Yan Jin Chao had not expected that the Crown Prince of the Snow Country would look exactly like him. As the information belonging to Xue Jingyun entered his mind, he felt as if he had become that Crown Prince.
He seemed to have impressions of things Xue Jingyun had done.
"Young Master, the King of Northern Territory summons you."
He looked up, rolled up the painting, and said, "Very well, I will depart now."
As he walked out of the courtyard, he passed the spot where A Ning had kicked a stone at him yesterday. He stopped, but not seeing A Ning, he felt a pang of disappointment.
He didn't know what was wrong with him.
"Leave the food to me, I'll deliver it." A familiar voice seemed to come from not far away.
He quickly ducked behind a tree and only emerged after the figure had passed. He found himself wanting to laugh and cry at his own actions; why should he hide? This was his own residence.
He didn't know his intention for doing so even as he boarded the carriage. Perhaps he simply didn't want her to see him.
Upon arriving at the King of Northern Territory's mansion, Yan Jin Chao felt that something was amiss, but he couldn't quite pinpoint what it was.
"Young Master Yan..."
Hearing the voice, Yan Jin Chao turned and saw Jiang Yu Li. He said indifferently, "Miss Jiang."
Whether in the past or now, Yan Jin Chao's attitude towards her was always cold or distant. She thought she had grown accustomed to it, but each time it still caused her heart considerable pain.
"Young Master Yan, you really don't need to be so polite." Jiang Yu Li boldly took a step forward.
But she never expected that as she took a step forward, Yan Jin Chao would take a step back.
"Young Master Yan, do you really hate me that much?" Jiang Yu Li couldn't understand. She had a good background, the backing of the King of Northern Territory, and was considered the most beautiful woman in the Northern Territory. How could she, such a person, fail to move Yan Jin Chao?
Hate him? Yan Jin Chao knew he didn't actually hate Jiang Yu Li, but he was aware of her feelings for him. Maintaining distance was simply because he knew he didn't like Jiang Yu Li, and since he didn't, he had to stay away to avoid giving her unrealistic hopes.
"Answer me..." Jiang Yu Li growled.
She saw Yan Jin Chao slowly raise his head, his eyes revealing a trace of cold light. At that moment, her heart sank to the bottom.
Actually, even if Yan Jin Chao didn't say it, she could have guessed.
However, she was still unwilling to give up, wanting to hear it directly from his mouth, to hear his rejection.
To make her completely give up.
"I do not hate Miss Jiang..." Da Feng Novel Network
Jiang Yu Li was startled. She hadn't expected to hear these words and was stunned. "Young Master Yan, you..."
"I simply have no intentions towards Miss Jiang and do not wish to waste Miss Jiang's time, hence I keep my distance."
Jiang Yu Li bit her lower lip and said, "I thought Young Master Yan hated me to the extreme, which is why he kept his distance. It turns out you didn't want me to misunderstand. Young Master Yan, you worry too much. I know you don't like me, but please don't distance yourself because of it. We can still talk and interact normally. Is that not possible?"
Yan Jin Chao nodded. "It is possible."
Jiang Yu Li's expression improved, and she was quite pleased. "Thank you, Young Master Yan. My brother is waiting for you in his room. Hurry along!"
"Thank you." Yan Jin Chao cupped his hands towards Jiang Yu Li and then left.
Jiang Yu Li watched his retreating figure. Although she felt a little disappointed, at least there had been some progress. As the saying goes, persistence pays off.
She truly didn't believe Yan Jin Chao could escape her grasp.
It didn't matter if he didn't like her; first, they would become familiar, and then she would gradually implement her plan.
Yan Jin Chao was naturally unaware of Jiang Yu Li's thoughts. To him, not liking Jiang Yu Li was simply that; no matter how much effort she put in, it would be like drawing water with a bamboo basket—all in vain.
Entering the study, he saw the King of Northern Territory at a glance, and beside him stood an old man. The old man looked ordinary, the kind who could easily get lost in a crowd.
However, for some reason, he felt a sense of the unusual from this old man. He couldn't quite place it yet.
But one thing was certain: this old man was skilled, no less than himself.
He knew all of the King of Northern Territory's guards, including the hidden ones. Therefore, this old man was someone he had never seen before. Who could he be?
The King of Northern Territory spoke first, "Young Master Yan, this is Mr. Feng. You will be working together from now on, so let me introduce you to each other."
"Mr. Feng." Yan Jin Chao cupped his hands.
Mr. Feng nodded slightly, "Young Master Yan."
Yan Jin Chao was slightly taken aback. For some reason, he felt a sense of familiarity with this Mr. Feng. However, he couldn't recall where he had met him.
"Young Master Yan, Mr. Feng, with the two of you assisting me now, I am confident that our efforts will be twice as effective, and my great undertaking will be within reach," the King of Northern Territory declared with conviction.
"Your Highness flatters me," Yan Jin Chao replied slowly.
Mr. Feng, on the other hand, said, "It is your extensive knowledge and talent, Young Master Yan, that I deeply admire. I hope you will not be stingy with your guidance in the future."
"Mr. Feng, you are too kind. It is I who should be learning from you. I hope you won't find my questions intrusive."
Mr. Feng laughed heartily upon hearing this, "I like Young Master Yan's attitude of asking questions with genuine curiosity."
The King of Northern Territory also said, "Young Master Yan, it seems Mr. Feng has a very high opinion of you. It appears that in the future, you two will be my trusted right-hand men."
Mr. Feng then said, "I have heard that Your Highness has many retainers. Perhaps you could introduce me to them all at some point."
"That is natural. However, I have more pressing matters to discuss with Mr. Feng now."
"Your Highness, please proceed," Mr. Feng said.
The King of Northern Territory then asked, "Mr. Feng, have you heard of the Empress of Chang Jiu?"
Mr. Feng nodded, "Of course, I am aware. It is no small feat for a young woman to become Empress."
The King of Northern Territory stated, "Mr. Feng, I intend to replace her."
Mr. Feng was slightly taken aback, and after a long pause, he said, "It is not surprising that Your Highness harbors such ambitions, as you are of royal blood. However, the Empress has committed no wrongdoing, which may make it difficult to gain popular support."
The King of Northern Territory smiled, "This is precisely why I went to great lengths to invite Mr. Feng. With Mr. Feng's support, I believe our efforts will yield twice the results."
Mr. Feng slowly replied, "This requires careful consideration, as it is a matter of great consequence."
"Naturally. Mr. Feng, please take your time to think. I can wait," the King of Northern Territory said.
When Yan Jin Chao emerged, he saw Jiang Yu Li still waiting there.
The autumn wind rustled, blowing up her dress. She stood there quietly, not moving for a long time.