Chapter 164: Excessively Arrogant

Chapter 164: Excessively Arrogant

"You dare say that!" Prince Bei flew into a rage, rising abruptly from his chair with such force that it nearly toppled over.

His thick brows and bristling beard made him look particularly terrifying when enraged; the Third Princess had never seen him so furious before, and she was taken aback.

She didn't doubt for a moment that if she uttered another word, Prince Bei would charge forward and beat her senseless!

The Third Princess was so frightened that she failed to notice the murderous intent in the eyes of the man beside Su Youyue.

Prince Bei showed no hint of chivalry or tenderness, veins bulging on his forehead.

His fury was only partly due to Su Youyue being insulted; more so, it was because his dignity was being trampled upon.

Even Xie Yuan, who dared only to subtly save face for him, had this princess openly denounce the person he praised as a lowly servant—where did that leave his honor?

None of those present, including the palace maids behind the Third Princess—who had been replaced by the new emperor and were ostensibly serving but actually monitoring her—had any fondness for her. They watched her coldly, none willing to speak up to ease her predicament.

In recent days, the Third Princess had encountered many whose attitudes toward her had undergone a seismic shift. Yet, they refrained from outright abuse or humiliation due to her impending marriage alliance.

Due to her seemingly docile behavior, the newly powerful officials had spared her some face.

Until this moment, when her dignity was utterly trampled, and she couldn't retaliate—the humiliation and panic suddenly overwhelmed her. Her face turned ghastly pale, devoid of the former grace and splendor, even her jewelry failing to lend her any semblance of authority.

"Your Highness... I, I didn't say anything..."

Seeing everyone's eyes fixed on her, as if seeing through her, yet unwilling to offer assistance, the Third Princess was forced to speak.

But inwardly, she cursed.

All for the sake of a crippled servant! How dare Prince Bei show her such disrespect!

Seeing her silence, Prince Bei's anger subsided slightly, but he still glared at her. "Don't let me hear another word against Miss Su! Leave now, before you become an eyesore!"

Such a humiliating command left the Third Princess' complexion worsening, but she had dressed up today precisely because she refused to accept the fact that Prince Bei hadn't taken a fancy to her. She wanted to make him realize he had misjudged her and quickly agree to the marriage alliance.

She wasn't about to leave just yet.

Moreover, leaving now would only invite ridicule from Su Youyue!

Perhaps due to past grievances, the Third Princess preferred losing face in front of servants rather than appearing weak before Su Youyue.

So she persisted, "Your Highness, I came today because I heard of your love for fine cuisine. I specially prepared several famous desserts of our Great Sheng for you..."

Even if she wasn't the emperor's biological daughter, she was still recognized as a princess of Great Sheng. A princess personally cooking for someone should be enough to make them feel honored, shouldn't it?

After she spoke, Prince Bei seemed uninterested, not bothering to acknowledge her words.

The Third Princess felt embarrassed, barely managing to suppress her emotions. Just as she was about to speak again, she suddenly sensed a chilling gaze.

This gaze felt like a venomous snake slithering over one's body, causing fear and trepidation. It was like a fierce beast pressing down on one's spine, fixated on the vulnerable neck.

Instinctively, she looked over and saw Xie Yuan's face, causing her to take a step back in fright.

Just a few days ago, she had witnessed Xie Yuan looking at her with that same cold gaze, ordering her trusted aides to be brutally beaten and then discarded on Wolf Mountain...

Especially the two elderly palace maids who used to follow her and enjoyed lecturing Su Youyue. They received hundreds of palm strikes with stone slabs until their faces were bloody and disfigured, their teeth shattered, before being similarly discarded on Wolf Mountain.

Initially, she didn't understand why those maids were subjected to additional punishment.

But now, looking at Xie Yuan, then at Su Youyue, recalling their betrothal, she finally understood.

Those maids had attempted to slap Su Youyue, and Xie Yuan had retaliated on behalf of this lowly servant!

Baili Wei harbored deep resentment but dared not meet Xie Yuan's gaze. The sight of countless severed limbs that day still haunted her, making her tremble at the mere thought. Any romantic notions she once held for Xie Yuan vanished.

He was truly a demon!

"I... never mind, Your Highness, please enjoy your meal."

Her fingertips quivered uncontrollably as she hastily decided to leave, unwilling to remain any longer.

If she had known Xie Yuan would be here, she wouldn't have come!

Without waiting for Prince Bei's response, she rushed out.

Prince Bei watched her departure with a deeper frown, almost tempted to smash a plate, but upon seeing the exquisite dishes, he couldn't bear to destroy any of them.

Ever since dining at Su Ji Restaurant, he found other meals unappealing. He even considered taking the chef back with him.

"The Third Princess of your country truly has remarkable manners!" he said sarcastically to Xie Yuan.

Xie Yuan remained silent for a moment, not intending to contradict him. But considering Prince Bei's interest in his fiancée and his apparent refusal of the marriage alliance with the Third Princess, he furrowed his brow.

However, praising the Third Princess was out of the question.

So instead of responding directly to Prince Bei, he said, "Women lack the breadth of vision men possess. Compared to Your Highness, the Third Princess' shortcomings are evident."

Prince Bei found his answer lukewarm but felt slightly relieved.

He wasn't competing with the Third Princess but relished the idea of outdoing the capable man before him, making him flatter him.

Yet Xie Yuan quickly added, "I've heard that people of Dongrong excel in archery and horsemanship, with every son a hero. I assume Prince Bei is also a broad-minded hero."

Though Prince Bei wasn't particularly magnanimous, when it came to national pride, how could he not feel honored? He immediately replied, "Of course! After the New Year, we'll have our annual military exercises. Then you'll see the prowess of the people of Dongrong!"

Prince Bei's visit included other envoys, but unlike him, they weren't idle, spending their days eating and playing. They were busy with other matters related to exchanges with Great Sheng and thus weren't present.

According to tradition, diplomatic exchanges also involved showcasing goods from both countries and cultural and martial arts competitions.

Regardless of which contest they win, the people of their own country will feel an immense sense of honor.

In the past, Great Sheng almost never surpassed Dongrong in any competition, and Prince Bei naturally didn't take the various contests and exchanges of Great Sheng this year in his eyes during his visit.

That's why his tone was particularly arrogant at this moment.

However, he failed to notice that Xie Yuan suddenly curved the corners of his lips.