章 34: .5 Wangfei is suspicious

Long Dahai's lips curved into a half-smile, a touch of amusement glimmering in his eyes. "It's not rare for you to be on the edge about someone."

Luo Li's response was immediate, his voice carrying the weight of his experience. "Those instincts have served us well in the past."

Long Dahai leaned against a nearby column, the moonlight casting a play of shadows across his features. "I can't deny that."

"Wangfei is... Suspicious no matter how I look at it." He cast a scrutinizing glance around the courtyard, as if searching for answers amidst the intricate patterns of the cobblestones. "Why would a girl willingly wander off alone after a kidnapping - to the place of her kidnapping nonetheless? Doesn't it seem rather odd?"

His tone was that of a seasoned investigator, dissecting the facts before him. "Didn't she claim to be scared of those assassins in front of Noble Consort Rong?"

"Odd, indeed." Long Dahai's fingers drummed softly against the stone, a quiet rhythm of contemplation. "But not strange enough to warrant your suspicion."

Luo Li's eyes narrowed slightly, his voice tinged with urgency. "Forgive my candor, wangye, but it's only been a few days. We can't simply discard caution, especially in these circumstances. Her actions demand scrutiny."

"Caution is one thing, Luo Li. But unwarranted suspicion can cloud our judgment." Long Dahai's response was measured, his stance unwavering. "It's only been a short while, and we cannot make hasty conclusions about her character."

Luo Li's gaze remained locked on his prince, determination, and concern flickering in his eyes. "With respect, my lord, trust needs to be earned, not freely given."

Long Dahai suddenly broke into a low chuckle. It would be the height of irony if he refused to trust her right after she offered her blind trust, based solely on their marital status.

Luo Li's mouth pressed into a thin line, his eyes narrowing as he regarded his prince. "My lord, you're being too trusting."

"Luo Li," Long Dahai's voice held a note of finality, his gaze steady. "Benwang will choose to trust her until she proves unworthy of that trust."

Luo Li dropped his head respectfully, "I understand, wangye."

He knew that there was no changing the prince's mind once it was set. While he respected his master's decision, he couldn't help but feel uneasy about the whole situation. He silently decided to keep a watchful eye on her discreetly, gathering information and staying vigilant.

In the end, only time would reveal the truth about Han Aeng and whether she would prove to be a loyal friend or a dangerous foe. Until then, Luo Li knew his duty was to support and protect his master, regardless of the challenges that lay ahead. His loyalty was unwavering, and he would do whatever it took to ensure Long Dahai's safety and the stability of the empire.