Chapter 206: He Knew She Liked Him

Chapter 206: He Knew She Liked Him

Watching the two of them hurry away, Su Youyue thought to herself that their current worries were still too superficial.

If they hadn't provoked Xie Yan today, perhaps the matter with Official Liu would have blown over easily.

But now, with what just happened, Official Liu would likely face severe punishment and certainly not be let off.

The depth of the new emperor's friendship with Xie Yan was still underestimated by these people.

It was truly a life-or-death bond...

In her previous life, during the time she spent with Xie Yan, she learned about their shared history.

In the fifth year of Bai Li Hongxuan's reign, he and Xie Yan went south to Jiangnan together, where an assassination attempt occurred, shocking the entire nation. However, no one knew that the emperor had taken a blade for Xie Yan.

When Su Youyue found out, she was equally shocked. After all, at that point, Bai Li Hongxuan had already firmly established his rule and didn't need Xie Yan to help him secure the throne. Yet, he took a blade for Xie Yan, nearly risking his own life.

Since then, regardless of how others spoke ill of Xie Yan, suggesting he would eventually meet the same fate as his father and be abandoned by those in power, she never believed it.

Su Youyue silently prayed for the Liu residence for another two seconds before nudging Chunya with her elbow. "Hurry up, let's go."

Chunya wondered if her young mistress was blushing from hearing Xie Yan say they were a good match and wanted to leave quickly.

She couldn't help but smile and planned to push her mistress in the direction away from Xie Yan when suddenly, Prince Bei appeared on the other side.

"Miss Su, we meet again."

Su Youyue's lips twitched, indicating she wasn't particularly interested in meeting Prince Bei.

Of course, she didn't want to marry him, but she didn't dare think too much about it. If it came down to it and she had to marry him, would she still refuse?

In her previous life, she often pondered the actions of the Third Princess when she refused marriage.

As a princess of the country, enjoying the support of the people, marriage alliances were not something she desired, but they were part of her responsibilities.

Weak national strength and an incompetent emperor forced women into marriage alliances. But weak countries had no diplomacy; even princes would become hostages, and in dire times, everyone would fight, including children. It was a responsibility they had to bear.

The humiliation of a weak country has always existed, and only through strong national strength could one have the confidence to say no.

If Prince Bei really pressured her to marry him, Su Youyue would be the type to agree.

She wasn't a great person who put the country and its people first, but if it came down to making a choice, she wouldn't refuse.

Thinking about this, Su Youyue remembered Xie Yan's recent pressure to marry him.

Perhaps it was because he was being so kind to her now that she had the confidence to say no...

Su Youyue lowered her eyes, unable to describe her feelings. After lowering her gaze, she couldn't help but look at Xie Yan again.

Don't be too good to me. In front of you, I'm gradually losing the confidence to say no...

"Good day, Your Highness," Su Youyue replied coolly, her attitude far from warm.

But Prince Bei seemed oblivious to her tone and stared at her happily. "Miss Su, you're looking well. Your appearance today is truly captivating."

He didn't expect that coming here would allow him to encounter such a beauty that matched his preferences.

Although this beauty had a fiancé, saying a few more words wouldn't cost him anything and might annoy Xie Yan.

Sure enough, after Prince Bei spoke, Xie Yan's expression darkened, and anyone could see his displeasure.

Another person with a darkened face was the Third Princess behind Prince Bei.

She was furious but had to endure it. She was no longer the beloved Third Princess. Above her was an emperor who wanted her dead, and there was no one to protect her. Every day, she had to endure insults from all sides, almost becoming a punching bag. She didn't dare bully Su Youyue.

Not only did she not dare bully her, but with Xie Yan beside Su Youyue, she didn't even dare say a harsh word, only able to bear it with a dark face.

She couldn't understand why Prince Bei liked a mere cripple.

Did he plan to marry a cripple as his princess?

No one cared about her thoughts since she didn't speak. Xie Yan glared coldly at Prince Bei. "Your Highness still has the leisure to concern yourself with my fiancée. Why not focus on tomorrow's martial arts competition?"

The bet between the two countries had not yet been made public, but Prince Bei naturally knew about it and had already agreed.

Tonight at the banquet, the bet would be announced publicly.

But although Prince Bei was concerned about the martial arts competition, he wasn't worried. In his view, Great Shen had no chance of winning against Dongrong Country. This new emperor and Xie Yan were simply bringing shame upon themselves.

After all, his elder brother was extremely concerned about his safety, so for his protection, his elder brother sent the strongest warriors from Dongrong Country.

There was also General Tuoba, an expert in archery and horsemanship. This young general was a martial arts prodigy in Dongrong Country, starting training at three years old, capable of shooting three birds with one arrow at twelve, and by fifteen, he had defeated the top warrior in the arena, becoming recognized as the strongest warrior in Dongrong Country.

Thinking about this, Prince Bei couldn't help but feel fortunate that he hadn't publicly announced General Tuoba's presence. Otherwise, Great Shen wouldn't have foolishly proposed these terms.

After the banquet tonight, when the emperor of Great Shen announced the bet, he would reveal General Tuoba. Then Great Shen would be stunned and hand over the agreed-upon conditions!

Prince Bei narrowed his eyes, a mischievous smile crossing his face, but he maintained his composure. "Xie Yan, you do make a valid point. I won't disturb you any further."

With that, he walked away, hands behind his back.

Women were nothing compared to the interests of the country. And although this beauty was attractive, he enjoyed seeing Xie Yan's angry face more. As long as he could anger him, he felt ecstatic, happier than if the beauty paid him more attention.

Watching Prince Bei leave happily, Su Youyue felt somewhat perplexed.

She sensed that Prince Bei wasn't someone who would give up easily. Was he hiding some trick?

Recalling the wager between the two countries, she couldn't help but feel slightly worried again.

But then, seeing Xie Yan, it was as if an extra pillar of confidence solidified in her heart.

In her previous life, she had never seen anyone surpass Xie Yan in martial arts or archery.

As long as he took the field personally, Great Shen would surely win this grand gamble!

Xie Yan turned his gaze, and there he saw the young girl looking at him with anticipation and trust, which stirred something within him, instantly dispelling any coldness he had felt.

She was... expecting him to take the field personally and win this grand gamble?

He knew it—Nuan Nuan truly did like him.