Rebirth of the Phoenix Princess novel Chapter 127

Prince Jing raised his eyebrows and replied, "When you leave the Hall, I must follow you out. Then, everybody will know that I care about you and pay attention to your every movement. In addition, I'm afraid that tomorrow, rumor will spread that Yun Shang was jealous, so she left quietly before the party was over. And that Prince Jing was worried about her and followed her out, and tried to make her happy."

After hearing this, Yun Shang couldn't help laughing. She added, "If those people at Jinluan Hall knew that their respected and cold Prince could crack such a joke, they may be shocked. You are such a good actor. Tomorrow, I will send somebody to ask the owner of Chunhua Opera Troupe whether they need a leading actor. I think you will make a unique and popular actor."

Prince Jing took Yun Shang's hands and smiled faintly, "I'm afraid they are too insignificant to see me acting this way. But you're not satisfied. I'm not acting. Those people at the Hall are boring. I prefer to be here, and to accompany you. Now, it's comfortable to take a walk outside."

This wasn't the first time that Yun Shang had touched Prince Jing's body. However, he had never held her hands before. Yun Shang's heart beat faster. She forced a smile and thought that she wasn't accustomed to intimate contact with a man. When Prince Jing touched her hands, her first instinct had been to shake her hands free. Yun Shang sighed and tried to withdraw her hands. However, they were grasped more firmly. She could feel the calluses on his hands. "I'm afraid they are not trustworthy. So, you must be careful. I have sent a shadow guard to follow you and protect you. If you don't feel right, just call." Prince Jing kept silent for a moment, and then he whispered, "I didn't tell you this, because I thought you might think I'm keeping watch on you."

Yun Shang nodded. She had realized that somebody was following her, and his or her knowledge of Kung Fu was high. Since this person didn't do anything harmful to her, she didn't give him or her a second thought. Now, she knew the reason for the presence of this shadow guard and Prince Jing's intention.

She nodded and answered, "It's fine."

Prince Jing knew she didn't trust him completely. However, he didn't want to point it out bluntly. He would feel at ease if she knew how to protect herself.

They walked toward the Imperial Garden. Then, Prince Jing escorted her back to Qingxin Palace before leaving. Yun Shang rested and asked Qian Yin and Qin Yi to prepare water so that she could wash her face and rinse her mouth.

Qin Yi stayed calm while Qian Yin was a bit amused. Yun Shang saw their expressions. In no mood to entertain girlish teasing, she left them alone and said nothing.

The second day passed without unexpected incidences. However, on the third day, after breakfast was over, a card was delivered. "Yu'er went to the Imperial City. She talked with the Empress for a while. Then, she sent us a card and wanted to pay us a visit. Your Highness, can I go and tell her that you don't feel well and won't meet her today?"

Yun Shang shook her head. Standing, she replied, "Don't worry. We are in the Imperial Palace. Is she bold enough to hurt us here? If I refuse to meet her, the rumor will say that I'm afraid of her."

Qian Yin meditated for a moment and nodded. Then, she left.

After a while, Yu'er appeared. She was dressed in red. Her attire was commonly seen in the State of Ning, which seemed to be less coquettish than her previously worn dress. She looked beautiful in a subtly seductive and charming manner.

"Your Highness, it's very nice to see you." Yu'er, upon walking inside Qingxin Palace, saw the Princess sitting and drinking tea. She greeted her as per formal protocol.

Yun Shang smiled faintly, "Nice to meet you. Please take a seat."

Qin Yi nodded and showed Yu'er to a chair. After she had sat down, Yu'er looked at Yun Shang and saw that she had beautiful eyes. Although Yun Shang wasn't as beautiful as Yu'er, she looked more peaceful and elegant. Those were probably the traits that endeared her to people.