He held Li Lan for a long moment, the warmth of his embrace a stark contrast to the chilling truth she had just revealed. Prince Wang Cheng's heart beat a steady rhythm against her cheek, a comforting sound that seemed to chase away the last of her fears. When he finally pulled away, his eyes were clear, filled with a resolve she hadn't seen before.
"Li Lan," he said, his voice firm and steady, "whatever you do, I will support you. You have my full trust. If you feel the need to have people from Huangtu around you, then it is entirely your right. You do not need to explain anything to me."
He was not just giving her permission; he was offering a profound partnership. Her quiet, seemingly powerless husband was showing her that he would be her greatest ally. Just as she had found her purpose in him, he was finding his strength in her.
The intimate moment was broken by a soft knock on the study door. The eunuch, who had been waiting outside, announced his return. "Your Highness," he said, "Princess Wang Xiu is requesting to see you."
The Prince's face, which had been so soft, immediately hardened. A flicker of something cold passed through his eyes, but it vanished as quickly as it had appeared. He looked at Li Lan, a silent message passing between them. She began to rise, a silent acknowledgment that this was a private family matter and she should take her leave.
But he reached out and took her hand, a gesture he had never made before in public. "Please stay," he said, his voice firm, a quiet command. He didn't even look at the eunuch; his gaze was fixed on Li Lan. "I am still enjoying your company. I am sure the princess won't be long."
Li Lan sat back down, her heart now a drum in her chest. He was not just defending her; he was making a statement. He was choosing her, openly, for all the world to see.
The eunuch announced the arrival of Princess Wang Xiu, and a moment later, she swept into the study. She was dressed in a vibrant silk robe, her hair meticulously styled, every detail perfect. She carried with her an aura of confidence and casual cruelty that instantly cut through the warmth that had filled the room.
Her eyes flickered between them, a smirk playing on her lips. "I hope I'm not disturbing you two," she said, her voice dripping with a sarcasm so thick it was almost sweet.
Her husband, still holding Li Lan's hand, met his sister's gaze with a mocking smile of his own. "If I tell you you were," he countered, his voice just as light and sharp, "would you leave?"
Princess Wang Xiu laughed, a cold, brittle sound that grated on Li Lan's nerves. "No way," she replied, her eyes narrowing as they settled on Li Lan. "I still want to talk to my sister-in-law."
She turned her full attention to Li Lan, her smile tightening. "What a show you and your sister gave us the other day," she said, her tone deceptively polite. "I never thought you could be so bold."
Li Lan felt a chill run down her spine. The words were a veiled threat, a reminder of her audacity and a warning of the consequences. Wang Xiu was sizing her up, a predator assessing her prey. This was the woman from her sister's past-life nightmares, and the game had just begun.