Commoner Queen: Falling in Love with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince - Chapter 12

“What’s there to forgive, Master? Look at this girl—she’s clearly not from a respectable family! Otherwise, why would she be taking off her shoes and exposing her skin in public? Tsk tsk tsk! Such a disgrace!” Xiao Zhuzi clicked his tongue in mock astonishment.

“Who says my lady isn’t from a good family? She’s the only beloved daughter of Lord Murong, the esteemed scholar of the imperial court!” Linger shot back angrily. “If you dare insult her again, my master will have you locked up!” She glared at the annoying servant. This little lackey was as detestable as they came.

“So you’re Lady Murong? My apologies, I didn’t recognize you,” Yi Han said with a polite smile. Ah, so she was the daughter of the renowned scholar Murong. Quite famous, indeed.

“Hmph! Now that you know my lady’s status, let’s see if you dare act arrogantly again!” Linger said smugly.

“You—!” Xiao Zhuzi bristled, ready to lash out.

“Xiao Zhuzi, enough! Step aside and remain silent unless I give you permission to speak,” Yi Han ordered in a firm tone.

“Yes, Master.” Xiao Zhuzi reluctantly retreated, glaring at Linger with resentment. Pesky maid!

Yi Han turned back to Murong Ziying. “Miss—”

But she cut him off. “No need to say anything more, sir. Since I’m unharmed, let’s just forget about it.” She spoke with an air of generosity. After all, this was ancient times—she wasn’t going to hold a grudge. Besides, this man was quite handsome… Wait, what was she thinking?

“Thank you, Miss. However, may I ask something rather bold?” Yi Han’s gaze flickered to her red bridal gown. “Is it true that you just got married?”

It was rare to see a young woman running around in a wedding dress. Something about the situation didn’t seem right.

Murong Ziying lowered her gaze to her soaked wedding robes. Her marriage had ended up like this dress—completely ruined. A bitter smile played on her lips. Ah, the guilt…

“Today was supposed to be my lady’s wedding day,” Linger sighed, answering on her behalf.

A wave of disappointment washed over Yi Han. She was married? No, wait—hadn’t the maid just mentioned her husband had passed away? “Miss, did something go wrong with the wedding?” he asked bluntly.

Murong Ziying’s expression changed instantly, her guilt deepening.

So something was indeed amiss. “If it’s inconvenient for you to talk about it, I won’t press,” Yi Han reassured her.

She found his reaction odd. She was infamous throughout the capital—how could he not know about her? “Sir, are you not from the capital?” she asked suspiciously.

“My master is a true-born citizen of the capital—” Xiao Zhuzi started to interject, only to be silenced by a sharp glare from Yi Han. He immediately shut his mouth.

“A capital native?” Murong Ziying frowned. Strange. It was rare to find someone in the city who hadn’t heard of her reputation. This man must have spent all his time holed up indoors, never gossiping with others.

“Is something the matter, Miss?” Yi Han asked, intrigued.

“Of course there is. Nearly everyone in the capital knows my lady’s name—except you two,” Linger muttered under her breath.

Yi Han raised an eyebrow. “It seems Lady Murong is quite well-known. I must admit my ignorance.”

“You could say that,” Linger giggled, covering her mouth.

“And what exactly is your lady famous for?” Yi Han asked, amused. “Surely the imperial court hasn’t honored her with a ‘chastity memorial arch’ or something?”

Murong Ziying’s face immediately turned crimson. Marrying four husbands, only to have all four die—did that sound like “chastity” to him?! The humiliation was unbearable!

“Linger, we’re leaving!” she snapped, grabbing her maid’s hand. She refused to endure any more embarrassment!

“Miss, wait!” Yi Han blocked her path.

“What now?” she asked impatiently.

He removed Xiao Zhuzi’s outer robe—his own was still wet.

She jumped in alarm. “What are you doing?!”

He chuckled lightly and draped the robe over her shoulders. “You’re drenched. If you go back like this, you’ll catch a cold.”

More than that, her soaked garments clung to her body, revealing every curve. He didn’t want any wandering eyes taking advantage of the view.

A strange sense of possessiveness stirred within him—he didn’t like the thought of anyone else seeing her like this.

Murong Ziying was unexpectedly touched. “Thank you,” she said softly.

Yi Han studied her carefully. “You should go home soon,” he said, his tone unreadable.

He intended to find out exactly what had happened at the Murong estate today—and everything about her.

His gaze made her feel uneasy. Why was he looking at her like that? “Sir, this is improper!” she scolded, lowering her head.

“Is that so?” he replied with a faint smile.

She glared at him in frustration. “Do you make a habit of flirting with girls in the streets, sir?” Just the thought of him being that kind of man annoyed her. Then again, this wasn’t modern times. And him… Yun Haofeng… It had been so long since she thought of him…

“I don’t go out often,” Yi Han answered with a relaxed smile.

What kind of answer was that? She huffed in exasperation. “Linger!” Grabbing her maid’s hand, she turned and ran, not wanting to waste another moment on him.

Hmph!