Zhan Yuheng felt a flicker of displeasure in his heart.

Although he might truly be considering calling off the engagement — after all, the Feng Jiu’er before him now was no longer the Jiu’er he had once cherished.

But before he had made any definitive decision, seeing Feng Jiu’er clinging to another man still left him deeply uncomfortable.

“Jiu’er, dare to be this brazen again, and this Palace will become angry!”

Yet Feng Jiu’er had no intention of looking at him. Her eyes remained fixed on Zhan Qingcheng’s flawlessly stunning half-face.

She had the persistent feeling that this half of his face was terribly familiar — as though she had seen it somewhere before.

But she could not be certain…

The atmosphere grew somewhat strained. The Ninth Prince sat drinking his tea, his sleeve caught in Feng Jiu’er’s grip, yet he did not furrow his brow even slightly, nor did a single trace of displeasure cross his face.

Even Zhan Yuheng could not fathom what his Ninth Imperial Uncle was thinking.

“Ninth Imperial Uncle…”

“Ninth Imperial Uncle, come play with Jiu’er — won’t you?” Feng Jiu’er cut off Zhan Yuheng’s words and tugged at Zhan Qingcheng’s sleeve once more.

Just as everyone expected the Ninth Prince to fling this ugly creature away, Zhan Qingcheng actually gave a faint nod and rose to his feet.

He glanced at Zhan Yuheng and said calmly, “She is still young. Ask the Empress to be more forgiving.”

With those words left behind, he truly allowed Feng Jiu’er to pull him by the sleeve, and together they walked out of the side hall.

Zhan Yuheng could scarcely believe his own ears. His Ninth Imperial Uncle, who had never shown interest in anything beyond military and political affairs, was actually willing to accompany a little girl?

When had they met? Why was his Ninth Imperial Uncle protecting Feng Jiu’er?

But no one was willing to give him any answers.

Feng Jiu’er followed Zhan Qingcheng all the way to the rear courtyard. Even Yu Jingfeng had not followed them there.

Only once she was certain no one could see them did she release his sleeve and come to a stop.

“Why have you stopped walking?” Zhan Qingcheng turned back, his indifferent gaze settling upon her.

“Your Highness…”

“Why are you no longer calling me Imperial Uncle?”

Feng Jiu’er let out a breath, then said, “Ninth Imperial Uncle.”

It was merely a form of address. If he preferred it, then so be it.

“Why did you help me?”

“How exactly did this Prince help you?”

“If you weren’t helping me, you could have simply let the Crown Prince’s people take me away just now — there was no need to personally accompany me yourself.”

Feng Jiu’er was a straightforward person. Since he had already seen through her, she saw no point in pretending otherwise.

The gaze Zhan Qingcheng turned upon her suddenly carried a brief, fleeting trace of amusement.

Who had ever called this girl foolish? She was clearly sharp and perceptive!

She was like a piece of fine jade obscured by dust, simply waiting for someone with discerning eyes to uncover her.

“Do you still wish to return to Feng Manor today?” he asked.

Feng Jiu’er exhaled. Wasn’t he asking a question he already knew the answer to?

“If I go back, I’ll certainly be taken into the palace and bullied by that wicked Empress again!”

“This Prince is a member of the Imperial Family. Speaking ill of the Imperial Family before this Prince — are you truly not afraid?”

“Jiu’er is still young. Can’t Ninth Imperial Uncle be a little more lenient?” Hadn’t he said so himself?

Having his own words turned back against him, Zhan Qingcheng showed no inclination to be offended whatsoever.

“Staying here with this Prince for a couple of days is also acceptable — but there must be a price to pay.”

Feng Jiu’er had long suspected as much — that his help would not come without reason.

The Prince Regent, the Ninth Prince, held great power in his hands. How could a man like him be so simply kind-hearted?

Anyone who could stand firm in the world of court politics was never a simple figure.

“This Prince happens to enjoy dealing with clever people.” Zhan Qingcheng curved his lips into a smile — a smile so stunning that it stripped all colour from heaven and earth: “This Prince wants you.”