However, she hadn't expected Song Xiuyuan to be so thoughtful, even wanting to take her with him even after he left.
"The Prime Minister and his fiancée are truly deeply in love," Prince Minnan remarked with a chuckle.
Xue Xingyue could clearly feel the furious gaze from the Ninth Princess. She knew Prince Minnan was doing it deliberately to provoke conflict between the Ninth Princess and herself. She didn't understand why it mattered to Prince Minnan if she and the Ninth Princess fell out.
"This is the woman who will be my wife from now on, and my only one. Naturally, I must treat her well. Otherwise, if she left her homeland to come here, wouldn't she feel rather disappointed?" Song Xiuyuan said to Prince Minnan, word by word.
"Haha, I was merely making a few jokes. Prime Minister, please don't take offense," Prince Minnan said, casting a meaningful glance at Song Xiuyuan.
Even Xue Xingyue, standing behind Song Xiuyuan, could feel Prince Minnan's gaze.
"I won't take offense, as these are my true feelings," Song Xiuyuan replied.
Xue Xingyue behind him hadn't expected Song Xiuyuan to say such words. It was impossible not to be touched.
"Xiuyuan and Miss Xue truly move this palace," the Crown Prince said.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince is too kind."
"Brother Crown Prince, Uncle, aren't you bored sitting here? Why don't we have someone perform song and dance?" the Ninth Princess suggested. For some reason, upon hearing the Ninth Princess's suggestion, Xue Xingyue felt a prickle of unease, sensing that the Ninth Princess was about to stir up trouble.
"Little Nine's suggestion is good, but with so many young ladies from various households, who would want to perform?" Prince Minnan asked with interest.
"This humble daughter is willing to perform for Your Highness the Crown Prince, Prince Minnan, and His Highness the Fourth Prince." Lin Ziwan had already stepped forward and curtsied gracefully.
"Since Ziwan is willing, then let Ziwan perform first!" the Ninth Princess said.
After curtsying, Lin Ziwan stood up and said, "This humble daughter's talent is shallow, I shall play the zither."
Soon, servants brought over a zither. Lin Ziwan sat before it, and a moment later, a melodious sound began to ring out, ethereal and dreamlike.
Even Xue Xingyue, an amateur, was captivated.
When the piece ended, everyone was still lost in its beauty.
"Miss Lin's zither skills are superb, this King is pleased," Prince Minnan said.
"Your Highness is too generous."
After speaking, Lin Ziwan suddenly looked in a certain direction and said, "I have heard that the Prime Minister's fiancée is proficient in all arts, including music and chess. I wonder if..."
"Miss Lin, my fiancée will not need to be proficient in everything from now on. Even if she is, she will only perform for me. Therefore, Miss Lin, don't entertain such wild thoughts," Song Xiuyuan said slowly, his deep voice laced with coldness.
Like a basin of cold water, his words drenched Lin Ziwan. Lin Ziwan's expression changed instantly. She had never expected Song Xiuyuan to speak like this; it was akin to him slapping her in the face.
"I..."
"Prime Minister, your words are rather harsh. Miss Lin merely wished for Your Highness the Crown Prince and myself to see your fiancée's talents. How did it become a wild thought? Are you implying that this King, the Crown Prince, and everyone here are entertaining wild thoughts?" Prince Minnan narrowed his eyes, his normally charming gaze now devoid of allure and filled with an unusual coldness.
"Your Highness misunderstands. My fiancée belongs only to me, so whatever she does is mine. This is my right. Is Your Highness trying to strip me of this right?" Song Xiuyuan looked up, his eyes deep and dark.
"Imperial Uncle, Xiuyuan's words are not wrong," the Crown Prince said at the opportune moment.
Seeing this, Prince Minnan withdrew his gaze and chuckled, "This King meant no offense. I just feel that with the Prime Minister obstructing in such a manner, is it possible that Miss Xue is merely a pig butcher?"
Song Xiuyuan's gaze gradually grew colder, and a chilling aura emanated from him.
Suddenly, he felt a pair of warm hands grasp his arm. "Your Highness, are you sure you want me to perform my talents?"
"Yes," Prince Minnan replied.
"Then, this humble woman respectfully accepts your request." Xue Xingyue smiled, her eyes shining like the first rays of dawn, radiating dazzling light.
"Yue'er..." Song Xiuyuan turned to look at Xue Xingyue.
She gave him a reassuring look.
"What do you wish to perform?" the Ninth Princess asked.
"Since Miss Lin performed her zither skills, why doesn't Miss Xue perform that as well?" Prince Minnan suggested.
"Yes," Xue Xingyue replied with a slight curtsy.
Sitting before the ancient zither, she fell into a moment of contemplation. The last time she played the zither was six years ago, during her father's birthday banquet. She had played a self-composed melody, which she titled "Phoenix Ascendant Under Heaven."
Ever since the palace coup, she had never played this piece again. Now, as her fingers touched the strings, she felt the same sensation as six years ago.
The strings resonated, dreamlike and illusory. She was transported back to six years ago, sitting there, witnessing the affection of her father and mother. Now, separated by life and death, a surge of bitterness welled up in her heart.
"Prime Minister, this Miss Xue's zither skills are truly unlike those of a farmer's daughter," the Fourth Prince, who had been quiet until now, suddenly spoke.
"No wonder the Prime Minister wanted to hide his fiancée. It turns out there are so many unbelievable things," Prince Minnan said, looking at Song Xiuyuan.
"His Highness the Fourth Prince and Your Highness are too kind."
Song Xiuyuan gazed at Xue Xingyue sitting before the ancient zither, his eyes flickering.