What Bad Intentions can the Yandere Crown Prince have?-Chapter 289 - 285: Pei Shiyi

Without Qin Rong needing to explain, Tang Xiaobai mostly understood what kind of blunder this was.

"I’ll go have a look!" she said.

The Little Ancestor calmly stood up as well, not expressing any objection.

The group sent by the court had been placed on the western side of the Central Army Tent.

Hua Jian was smoothly taken away, partly because the young man made such a ruckus, using his life as a protest, and partly because Qin Rong had the attitude of enjoying watching the commotion grow, and thus allowed it.

Although the people were taken away, it was clear where they were taken to.

They were led directly to the outside of the young man’s tent.

The tent was small, allocated to those minor officials without rank, and from outside, one could hear a gentle coaxing voice inside: "Are you cold? Warm your hands first. How, how dare they treat you like this!" The tone abruptly turned angry.

This voice... so unfamiliar?

Tang Xiaobai was a bit surprised.

The soldier leading them did not hesitate to lift the curtain.

"Who is it!" A harsh shout came from inside, followed by a figure rushing out.

Tang Xiaobai was stunned upon seeing him.

The young man, upon seeing her, also froze, glanced back into the tent, then looked at her again, with an expression of disbelief.

"Pei, Pei Shiyi?" Tang Xiaobai also felt quite incredulous.

This young man was Pei Xuan’s cousin, Pei Kuan, who almost got engaged to her!

She had met Pei Kuan once, but wasn’t very familiar.

No wonder Pei Kuan mistook Hua Jian for her.

But now with the real person appearing, Pei Kuan immediately recognized her.

Perhaps out of embarrassment, his fair face suddenly turned red, and he stuttered: "Tang, Tang Second, Sec—"

"Shh—" Tang Xiaobai made a gesture for silence.

He immediately closed his mouth.

Tang Xiaobai blinked, slightly amused.

Suddenly, she was pulled back, positioned behind the Little Ancestor.

"Take them back!" he ordered coldly.

...

Hua Jian was taken back, and Pei Kuan was brought to Li Mu’s tent for a conversation.

Once seated, Pei Kuan couldn’t help but examine Tang Xiaobai again.

Both had round, charming eyes, but compared side by side, the differences were suddenly apparent.

The glance of the Second Miss Tang was gentle and amiable, though born charming, with a natural air of a noble family’s daughter between her brows.

Brighter than when he saw her last year.

How could he have mistaken her?

Pei Kuan lowered his head in frustration.

Seeing this, Tang Xiaobai smiled to comfort him: "It’s natural to make a mistake; Si Yi and I have only met once, and it’s been a while, my appearance has also changed a lot."

Pei Kuan shook his head: "It’s not just once."

"Hm?" Tang Xiaobai was surprised.

Could she have met Pei Kuan in other occasions?

"Last April, when Second Miss and Miss Tang rode out of the city, I and Brother Nine happened to pass by."

Tang Xiaobai carefully recalled but couldn’t remember.

Horse riding out of the city was too common a saying.

But even so, it was just an additional half a meeting.

"That girl just now—"

"That’s a Han girl we rescued from the Turkic Army." Tang Xiaobai briefly explained.

Those from a noble family aren’t naive.

Pei Kuan’s expression turned grim immediately.

A Han girl rescued from the Turkic Army, resembling the Second Miss Tang, targeting whom?

Everyone knew the actual commander of this Hedong army was Qin Xiao, who came from Duke Yan Mansion and once served by the Second Miss Tang’s side.

This arrangement seemed to hint at some hidden ugliness.

Pei Kuan couldn’t help but glance at Qin Xiao.

Typically, when hosting guests, one sets a seat in the north as the senior seat, followed by seats on either side.

Seating is sorted by rank and status.

However, inside Qin Xiao’s tent, there was a large table placed in the center of the north.

Qin Xiao himself sat on the north side; the Second Miss Tang sat by his side, also facing north.

His elder sister Qin Rong, on the other hand, was seated at the west.

As for him, upon entering, he was guided to a seat far from the table.

When he looked up at Qin Xiao, Qin Xiao happened to also glance over, under the green jade mask, eyes dark and sharp.

Pei Kuan’s heart suddenly brightened, instinctively straightening his posture, returning the gaze unerringly.

Tang Xiaobai hadn’t noticed the hidden undercurrents between the two, yet still exchanged polite banter: "Is Senior Brother Pei well lately?"

Pei Kuan’s spirit immediately lifted, speaking cheerfully: "My elder brother is doing well, only often wonders if Second Miss is slack while studying abroad?"

Tang Xiaobai chuckled: "I dare not slack; I read and write every day, afraid of being tested upon return to the Capital!"

Pei Kuan echoed: "Likewise, while traveling, I dare not neglect my studies for a day; our family often says my elder brother should become a teacher!"

Tang Xiaobai had a thought: "With Senior Brother Pei’s knowledge, teaching at the Imperial College would be more than sufficient."

The Imperial College is the highest academy, mostly attended by noble children, who mostly will enter the court.

Hence, the teachers of the Imperial College are crucial.

Previously, the Imperial College was entirely filled with Qingzhou School scholars under Zheng Shidao’s faction, whose students mostly absorbed Qingzhou learning.

Until the murder accusation against Tang Ziqian a couple of years ago, where Imperial College students petitioned at palace gates carelessly, giving political opponents leverage to attack and successfully removing the Imperial College Sacrificial Officer.

The successor was Gu Bing, Second Uncle of Tang Xiaobai, Prince Consort of Princess Puan.

However, although the Sacrificial Officer changed, Qingzhou School roots were deep at the college; seizing this ideological bastion requires focusing on grassroots teachers.

Someone like Pei Xuan would be very suitable.

Pei Kuan obviously understood her implication, his eyes shimmering, saying: "My elder brother deeply appreciates the Emperor’s grace, determined to be dedicated."

Tang Xiaobai felt a bit disappointed.

Pei Xuan had just started his career when the Emperor called him to serve as a junior secretary, switching departments isn’t easy.

Setting this aside, she inquired: "How did Eleventh Son end up here? Are you employed at the Ministry of War?"

Pei Kuan’s face seemed to redden slightly, admitting: "Yes... just a minor position, hearing elder brother mention Second Miss involved in city building here, felt drawn, so volunteered to come along for experience."

For a youth aspiring to contribute to national defense, Tang Xiaobai’s favor for him increased sharply: "Eleventh Son, youthful and talented—"

"Clack!"

It was the sound of a pen tapping on a rest.

Drawing everyone’s attention.

Everyone here was proper, handling things with care; who could place a pen down causing such noise?

Obviously, it was the slightly displeased Little Ancestor.

Tang Xiaobai glanced towards the pen, her eyes slightly focused, falling onto the paper before the Little Ancestor.

Earlier, she hadn’t noticed that while she talked with Pei Kuan, the Little Ancestor was busy with pen and paper.

Qin Rong was propping her chin, watching intently; noticing the pen down, she asked eagerly: "Finished? What’s this mean?"

Li Mu didn’t speak, looking at Tang Xiaobai as if expecting her to interpret.

Tang Xiaobai paused for a moment, then smiled at Pei Kuan: "Since Pei Senior Brother’s cousin is here, if you need help, feel free to let us know."

The conversation ended here, essentially a polite way to bid farewell.

Understanding this, Pei Kuan politely stood up to take his leave.

As he left, he glanced at the table.

What had Qin written that made the Second Miss Tang bid farewell?