Chapter 3

Lu Liheng seemed rather surprised that I had sent Chi Yao away.

Apart from that, however, he remained as cool and detached as ever.

I might as well have been batting my eyes at a blind man.

At last, I couldn’t help asking him about it.

And he actually said:

“One moment, you were entwined with him. The next, Your Highness discarded him like a worn-out shoe.”

“What hope, then, would I have?”

“I do not wish to become someone Your Highness discards like a worn-out shoe.”

What?

Damn him.

Was that something a human being would do?!

Perhaps I should try giving him rat poison.

If he died, he was a rat.

If he survived, he was a rat spirit.

I wanted nothing more to do with Lu Liheng.

Whenever he came to teach, I ignored him and went out to enjoy myself.

Yet every time I returned, he was still waiting at my residence.

I pretended not to see him.

He didn’t even ask Father to release him from the post.

Day after day, he merely appeared as though reporting for duty.

The civil service examination results happened to be announced then.

The new top scholar was delicately handsome, with features like a painting.

He felt like my long-lost husband, finally found.

It took me quite some time to lure him into bed.

So even a man with a face as fine as jade could blush scarlet when desire took him.

I was thoroughly pleased with myself.

Then, the very next day, Lu Liheng cornered me by the rockery in my residence.

His customary composure was gone. He stared at the red marks on my neck, his expression dark.

“Your Highness, have you finished making a scene?”

I had no idea what he meant, but I contradicted him on principle. “No!”

Lu Liheng approached slowly. I stood my ground until we were close enough to hear each other’s breathing, his lashes casting a shadow across the tip of my nose.

The air between us was charged and hot.

I merely sneered inwardly.

Go on, then. Kiss me if you dare.

But he only lifted a lock of hair from my shoulder and covered the red marks on my neck.

“Finding a substitute to make me jealous is one thing, Your Highness.” His gaze remained on my neck, his tone cooling further. “But why take it this far?”

“…”

Admittedly, the two men did have somewhat similar temperaments.

But had he considered that I might simply have a type?

After a moment’s silence, I gave up explaining.

“I shall take it as far as I please. You needn’t trouble yourself, Lord Lu.”

I made to leave.

Lu Liheng stepped sideways, blocking me.

He enunciated every word. “But I am right here.”

I paused and studied him.

“What does that mean?”

“Don’t tell me Lord Lu now wishes to be the worn-out shoe I discard?”

Lu Liheng looked steadily at me. After a long while, he said:

“And if I do?”

I burst out laughing, then slowly let the smile fade. “Nothing.”

“Don’t get carried away, Lord Lu. I don’t like you that much.”

“Not enough to let you come and go whenever you please.”

“My top scholar is waiting. I won’t keep you talking.”

Ignoring Lu Liheng’s livid face, I walked away.

Then I stopped.

I turned and smiled.

“If Lord Lu is truly determined to remain by my side, I suppose it isn’t impossible.”

His brows stirred slightly.

“Get in line and wait. Once I tire of my little scholar, perhaps it will be your turn.”

Ha.

That felt good.