Chapter 287: The Test - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 287: The Test

With so many people present, just as she was about to refuse, Yang Zhao stepped forward and 'dragged' her second brother away, while Doctor Zhang was also pulled out by Aunt Zhang, who was covering her mouth and laughing.

Although she knew they wouldn’t be too far away, the thought of being alone with Xiao Tingyi in the same room made her extremely uncomfortable.

“Your Highness, what is this about?”

There was a hint of displeasure in her tone, which Xiao Tingyi noticed.

“You’re displeased? Is it because you’re alone with me?”

“Your Highness is joking. It’s not really being alone. My second brother is still outside.”

In the Eastern Capital, many men and women wished to establish a connection with Prince Ding, but she was unwilling.

Aside from that, she had waited for the Wen family to be destroyed, and she did not want any disruptions now.

She lowered her head slightly, looking like she was waiting for a scolding, and was much more restrained than when she had been tugging at Feng Jinlin’s sleeve earlier.

Xiao Tingyi smiled faintly, and then he recalled something.

Suddenly, he asked, “When did you have a feud with the Wen family?”

His certain tone made Feng Jinyao gasp. How did he know about this?

She felt a pang of panic, reflecting on past events, and the accumulation of coincidences seemed to indicate deliberate arrangement.

No wonder the Wen family’s downfall had been exposed and dealt with so quickly and thoroughly.

It was clear that this person was involved!

Suddenly, she realized and looked directly at Xiao Tingyi for the first time.

“So, did Your Highness have a hand in the Wen family’s downfall?”

“Yes.”

His answer was very straightforward, which made Feng Jinyao seem a bit petty for not showing her true self.

Xiao Tingyi looked back at her. Her eyes were very beautiful, clear and lively.

However, the fear and suspicion in her gaze puzzled him.

He had only briefly encountered her a few times and had never shown any intimidating demeanor. Why was she so afraid of him?

In fact, there seemed to be an inclination to escape!

Xiao Tingyi could never understand this.

In his view, noble women were either delicate or dignified, but she seemed to harbor great resentment and hostility, especially regarding the Wen family affair. The fluorescent powder didn’t seem to be an accident.

Thinking of this, Xiao Tingyi continued, “You need not worry that I will betray you. On the matter of the Wen family, we are in the same boat.”

Feng Jinyao was helpless. She wasn’t worried that Prince Ding would betray her, but rather that he might target her.

Although the Wen family affair was nearing its end, the Liang family, the Wei family, and the Ninth Prince all had blood on their hands, including Princess Changlin!

Her path was destined to be difficult and could not afford any mistakes.

Being entangled with such a major figure was not a good thing for her plans.

After a pause, she replied, “Your Highness is overthinking. I just accidentally got some fluorescent powder on the hand strap. I wasn’t involved in the corruption nor in exposing it. I am merely a daughter of the inner court who wishes for a peaceful life. I do not deserve Your Highness’s concern.”

As for being in the same boat, she had no interest in competing for official positions at the court, so why should she join his boat?

“You are quite stubborn. It’s alright. One day you will be willing to discuss this matter with me.”

His assertive tone left Feng Jinyao momentarily speechless, unable to understand why Prince Ding had kept her here for this conversation.

“There’s one more thing I need to remind you today. Be cautious with the Wei family. The Duke of Wei is not a fool like Wen Jingsong. If you’re careless, the Wei family’s counterattack will be difficult to handle.”

His words carried concern and advice, but to Feng Jinyao, they sounded somewhat harsh.

Having been reborn, she was no longer the timid person she once was. She knew the importance of planning carefully and was not in a hurry to deal with the Wei family. However, Prince Ding’s remarks seemed to imply that her abilities were insufficient and that she should avoid provoking the Wei family.

Thus, Feng Jinyao, who already intended to stay away from Prince Ding, grew increasingly displeased.

But she still had to maintain a respectful demeanor.

She respectfully addressed Xiao Tingyi, “Your Highness is right.”

Her obsequious demeanor made Xiao Tingyi even more interested.

Given their siblings’ personalities, they were all inquisitive. He had methods to make Feng Jinlin and Feng Jinxiu comply, but with Feng Jinyao, he could only offer gentle persuasion.

Firstly, they were not subordinate relationships, making it difficult to issue direct orders.

Secondly, he did not want to give Feng Jinyao the impression of being coerced, as it was not beneficial for future relations.

However, his words, coupled with his usual cold tone, did not convey this to Feng Jinyao.

One side wanted to speak but could not find the right topic, while the other wanted to evade and did not cooperate.

Thus, the awkward conversation came to an end. The siblings left with displeased expressions.

Aunt Zhang, seeing this scene, furrowed her brows and asked Xiao Tingyi, “Your Highness, what did you say to make the young lady so frightened? It seems she may never come here again.”

Xiao Tingyi was silent, contemplating Aunt Zhang’s words.

Had he really scared her?

It shouldn’t be the case!

How could a woman who could devise numerous ways to deal with enemies ten times stronger than her be frightened by a few words from him?

Doctor Zhang’s 'kind' reminder followed.

“Third Miss will soon come of age. I’ve heard that many families have already sent matchmakers to propose to her, but no agreement has been reached yet. If Your Highness is truly interested, you should act quickly. Otherwise, no one will leave any tea or food for you.”

When he heard the word 'proposal,' Xiao Tingyi paused in his tea-drinking and, without even lifting his eyelids, calmly instructed Yang Zhao.

“Find out which families are involved, and give them some trouble to keep them away from focusing on the Feng family.”

“Yes!” Yang Zhao replied, trying to suppress his laughter.

In fact, he need not worry. The Feng family still had two older brothers, especially Feng Jinlin, who had been keeping a close watch on his sister. When he was just dragged away, his eyes nearly shot fire.

The hostility was so intense that it felt like nothing could grow within a ten-mile radius.

Aunt Zhang sighed, “Your Highness, you should stop hiding behind the scenes and start engaging directly. Invite the young lady out for a walk or something. Get to know her better. If you keep this cold demeanor, even the best girl will be scared of you.”

Then she said to Doctor Zhang, “Stop just watching the prince’s drama. Aren’t you quite close with Third Miss? Let her come over more often. It would give her and the prince a chance to talk!”