Chapter 2

Chapter 2

After being released from prison, I languished in the Princess’s Mansion for several days.

I had finally come to the full realization that I was not the female lead of this world. I didn’t have a female lead halo. Simply beckoning with my finger and expecting men to be as devoted to me as before was no longer going to work.

But then, a new thought struck me: I was the Eldest Princess. I could just take what I wanted by force. I didn’t even need to beckon.

And so, I set my sights on the new Tanhua Lang, Lin Feizhi.

I heard that during the palace examination, Lin Feizhi’s literary talent was superior, and my Imperial Father had originally intended to name him the top scholar. However, Lin Feizhi was simply too handsome. Thus, Imperial Father appointed him as the Tanhua Lang instead.

I looked into Lin Feizhi’s background. His family was poor; he had been raised by a widowed mother and had suffered hardships throughout his life. He had no power, no influence, and no marriage prospects. A triple threat of nothingness.

A talent like this absolutely had to be gathered into my Princess’s Mansion.

Thus, half a month later, I hosted a Plum Appreciation Banquet.

The Crown Prince and several of my younger imperial brothers were dragged there by me, so naturally, no one else was blind enough to refuse my invitation. But when I saw Zhao Heche, I was momentarily stunned.

He was wearing indigo casual robes with his hair tied in a jade crown; he truly was a figure as elegant as a jade tree. But I hadn’t sent him an invitation. Perhaps he was close with my Sixth Imperial Brother and had come along with him.

Seeing his clear, cool gaze fall upon me, I gave a slight nod as a greeting and turned away to attend to other guests. He was the male lead of a clean romance novel; if I couldn’t afford to provoke him, couldn’t I at least hide from him?

When I heard the maid announce that the Tanhua Lang had arrived, my eyes lit up. I went specifically to the front hall to receive him. Upon seeing him, my eyes brightened even more.

Lin Feizhi was dressed in coarse linen clothes that had been washed until they were faded, yet he remained calm and poised. A gentle and composed smile played on his lips, making one feel as though they were being brushed by a spring breeze. If Zhao Heche was like the noble, cold moon, then Lin Feizhi was like a cloud on the horizon.

Yes, he had exactly the kind of face that was suited for being taken by force.

I let out a soft laugh. “As expected of the Tanhua Lang personally selected by Imperial Father. You truly live up to your reputation.”

Lin Feizhi bowed low. “The Princess overpraises me.”

I led him toward the backyard, laughing and chatting all the way. The Crown Prince and the other imperial brothers shifted their gazes between Lin Feizhi and Zhao Heche. Then, they looked at me with expressions of utter confusion.

My Sixth Imperial Brother walked up to my side and whispered in my ear, “Imperial Sister, weren’t you enamored with Lord Zhao? I kidnapped him and brought him here for you today, so why have you changed targets? I’ve already started calling Lord Zhao ‘Brother-in-law’!”

Well, thanks a lot for that.

No wonder Zhao Heche’s expression was getting colder and colder today. Hiss.

Wait, why is Zhao Heche walking over here?

Beside me, Lin Feizhi looked up and said, “Feizhi shall not disturb the Princess any longer.” He cupped his hands, preparing to step aside.

I opened my mouth and said subconsciously, “You’re not disturbing me.”

Zhao Heche’s footsteps paused. He let out a soft, cold laugh. “Then it is I who am disturbing you.”

My eyelid twitched. This Zhao Heche-did he not know how to speak properly? I could only force a smile. “Of course not.”

Seeing that the atmosphere wasn’t right, the Crown Prince stepped in to save me. “It is about time. Let the banquet begin.”

I hurriedly replied, “Right, we mustn’t keep everyone waiting.”

I hoped that eating would finally shut Zhao Heche’s mouth.