Rebirth of a Lost Nation: Princess, Please Respect Yourself

Facing Rong Hui's inexplicable yet meaningful smile, Jiang Lige rubbed his arms and felt creepy. He quickly stopped the carriage and said he wanted to get off to get some fresh air.

Empress Dowager Jiang's original intention was to let the children go out and relax, so everyone did not rush along the way. They often stopped the car to enjoy the scenery when they saw a nice view.

It’s more like a spring outing than a long journey.

Therefore, the reason of ventilation is not surprising.

Rong Hui didn't expose Jiang Lige, "It's almost time for dinner. There's a tavern up ahead, so let's have lunch together before continuing on our journey."

After jumping off the carriage, Jiang Lige realized that it was raining outside. A paper umbrella blocked the rain for her, and the person holding the umbrella was Ning Luyang.

Most of the umbrella was covering Jiang Lige's head, and most of Ning Luyang's body was exposed to the rain.

"Princess, be careful not to get wet."

Jiang Lige frowned slightly, and just as he was about to speak, he saw Jiang Chuchu got off the carriage holding up her skirt. Seeing Ning Luyang holding an umbrella for her, a moment of unwillingness flashed across her face, but she quickly suppressed it.

In a flash, Jiang Chuchu smiled again, "Sister."

Jiang Lige smiled back and swallowed the rejection that was on the tip of his tongue.

"Thank you, Master Eight."

"Princess, why should I thank you?" Ning Luyang smiled and pointed to the location of the tavern. "I'll take you there."

"Alright."

The two of them chatted back and forth, completely ignoring Jiang Chuchu.

Jiang Chuchu's eyes darkened as she followed the two of them. Only she knew that her hands were already clenched tightly under her brocade sleeves.

The chief official of the princess's mansion received instructions and went into the tavern ahead of the others to make arrangements.

The small mountain inn is not as grand as a big restaurant, and there is only one private room. However, when people are away from home, they don’t care too much about eating at separate tables, so the guests are arranged to sit together.

Jiang Lige and the other two were arranged into a private room as soon as they entered. After waiting for about a moment, Ning Yunxiao, Xiao Xingrong and Rong Hui came in from outside.

After traveling for most of the day, Jiang Lige felt a little hungry. Seeing everyone seated, he prepared to eat first as a courtesy. Just as he stretched out his chopsticks, he heard Xiao Xingrong snort coldly.

"Those who know know that the Eighth Master came here specifically to support the Princess. Those who don't know might think that the Eighth Master came here just to hold an umbrella for her."

"..."

Xiao Xingrong said this bluntly, and not only Ning Luyang but even Jiang Lige blushed when he heard it. He retracted his hand and was about to ask this guy what was wrong when he heard Ning Luyang calmly take over.

"Is there anything wrong with me looking after the younger generation on behalf of my sister? But Lord Xiao, please don't cross the line between friends."

Xiao Xingrong's face flushed, and he directed his anger at Ning Yunxiao.

"I've never seen a prince who is so indifferent to beauties and so interested in worldly affairs that he even has to trouble others to take care of his own fiancée."

"Auntie, it's still me who remembers Yunxiao's preference. This houttuynia cordata is not common." Ning Yunxiao pretended not to hear and calmly picked up the food with his chopsticks. "Why don't you try it?"

Wild vegetables like Houttuynia cordata are generally not served on the dinner tables of noble families. Jiang Lige doesn't mind that the dish is not "elegant" enough, but he just can't stand the smell of Houttuynia cordata.

Therefore, everyone shook their heads.

"Houttuynia cordata is a rare commodity in the capital. Most people are curious about it, but there are also some who love it." Ning Yunxiao took a bite without much concern and nodded. "Even if I like it, this dish wouldn't be served on the tables of nobles. It shows that legitimacy is much more important than wishful thinking."

How can you be so sentimental while eating this dish?

Before Jiang Lige could figure out what Ning Yunxiao was saying, he saw Xiao Xingrong and Ning Luyang grabbing their chopsticks and grabbing the houttuynia cordata dish. Rong Hui pursed her lips and smiled as she looked at Jiang Lige.

Jiang Lige felt even more puzzled. He paused hesitantly for a moment and asked tentatively.

"Or... another plate?"

"..."

Rong Hui glared at Jiang Lige in disappointment. Her cousin's daughter was usually so smart, but why was she so slow when it came to matters between men and women?

No one enjoyed the meal.

Fortunately, they were all brought up at home and knew the rules of not talking while eating or sleeping, so although the atmosphere was awkward, no further trouble occurred.

After the meal, Jiang Lige dragged Rong Hui and ran away, thinking that if he got on the road quickly, these people would behave themselves. However, he didn't expect that as soon as he stepped out of the tavern, a few people started arguing again.

The reason was that as soon as Xiao Xingrong went out, he ran into a soldier from the convoy, who greeted Xiao Xingrong with a fist.

Ning Luyang snorted softly, "Master Xiao's ability to control his subordinates is truly remarkable."

This is implying that Xiao Xingrong is forming a clique for personal gain. If this kind of news gets out, it will probably be detrimental to Xiao Xingrong.

"Eighth Master, you are noble, but I have an errand after all. The rain just came so fast that I have to help my brothers to prevent the belongings they carry from getting damaged."

Jiang Lige was just thinking about how to help when he heard Xiao Xingrong rushing forward without retreating, and bowing to Ning Yunxiao.

"The prince is very righteous and has helped the brothers a lot."

Ning Yunxiao bowed in return.

The two of them were talking back and forth, and they almost put the words "hands-off boss" on Ning Luyang's forehead. Then the word "noble" also deeply hurt Ning Luyang.

Who doesn't know that among the eight sons of the late emperor, Ning Luyang was the least valued!

Thinking of this, Ning Luyang's face darkened.

"Things have their priorities, and the safety of the women should naturally be the most important. I had no idea that such mundane things could be more important to you than the safety of the three princesses!"

Ning Yunxiao raised his eyelids when he heard this, with a look of learning on his face.

"Eighth Imperial Uncle taught me that Yun Xiao was unfilial for not taking good care of the Imperial Aunt; and unrighteous for not taking good care of Princess Zhaohua."

"Your Highness is helping everyone move boxes and cabinets, so it's understandable that he might not be able to take care of things for a while." Xiao Xingrong readily took over the conversation. "Besides, isn't there the Eighth Master taking care of Princess Ronghui? Your Highness, there's no need to blame yourself!"

Ning Luyang didn't think of taking care of Ronghui at that time. His face turned red and he said embarrassedly.

"I just said it casually, Yun Xiao, don't worry about it."

Jiang Lige and Rong Hui looked at each other, exchanged glances, and without caring about anything else, they got into the carriage hand in hand.

When this man gets weird, he's no less charming than these women in the harem...

There were three men in a drama, and Jiang Lige and Rong Hui didn't want to get involved and cause trouble.

Jiang Chuchu, on the other hand, pretended to be at a loss and stood there in a daze, then stepped forward weakly to try to stop the fight.

"Speaking of which, Master Xiao, thank you for your hard work along the way."

After saying that, Jiang Chuchu turned around and looked at Ning Yunxiao, her watery eyes full of tenderness.

"My Lord, the Eighth Master is just saying that. Please don't take it to heart."

At the end, he did not forget to talk to Ning Luyang.

"Eighth Master, you're also a bit too funny, aren't you?"

Jiang Lige lifted the curtain and looked at Jiang Chuchu coldly as she "held the bowl of tea levelly". He couldn't help but sneer. This Jiang Chuchu really never forgets to show her "gentle" side!