Chapter 235: This Is What Shamelessness Looks Like!

Chapter 235: This Is What Shameless Means!

"Big Sister!" Jiang Tianze almost stumbled to the bedside, falling to his knees, the corners of his eyes red.

Jiang Shuning was startled awake. Seeing that it was Jiang Tianze, a flash of surprise crossed her pale, weary face: "Tianze? You... why are you here?"

She knew Jiang Tianze had come to see Xiao Lingchuan, but she hadn't expected that Xiao Lingchuan would actually allow him in to see her.

Seeing how weak she looked, Jiang Tianze's heart ached. He tightly grasped her hand: "Big Sister has been through so much. The prince... did he force you?"

Hearing this question from him, so direct and abrupt, Jiang Shuning felt a pang in her heart—indescribable shame and shyness washed over her.

She avoided his gaze, feigning calmness: "No..."

"Really?" Jiang Tianze refused to be convinced, his eyes growing redder, as if he might cry at any moment. He gripped her cold, thin hand tightly, his voice full of pain and indignation: "Big Sister, don't lie to me, and don't bottle up your grievances alone!"

"Really, no." Jiang Shuning took a deep breath, changing the subject. "Tianze, tell Big Sister the truth—why did the prince agree to let you see me? Did you... make some kind of deal with him?"

A flicker of panic flashed in Jiang Tianze's eyes, but he quickly lowered his gaze to hide the unease, feigning nonchalance: "No, Father sent me to see you. Perhaps the prince allowed it out of regard for Father."

Jiang Shuning's gaze sharpened slightly, instantly sensing he was lying.

If Father truly cared about her, why wouldn't he come himself?

Moreover, given Xiao Lingchuan's nature, how could he relent so easily just for the sake of Chancellor Jiang's face?

She tightened her grip on Jiang Tianze's hand, her expression unusually grave: "Tianze, promise Big Sister—no matter what, do not work for Prince Jing. Dealing with a tiger will only get you devoured. Do you understand?"

Jiang Tianze looked up, meeting her gaze directly.

His clear eyes burned with an almost stubborn fervor: "Big Sister, rest assured. I will find a way to get you out of this Prince Jing's mansion! No matter the cost, I won't let you stay trapped here!"

"No!" Jiang Shuning's tone sharpened, carrying an undeniable finality. "You're no match for him right now. Acting rashly will only harm yourself. Besides, I have my own plans for leaving this mansion. Just take good care of Father and Mother, especially Mother. Don't let her worry herself sick over me."

As they spoke in hushed tones, the bedchamber door suddenly opened, and Ling Feng appeared at the entrance.

His expression was cold, his tone harsh: "Third Master Jiang, the Princess Consort is unwell and shouldn't have visitors for too long. Please leave immediately!"

Hearing this, Jiang Tianze's face flickered with intense reluctance, but he didn't dare disobey. He stood up reluctantly, bidding Jiang Shuning farewell: "Big Sister, wait for me. I'll come visit you again in a few days!"

Hearing his promise only made Jiang Shuning more uneasy.

It seemed her guess was correct—he had indeed made a deal with Xiao Lingchuan!

After Jiang Tianze left, Xiao Lingchuan's expression darkened.

He had Ling Feng summon Ling Wu and spoke directly, his tone carrying a chilling curiosity: "Ling Wu, do you notice anything unusual about Third Master Jiang's attitude toward the Princess Consort?"

Ling Wu stiffened at the question.

She carefully chose her words, answering in a low voice: "Reporting to Your Highness, I feel... Third Master Jiang's attitude toward the Princess Consort doesn't seem like that of a typical younger brother toward his sister. It's more like..."

She found it hard to say, fearing that her words might anger the unpredictable prince.

Xiao Lingchuan gave a cold smile, finishing her unspoken thought with icy certainty: "More like the attitude toward someone he fancies, isn't that right?"

At these words, the air in the hall seemed to freeze instantly.

Both Ling Feng and Ling Wu changed expressions, exchanging uneasy glances.

Ling Feng braced himself to speak, trying to ease the tense atmosphere: "Your Highness, that... can't be, can it? Third Master Jiang is still young. Maybe he's just naive and likes to stick to his sister. He knows that the Princess Consort is his cousin—how could he harbor improper thoughts toward her?"

"Simple-minded?" Xiao Lingchuan sneered. "I don't think he's simple at all. If I hadn't been on guard, he would have schemed against me today. Ling Feng, investigate Jiang Tianze's background—find out if he is really Third Master Jiang's biological son!"

Ling Feng was stunned, almost doubting his ears, but facing Xiao Lingchuan's sinister, icy gaze, he dared not ask further and could only respectfully comply: "...Yes, Your Highness. I'll see to it immediately!"

He secretly lamented—the prince's possessiveness over the Princess Consort had reached an obsessive level; he was even jealous of his own brother-in-law!

Xiao Lingchuan returned to the bedchamber. Seeing that Jiang Shuning was not resting on the bed, he frowned and strode over quickly: "You're still ill—why aren't you resting in bed?"

"Your Highness." Jiang Shuning looked up, her clear eyes meeting his gaze. "Tianze is still a child. He can't be of much help to you. I beg you not to rush him into doing your bidding."

Hearing this, Xiao Lingchuan curled his lips slightly, revealing an enigmatic smile.

"The Princess Consort is mistaken. I, on the contrary, think this cousin of yours can be quite helpful to me in many ways."

"Your Highness..."

"Enough, no more talk of him." Xiao Lingchuan cut her off, his tone light but brooking no disobedience. "You're still unwell—go back to bed!"

Before he finished speaking, he bent down, ignoring her struggles, scooped her up, and gently placed her on the bed.

Jiang Shuning fumed: "Please do not harm my family, Your Highness, or I will show no mercy!"

Facing her threat, Xiao Lingchuan did not get angry but instead laughed.

He leaned in close, so close that their breaths mingled, his expression dangerous and teasing: "How will the Princess Consort show no mercy to me? Hmm?"

His voice trailed upward, carrying a hint of flirtation. His hot breath brushed against her ear, making Jiang Shuning's face burn crimson.

She quickly turned her face away, biting her lower lip, and scolded in shame and anger: "Shameless!"

"I haven't even done anything yet—how am I shameless?" He deliberately kissed her cheek firmly, satisfied to see the blush spread rapidly across her face, then slowly added, "This is what shameless means!"

Jiang Shuning was furious and humiliated, glaring at him hatefully. Afraid he might do something even more outrageous, she swallowed the words "you lecher" back down.

Seeing her restrained yet indignant expression, Xiao Lingchuan found it utterly adorable. He couldn't resist reaching out and gently pinching her cheek: "I love seeing you like this. Unlike your past life, where you never complained when wronged and never got angry with me."

Seeing him in a very good mood, Jiang Shuning probed: "Your Highness just said that Tianze could be helpful to you—in what way?"

But Xiao Lingchuan didn't want to continue this topic. With a lazy smile, he deflected the conversation: "I'm a bit tired—how about taking a short rest with the Princess Consort?"

"Your Highness is keeping even this from me?" Jiang Shuning was unwilling to give up, trying to press for more information.

"Why not?" Xiao Lingchuan's eyes grew cold, but his fingers gently stroked her cheek. His tone suddenly turned icy, carrying a meaningful warning: "Doesn't the Princess Consort also have her own little secrets that she's unwilling to tell me? For instance... thinking about secretly leaving me, isn't that right?"