Chapter 1325: You Only Care About Power?
Jiang Ying nodded indifferently.
"Our social status disparity is vast, and I often feel that being with you makes me lose decorum and subjects me to criticism and ridicule, which is very stressful."
"Prince Qing, you should find a wife more suitable for you."
As she turned to leave, Prince Qing grabbed her wrist.
His eyes were already red: "Jiang Ying, you’re lying, that’s not what you truly think in your heart."
"A few days ago, every time you saw me, you were very happy. Whether you like me or not, your eyes can’t lie!"
"What exactly are you worried about? Tell me, and we’ll face it together, shoulder it together!"
Jiang Ying turned her head away, a flash of sorrow across her eyes.
In a moment, she let out a low chuckle, as if mocking, or self-mocking.
"Prince Qing, you are the most prominent and exceptional man within my range of choices."
"Being Princess Qing is such a noble identity. If I could become Princess Qing, it would bring considerable benefits to the Jiang Mansion as well."
"You are my optimal choice, not a pursuit driven by my heart. Can Your Highness understand what I mean?"
"To put it more plainly, it’s the power and wealth behind Your Highness that make me consider whether to become Princess Qing, not Your Highness as a person."
Jiang Ying was certain, that the moment after she said this, she saw the light of hope in Prince Qing’s eyes crumble instantly.
It was replaced by a cold darkness.
In that moment, Prince Qing also let go of the hand tightly holding Jiang Ying.
"Jiang Ying, is what you said true? Are you only interested in power?" Prince Qing’s voice was hoarse, and his bloodshot eyes were red.
His low inquiry made one feel like a wounded beast seeking the last bit of solace.
As long as Jiang Ying was willing to give him a little light, he could recover on his own.
However—
Jiang Ying nodded, "I don’t want to deceive Your Highness any longer."
Prince Qing felt as if struck by lightning, his whole body frozen, the waves of hurt rolling in his cold eyes.
Jiang Ying saw that time was running late, bowed, and took her leave: "Prince, let’s part ways here."
Saying this, she removed the warm cloak Prince Qing had brought from her shoulders and placed it on a clean spot under the corridor.
From the corner of her eye, Jiang Ying noticed that the warm cloak was actually a dragon Robe exclusively worn by nobles.
Prince Qing was a prince, such clothing was not for others to wear, yet he had taken it off and draped it over her shoulders.
Jiang Ying withdrew her gaze, quickened her pace, and walked into the wind and rain.
She returned to her room but did not sleep.
After bathing, she asked her maidservant, "Did Prince Qing leave?"
The maidservant nodded, "Your Highness stood alone in the courtyard for about thirty minutes, and then left with his entourage."
"Miss, the house servants in the front yard all say that Prince Qing was tasked by the Emperor to supervise the river dyke construction in Jingxi and came back overnight to see you."
"His Highness’s black boots still had mud on them!"
Jiang Ying was combing her hair, and upon hearing this, tears glistened in her eyes, which she hastily wiped away.
She told her maidservant, "Don’t mention it again. The Prince has a bright future, and I have no fate with him."
The maidservant was taken back, while Jiang Ying stood up and walked to the bedside, laying down to sleep.
But tonight, in the Jiang Mansion, everyone found it hard to sleep.
On the other side.
After Bai Zhi’er fell asleep, her Divine Sense flew straight to the nine layered heaven.
She had just passed the South Heavenly Gate when she saw a group of Heavenly Soldiers arranging a Thunder Drawing Formation in the clouds around.
Bai Zhi’er approached for a closer look and couldn’t help but ask, "What is this for?"