Chapter 62-Part 1

After that night, Jiang Xiurun started to deeply doubt whether the Crown Prince was truly fond of men.

If that previous encounter had been a matter of necessity, with Feng Liwu having no better option and forcing himself to do it, then he certainly didn’t show any reluctance once things got intimate.

His eager kisses and urgent caresses were not those of someone who despised women.

If she hadn’t been quick to defend herself, he might have undressed her right then and there.

Even so, through the thin fabric, he still managed to take quite a few liberties…

The more Jiang Xiurun thought about it now, the more uncomfortable she felt.

What kind of “medicine of tigers and wolves” had the palace supposedly sent for the Crown Prince?

It was likely not just something to boost virility but an aphrodisiac.

And if he had waited that long before coming to her room, why had he immediately become so restless?

Yet, she couldn’t exactly point at Feng Liwu’s nose and accuse him of taking advantage of her.

So now that the Crown Prince had asked her to get into the carriage, she had no choice but to comply.

Once seated, though, she instinctively kept her distance, no longer serving tea or massaging his legs as she used to.

Feng Liwu, naturally sensing the change, affectionately wrapped his arm around her shoulder and reached out to feel her forehead, as if checking if she had a fever or wasn’t feeling well.

Inside the carriage, there was nowhere to escape.

Held tightly in his embrace, Jiang Xiurun struggled to get up and muttered gloomily, “Does Your Highness treat me like this because you see me as lowly and unworthy of proper respect?”

Feng Liwu lifted her chin with his hand and said calmly, “Why would you say that?”

Gathering her courage, Jiang Xiurun licked her lips and replied, “Otherwise, why would Your Highness act this way time and again, as if I’m only worthy of serving you with my looks?”

Feng Liwu frowned slightly.

Despite being nearly twenty, when he relaxed, there was still a trace of youthful confusion in his expression.

With an innocent look, he asked, “Back at the temple, you were affected by an aphrodisiac. You should know how difficult it is to control oneself under such circumstances. Yet back then, you threw yourself at me without a word and kissed me wildly. Did you ever ask whether I was willing?”

Jiang Xiurun was stunned into silence.

That part of her past was so dark that whenever it was mentioned, she had no retort.

Forced to keep arguing, she said stiffly, “But the tonic the Crown Prince drank wasn’t as potent as that drug. And there are so many handsome men and beautiful women in the residence, why must Your Highness trouble me?”

Since that night, Feng Liwu had been somewhat distracted in his affairs.

Perhaps it was the spring season, when all things were growing, but he found himself constantly wanting to hold this woman and savor her soft beauty.

Like now, he held her slender waist, annoyed that she was wearing men’s clothing with layers of thick bindings, preventing him from fully enjoying her figure.

Ignoring her careful accusations, he simply kissed her white neck, his lips trailing to her earlobe as he mumbled, “I’m no saint. You started this, letting me taste the pleasure, and now you’re constantly before my eyes. How can anyone resist? Do you even know how uncomfortable that tonic made me? How about this, I’ll bring some back from the palace today, and you drink it to see for yourself?”

What kind of terrible idea was that?

Jiang Xiurun truly feared he might bring her some of that tonic, so she quickly assured him that doubting the Crown Prince’s integrity was completely wrong.

The Crown Prince, since he couldn’t resist, claimed that the tonic’s effects still hadn’t worn off.

He even said that every time he saw Jiang Xiurun, he couldn’t help but want to get close.

“Desire is natural,” he said.

“If you resist me, you must have a heart of stone.”

Jiang Xiurun was angry but didn’t dare fully unleash her frustration on Feng Liwu.

As eager as the Crown Prince seemed, he always managed to control himself and never forced things to the final step.

In fact, he behaved more like an inexperienced young man, clinging to her with an exasperating neediness.

When they arrived at the academy, just before getting off the carriage, the Crown Prince finally regained his cold and dignified composure.

With an impassive expression, he reminded Jiang Xiurun not to forget the rules he had written for her before the ceremony.

Once inside, she was to study diligently and avoid frivolous behavior.

Jiang Xiurun, though fuming, held her tongue.

If not for the fear of hurting the Crown Prince’s pride, Jiang Xiurun really wanted to shout at him: “Your Highness, you’re managing the wrong person here! Hurry up and clean up your inner residence, chase away that green cloud above your head, or soon you’ll be happily becoming a father!”

With these thoughts stewing in her heart, Jiang Xiurun entered the academy with her servant, Qian’er, carrying her book box.

Today, because of the academy’s reassignments, all the students had arrived early.

However, those from Ding, like Dou Siwu, seemed a bit dejected.

They had heard rumors that some underperforming students might be expelled today.

It was no surprise that the students to be expelled would likely come from Ding.

Dou Siwu was feeling down about it.

He had never been much for studying, but under the influence of his scholarly companion, Jiang Xiurun, he had started to appreciate the joy of learning.

And next month, a new horsemanship instructor was due to arrive at the martial arts branch—if he were expelled, he wouldn’t get to continue his martial training.

Seeing Jiang Xiurun, Dou Siwu perked up and called her over to wait for the announcement from their teachers.

Soon, the teachers stood on the high platform, and Master Mufeng began reading the list.

Most students remained in their current placements, still assigned to the academy based on the Tiangan branch and Dizhi branch. But to everyone’s surprise, Jiang Xiurun’s name appeared on the list for the Tiangan branch.

The announcement drew cheers from the students. Ever since the debate where Jiang Xiurun outwitted Ziyu, even the proudest students from the Tiangan Branch have acknowledged her talent.

In the academy, no matter how high one’s status was outside, nothing commanded more respect than outstanding scholarly ability.

Once the students put aside their prejudice, they discovered that Jiang Xiurun was not only highly talented but also pleasant to be around—witty, well-read, and not a dull bookworm.

Jiang Xiurun’s popularity in the academy grew, and the news of her promotion to the Tiangan branch brought a wave of congratulations.

The teacher had to call for order, and the courtyard quieted down.

Next, the fate of the remaining students from Ding branch was announced.

Dou Siwu, to his relief, survived the cut due to his exceptional martial skills, earning a promotion to Dizhi branch.

However, the rest of the students from Ding branch were expelled.

Having spent so much time together, Jiang Xiurun felt a brotherly bond with these students and comforted them.

They arranged to gather for drinks after the dismissal, with Jiang Xiurun offering to host.

Perhaps out of sympathy for the parting Ding branch students, the teachers ended the lessons at noon.

Jiang Xiurun had already instructed Qian’er to reserve a table at the restaurant, and after the dismissal, everyone headed there.

Her older brother joined them as well.

He was still at the Dizhi Branch, just like Dou Siwu, so they would have the chance to grow closer.

Despite their expulsion, the students didn’t seem too upset.

After all, they were all from prestigious families and knew their performance at the academy.

Though they would likely face punishment at home, they chose to enjoy the present and have one last good time before heading back to their families for a possible thrashing.