Looking at the jade pendant that Qi Rong was rubbing in his hand, Crown Prince Qi Yu felt quite uncomfortable.
Even though he didn't know what had happened between the two of them in the past few days, he could tell that they were close. Whether it was arguing or bickering, it wasn't something he could easily get involved in.
"Uncle Seventh, you've worked hard on this disaster - relief mission."
Qi Yu stepped forward and respectfully bowed to Qi Rong.
The smile on Qi Rong's lips faded slightly. He cast a cold glance at Qi Yu with his eyes.
"I heard that the Crown Prince hasn't been idle either. He's almost become a regular guest at the Prime Minister's Mansion. I didn't know that the Crown Prince was so dedicated to state affairs."
Although Qi Rong had been away from the capital during this period, he often received reports from his secret guards and learned that Qi Yu often visited the Prime Minister's Mansion.
In the past, the Crown Prince always liked to travel and indulge in the beauty of mountains and rivers. He never cared about national affairs. His intentions were self - evident.
Having his thoughts exposed by Qi Rong, Qi Yu blushed slightly in embarrassment, but still openly admitted:
"I do have feelings for Yun Xi, but I don't intend to hide it. Going to the Prime Minister's Mansion is not just for personal feelings."
"After experiencing this snow disaster and seeing the sufferings of the common people, I realized my own weakness. So I want to learn from the Prime Minister how to be a good Crown Prince in the future!"
He was naturally indifferent and didn't crave power. So he always wanted to stay away from the court and live a carefree life.
However, after this snow disaster, he was protected by the ministers and stayed in the capital, while Uncle Seventh went to the dangerous northwest in his place. This made him feel ashamed.
It was only when he saw Yun Xi, a young lady in the boudoir, risking her life for the livelihood of the refugees outside the city, defying her father, and silently making so many hard efforts.
For him, it was like a wake - up call, making him extremely ashamed!
It was also Yun Xi who made him change his previous ideas and realize how heavy the responsibility on his shoulders was!
He truly admired and loved Yun Xi from the bottom of his heart and desperately wanted to marry her as his Crown Princess. However, apart from the title of Crown Prince, he didn't deserve her at all!
So he wanted to work hard and first become a man like Uncle Seventh, who could stand up to the sky and shoulder his due responsibilities!
Qi Yu was open and honest, but Qi Rong suddenly sneered. He stuffed the jade pendant into his collar, raised his voice slightly, and his tone was as cold as an ice cellar:
"I have no objection if you want to learn to be a wise king. But you must remember, Yun Xi is mine."
"Not only you, even if your father comes, he won't be able to take her away from me!"
Qi Rong's black eyes were deep. His sharp eyes, like those of a hawk staring at its prey, glowed with cold determination, which made people shiver.
In contrast, Qi Yu clearly felt the gap between them.
Although he didn't want to admit it, in front of this Uncle Seventh, who was about the same age as him, he was as naive as a young cub without sharp claws. While the other was already standing on the top of the mountain, a king looking down on the world!
However, when he thought of the beautiful figure that had flashed through his mind countless times, he was unwilling to give up!
Although he couldn't be as confident as Uncle Seventh, he didn't want to surrender without a fight either!
"Uncle Seventh, nothing is certain yet. We have the same chance. I won't let go!"
Facing Qi Rong's cold eyes, Qi Yu felt his chest surging.
Qi Rong snorted coldly, looked down at Qi Yu, and reached out to pat his shoulder:
"If you have the ability, come and snatch her!"
After saying that, he calmly turned around, jumped onto his horse, and his face was stern.
At present, among the royal family, Qi Yu was the only one who didn't bore him.
Because Qi Yu was different from Qi Hong. He was humble, low - key, and innocent. If he didn't get involved in power, he would surely be able to live a leisurely life.
But unfortunately, he occupied the position of the Crown Prince, the center of power. Now, he had unfortunately fallen in love with the same person as Qi Rong.
Thus, it was destined that they couldn't coexist!
After Qi Rong rode away, he went straight to the Xian Prince's Mansion. The guard Zhan Feng had been waiting at the door for a long time. When he saw Qi Rong, he quickly bowed and stepped forward:
"Your Highness, you're back."
Qi Rong dismounted. Just as Zhan Feng was about to take the food bag from Qi Rong's hand with both hands, Qi Rong kicked him in the chest!
"Your Highness?!"
Zhan Feng rolled on the ground and quickly got up on his knees, trembling. He didn't understand why his master was suddenly angry.
Qi Rong coldly glanced around at all the guards who had knelt down consciously. His cold eyes finally landed on Zhan Feng:
"Remember, this is your last chance. If you dare to do something you shouldn't do behind my back again, just get out!"
After saying this, Qi Rong strode away angrily, leaving Zhan Feng alone kneeling on the spot.
Suddenly remembering something, Zhan Feng gritted his teeth.
"Is it because of that woman again!"
He just worried that his master had just returned to the capital and might delay important matters because of that woman, so he sent someone to inform the Prime Minister's Mansion.
Who would have thought that his whole - heartedness would actually anger his master?
Although he didn't have a high birth, he was a guard trained by Lord Luo. As the number one guard in the mansion, even though his master was self - willed, he still gave him enough face in front of everyone.
However, since that woman appeared, he had been repeatedly warned by his master, which made him even more disgusted with Yun Xi from the Prime Minister's Mansion!
On the other hand, after Yun Xi was paraded through the streets by Qi Rong and then caught by her father, causing all those troubles, she finally returned to the Prime Minister's Mansion.
After returning to the mansion, Yun Sheng originally wanted to call his daughter to the main hall to ask about what had happened in those days. However, Yun Xi hurriedly said:
"Father, wait a moment. I'll go to the yard to see Yu Zhu first. She must be worried sick!"
After saying that, Yun Xi lifted her skirt and ran quickly towards her yard regardless of her image.
"Xi'er, run slowly!"
Looking at his daughter's hasty back, Yun Sheng shouted to remind her.
Suddenly remembering the injury on Yu Zhu, he couldn't help frowning, and then followed her.
After this near - death experience, Yun Xi increasingly felt the preciousness of life and more clearly realized what the most important people and things were in her life.
Thinking of Yu Zhu's anxiety in the past few days, Yun Xi ran faster and faster.
She thought that when she saw Yu Zhu, she must give her a big hug!
First, say sorry to Yu Zhu for letting her take risks with her; then tell Yu Zhu about her experiences in those days and how she had escaped tenaciously!
Yun Xi had a good plan, but after searching the room, she didn't find Yu Zhu's figure. She grabbed Hong Luo and asked, only to learn that:
Yu Zhu was actually injured!!
She was extremely anxious. Thinking that Yu Zhu had been injured by the bandits, she quickly ran to Yu Zhu's room.
Pushing open the door, she just saw a little maid walking out with a blood - stained piece of clothing. Yun Xi's heart skipped a beat, and her eyes turned red.
"Is Yu Zhu seriously injured? Where did those bandits hurt her?"
Yun Xi stood at the door, grabbed Hong Luo and asked, a little afraid to see the seriously injured Yu Zhu.
Hong Luo looked worried, but hearing Yun Xi's words, she was confused:
"What bandits? Miss, Yu Zhu was beaten by the old lady's people after returning to the mansion."