flstandardbreds Chapter 158
Chapter 158
In an instant, a familiar figure flashed through her mind, and her expression became somewhat complicated.
Nangong Shiyu observed Nalan Jingwen's expression discreetly, pondering what had made her stop. Rumor had it that the Wise Prince was a notorious womanizer, spending every night with beautiful courtesans, and his husband was renowned for his unparalleled beauty across the four kingdoms. Could it be...?
She looked toward the noisy crowd, but it was too crowded to see the man who had caused the commotion.
"Is Your Highness interested? These are too vulgar. How about I select a few for Your Highness and send them to Your Highness's room?"
Nalan Jingwen looked at her and gave her a polite smile.
"No need, thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. Let's go to the inn first."
She then pinched Jinse's waist, causing the latter to stiffen slightly, but she did not stop her restless hands, letting her do as she pleased.
He knew that Nalan Jingwen was telling him not to take it to heart, but in reality, no matter what Nalan Jingwen did, he wouldn't say a word. Her words were like imperial edicts to him, more important than anything else, so she didn't need to explain herself.
Despite thinking this way, Nalan Jingwen's subconscious consideration of his feelings still stirred up waves in his heart, as if it were soaked in honey.
Seeing that she refused, Nangong Shiyu didn't say anything more.
"This way, Your Highness."
He had only taken two steps when a commotion and gasps erupted from the crowd.
"Someone has fallen into the water!!"
"Help! Someone has fallen into the water!!"
Nangong Shiyu's face darkened. Such an important matter as welcoming the envoys had been repeatedly interrupted; it was a disgrace to Qilin!
Nangong Jiuyan, standing to the side, also wore an expression of watching the spectacle, fanning himself incessantly with his fan, as if he thoroughly enjoyed seeing Nangong Shi make a blunder.
Nalan Jingwen glanced at her, his eyes darkening slightly, then turned to look in that direction.
The person who had fallen into the water had been rescued. Nalan Jingwen could only see a wet, red figure, walking hurriedly and frantically, its face covered by wet hair, running towards her in a mad manner. The surrounding guards couldn't even stop one of them.
Nangong Shiyu stood in front of Nalan Jingwen and shouted sternly, "What are you doing?! Throw him out now!!"
Hongyun and Jingchi stood guard on either side of Nalan Jingwen, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings.
He stumbled over, muttering something under his breath. The noise of the crowd made it hard for her to hear him clearly. Just as he was about a foot away from her, a guard suddenly kicked him to the ground. His pale hands reached out towards her as if trying to grab her.
Nalan Jingwen frowned slightly, holding Jinse protectively in his arms to prevent him from getting hurt.
The man's hands and feet were grabbed, his red robes dragged on the ground, leaving marks and stains. His long, fair legs were held in someone's hands, leaving glaring red marks, and his private parts were faintly visible.
He wasn't wearing any underwear?! He only had a very short pair of briefs barely covering him.
Even with his hands and feet bound, he struggled fiercely, trying to break free. His eyes, barely visible beneath his black hair, were fixed on Nalan Jingwen.
Jinse felt a little reluctant and looked up at Nalan Jingwen. The latter didn't say anything but pressed his head into his arms.
"Be good, don't look."
Jinse grabbed her hem and leaned against her chest, listening to the people's foul language and occasional taunts. Although it wasn't directed at him, the memories etched into his bones still made him feel lost and embarrassed.
Nalan Jingwen took his hand and patted his back to gently comfort him. Just as the man in red was about to be dragged away, Nalan Jingwen saw clearly what he was saying.
His lips were clearly moving as he spoke.
Ah Wen...
Nalan Jingwen was startled and immediately said, "Wait!"
Her voice was loud enough for everyone present to hear, and everyone looked over with puzzled expressions.
Nangong Shiyu turned her head, her tone puzzled.
"What happened to the wise prince?"
Nangong Jiuyan also looked over, a dark glint flashing in his eyes, as if he were pondering something.
Nalan Jingwen did not answer, but stared intently at the man.
"Let him come over."
Everyone was puzzled. The guards who were restraining the man subconsciously looked at Nangong Shiyu. Although the latter did not know why Nalan Jingwen wanted to stop him, she still nodded.
Upon receiving the order, the guards immediately released their grip on the man, who then staggered toward Nalan Jingwen in a disheveled state.
Fearing he might hurt Jinse, she handed Jinse to Jingchi, saying, "Protect Jinse."
"Yes."
The man hugged Nalan Jing tightly. He was soaked to the bone, and his clothes were still dripping water. He kept smelling Nalan Jing's body, just like a small animal identifying people by their scent.
"Ah Wen...did you come to see me?"
“Ah Wen…you’ve finally come to find me…”
"I miss you so much……"
Nalan Jingwen raised her hand to brush away the messy, wet hair on his face. His lifeless eyes were the first thing she saw, followed by his stunningly beautiful face, like a poppy. Even knowing it was poisonous, she was still hopelessly drawn to it.
His beauty is like a poison, addictive.
Nalan Jingwen frowned and waved her hand in front of his eyes, but the man accurately grabbed her hand and pressed it to his heart.
“Ah Wen… I’ve been waiting for you for so long… You’ve finally come to find me…”
"Who are you? Do you know me?"
Could it be a fleeting romance with the original owner?
She had no memory of this person, but the name "Ah Wen" felt incredibly familiar to her.
Upon hearing her question, the man seemed to have suffered a great blow, staggering a few steps, utterly distraught.
"Is Ah Wen still blaming me? Is that why he refuses to acknowledge me?"
Nalan Jingwen was completely confused by what he said. She glanced around and saw that everyone was staring intently at the two of them. Nangong Jiuyan's eyes were filled with mockery. When Nangong Shiyu saw her looking over, she gave a knowing smile. Xue Qingheng, on the other hand, kept her gaze on the man with a look of inquiry in her eyes.
For some reason, Nalan Jingwen subconsciously stepped forward, blocking Xue Qingheng's probing gaze.
He then turned and pulled his hand away from the man's, saying solemnly, "I do not know you."
The man frantically grabbed Nalan Jingwen's robe and said, "A-Wen doesn't want to acknowledge me, right? You're still blaming me for my past willfulness, so you're unwilling to forgive me."
"I was wrong... Please don't abandon me, okay?"
He pulled her along, pleading, his voice trembling.
"Please... I can't take it anymore..."
His lifeless eyes were bloodshot, and tears streamed down his cheeks, dripping onto Nalan Jingwen's hand. She withdrew her hand as if burned.
Nalan Jingwen lowered her eyes and could see his fair thighs exposed in front of her through the fluttering red hem of his robe. He seemed oblivious and was still pleading desperately.
Looking down, I saw a familiar red rope at his left ankle. He wasn't wearing shoes, and his fair, jade-like feet were on the ground, making the red rope very noticeable.