Chapter 222: Is This Flirtation? (Fourth Update)

"Your Highness is joking; Xiao Xiao merely has a bit of petty cleverness."

Shi Xiaoxiao lowered her head, virtuously demurring.

Regarding this Second Prince, Shi Xiaoxiao was actually a bit intimidated in her heart.

Before this, it wasn't that the two of them didn't know each other—after all, they were both in the same circle—but in reality, they hadn't had that much interaction.

Shi Xiaoxiao had been close to Li Yiyi since childhood and had long been labeled by outsiders as belonging to him.

Others would not, and could not, secretly try to win her over to join other factions.

This was actually the first time Shi Xiaoxiao had met Li Fengyao alone in private.

"I am a person who never jokes; your performance this time truly surprised me a little."

"Calm in the face of danger, those arrangements could be called orderly; not bad."

Looking at Shi Xiaoxiao with approval, Li Fengyao praised her highly:

"Especially that final Poison Needle, heh heh... very good."

Thinking of the Poison Needle Shi Xiaoxiao had tucked into the bedding as she left, Li Fengyao laughed heartily.

Speaking of the part she was proud of, Shi Xiaoxiao also covered her mouth and chuckled:

"Your Highness noticed that too? Yes, that Poison Needle, I actually only placed two."

Li Fengyao lightly shook his Folding Fan and sighed with emotion:

"That third needle, which can never be found, is the one that is truly terrifying."

The unknown is what is most frightening.

Seeing that Li Fengyao was so easy to talk to, Shi Xiaoxiao's heart relaxed slightly.

When Li Fengyao had come looking for her, she had actually been very vigilant, thinking it was a new tactic of her father's.

But upon second thought, Shi Xiaoxiao abandoned that idea.

Shi Enguang was desperate to sever ties with the Li Family and would never invite the Second Prince to set a trap for his own daughter.

Not to mention, he couldn't afford to invite Li Fengyao anyway.

Although there was still the risk of walking into a tiger's den, Shi Xiaoxiao had no choice at the time and could only gamble once.

Fortunately, it was the correct choice.

If she hadn't left with Li Fengyao tonight, the consequences... would truly have been unthinkable.

The best outcome would have been to take her own life before Hua Tianquan entered the room.

And what made Shi Xiaoxiao decide was actually that one light, airy sentence from Li Fengyao at the time:

"You don't need to worry about the relationship between Li Yiyi and me; that is a matter between the two of us."

"You really don't need to be nervous; after all, you can be considered my sister-in-law, and I, Li Fengyao, have no interest in that."

"If you are willing, you can actually call me Second Brother."

When it came down to it, Li Fengyao was still Li Yiyi's second brother, and their relationship was closer than that of outsiders.

Thinking of Li Yiyi, Shi Xiaoxiao felt anxious again and asked softly:

"Second Highness, can I really leave the city safely?"

Li Fengyao gave her a deep look, turned his head to communicate with the guards stationed outside the door, nodded, and turned back.

"I have already arranged the carriage; as soon as the city gates open in the morning, you can leave Wentian at the first opportunity."

"At that time, you can go wherever you want in this vast land of Beigan... of course, I actually know that the place you want to go most right now is the Divine Path Sect."

"Wherever you want to go, just tell the coachman."

Smiling as he teased the shy young woman, Li Fengyao stood up and walked outside.

"Then Xiao Xiao thanks Your Highness."

"I will certainly repay this kindness in the future."

Waving his hand without looking back, Li Fengyao said casually:

"It was just a small effort, no need to take it to heart."

"Also, remember to give my regards to Li Yiyi; his second brother misses him very much."

Watching Li Fengyao's figure recede, Shi Xiaoxiao slowly let out a breath and put away the Poison Needle hidden in her sleeve.

That third Poison Needle was actually reserved for herself.

One should not have the intention to harm others, but one must have the intention to guard against them.

She must not fail to escape and end up becoming a bargaining chip for Li Fengyao to threaten Li Yiyi.

After repeatedly checking every corner of the guest room and finding no problems, Shi Xiaoxiao's eyes were full of surprise.

"Li Fengyao actually didn't have bad intentions?"

Could it be that he really is, as the rumors say, a good person who is the same inside and out?

But... is that possible?

After leaving Shi Xiaoxiao, Li Fengyao turned and came to his study, bowing slightly to the figure who had been waiting inside for a long time.

His expression was respectful as he said softly to the woman stroking a fox:

"The matter entrusted by Ran Guifei has been arranged properly by Feng Yao; I wonder if Ran Guifei has any other instructions?"

Ran Guifei, who was combing the fur of a white fox, raised her eyes and waved her hand at Li Fengyao, signaling that she need not be so formal.

"Sit down, don't be so reserved."

"With Ran Guifei here, Feng Yao dares not overstep."

Although she said that, Li Fengyao still sat down casually opposite Ran Guifei.

"Since Ran Guifei knew about Shi Xiaoxiao's situation long ago, why not step in and help personally?"

This Imperial Concubine, although nominally still confined to the Cold Palace, is... well, you know?

Big or small, it seems her shadow is never missing from any matter.

Only those on the periphery, unaware of the truth, would think she has lost her power.

Among the true insiders, who would dare to underestimate this Imperial Concubine who appears gentle but is actually wild and unrestrained?

This sister really will chop people's heads off...

"I like Xiao Xiao very much! Her personality is so good, it should be like this."

"You don't have children, so you don't understand; if this matter were to fall to me to handle, it wouldn't be beautiful."

Stroking the white fox, Ran Guifei explained with a smile:

"If I intervene openly, how will she go to Yi'er to complain? As a mother, I cannot ruin the romantic fun of the young couple."

Li Fengyao:?

This, this is actually considered romantic fun?

For a moment, Li Fengyao felt a new sense of awe toward Ran Guifei.

So, romantic love between a man and a woman actually requires this kind of fun?

"Of course, it's not that I won't care at all; she is, after all, the daughter-in-law I have taken a liking to. How could I let her truly be wronged?"

Although Ran Guifei was smiling, her eyes were ice-cold.

The Shi Family? The Hua Family?

Daring to touch my daughter-in-law, you truly have a lot of nerve.

"If Imperial Concubine needs it, Feng Yao is willing to help with all his might."

"Hehe, that won't be necessary this time. It is not appropriate for you to show your face in such matters; I will handle it myself."

Ran Yeting put down the white fox, slowly stood up, and nodded slightly to Li Fengyao.

"You are good. If you feel that Zhao Chaofeng is not treating you well, you can come to me, and I will help you vent your anger."

Li Fengyao showed a bitter smile and bowed, saying:

"Feng Yao would not dare. The Empress has always treated Feng Yao well; Imperial Concubine is overthinking it."

Glancing at Li Fengyao, Ran Guifei did not say more and said casually:

"Is that so? Then it doesn't matter. It will be the same if you come to find me after you change your mind in the future."

She turned her head, winked at the white fox lying dead on the desk, and waved goodbye:

"Little fox, I'm leaving! Let's play together again next time."

Ran Yeting was actually very surprised in her heart; she did not expect that the Fox Demon she saw earlier was actually kept by Li Fengyao.

And Ren Yidao, who had been ravaged once, also did not expect this development.

"My main body returned to Wentian, and I just thought I'd send a clone over to take a look; how did I end up getting caught and petted for the whole night?"

"So strange!"

It's the last day for double Monthly Tickets, asking for Monthly Tickets—

Finally, I didn't break my promise and managed to get it out...

So tired, so uncomfortable, going to sleep, going to sleep.