The sudden situation left Xiao You stunned. When he saw it was Helian Duo, he wanted to explain, but another kick came straight at his face. He was kicked over, feeling his head spinning.
The soldiers nearby were all dumbfounded and didn't dare to step forward to stop Helian Duo. Some even made way for him so that he could beat Xiao You more conveniently.
Seeing this, Xiao Qi quickly shouted, "What are you all doing? Hurry up and stop the prince! Go and stop him!"
The soldiers would never listen to Xiao Qi and stop the regent. Only those who wanted to die would dare to do so.
"Your Highness, please stop. Spare him. Don't beat him anymore. One more blow and he'll die," Xiao Qi said anxiously with red - rimmed eyes.
Although Xiao You was her distant cousin, he was the only son in his family. If he died because of this incident, the blame would surely be placed on her.
Helian Duo vented his anger. Xiao You was beaten beyond recognition, lying on the ground moaning with a bruised and swollen face. The surrounding soldiers just dared to watch and no one dared to help Xiao You up.
The continuous moans made Cheng Xiran in the carriage tremble. She was very curious about what was going on outside. Just as she was about to lift the curtain to take a look, Helian Duo stepped into the carriage before her.
Helian Duo looked at her with a cold face, then took off his outer robe. Cheng Xiran stepped back and shrank to the innermost part of the carriage, saying, "No, I can't wear your clothes."
Helian Duo frowned and said, "If you don't want to wear mine, whose do you want to wear? In your current state, how can you enter the mansion even if you reach the gate?"
Cheng Xiran still stubbornly shook her head and said, "If I cover myself for a while longer, my clothes will dry. It's okay. You don't need to worry about me."
"Why didn't you say such things when you chased after me and insisted on getting my clothes back then? But now you're acting so coy. Who are you doing this for?" Helian Duo was really annoyed by her words and deeds.
Cheng Xiran remained silent. Those actions weren't done by her. What did it matter to her? It had taken a lot of effort just to clear her name. If people saw her getting out of the carriage wearing Helian Duo's clothes, there would surely be a lot of gossips. She didn't want to waste more time clearing her name again.
Seeing her silent, Helian Duo got even angrier. He leaned forward and tried to tear her clothes. Cheng Xiran was shocked and quickly reached out her hands to push him away. "What are you doing? Are you going to force me?"
Helian Duo pinned her down on the carriage and looked at her coldly, asking, "Don't force me to do this."
Me? He called himself "Me"? Was he really going to force her?
Cheng Xiran was a bit panicked. She looked up at his face so close to hers. There was a look in his eyes that she couldn't understand, and she felt strange.
Suddenly, Helian Duo exerted force and tore open her outer robe. Her fair skin was exposed, and her slightly trembling shoulders made her look even more delicate and pitiful.
Cheng Xiran was really angry this time. Even as a modern person, she had never been bullied like this. She raised her hand and slapped Helian Duo on the cheek.
Helian Duo's face was turned to the side by the slap. He stuck out his tongue and pressed against the inside of his cheek where he had been hit. His eyes were filled with anger when he looked at Cheng Xiran.
"Helian Duo, let me tell you, I've long lost interest in you. If you're still so rude, it won't just be a slap," Cheng Xiran said in a panic, covering her chest.
Helian Duo had never been threatened before. He cared more about what Cheng Xiran had just said. He leaned over her, pinning her hands above her head, and lowered his head to kiss her lips.