The Whole World Knows That the Crown Prince Loves Her

Before they could speak, Di Qin strode up and simply said, “Let’s go.”

Nangong Mian looked at him in surprise. “Don’t you want to stay and watch?”

“If Quanquan wasn’t here, I’d only leave after the match to keep company. But with her present, what reason do I have to remain?” Di Qin spoke gently, shocking the gathered crowd with his sudden warmth.

Nangong Mian was no stranger to Di Qin’s differential treatment – after all, even before…Di Qin had always been as soft as moonlight and spring breeze to Quanquan, yet met Nangong Mian himself with naught but wintry gales. Simply because he was Quanquan’s brother; elsewise, those gales would blow glacial.

But then, Di Qin had been Ye Qin, and he’d been Quanquan’s brother. His care for her and cool indifference toward Nangong Mian seemed only natural. However, now…Di Qin was the Imperial Prince! With so many eyes upon them, Nangong Mian had but pulled Quanquan back, hoping she wouldn’t act so familiar. Yet Di Qin openly favored her still!

What must those watchers be thinking? Even the aloof prince gentle to this girl…she must be special to his heart! They would surely think to exploit her influence! Win her over, and Prince Di Qin would be putty in their hands. Refuse…and perhaps meet an assassin’s blade!

Lost in his own concerns, Di Qin seemed oblivious to the calculations around him. Since he knew the risk, why flaunt favor openly so?

Sensing Nangong Mian’s thoughts, Di Qin met his eyes, dark yet bright with piercing insight. “Have no worry. With me here, none shall dare harm Quanquan.”

Nangong Mian studied Di Qin, then released a long sigh, letting his worries subside. The station of the Imperial Prince conferred great privilege, but also unnecessary troubles for Quanquan. Yet the nobility of that station also commanded fear, which could prevent issues. No perfect solution existed – as long as Di Qin wholeheartedly protected Quanquan, things would be fine.

Huang Quan listened silently to their exchange. She understood her brother’s concern, but he needn’t have worried – she was plenty powerful herself. Di Qin said none could hurt her while he was present. His words touched her, but…there was no actual need. After all, she really was quite formidable!

In contrast to the somber atmosphere between the three, the crowds were struck dumb with shock. All stared bug-eyed at Di Qin, as if seeing flowers bloom from his skin.

Elder brother! The imperial prince, addressing Nangong Mian so! What could it mean? And his intimacy with Huang Quan…could Prince Di Qin be indicating she would be his future princess?! Stunned disbelief was etched on nearly every face.

In the front row, Nangong Qingle overheard it all clearly, despite Di Qin’s volume. If before she had only murderous designs on Huang Quan, now…now she wanted the wench dead immediately!

And in the second row, the Nangong family head heard it too. His expression spasmed wildly, as if his face were a changing mask.

Oblivious to the reactions around him, Di Qin gently touched Huang Quan’s head. “Are you hungry?” he asked lightly.