Just a small note! I’ve recently discovered that ‘cripple’ is considered by some a slur, which I did not know (because English isn’t my first language). However, please keep in mind that, whenever I’ve used the word ‘crippled’ or ‘cripple’ in the translations, it was definitely NOT with ill will. I’ll be changing from now on the word ‘cripple’ with something else. I’m super sorry if I offended anyone! Thank you for reading and for your understanding!
After visiting the lonely Crown Prince, Jiang Xiaoman’s mood improved considerably.
On the following day, he resumed his noble endeavor of matchmaking between the male and female leads.
Based on the current situation, the male lead had taken an interest in the female lead, even resorting to forceful means, intercepting her on the way to the Tower of Ascension where she was originally meant to be taken.
At present, while the specifics of their interactions remained unknown to Jiang Xiaoman, observing the increasingly pallid complexion of the female lead alongside the Crown Prince—both as pale as if they had just stepped out of the set of ‘Twilight’—Jiang Xiaoman surmised that this might be the legendary ‘married couple’s face.’ Rounding it off, there might just be some sparks flying between them.
However, for some unknown reason, it appears that the Crown Prince seemed hesitant and didn’t allow the female lead to dine with him.
Could this possibly be some outdated custom where women are not allowed at the table? Jiang Xiaoman felt a bit concerned. If that’s the case, he needed to promptly teach the Crown Prince how to respect girls… Wait a moment, in the novel, they frequently dine together, don’t they?
What’s happening? Ugh, why is this system still stuck on the tenth chapter?
Jiang Xiaoman scratched his head with the little cat’s paws, attempting to scratch out the following chapters. After a while of scratching, with no success, he decided it was best to observe quietly from the shadows.
Yesterday, the little orange cat dedicated itself wholeheartedly to the performance. Today, Jiang Xiaoman graciously permitted the little orange cat to rest within the tower for a day, while he himself ventured out with the small white kitten obtained from Princess Yunmeng.
Returning once again to the Changle Palace, Jiang Xiaoman found the palace gates tightly shut. Contemplating what excuse to use this time for slipping inside, he caught a glimpse out of the corner of his eye of a shadow gliding not far away.
It was Nangong Xue.
Nangong Xue departed from a side gate of the Changle Palace, and Jiang Xiaoman, unaware of her destination, hastily followed suit, trailing behind.
Nangong Xue’s steps seemed ethereal, moving at a steady pace with a sense of determination, yet her gaze remained lowered as she walked.
Jiang Xiaoman quickened his pace, albeit cautious due to occasional passersby in the vicinity. He refrained from hurrying too much, keeping his gaze fixed on Nangong Xue as she made her way toward the Imperial Garden.
Upon arriving at the Imperial Garden, Jiang Xiaoman found no trace of Nangong Xue’s presence.
Where did she go? Has she gone to steal something?
Jiang Xiaoman cautiously peeked around the Imperial Garden for a while before finally spotting Nangong Xue beneath a certain tree.
Nangong Xue sat beneath the tree, her complexion pallid, lost in thought. Clad in the attire of a palace attendant, she had removed all the jingling little bells from her clothes, presenting a stark contrast to her previously vibrant and assertive demeanor.
“Why are you here?”
Upon hearing Jiang Xiaoman’s voice, Nangong Xue lifted her gaze to look at him, responding wearily, “How is it that I seem to encounter you everywhere?”
“Because this humble one has a knack for sensing when someone is troubled, just a flicker of intuition.”
In this secluded corner of the Imperial Garden, with no one else around, Jiang Xiaoman pondered for a moment before slowly settling down beside Nangong Xue.
Throughout his lifetime, Jiang Xiaoman had always maintained amiable relationships with individuals of the opposite gender, be it the elderly women in the village or female classmates in school. He had a way of treating them akin to sisters. Therefore, sitting beside the female lead at present, Jiang Xiaoman felt relatively at ease.
“Have you had your meal?”
“Uh-huh…”
If it were the previous Nangong Xue, she would have at least glared at Jiang Xiaoman, hmphed a few times, and possibly turned around to leave immediately. However, the current Nangong Xue seemed devoid of energy, as if her entire being had been hollowed out.
“Nangong Xue, what’s wrong?”
Upon hearing Jiang Xiaoman call her name, Nangong Xue finally seemed to regain some spirit. She turned her head, widened her eyes, and looked at Jiang Xiaoman in surprise, saying, “How did you know my…”
Jiang Xiaoman smiled without saying a word, which made Nangong Xue suddenly flustered, fearing that Jiang Xiaoman might already know the purpose of her entry into the palace. Seeing Jiang Xiaoman’s silence and feeling guilty herself, she hurriedly changed the subject and honestly explained her current situation.
“Every day, it’s chores… cleaning, fetching water, washing clothes for that fool, and being constantly at someone’s beck and call…” Nangong Xue sighed deeply. “Day after day, I have no idea what I’m really doing anymore.”
“Isn’t the Crown Prince treating you well?”
“The Crown Prince? He stays locked in his chambers every day. The palace is pitch dark, and I haven’t even had a clear look at what he looks like.”
Jiang Xiaoman, upon hearing Nangong Xue’s words, became a bit puzzled. What game was the Crown Prince playing at?
As Nangong Xue spoke, she took out a handkerchief from her pocket. Unfolding it, Jiang Xiaoman saw two pieces of Crystal Osmanthus Cakes wrapped inside. At the sight of the osmanthus cakes, Jiang Xiaoman sat up straight and hastily asked, “Where did these osmanthus cakes come from?”
“Where else could they come from… of course, they were given by the Crown Prince,” Nangong Xue said wearily as she pushed one of the osmanthus cakes into her mouth.
Nangong Xue chewed on the osmanthus cake with a blank expression on her face.
Yesterday, the Crown Prince gave her and Tongguang a generous box of osmanthus cakes, split evenly between them. They tasted good at first, but after eating so many, their flavor dulled. Tongguang, being a sincere soul, reminded her not to waste food.
Usually pampered within the demonic sect, she never cared much about wasting or not. But now, as a lowly palace attendant with few pleasures, enduring exhausting chores, she found solace only in the sweetness that could slightly soothe her hollow heart.
After some consideration, she decided to keep the uneaten osmanthus cakes. Later, she sneaked out to take a break and brought two pieces with her to enjoy in secret.
Jiang Xiaoman remained oblivious to Nangong Xue’s thoughts. He had no idea that the Emperor later sent a box of osmanthus cakes to the Crown Prince. He mistakenly believed that the osmanthus cakes were the same ones he had brought for the Prince the day before.
The realization that these were the Crown Prince’s favorite snacks and that he had given the only two pieces to Nangong Xue stirred a surge of emotions within Jiang Xiaoman.
Is this the domineering male lead’s contradictory form of affection?
On the surface, he commands the female lead, but behind the scenes, he reserves his most beloved treats solely for her.
Such generous affection in love, truly sweet.
Jiang Xiaoman felt like he stumbled upon something again.
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