The Trick to Teasing a Noble Family's Son - Chapter 22

Wei Lan was a woman who adapted to circumstances easily. Despite her strong feminist mindset reminding her of how shameful it was to be carried horizontally by a man, she remained calm. Being carried by Xie Zichen, she thought, since she couldn’t change the situation, she might as well enjoy it.

She quietly observed Xie Zichen’s jade-like countenance and suddenly remembered the earlier scene. “Did you poison the daggers?”

“Yes,” Xie Zichen nodded.

If initially, she had merely suspected Xie Zichen’s involvement in the assassination, she was now almost certain. Why carry poisoned daggers to the hunt? And not just one, but two.

Wei Lan’s lips curved slightly, feeling her choice of husband was becoming quite interesting. Watching Xie Zichen carefully navigate his way while carrying her, she sighed, “I can walk on my own, you know.”

Xie Zichen ignored her, clearly unwilling to discuss the topic. Wei Lan, knowing she couldn’t change his mind, said, “At least unblock my acupoints. It’s tiring for you to carry me like this.”

Hearing her compromise, Xie Zichen finally released her acupoints. Wei Lan lifted her inner arm to hook around Xie Zichen’s neck, slightly straightening her body, causing his hand on her shoulder to slip to her waist.

Her waist was slender and soft, different from ordinary men, with a graceful curves. His hands encircled her waist perfectly, holding her steady.

Thinking of this scene, Xie Zichen’s thoughts suddenly became chaotic. Then he heard her continue to ask about serious matters while leaning against him, “With such a commotion, if Xie Jie comes looking for you later, will you still go with him?”

“My feelings for Wang Wanqing were as deep as the sea,” Xie Zichen’s expression didn’t change, “Why wouldn’t I?”

“Then,” Wei Lan’s eyes darkened subtly, her tone neutral, “Do you still have deep feelings for Wang Wanqing now?”

“Not at all.”

A trace of disgust flashed in Xie Zichen’s eyes. Before Wei Lan could speak again, he continued, “A man born in this world should strive for achievements and leave his name in the annals of history. We are only fourteen now, there’s no need to think about these things too much.”

Wei Lan couldn’t help but smile at his words. If a woman said these words to her, she would probably think of the other as having grand ambitions, worthy of sharking three rounds drinks with her. But hearing it from a man, she just found it oddly endearing.

How could men and women be the same?

Even in a different society, a different era, after seeing many outstanding men of this time, Wei Lan still fundamentally believed that these men were just performing on a different stage.

They were weak, vain and temperamental. A man’s flaws were ingrained in their bones, and no amount of splendid robes could conceal them.

Perhaps there were a few exceptional, respectable men. But for most, if you caged them like golden canaries and pampered them for a few years, they’d likely be no different from the men of her own time.

These thoughts were deeply rooted in Wei Lan’s mind, so she couldn’t take Xie Zichen’s words seriously. Nestled in his arms, she gave a careless smile and said softly, “You are just too ambitious

Hearing this, Xie Zichen shivered from the bottom of his heart.

He decided to shut his mouth, refusing to say another word to this lunatic!

Halfway through their journey, they encountered the imperial guards coming to their rescue. They galloped over and knelt before the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince, now fully composed, called out “Rise” and ordered everyone to stand.

Xie Zichen picked a horse, placed Wei Lan on it, and then turned to the Crown Prince, “Your Highness, I will first escort Wei Shizi back.”

The Crown Prince nodded, then said, “Once Wei Shizi is settled, come to see me.”

“Yes.” Xie Zichen replied, guessing the Crown Prince wanted to inquire about the incident. He then turned to send Wei Lan back, but as he turned, he saw Wei Lan already galloping away energetically with Ran Mo.

Xie Zichen watched her back, then mounted his horse and chased after her.

Seeing Xie Zichen catching up, Wei Lan frowned and said instinctively, “Not going to converse with the Crown Prince? Why’s he following me?”

“Maybe…” Ran Mo speculated seriously, “He’s worried about you, Master?”

Wei Lan’s face darkened upon hearing this. “What’s there to worry about with such a minor injury? Men are so melodramatic!”

As she spoke, Xie Zichen caught up, glancing at her, he said coolly, “Wei Shizi curses even himself so ruthlessly. I’m impressed.”

“Thank you for your kindness, Fourth Young Master,” Wei Lan said, trying to maintain composure while feeling on the verge of breakdown. “But please, return now.”

“You were injured saving me,” Xie Zichen’s face was calm, “It’s my duty to ensure your safety.”

But I don’t want to be carried by a man!

Nor do I want a man escorting me home!

Wei Lan was fuming inside but couldn’t voice it. She turned her head expressionlessly and spurred her horse to go faster. Xie Zichen frowned but said nothing.

When they reached her tent, Wei Lan dismounted swiftly, maintaining her last bit of dignity, and bowed to Xie Zichen, “Thank you for your kindness, Fourth Young Master. I am fine now, so you may attend to your other matters.”

Xie Zichen said nothing, scrutinizing her. Seeing she still stood straight, he nodded and rode away.

Wei Lan exhaled in relief, and Ran Mo quickly helped her inside. After removing her outer robe, Ran Mo cleaned her wounds and carefully bandaged her.

Once bandaged, Ran Mo placed a chest protector on Wei Lan’s chest and helped her into a fresh outfit. Then they heard outside, “Shizi, His Highness the Crown Prince has sent an imperial physician for you.”

“No need.” Wei Lan lay inside, calmly saying, “I’m fine. Please tell the physician to return.”

After the physician left, Ran Mo finally erupted, checking for eavesdroppers as she scolded, “Shizi, are you tired of living? If you are, just tell me! Let the tiger maul Fourth Young Master Xie; why did you get involved?”

“I am a woman after all,” Wei Lan said lazily with her eyes closed, “How could I just watch a man in danger without helping? Besides, Fourth Young Master is someone I’ve set my sights on. If I can’t even protect the man I fancy, what kind of woman am I?”

“Fine,” Ran Mo tossed the bloodied cloth into a basin, turning to leave, grumbling, “Pamper him if you must. I can’t stop you.”

As she stepped outside with the basin, she saw Xie Tong hurrying over.

Seeing Ran Mo, Xie Tong’s face flushed red, but he mustered the courage, lowering his voice, “My master sent me to inform your Shizi that Xie Jie sought him, and he has gone to see him.”

Ran Mo nodded, expressionless, “Understood.”

She splashed the water onto the ground and turned back to the tent. Seeing her lack of reaction, Xie Tong relaxed, assuming she hadn’t recognized him. But as he did, Ranmo paused, looking at his face.

Xie Tong instantly grew wary, but she frowned and asked, “Why is your face so red seeing me?”

“Could it be,” Ran Mo seriously thought, “you like me?”

Xie Tong: “!!!”

Seeing Xie Tong’s shocked expression, Ran Mo sighed and shook her head, “Alright, you don’t like me. I was just asking.”

With that, she lifted the curtain and entered the tent, thinking wistfully.

No man had ever liked her. When would she return to being a normal girl and experience being courted by a man?

Hanging around with the lunatic Shizi every day, she felt really lonely.