Chapter 1015: Day by Day, Affection Grows

"Young Mistress, your hair isn't done yet!" Hongzao chased after her, but Pei Mianman was too fast for her.

"It's fine," Pei Mianman said. With a casual sweep of her hand, she gathered her beautiful hair into a lovely bun.

Hongzao watched from behind, blinking in admiration. "The Young Mistress is truly something," she thought, "when someone is this beautiful, any way she styles her hair looks good." But why was she suddenly in such a hurry to run out? Had her attitude towards the Prince of Qi's heir changed?

Meanwhile, in the reception hall, Pei Shao and his wife were receiving Zhao Zhi.

"Thank you for your generosity, Your Highness," Pei Shao politely declined. "However, my humble daughter is too inexperienced and might not be capable of handling such an important matter." What a preposterous idea! The Prince of Qi's heir wanted Pei Mianman to investigate the imperial envoy's progress on the case. Although Pei Shao intended to curry favor with the Prince of Qi, he didn't want to offend the imperial court. Imperial envoys held the power to execute first and report later. The disappearance of the Duke of Yunzhong was fraught with suspicion, clearly hinting at a terrifying upheaval. Even a slight involvement could lead to utter ruin. Pei Shao had no desire to wade into such troubled waters.

In his view, the most perfect outcome was for his daughter to successfully marry the Prince of Qi's heir as a secondary consort. He didn't want his daughter appearing in public again. In the past, it was acceptable for his daughter to be spirited and often out and about. But now that marriage negotiations with the Prince of Qi's mansion were in progress, it was no longer appropriate for her to engage in such activities. Otherwise, it would reflect poorly on her reputation later. People might use it to criticize her for lacking royal decorum and being unfit to be a Prince's Consort.

"Uncle, you are too modest," Zhao Zhi said, adopting a humble demeanor and performing a junior's bow, which Pei Shao found extremely gratifying. "Miss Pei possesses extraordinary talent, her cultivation ranks among the best of her generation, and she is exceedingly astute. I have even heard a little about her previous investigation in Mingyue City; truly, she is a woman who rivals any man."

"Oh, you flatter her..." Pei Shao said, stroking his beard proudly upon hearing his daughter praised. He was quite pleased deep down.

Zhao Zhi continued, "The primary reason is that I, your humble nephew, did not bring enough people to Yunzhong Prefecture this time. I am unfamiliar with this region and find it difficult to even begin investigating the imperial envoy. Miss Pei, however, is different. The imperial envoy, Sang Hong, once served as Prefect in Mingyue City, and his deputy, Zu An, is also from Mingyue City. Miss Pei has some connection to them, which would make many matters much easier to handle."

At this moment, his wife, who was beside him, also tried to persuade him: "My lord, the Prince's heir is so sincere; let us help him." The more she observed the Prince of Qi's heir, the more she liked him. She was extremely satisfied with both his appearance and his family background. If only she had a daughter, she would have eagerly put her forward. Though that accursed girl, Pei Mianman, didn't get along with her, this dynasty ruled through filial piety. As long as she married into the Prince of Qi's residence, her own status as the legitimate mother would rise accordingly. And she wouldn't have to see that wretched girl in the manor anymore; the thought brought a smile to her face. Among everyone in the Pei household, she was the most eager to see Pei Mianman marry the Prince of Qi's heir. What's more, Zhao Zhi had given her numerous gifts lately, so how could she not speak in his favor?

"This..." Pei Shao was still wavering when a pleasant voice drifted in from outside:

"All right, I can go!"

Everyone turned their heads and saw Pei Mianman slowly walking in from outside.

Zhao Zhi felt as if his chest had been struck by a heavy hammer. He had been utterly captivated by her profile earlier, but seeing her face-on now was an even greater shock. He had originally believed Chu Chuyan, whom he had met years ago, to be the most beautiful woman of the younger generation. But seeing Pei Mianman today, he realized she was in no way her inferior; in fact, in some regards, she even surpassed her. Not only him, but even Han Fengqiu, standing nearby, couldn't help but take a few extra glances, his eyes following her. He wondered if those quivering buttons would burst open.

Pei Furen, standing nearby, let out a disdainful huff. "This woman, just like her mother, possesses a vixen's face and a pair of vulgar breasts."

"Greetings, Miss Pei, I am Zhao Zhi. I have long heard of your esteemed reputation." Zhao Zhi rose, abandoning his usual swagger, and bowed courteously, making what he considered a dashing introduction.

