Bab 20: Princess Shan

Xuefeng had always admired Wuying's beauty, but the young woman entering the room left him stunned. If they stood side by side, she would undoubtedly overshadow Wuying. Her purple one-piece dress perfectly hugged her body, showcasing her elegant figure. The dress ended just above her knees, revealing her shapely legs. She looked like one of the top models he remembered from magazines on Earth. Even compared to Tianshi, he couldn't say for sure that he would choose Tianshi over her.

As his gaze traveled upwards, he noticed her well-developed chest and straight black hair cascading over it. 'What are these girls eating to develop like that?' he wondered, noting that even Wuying's chest was smaller in comparison. Finally, he focused on her face, partially covered by a veil, revealing only her brown eyes. He realized she was the veiled lady from the ceremony.

Zhen Shan entered the room and glanced around, smiling under her veil when she noticed Xuefeng scanning her figure. Wuying immediately recognized her as a rival, angry she hadn't known about her presence in the Clan. 'I will have to "educate" my subordinates after this meeting,' she thought, planning their punishment.

"Welcome, Princess. Please, have a seat," Liu Xiaobei smiled, gesturing to the last empty chair.

"Hello, everyone. I'm sorry for intruding," she greeted politely, sitting beside Xuefeng.

"Young Master Xuefeng, I wanted to meet you sooner, but I didn't have the opportunity," she said with a slight pout.

Xuefeng smiled, confirming with Ling that the Fate Fragment was with Zhen Shan, sensing it near her chest, likely as a necklace. "I'm sorry, that's my fault. I was tired from yesterday's events and slept until noon today. I'll make it up to you, Lady Shan," Xuefeng apologized politely, eager to keep the opportunity to retrieve the necklace.

Princess Shan wasn't from the Clan, so he couldn't force her to give it up. He had only one month and couldn't afford any missteps.

'Since when was he so polite?' Wuying thought, feeling wronged. 'Guess I was being too considerate with my training plan. I will need to alter some parts.'

Princess Shan, used to flattery, nodded. "That's great, I would love to talk privately with you. How about dinner tomorrow?" she asked sweetly.

Before Xuefeng could agree, Wuying interjected, "He already has training plans with me tomorrow. I don't think he'll have the energy to go out."

Xuefeng looked to his left, seeing an angry Wuying staring at him. He had forgotten about her while planning with Ling how to retrieve the Fate Fragment.

"And who are you?" Princess Shan asked with a frown.

"I'm Xuefeng's... teacher," Wuying said, wanting to say girlfriend but remembering they hadn't confirmed their relationship.

"It's okay. I think I will find some time for dinner," Xuefeng tried to salvage the situation.

Princess Shan shot a victorious look at Wuying. Feeling wronged, Wuying retorted, "Are you covering your face so others can't see your ugly face?"

"I just don't want you to feel jealous, seeing how insecure you are," Princess Shan fired back. Then, turning to Xuefeng, she said, "If Young Master wants to see me without a veil, you can just ask."

Wuying's face darkened as Princess Shan winked at Xuefeng. They glared at each other until Xuefeng stepped between them.

"Girls, calm down. Be nice to each other," he said, feeling lost.

"She started first!"

They both said at the same time. Seeing his son in trouble, Liu Xiaobei laughed, recalling similar situations from his past. Mu Lan had chased away all potential concubines, leaving him with only her.

"Okay, don't argue. The Princess will be staying in our clan for some time, so there will be plenty of opportunities to meet. There are a few free rooms in your courtyard, so we can arrange for her to live in one. Are you fine with that?" the Clan Leader proposed.

"No."

"Yes."

Princess Shan agreed while Wuying did not. They both turned to Xuefeng, awaiting his decision. Thinking it would be easier to get the Fate Fragment from the princess, he thought it was a good idea.

"Well, I don't mind. It would be fun having more people around," he said with a smile.

Wuying looked unhappy, but there was nothing she could do. Just as she was about to win Xuefeng over, another girl appeared, ruining her plans.

"Okay, then it's settled. I will have someone show her the way to your courtyard. Meanwhile, you can visit the Spirit Treasury. We can end the meeting there," Liu Xiaobei decided.

"Okay, it was nice to meet you, Princess. We will see you later," Xuefeng stood up and said goodbye to the veiled beauty.

"How about I join them? It's not like I have anything better to do," Princess Shan suddenly asked the Clan Leader.

"Well, if you want to go, you can ask Xuefeng," he redirected to his son.

"I don't see a reason why not. You can tag along if you want," Xuefeng agreed without much thought.

Wuying, who was already smiling, thinking she could get rid of her enemy, froze. Her improved mood shattered again. 'Calm down, you are better than her. If you work hard, you will defeat her. If you behave like a spoiled girl, he will dislike you,' she calmed herself and stood by Xuefeng's side.

"I'm ready, we can go," Wuying smiled gently at Xuefeng, dazing him for a moment.

"You are prettier when you smile," he said subconsciously.

'It's working!' Wuying thought, sighing in relief. Princess Shan stood on his other side and imitated her opponent. "I'm also ready."

"Okay then, let's go," Xuefeng nodded to her and headed toward the exit.

Seeing she won this time, Wuying shot Zhen Shan a glance and smirked. Princess Shan followed calmly, not bothered by a small setback.

After they left the room, Mu Lan, who had been mostly silent, finally spoke: "I don't like the way you handled this situation."

Liu Xiaobei placed his wife on his lap. "I'm doing it for her own good. She never had competition, so she never gave it her all. Princess Shan staying is just right for us."

"What if our son chooses Zhen Shan? I thought you didn't want to connect our families," she thought out loud.

"Don't worry, she isn't tied to her family. She thinks for herself. She won't stay long in Aurora Country with her Purple talent," he said, placing his hands on her round butt.

"Be serious. I don't want our son led astray," she said, hitting him lightly on the chest.

"He should focus on his training now. If anything unexpected happens, we will talk to him. Okay?" Liu Xiaobei said, kissing his wife on the lips.

"Mhmm," she responded, kissing him back.