor of Great Zhou..."

Princess Longzhu replied, "My uncle’s goal is a marriage alliance. As long as that goal is achieved, what difference does it make whether I marry the Emperor of Great Zhou or Prince Zhao?"

She was the biological niece of the King of Xiliang and was greatly adored by him, having been pampered and spoiled since childhood.

Her superior birth, combined with her stunning looks, ensured she was doted upon. In the Western Liang Country, nearly everyone gave her whatever she wanted.

Whatever she wanted, she got.

Despite her words, the maid was still worried.

"I’ve heard that Prince Zhao is vicious and cruel, perverse and arrogant, moody and unpredictable. He’s said to be an extremely difficult man to get along with."

"If you really marry him, your life might not be easy."

Princess Longzhu let out a small laugh. "That’s all just one-sided gossip. I, on the other hand, think Prince Zhao is wonderful. I like him a great deal."

’Things that are too easily obtained are no fun.’

’The harder he is to approach, the more interested I become.’

...

After Li Ji returned to the Prince Zhao Mansion, the first thing he did was ask Hua Manman to give him back the bright green pouch.

Hua Manman watched him put the green pouch away with great care and asked with a peculiar expression.

"Do you really like this pouch that much?"

Li Ji said matter-of-factly.

"It is, after all, the first birthday gift you’ve ever given me. Even if it’s a little ugly, it’s still very meaningful."

Hua Manman: "..."

’Still... why did he have to point out that it was ugly?’

She held out her hand. "What about my handkerchief? You should give it back to me."

But Li Ji pretended not to hear and turned to walk away.

"I’ve been traveling for so long. I’m going to take a bath and change."

Hua Manman went forward and grabbed his sleeve. "My handkerchief? You didn’t lose it, did you?"

Li Ji glanced down at the sleeve she was holding and gave an enigmatic smile.

"Why are you holding on to me? Don’t tell me you want to bathe with me?"

Hua Manman immediately let go. "Of course not!"

Li Ji took the opportunity to slip away and quickly walked out.

In the end, he never returned the handkerchief to Hua Manman.

Hua Manman was furious.

’That damn dog of a man! To think he’d even keep my handkerchief for himself. He’s the worst!’

Her eyes darted as an idea struck her. She scurried over to open the luggage Li Ji had brought back, trying to find her handkerchief inside.

In the end, she didn’t find the handkerchief. Instead, she found a pile of miscellaneous junk: some specialty snacks she had never seen, fabrics in bizarre colors, and even two R-rated storybooks with illustrations of "fairies fighting."

When Li Ji returned from his bath and saw that she had rummaged through everything, he took the initiative to explain.

"I bought all this on my way back. They’re souvenirs for you."

Hua Manman held up the two risqué storybooks. "These can be considered souvenirs?"

Li Ji showed no shame at being caught with pornographic novels, saying quite openly...

"I was worried you wouldn’t know what to do, so I bought a couple of books for you. This way you won’t be at a loss when it’s time to consummate our marriage."

Hua Manman felt that he was underestimating her.

She puffed out her chest and said fiercely.

"Who are you looking down on? I know everything, even without reading these books!"

The moment the words left her mouth, she realized what she had just said, and her face instantly flushed beet red.

The corners of Li Ji’s mouth lifted, his smile deepening. "Well, that’s just perfect~"

Mortified, Hua Manman dropped the books and fled in a panic.

’That dog of a man is absolutely shameless! All he thinks about all day is lewd things.’

To welcome the Xiliang Delegation, the Emperor was holding a reception banquet at the palace that evening.

Prince Zhao was, of course, among those invited.

He changed into his crown robe, and went with Hua Manman to the palace for the banquet.

They arrived rather early. Many seats were still empty, and a few scattered guests were chatting quietly with acquaintances.

Hua Manman leaned close to Li Ji’s ear and whispered gossip.

"I heard that the Xiliang Delegation brought along a certain Princess Longzhu, known as the ’Desert Pearl’."

Li Ji wasn’t interested in Princess Longzhu, but he greatly enjoyed the sensation of Hua Manman whispering in his ear.

So, he pretended to be interested and deliberately leaned in closer.

Hua Manman’s lips nearly brushed against his ear, and the warm puff of her breath made him instinctively narrow his eyes like a lazy, contented cat.

Li Ji: "That’s right."

Hua Manman asked curiously.

"You must have met Princess Longzhu, right? Is she really as beautiful as they say?"

Li Ji said casually, "She’s alright. Not as pretty as you."

Hua Manman’s face flushed, a mix of delight and embarrassment.

"You flatter me."

Li Ji: "I’m serious. You’re much more beautiful than she is. This so-called ’Desert Pearl’ is just a name the ignorant West Liang people came up with."

Hua Manman knew he held no goodwill toward the West Liang people, and she couldn’t help but chuckle at his words.

"When the West Liang people arrive, you’d better not say that. It could affect the diplomatic relations between our two nations."

Seeing her smile, her eyes crinkling into crescents and two shallow dimples appearing beside her lips, he thought she was incredibly cute.

The sight made Li Ji’s heart stir.

He said suddenly, "Your hair seems to be a mess."

Hua Manman immediately raised a hand to her hair.

"Where is it messy?"

Li Ji said, "You can’t see it. Let me get it for you."

He reached out to touch her hair bun. His wide sleeve fell, conveniently blocking everyone else’s view.

He seized the opportunity to lean in and plant a soft kiss on one of her cute little dimples.