Chapter 49: A Barrage of Random Punches Overcomes Even the Master
This novel is translated and hosted only on Bcatranslation
If it were any ordinary woman of the inner court, witnessing the rage of Prince Carefree, she’d undoubtedly drop to her knees, trembling, and beg for forgiveness.
Yet Yu Zhi Yi, with calm grace, tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, a gentle smile playing on her lips. “Naturally, it was Your Highness who permitted me to rise.”
“When did this prince ever allow you to stand?” Prince Carefree snapped coldly.
Yu Zhi Yi replied with an air of innocence. “Word on the street says Prince Carefree is approachable, a champion of the people, treating everyone as equals—be they noble scholars or humble peddlers. It’s said you never misuse your princely authority to oppress, but rather, employ it to advocate for the people. Indeed, you’ve accomplished many deeds that have earned you praise among the common folk.”
“If you treat all people equally, Your Highness, it implies you see yourself as no different from me in status.”
“Of course, while you may think it unnecessary for me to bow, that is your perspective. For me, bowing is a matter of propriety.”
“And since it is not strictly required, it follows that I can rise whenever I please, don’t you think?”
This verbal maneuvering left Prince Carefree feeling thoroughly irked. He was all too aware of his reputation among the populace.
As a royal, crafting a positive image was laughably simple. A few gestures of humility—pardoning a commoner’s bow, smiling kindly in public—and the masses would shower him with adulation and gratitude.
It had never crossed his mind that this inner-court woman would exploit such a thing against him!
Faced with this, he could hardly retort, “It’s all just an act.” With no choice but to swallow this small defeat, he seethed inwardly.
He had come to stand up for You Bing Yue!
Failing to assert himself here felt like a slap to his dignity, as though his princely authority had been undermined. Narrowing his eyes, he glared icily at Yu Zhi Yi.
Hah!
You Bing Yue had spoken true—this woman was indeed calculating. And of all things, he despised such conniving people the most.
Immediately, he resolved to press the matter further. Let’s see if her schemes can withstand his next move. Moreover, it would test Du Zi Heng’s response.
If Du Zi Heng dared to step in on her behalf, Prince Carefree wouldn’t hesitate to take You Bing Yue away, forever denying them the chance to meet again.
In the past, he had stepped aside because You Bing Yue only had eyes for Du Zi Heng. Besides, Du Zi Heng’s character was dependable; Prince Carefree believed he could make her happy.
But if Du Zi Heng intended to side with that woman… it would prove his unreliability.
Before he could unleash his verbal strike, however, Yu Zhi Yi’s voice rang out first.
“Your Highness, were you trying to intimidate me just now?”
The malice emanating from Prince Carefree was so blatant that it was impossible for Yu Zhi Yi not to notice. Fortunately, she had prepared in advance last night; otherwise, she might truly have suffered a setback today.
The question was posed with such innocent directness that everyone in Radiant Harmony Courtyard was momentarily stunned. Du Zi Heng frowned slightly. “Zhi Yi, don’t speak recklessly. His Highness is not that kind of person.”
In truth…
He could clearly see that Prince Carefree was indeed standing up for You Bing Yue. But observing it was one thing; calling it out so bluntly was another. Prince Carefree’s spotless reputation made it impossible for him to admit to such behavior.
Sure enough, the prince’s voice turned icy. “Impudent!”
From beside him, You Bing Yue sneered coldly. “Not everyone is as malicious as you.”
Yu Zhi Yi’s clear gaze landed squarely on Prince Carefree. “If Your Highness wasn’t targeting me deliberately, why didn’t you hear my loud and clear greeting just now?”
“This prince didn’t hear it,” he replied, frowning.
This woman was absurd. An ordinary person faced with such a predicament would surely endure in silence. Even if he admitted to his petty behavior, what could she do about it?
But his impeccable reputation, especially in front of You Bing Yue, meant he absolutely could not confess to such pettiness.
Everyone knew he had purposely made things difficult for Yu Zhi Yi, yet none would dare acknowledge it—except for her.
Without caring whether he admitted it or not, Yu Zhi Yi pressed on with her scattershot strikes. “Why would Your Highness trouble me? We’ve never met before. We bear no grudges, past or present. Besides, you’re known for your noble character and wouldn’t harass a stranger without cause.”
“Yet here we are, with you inexplicably targeting me. When all other possibilities are ruled out, the most improbable one becomes the truth—you’re doing this for Miss You, aren’t you?”
Her cascade of logic left everyone stunned.
Prince Carefree, as though someone had laid bare his deepest motives, slammed the table. “Enough of your nonsense!”
“Oh?” Yu Zhi Yi’s tone grew lighter. “If I’m speaking nonsense, then please offer an explanation.”
She appeared poised to listen intently, but inwardly, she had already begun counting down.
Just as she reached “one,” a steady voice rang out. “Is what she says true?”
All eyes turned toward the voice. An elderly man dressed in a deep red robe trimmed with gold strode in briskly. Though his hair was white, his back was straight, and his piercing eyes shone with a tangible sharpness.
Prince Carefree’s face darkened. “Grandfather?”
Even Du Zi Heng, despite his injuries, forced himself to rise and bow.
Yu Zhi Yi stole a glance at the Marquis of Wu’an standing beside Duke Courage. The marquis met her gaze with a reassuring look, prompting her to lower her head and greet the duke. “Greetings, Your Grace.”
Duke Courage nodded slightly. “You may rise.”
Yu Zhi Yi stepped aside, ready to enjoy the show.
At twenty-two, Prince Carefree had long reached marriageable age. The imperial family had chosen his bride-to-be—Duke Courage’s youngest granddaughter, his cousin.
Two years ago, the wedding was set, but just one month prior, Prince Carefree had left Sheng Capital under the pretense of quelling bandits, effectively derailing the ceremony.
He only returned six months ago for the late Empress Dowager’s funeral. As mourning customs forbade weddings, he seized the opportunity to declare he would mourn for three years, extending his freedom—and his pursuit of You Bing Yue.
While admirable in his restraint, his dogged pursuit of You Bing Yue had turned into her current predicament with Yu Zhi Yi. If not for his role in this farce, Yu Zhi Yi might have applauded his dedication.
But as things stood…