Han Yan coldly looked at him: “I’m waiting for Your Highness to leave. After you leave, I’ll go into the water to search.” The hairpin fell near the lake’s edge where the water wasn’t deep; perhaps she could still find it.

“Are you crazy?” Zhuo Qi looked at her in surprise: “How could you…” Although Zhuo Qi wasn’t from Da Zong, he knew something about the Three Obediences and Four Virtues that Da Zong women must observe. For a young lady from a noble family to enter a lake for a hairpin, with the water so cold, if something were to happen…

“Whether I can or cannot isn’t for you to decide.” Han Yan’s patience was exhausted as she looked at him impatiently: “When will Your Highness leave?”

Zhuo Qi smiled instead of getting angry. Han Yan’s concern for that hairpin far exceeded his imagination. When Han Yan said she would go into the water to search, on one hand, he mentally applauded her boldness. Da Zong women were like water, lacking decisiveness. In his time here, he’d only met affected women. Han Yan’s straightforward personality somewhat resembled Xi Rong’s women. But on the other hand, he felt bitter because Han Yan’s efforts weren’t for him but for another man.

“What if I don’t leave?” Zhuo Qi smiled: “Then you won’t be able to search for your hairpin in the water, right?” He was determined not to let Han Yan find this hairpin, both publicly and privately. He didn’t want Han Yan to risk herself, nor did he want her to find anything related to Fu Yun Xi. With him here, Han Yan would never enter the water, or else, having seen her body, she would have to be with him. While that wouldn’t be bad, Zhuo Qi knew Han Yan would never enter the water in his presence. She tried everything to avoid any connection with him.

Han Yan turned to look at him: “If Your Highness wishes to enjoy the scenery here, that’s fine, but I can wait. Your Highness will leave eventually, and then I’ll go in.”

Zhuo Qi hadn’t expected this response and changed his tone: “Are you this persistent?”

Han Yan smiled slightly: “It’s worth it.”

Time passed minute by minute. Though the hairpin wouldn’t move on its own, the water current could carry it to the center of the lake. Zhuo Qi thoughtfully watched Han Yan, hoping to see a trace of fear or hesitation on her face, but he was disappointed. Han Yan just quietly stared at the lake bottom, her expression completely calm. It was this calmness that made her appear so determined.

This woman was truly special.

Suddenly, Zhuo Qi laughed heartily and strode toward the lake water. Han Yan started, calling out: “What are you doing?”

Zhuo Qi looked back at her: “This prince is in a good mood today, so I’ll help you find your hairpin.” With that, he dove in, submerging completely in the cold lake water. Han Yan stood up in shock, seeing the lake’s surface as smooth as a mirror, showing nothing.

Although Zhuo Qi was truly annoying and had an arrogant sister, making Han Yan unable to feel fondness for him, the empty lake surface still made her anxious. This Xi Rong Prince wasn’t just anyone – if something happened to him, Xi Rong might take action, which would be extremely disadvantageous for Da Zong. Moreover, his current status wasn’t hostile to Da Zong, at least with his sister’s political marriage. Even in war, envoys weren’t harmed – if something happened to an envoy, it would cause major problems.

“Zhuo Qi!” Han Yan ran to the lake’s edge, calling out loudly: “Zhuo Qi!”

The lake remained calm. Han Yan grew worried, not knowing if Zhuo Qi could swim – could he have drowned? She couldn’t stay calm thinking about it. They were alone here, with Ji Lan and Shu Hong nowhere to be found. How could she help?

“Zhuo Qi, if you’re scaring me, I’ll never pay attention to you again, treating you as just another imperial prince.” She said softly, hoping to see his shadow. But the water remained unchanged. Even a good swimmer would have surfaced by now after being underwater so long – he must be in danger. Thinking this, Han Yan anxiously called out “Zhuo Qi!” and was about to dive in herself when suddenly a figure burst from the water. Zhuo Qi’s face was covered in water as he smiled mischievously: “You were worried about me!”

Han Yan froze, relieved but immediately furious: “You tricked me!”

Zhuo Qi shook his head, clearing water from his hair, and slowly swam toward Han Yan, smiling without speaking. His gaze made Han Yan uncomfortable. When he finally reached the shore, as she helped pull him up, she coldly said: “Childish.”

Zhuo Qi seemed to enjoy Han Yan’s scolding, looking at her before saying apologetically: “Sorry, I couldn’t find the hairpin.”

“It’s fine if you couldn’t find it,” Han Yan said. “It wasn’t your concern anyway.” But her disappointment was obvious. Zhuo Qi frowned, then suddenly revealed his hand from behind his back, holding the bright Lantian fish-tail hairpin. Han Yan’s face lit up with joy as she took it from him. Seeing her happy expression, though Zhuo Qi felt somewhat uncomfortable, he smiled: “I helped you find your hairpin, how will you thank me?”

Although Han Yan disliked Zhuo Qi, she was happy he found the hairpin. He wasn’t as hateful as Ai Lin Na. Despite thinking this, she kept a straight face: “The hairpin fell in because of you, so naturally you had to retrieve it. My not holding it against you is already generous – how can you ask for thanks?”

Zhuo Qi stared at Han Yan in amazement. She was usually calm and composed around him, occasionally showing cleverness, but this was the first time he’d seen her act unreasonably. Strangely, he didn’t find it inappropriate; instead, he found this side of Han Yan adorable. He started laughing, but suddenly his expression changed, face turning pale.

Han Yan noticed his change in expression, startled, then saw a red stain spreading beneath his wet clothes – blood, now seeping out. What happened? Could the Xi Rong Prince have been injured, and diving for her hairpin had torn open his wound?

“What’s wrong?” Han Yan asked. She hadn’t expected so many complications today, and now this situation with Zhuo Qi – surely she couldn’t avoid involvement.

Seeing Han Yan’s anxious expression, Zhuo Qi seemed extremely pleased, saying slowly: “You’re worried about me.” His voice had changed, becoming rough and strained, as if he were supporting himself with great effort, enduring pain. Han Yan looked down to see Zhuo Qi’s wound at his waist, apparently severe, as more blood mixed with lake water, nearly dyeing his entire garment red. Such a bloody sight would frighten anyone. Han Yan sighed: “What’s wrong with you?”