Pei Mianman completely ignored him. "I can agree to help you inquire about the imperial envoy's investigation progress, but you must promise me one thing."

"Whatever Miss Pei requests, be it one thing or a thousand, even ten thousand, I, your humble Prince, shall agree." Zhao Zhi was not at all offended by her attitude. Having grown accustomed to various fawning courtesans, a woman like this was a refreshing sight for him. He had initially assumed her appearance indicated a seductive and emotional person, but now her cool demeanor suggested restraint and dignity, which pleased him even more.

Pei Mianman frowned. "This fellow is far too glib," she thought. "My Ah Zu is the most honest and steady."

"Don't agree so quickly; otherwise, it will be awkward for everyone if you can't deliver later," Pei Mianman stated calmly. "I can help Your Highness gather information, but I hope Your Highness will withdraw the idea of a marriage alliance with the Pei family."

"Manman!" The Pei couple, standing nearby, turned pale with shock. Pei Shao immediately spoke up to stop her.

"What nonsense are you spouting? Has this girl lost her mind?" Madam Pei glared fiercely at her.

Zhao Zhi frowned, a surge of anger rising in his heart. As the dignified Prince of Qi's heir, a marriage alliance with the Pei family was already a condescension. Furthermore, he had recently restrained his temper and displayed extreme sincerity, only for the other party to be so unappreciative? His expression turned cold: "Oh, Miss Pei, why do you not wish to marry me, your humble prince?"

Pei Mianman hesitated before replying, "Because I don't like Your Highness." She needed to consider the Pei family, so as not to provoke the other party too much and bring disaster upon her clan. Of course, she absolutely couldn't cause trouble for Ah Zu, so she didn't mention him at all.

Zhao Zhi was first stunned, then burst into laughter: "So that's the reason!"

At this, Madam Pei grew furious: "This is outrageous! The Prince of Qi's heir is so outstanding; how can you be so picky?"

Pei Shao also frowned, saying, "Children's marriages have always followed the commands of parents and the words of matchmakers. When did it become up to your own whims?"

Pei Mianman's expression turned cold, but Zhao Zhi, who was nearby, spoke up to stop the two: "It's quite alright. Miss Pei certainly has a personality, which I find rather appealing."

"Who cares what you like?" Pei Mianman rolled her eyes, thinking, "Is this fellow insane? I've explicitly rejected him; can he not understand a direct refusal?"

"Woman, you have successfully captured my attention." Zhao Zhi gazed deeply at her, growing increasingly satisfied. "This woman is exquisitely alluring; even when angered, she remains stunning." How delightful it would be if he could also marry Chu Chuyan and hold both of them, one on each arm. What a pity that woman, Chu Chuyan, lacked self-respect, marrying someone else! Hmph, she is no longer worthy of being my consort or concubine. However, given her beauty, she could serve as a pampered courtesan for my amusement.

"No problem, I agree." Zhao Zhi offered Pei Mianman what he believed was a captivating smile.

Pei Mianman was startled, not expecting him to agree so easily.

The Pei couple, however, became anxious: "Your Highness, how could you..."

Zhao Zhi raised a hand to stop them from continuing: "It's quite alright. Since Miss Pei dislikes the idea, a forced melon is never sweet. It's perfectly fine for us to be friends. Besides, completing this important task is the priority right now; my personal affairs can be deliberated at a later time."

*This woman claims she doesn't like me? No matter, that's simply because she hadn't met me before. Once she has a few more interactions with me, given my dashing good looks and personal charisma, winning over such a naive young woman will be effortless, won't it? Feelings, all feelings blossom through interaction. She is going to undertake this mission, so she will inevitably have contact with me. As the saying goes, prolonged acquaintance breeds affection. After ten days or half a month, she will likely be utterly devoted to me. I, this Prince, was so magnanimous just now. She must surely be deeply impressed right now, thinking, 'There's actually such a thoughtful and generous Prince in the world!' She will certainly grow curious about me, and curiosity about a man is often the beginning of a woman's surrender. As for the promise I made, once we are mutually attracted, bringing up the marriage again will be a natural progression.*

At this moment, Pei Mianman, standing to the side, wore a strange expression, thinking, "Why is this fellow smiling like an idiot? They say the Crown Prince is a fool, but I don't see the Prince of Qi's heir being any better. Is there a problem with the imperial bloodline? Do they only produce such 'brilliant' minds?"