Chapter Seventeen: Zilin, Why Are You Here Again?

In truth, Yue Wanqing’s imagination was astonishing; her mind flitted from heaven to earth, her eyes shifting constantly. Feng Xiaoli, well acquainted with Yue Wanqing’s temperament, could only sigh—again and again, nothing but sighs.

“Greetings, Prince Chun!” Zilin appeared before Prince Chun, wearing a radiant smile.

In no time, Zilin’s gaze settled on Feng Xiaoli, and he addressed her with his usual playful grin, “Li’er, I’m here!”

Prince Chun frowned upon hearing this. How could Ali know Zilin? According to what he knew, Ali had seldom ventured out these past few years, always protected in secret by hidden guards. Any incident would be reported to him. Yet now, Ali seemed familiar with someone he himself did not know. How could this be?

Feng Xiaoli twitched her lips, inwardly repeating, “I don’t know you! I don’t know you!”

Only Yue Wanqing was dissatisfied. Her face stretched in displeasure as she suddenly stood and blocked Zilin, protesting, “Hey, hey, hey! Why didn’t you greet me? You only have eyes for the prince and Ali. Come on, tell me honestly, what’s your relationship with Ali? You even call her so affectionately!”

Zilin stroked his smooth chin—there wasn’t a hint of stubble there. “Li’er is the only one in my eyes; other women don’t interest me. Besides, tsk tsk, your looks pale in comparison to Ali’s. How could you expect me to call you my heart’s desire?”

“How can you say that? I’m far more beautiful than Ali! Clearly your eyes must be on your backside if you can’t see it!” Yue Wanqing was furious. He was absolutely a man who didn’t appreciate beauty. Hmph! Who knows what tricks Ali used to enchant him!

Zilin raised his brows, correcting her, “Wrong, wrong. Haven’t you heard the saying, ‘Beauty is in the lover’s eyes’? No matter how plain Li’er might be, to me she’s as beautiful as Xi Shi! And, miss, mind your manners. Look at Ali—she’s every inch a refined lady. Now look at yourself, like a shrew bickering in the street!”

Yue Wanqing was stunned, unsure how to retort. She’d always bested Feng Xiaoli in their verbal sparring, but now she’d been defeated with just a few words!

She admitted defeat, utterly!

Feng Xiaoli was delighted to see Yue Wanqing in this state. She’d always been bullied by Yue Wanqing; now, with someone putting Yue Wanqing in her place, she found Zilin not so annoying after all.

Yet, soon enough, her smile faded. Zilin’s tongue was sharp, and his words about lovers seeing Xi Shi made her wonder—was she truly ugly? Was she really so plain?

Prince Chun leaned in and whispered to Feng Xiaoli, “Ali, when did you meet him?” The prince felt uneasy; he couldn’t quite match Zilin’s aura. Zilin appeared calm and detached, but his noble air was undeniable. This was someone not to be underestimated.

Feng Xiaoli replied, “Old man, I truly don’t know who he is. I don’t know his name, where his family resides, or why he’s here. In short, I know nothing. So, do you think I know him?”

Zilin suddenly acted as though enlightened, exclaiming, “So you don’t know my name, Li’er! I thought you were clever enough to guess it!” He shook his head, disappointed, as if lamenting her dullness.

Yue Wanqing seized the opening, “I’ve always said Ali is rather dense, but you wouldn’t believe me!”

Zilin glanced at her, “When did you say that?”

“Just now!”

Zilin decided to ignore Yue Wanqing and turned respectfully to Prince Chun, “Your Highness, I am Zilin.”

“What, Zilin?” Prince Chun and Yue Wanqing exclaimed in unison, their eyes wide with disbelief, though they gradually composed themselves. There were plenty of people with the same name in the world, but such a celestial presence could not possibly appear here!

Yet, this man’s ethereal beauty was indeed striking.

Feng Xiaoli did not understand their strong reaction. She calmly sat down, unmoved, and remarked, “You two really are easily startled. Just hearing a name and you’re ready to cry for your parents. You should learn from me what it means to remain composed.”

Zilin looked at her with admiration, “Li’er is truly Li’er; your words are always wise.”

“Ali, do you know what the name Zilin signifies?” Yue Wanqing spoke excitedly.

Before Feng Xiaoli could answer, Yue Wanqing continued, “The surname Zi represents nobility, sacred and untouchable, bearing the most illustrious lineage. Legend has it, three thousand years ago, they appeared at Zi Feng Ridge, helping the locals turn barren land into fertile soil, improving their lives. The people revered them as gods, wishing to crown their leader king, but he refused. Yet, to their delight, the clan remained at Zi Feng Ridge, though glimpsing them was exceedingly rare. Still, it’s just legend. No one can confirm whether Zi Feng Ridge truly exists in this world, and those with the Zi surname are even rarer.”

Feng Xiaoli narrowed her eyes thoughtfully, “Wanqing, you’ve learned much during your travels. I, in comparison, am ignorant.”

Yue Wanqing mocked her, “Who told you to be so foolish?”

What did that have to do with being foolish? Feng Xiaoli was speechless.

Prince Chun and Yue Wanqing sensed that Zilin’s identity was unusual, but neither thought of Zi Feng Ridge. Wanqing was right; legend was legend, not reality.

Suddenly, Yue Wanqing cried out, “Ah, I forgot I have things to do! I must go now, Prince, Ali, I’ll visit another day!” She left in a whirlwind, and as she passed Zilin, she whispered something to him—deliberately lowering her voice so Feng Xiaoli couldn’t hear a single word.

Feng Xiaoli watched Zilin’s expression; there was a flash of surprise, but it quickly faded.

Yue Wanqing arrived in a whirlwind, and departed the same way!

Prince Chun instructed Jin Ning, “Jin Ning, escort Miss back to her room!”

What was happening? Even Zilin didn’t ask her to stay. What on earth was going on?

“Miss, please hurry. If we don’t go, the prince might get angry!” Jin Ning urged Feng Xiaoli forward, who glared angrily at the others. Zilin, thinking she was reluctant to leave him, said, “Li’er, don’t look at me so longingly. Go back and rest well.”

Get lost! When did the old man become so familiar with Zilin? There’s definitely something fishy. Feng Xiaoli glanced back three times, paying no heed to Zilin’s words, while Prince Chun shook his head repeatedly.