Not affectionate at all.
Chapter 26
One was a prince who established his own government and led an army, and the other was the daughter of a merchant family. Even if the two were on good terms and Yun Lie was a man who did not care about formalities, Luo Cuiwei still could not do something like "addressing him by his full name to his face".
Although many people say she acts arrogantly, she is not entirely without restraint.
Fortunately, Yun Lie noticed her predicament. Although he felt a little disappointed and unhappy, he didn't make things difficult for her. The two of them turned their attention back to the arena, each lost in their own thoughts.
To be honest, Luo Cuiwei wasn't very good at polo. She would occasionally join in the fun, just to watch the excitement and see who won or lost.
This was the first time she had ever sat down seriously on the sidelines to watch a match. As the game on the polo field became more intense, Luo Cuiwei was infected by the atmosphere and gradually forgot about the previous little incident. Her expression changed from surprise to joy as the situation on the field progressed, and she almost forgot where she was.
About half a cup of tea later, Princess Jinhui Yunpei led a servant carrying a tray into the brocade pavilion.
Luo Cuiwei quickly stood up, bowed, and greeted him.
Yun Pei remained silent, his gaze shifting subtly between Luo Cuiwei and Yun Lie.
After a long silence from Yun Pei, Luo Cuiwei didn't dare to move and could only wait respectfully with a courteous posture.
Yun Lie glared coldly at his fourth sister, stood up and walked over, grabbed Luo Cuiwei's wrist to make her stand properly, and then casually hid her behind his back.
"Fourth Princess, if you have something to say, say it. Why are you bullying people?"
His deep voice was as cold as a winter wind covered in ice shards; anyone could tell he was angry.
"Where did I bully anyone?!" Yun Pei retorted angrily.
After all, she was a princess who had established her own household and held a noble title. All she did was not respond in time when others were paying their respects. No one would think that she was "bullying" her.
Even Luo Cuiwei herself dared not think that way.
So Luo Cuiwei tried to step out from behind Yun Lie to ease the tense atmosphere.
However, as if he had eyes in the back of his head, Yun Lie grabbed her shoulder and pushed her back to shield him.
The intention to maintain it is obvious.
"What are you glaring at? Are you afraid people won't notice how big your eyes are?" Yun Lie stared at Yun Pei with a stern face, his imposing aura as if the territory behind him was his own. "Speak quickly if you have something to say."
Yun Lie was clearly very unhappy that Yun Pei had previously neglected Luo Cuiwei's greetings.
Upon seeing this, Yun Pei could no longer care about being angry. His expression turned to surprise. He stared at Yun Lie for a long time, then nodded and smiled as if he understood something.
"Oh, Father just said that since it's a competition, everyone can place bets for fun, so I came to ask if you want to join in the fun too."
“No need.” Yun Lie refused without hesitation.
Because the Ministry of War often delayed the payment of food and supplies to the Linchuan Army, he, as the commander-in-chief, had to constantly rob Peter to pay Paul, even having to use the monthly allowance for princes from the Imperial Clan Court. For more than half the year, he was penniless and had no spare money to make ends meet.
Yun Pei turned to look at the waiter beside him, who understood and withdrew with the tray.
Luo Cuiwei, who was being shielded by Yun Lie, saw the waiter leave and guessed that the two siblings had something to say to each other alone. She then whispered to Yun Lie from behind, "I'll also excuse myself for a moment."
Yun Lie remained unmoved, his entire being radiating an aura that "Luo Cuiwei doesn't need to avoid him."
****
Luo Cuiwei stood obediently behind Yun Lie, her eyes burning and her cheeks flushed.
Since her father was injured, she has always been the one to rush to the front and protect her family. She has almost forgotten what it feels like to be protected by someone.
She has lost count of how many cold stares she has faced and how many setbacks she has endured over the years.
But she remembered the countless nights she spent wrapped in her blanket, biting the corner and weeping, afraid to cry out loud for fear of worrying her family.
Actually, she didn't feel wronged at all just now.
Yun Pei was, after all, a princess who had established her own residence and led an army. It was not a matter of neglecting or making things difficult for her to respond to the greetings of an ordinary merchant or commoner woman if she was a little late or simply did not respond.
It certainly doesn't qualify as "bullying".
Without hesitation, Ke Yunlie stepped forward and shielded her behind him.
Looking at the tall, imposing figure in front of her, she suddenly felt like crying, yet also like laughing.
She bit her lip and lowered her neck, lightly pressing her forehead against his back. Her forehead almost touched his slightly cool spring robe, but her heart felt like a pot of boiling sugar syrup had been overturned.
It soothed and sweetly warmed her heart, slowly spreading to her limbs and bones, gently and tenderly enveloping her entire being.
But at the same time, tears welled up in her eyes, layer upon layer.
At first, she only wanted to negotiate a "collusive" deal with Yun Lie; at that time, in her mind, Yun Lie was not much different from many of the business partners she had encountered before.
She could always move him with lots and lots of money and sincerity, prompting him to weigh the pros and cons and ultimately agree to cooperate with her.
But after what happened during their visit to the lantern market on the 29th of the twelfth lunar month, she already knew—
This person may be tactful and pragmatic in assessing the situation, but his core integrity and childlike innocence are pure enough.
For the sake of the Linchuan army's provisions, he could accept some of the benefits she offered, but he wouldn't be completely greedy; after he recognized her sincerity, he was able to set aside the exchange of benefits and have a simple and friendly relationship with her.
If being his friend is enough to be protected by him, then... if we go further, what kind of passionate, warm, and tender relationship will we have?
Luo Cuiwei closed her eyes silently, forcibly suppressing the tears that threatened to well up in her eyes, letting the sweet warmth and bitterness in her heart tear at each other.