Ji Jinmo glanced at the Linyuan official kneeling at his feet, waved his sleeve, gestured for him to rise, and then strode towards Nan Shiying.
Nan Shiying picked up the teapot and poured him a cup of tea, placing it beside his hand.
Ji Jinmo pulled out a stool beside Nan Shiying and sat down. He picked up the teacup, the warm ceramic dispelling the chill from his palm. He merely toyed with the teacup, not drinking, his phoenix eyes lifting slightly to rest on Yu Chengxuan.
"Seventh Prince of Dali?"
A smile played on Ji Jinmo's lips, his voice low and cool, devoid of any harshness. Yet, to Yu Chengxuan's ears, it carried a hint of malice.
Yu Chengxuan, cradling Xiao Hua, smiled faintly at Ji Jinmo. "Regent of Linyuan!"
The identical way of addressing each other carried a strong air of confrontation. The warmly decorated private room now seemed enveloped by a cold atmosphere, with a biting wind, centered on the table, rampantly sweeping and invading everything around. Everyone felt the air around them congeal.
Ji Fei stood beside Yu Chengxuan with a slight frown, momentarily finding himself in an awkward predicament.
The Linyuan officials had long since shrunk into the corner, heads bowed in silence, attempting to minimize their presence.
However, upon seeing the fox in Yu Chengxuan's arms, Ji Jinmo's expression darkened. He turned to look at Nan Shiying, who shrugged with a "I didn't expect this either" look. "Xiao Hua is the Seventh Prince's pet."
Xiao Hua raised its head, its chin slightly tilted. Nestled in its master's arms, it gazed at Ji Jinmo with an imposing aura, its front paws fiercely clawing at the air. If it were human, it would likely be making a throat-slitting gesture at Ji Jinmo.
Nan Shiying's voice cut through the raging cold wind, gradually easing the atmosphere in the room. Xiao Hua's chittering and yelps added a touch of amusement.
Ji Fei let out a heavy sigh. He truly feared that Ji Jinmo would flip the table and lose his temper just moments ago.
"This humble one greets the Regent!" Ji Fei finally cupped his fists and bowed towards Ji Jinmo.
Ji Jinmo raised his eyelids and nodded slightly at him.
Yu Chengxuan, restraining the restless Xiao Hua, shifted his gaze between Nan Shiying and Ji Jinmo. A faint smile graced his handsome, gentle face. He rubbed his fingers against the teacup, as if remembering something, and removed the jade pendant from his waist, handing it to Nan Shiying. "Oh, right. I forgot to thank Young Master Feng for taking care of Xiao Hua. I was in a hurry today and couldn't prepare a gift. I hope Young Master Feng won't mind."
Ji Fei's eyes widened in surprise as he saw the jade pendant in Yu Chengxuan's hand. He moved his lips slightly, astonished.
Wasn't this jade pendant one of the pair of mandarin duck pendants that the Old Madam had given to the Noble Consort the year she entered the palace? There were originally two of them, but the Emperor, being a monarch, even if he doted on the Noble Consort, never wore it at his waist. It wasn't until the Prince came of age that the Emperor and the Noble Consort bestowed this pair of jade pendants upon the Prince.
The deep meaning of this jade pendant, how could it be so easily given away, and to a... man?
Although Ji Fei's astonishment and surprise were fleeting, they were still noticed by Nan Shiying and Ji Jinmo. Even without knowing the significance of the jade pendant, she had already received one such hot potato, and that was enough.
She refused to accept it. "Your Highness is too kind. Xiao Hua and I also have a connection. I kept it by my side simply because I found it adorable. If Your Highness is thanking me, it would be too formal."
Yu Chengxuan's eyes brightened. He smiled and said, "Then, does this mean Young Master Feng is willing to associate with me?"
Nan Shiying: "..."
The other party's brazen approach had caught her completely off guard.
She turned her head to look at Ji Jinmo.
From her eyes, Ji Jinmo read: "Why do I keep encountering shameless people like you lately?"
Ji Jinmo's phoenix eyes, which had been filled with a dark aura due to Yu Chengxuan's words, found it difficult to maintain their gloominess after seeing her gaze. He unconsciously touched his nose, mercifully deleting the "you people" implied in her expression.
Nan Shiying shot him a subtle glare, then turned back to Yu Chengxuan with a friendly smile, politely replying, "It is my good fortune to associate with a distinguished figure like Your Highness."
"Judging by Young Master Feng's age, you should be a few years younger than me. Since we are instantly kindred spirits, let this jade pendant be a meeting gift from your elder brother!" Yu Chengxuan's familiarity was something Nan Shiying deeply admired. If it came to shamelessness, the newly evolved Ji Jinmo truly couldn't compare to this Yu Chengxuan.
Nan Shiying twitched her lips, wanting to refuse again, but Yu Chengxuan didn't give her the opportunity. He said, "Could it be that Brother Feng is unwilling to accept your elder brother's gift?"
Nan Shiying: "..."
My brother, your thrice-great-aunt's uncle's grandmother's grandmother's leg!