Chapter 207 – Shangguan Beiming Demands Little Hong

Chapter 207 - Shangguan Beiming Demands Little Hong

Shangguan Beiming nearly leaped up in surprise.

Little Hong? Such a common name for such a beautiful lady!

He took a deep breath and said, "Very well, this king understands!"

"Tell Sixth Brother when he returns that this king will come to see him tomorrow."

With that, Shangguan Beiming straightened his back and strode away with long strides.

Feng Xiyao picked up the teacup that the man had just drunk from and casually poured its contents into a flower pot.

"What a waste of such fine tea."

Just as she was lamenting, a maid from Liu Nianci's side entered and called her out.

Exiting the prince's residence, Liu Nianci cheerfully grabbed her hand.

"You're amazing! I followed your advice and showed attention to other men, and Beiyuan finally started paying attention to me. He was even jealous this morning!"

Feng Xiyao nodded in satisfaction.

"Not bad, not bad. Keep it up!"

Liu Nianci replied, "Of course. Today, Beiyuan even followed me for a while. It's the first time he's done that!"

At this, Feng Xiyao furrowed her brow. "Did he see you talking to another man?"

Liu Nianci awkwardly fidgeted with her hands.

"No, I was afraid he'd be jealous and ignore me, so I went to the lake alone. He followed me there."

"Funny..."

"You can't do that. You need to talk to other men to make him feel threatened. Then, he'll realize your worth and how much he needs you!"

Feng Xiyao pressed her lips together. "That won't work!"

Liu Nianci furrowed her brows in distress. "What should I do? He followed me the entire day today!"

Feng Xiyao's eyes darted around as she pondered for a while before speaking up.

"Forget it today. Remember to find another man to accompany you tomorrow. It'd be best if Shangguan Beiyuan sees you both laughing and chatting."

"Once he realizes that you're about to leave him, he'll naturally feel reluctant to let you go, and then he'll hold on to you tightly."

Liu Nianci nodded, seemingly grasping the idea. "Okay, I got it!"

Watching Liu Nianci climb into her carriage and depart, Feng Xiyao shook her head and sighed.

"Listen carefully to my advice, and Shangguan Beiyuan will be yours now!"

...

The following morning.

Shangguan Beiyuan intended to visit the Duchess's residence to check if Liu Nianci had sought out another man.

By chance, he bumped into Beiming right as he stepped out of the residence. Seeing him, Shangguan Beiyuan finally felt relieved; it seemed there was no longer any issue. Upon seeing Beiming, a smile couldn't be contained on his face. "What are you up to, Sixth Brother?" Shangguan Beiyuan grinned lightly. "Of course, I came out specially to welcome Third Brother since I knew you were visiting." "Still, you're the one who knows how to show respect!" Shangguan Beiyuan placed his hand on Beiming's shoulder and gave a cryptic smile. "Sixth Brother, I've taken a fancy to a maid in your residence. Can you give her to me?" "..." Shangguan Beiyuan frowned. The usually carefree and unrestrained Third Prince, who refused to marry no matter what their father the emperor said, now claimed to have fallen for a mere maid.

Wondering how his father would react, should he learn of this, Beiyuan imagined Beiming being stripped of his privileges.

Observing his silence, Shangguan Beiyuan assumed that Beiming was reluctant to part with Liu Nianci, causing him great anxiety.

"Rest assured, Third Brother won't take your person for free. Name your price, and I'll promptly instruct my men to deliver the payment."

Seeing how earnest Shangguan Beiyuan was, Beiming could only nod in agreement.

His consent was also rooted in the fact that if he were to find someone he liked, Liu Nianci would no longer cling to him.

How could he possibly be reluctant to part with mere servant girl?

"Considering we're all family, discussing money would strain our relations. If Third Brother desires her, just give me a word and I'll send her straight to your manor!"

Shangguan Beiming shook his head. He felt that the young lady wouldn't obediently comply; he had to come and fetch her himself.

The pair entered the mansion and proceeded to the reception hall.

Observing Shangguan Beiming's exhilarated expression, a glint flashed in Shangguan Beiyuan's eyes as the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

"Well then, Third Brother, speak up. Which maid in my household has caught your eye? I'll have the steward summon her."

"Right, right, right! Bring her over, her name is Little Hong!"

"Little... Hong?"

"Yes, that's right. She told me herself, her name is Little Hong!"

Shangguan Beiming wore a confident expression, his smile broadening.

"..."

This time, it was Shangguan Beiyuan who was perplexed. He repeated his question.

"Third Brother, you're sure her name is Little Hong?"

Noticing Shangguan Beiyuan's hesitation, Shangguan Beiming assumed he was reluctant to part with her. He quickly wiped the smile from his face.

"Why, is Sixth Brother too attached to let her go?"

"..."

Shangguan Beiyuan remained silent, instead summoning the butler. "Fetch... Little Hong!"

The butler bowed. "Yes, sir!"

Overwhelmed with joy, Shangguan Beiyuan failed to notice the peculiar gaze of the man beside him.

He patted Shangguan Beiyuan's shoulder, his smile radiant.

"I never expected that Sixth Brother would have such an extraordinary woman in your household, well hidden indeed!"

"..."

Recalling Little Hong, the corners of Shangguan Beiyuan's mouth twitched, forcing a chuckle.

"I would say that for Third Brother to have taken a liking to Little Hong, his taste is rather unique!"

Shangguan Beiyuan missed the underlying meaning in his words and continued to laugh, relaxed and content.

"Just don't compete with me for it."

Shangguan Beiyuan shook his head. "Absolutely not!"

As he spoke, the butler led in a woman who appeared to be around thirty, rather sturdy in build, and covered in freckles.

Shangguan Beiyuan glanced behind the two, but didn't see the person he was expecting. He furrowed his brows slightly.

Before he could voice his confusion, the butler bowed towards him.

"Third Prince, this is Little Hong!"

"..."

Shangguan Beiyuan gritted his teeth, grabbing the butler by the collar.

"You're trying to fool This King with anyone you find on the street? How could she possibly be Little Hong?!"

The butler, with his collar seized, wore a face full of fear.

"Third Prince, she is Little Hong!"

Observing his face turn ashen with anger, Shangguan Beiyuan held back his laughter and began to clarify.

"Third Brother, she truly is Little Hong, a maid in my household who tends to the fire!"

Shangguan Beiyuan released the butler and directed his gaze towards the woman named Little Hong.

"Do you really go by the name Little Hong?"

Instantly, Little Hong knelt down, "Third Prince, this servant's name really is Little Hong."

Initially, when she heard her master summon her, Little Hong assumed it was for a reward. She never expected the Third Prince to be so furious.

Shangguan Beiming said, "Sixth Brother, I wasn't looking for her. Does your estate have any other servants named Little Hong?"

"Steward, is there another one?"

The steward shook his head. "Sixth Highness, there's only one servant named Little Hong in our household."

"..."

Unwilling to accept this, Shangguan Beiming persisted, "Sixth Brother, you promised that woman to me. No matter what, you have to help me find her!"

It was the first time he had seen such urgency in his brother over a woman, and Shangguan Beiyuan did not wish to hinder his fate. Thus, he nodded in agreement.

He instructed the butler standing by, "Go and summon all the maids in the estate to the main hall."

...

In no time, all the maids in the household were assembled in the reception hall.

Shangguan Beiming knew for certain now that the little maid must have concocted a random name to deceive him yesterday. With everyone present, he was determined to see where she could possibly hide...