The Prince Wants to Assassinate Me Every Day-Chapter 113 - 75: The Ruse of Self-Injury_2

"I was merely trying to save the Empress; I really hadn’t thought too much about it. Hezhen saying so actually makes me feel somewhat undeserving."

"Sister-in-law is being modest," Xiao Hezhen said, "In fact, after you saved my royal brother last time, my mother and I had already wanted to thank you. But being deep in the palace, doing too much can cause suspicion; my mother and I could only keep our gratitude in our hearts. Thankfully, this time sister-in-law stayed in the palace, which allowed us to express a few words of gratitude."

Xiao Hezhen and Xiao Jinyu were born of the same mother, which is rare among Xiao Zhanping’s many offspring. Of course, it’s because their mother is wise, fully aware that her family lacks powerful backing and does not have the favor like the virtuous consort, hence she is very clear-headed and has never taken part in any palace struggle, adopting a Buddhist approach to life which unexpectedly helped her stay out of trouble and turn misfortune into a blessing.

"Your brother has already repaid his debt to me," Ye Qichi said, "Last time, when I was misunderstood by the Empress, your young royal brother had the Emperor come to rescue me. I wanted to express my gratitude, but as Hezhen said, one is often helpless in the back palace; I was afraid of bothering your mother and the young royal brother, so I dared not visit without invitation."

"Sister-in-law..."

"Let us not compliment each other anymore," Ye Qichi said with a smile.

If this continued, she would feel insincere.

She said, "In the palace, one more friend means one less enemy. Hezhen certainly understands this."

"Hezhen understands," Xiao Hezhen no longer continued, "Sister-in-law, rest assured, though I cannot be of great help to you, I will never stab you in the back."

"That’s enough," Ye Qichi said with a friendly smile.

Xiao Hezhen also smiled faintly.

"Hezhen, I didn’t want to speak of your personal affairs, but since you’ve come today, I wanted to talk to you about them," Ye Qichi changed the topic.

"Sister-in-law, please speak," he said.

"You are betrothed to Young Master, and your feelings towards Young Master..."

As soon as Wu Xufan was mentioned, Ye Qichi clearly saw Xiao Hezhen’s face darken.

She said, "The Emperor has made his decree, that’s all."

’That’s all’, those two words fully demonstrate how she feels about Wu Xufan, which is to say, not at all.

"Since you can’t defy it, since you know it’s impossible to achieve certain things, I still hope that you will develop a good relationship with Young Master," Ye Qichi said earnestly.

Xiao Hezhen laughed lightly.

She was unsurprised by Ye Qichi’s words and responded, "Did the Third Royal Brother ask you to speak to me?"

It was probably also known that Xiao Jinxing and Wu Xufan have a close private relationship.

"One could say so," Ye Qichi replied.

She thought to herself that Xiao Jinxing, that cold-blooded creature, would hardly be so kind-hearted.

"Actually, Young Master doesn’t like me either," Xiao Hezhen stated plainly.

Ye Qichi couldn’t help but smile a little.

She felt that at this moment, Wu Xufan must be crying in the restroom.

"But since the Emperor has decreed the marriage, no one can resist." Xiao Hezhen spoke and then suddenly added, "Actually, I really admire Bai Mowan."

It seems that Bai Mowan’s public rejection of the Emperor’s arranged marriage has spread throughout the entire Daxuan Kingdom.

Many people admire her, seeing her as a heroine among women.

"But I don’t have her courage, I’ve never had any power in the inner palace, and I don’t want to bring trouble to my mother and my royal brother because of me. And..." Xiao Hezhen stopped short.

Probably there are many things that one must keep to oneself and never speak out loud.

She said, "I don’t expect Young Master to be absolutely faithful to me, I just hope that between us, we can respect each other and not interfere with one another."

"What if Young Master actually likes you?" Ye Qichi asked.

Xiao Hezhen shook her head, "Impossible, since childhood, he’s never liked me."

"Do you know that some people are quite childish and the more they like something, the more they display disapproval of it? Such people are actually insecure; they are afraid of being rejected, being hurt."

"At least, Young Master is not like that," Xiao Hezhen affirmed.

She remembered the few times they met.

Each time he appeared arrogant and complacent, and whenever he saw her, there was no respect, and he would even say things to provoke her.

There was certainly no sign of his insecurity.

It was clear that he was somewhat arrogant and disdainful.

Ye Qichi wanted to say more.

"I understand sister-in-law’s intention, but matters of the heart are one’s own to judge; please, sister-in-law, do not mention it again," Xiao Hezhen requested.

Ye Qichi pursed her lips.

It seemed that Xiao Hezhen truly had no feelings for Wu Xufan.

At least not for now.

It wasn’t just a lack of feeling, there seemed to be disgust and aversion as well.

"Alright," Ye Qichi said with a smile, "In any case, I still wish you a harmonious marriage and hope that you will have children soon."