บท 120: The Lovely Princess

Although Jun Qing can tolerate having the princess dragging him around everywhere, he could not accept seeing her fall asleep in his workroom. He told her to wait for him to work, but that princess just fell asleep beside him.

Jun Qing smiled wryly. "Princess, you have never seen me as a man, have you?"

Staying with him, this princess had never once put her guard up. She would let him see her real face and let him stay within her workplace. She treated him like she would treat a friend, but the problem is, he's a man and this princess is a charming princess. How can he continue to keep his calm before her?

Looking at her sleeping face, Jun Qing felt his body turning hot. The princess may not be the prettiest girl he had ever seen, especially having that kind of niece whose face and stature can turn the entire nation upside-down, but she was a one of a kind of rare beauty. She's a sharp girl who's really stubborn and loves to try new ideas. She had her ideals too which seem naïve to him, but they were cute.

He turned his eyes away from the princess and continued to look at his papers. He shouldn't have any thoughts about her. She's just his friend…

Jun Qing sighed. "Princess… please wake up. This is not your sleeping place."

He said in a louder tone, but the princess did not move at all. Jun Qing rolled his eyes and took out a blanket to cover her before turning his attention back to his work. He cannot touch her, she's a lady and he's a man and they had no connections.

Kuina had a good sleep for hours before she woke up. The first thing she saw was a table. Then, she looked at Jun Qing who was still busy with papers. She yawned.

"General, you're still busy with work?"

"You can say so. Have some drinks," Jun Qing felt relieved that Kuina woke up. This girl had been torturing him for hours…

"Thank you," Kuina drank some water and looked outside. It seems like she had been sleeping for quite some time. The sky is turning red-orange.

"Princess, please don't sleep in here again… If you want to sleep, return to your chamber," Jun Qing said seriously.

Kuina pursed her lips. If she returned to her chamber at this time, her maids would surely nag her to finish her work. Only in here can she find some peace because Jun Qing would not force her to do any of her jobs. He would let her stay here peacefully and continue his work. After he's done, she would drag him away to accompany her to some places.

"This is the best hiding place."

"If you sleep again, I won't allow you inside," Jun Qing said seriously.

Looking at the serious face of Jun Qing, Kuina nodded her head albeit reluctantly. There was not much she could do while waiting and she was bored. Because of that, she had fallen asleep while waiting for Jun Qing's work to finish. She just hoped that the same thing won't repeat again or else Jun Qing might really not allow her inside again.

"I understand…"

"Where do you want to go tonight?"

"The palace garden, it's already nearing night and we can't go too far," Kuina said a bit disappointed. If only she didn't fall asleep, they can go to a farther place and a better one at that. Now, she can only pick a close place.

"Got it."

Jun Qing cleaned up his things before walking outside with Kuina. She guided him, sneaking to the palace. Experiencing how easy it is to sneak in, Jun Qing felt that the palace guards were intentionally letting this area open. They know that their princess would sneak out which is why they left this place unguarded.

The garden was big, as expected of the palace. Despite being located in a mountain, this place was well maintained and Jun Qing could see various types of plants.

"I love to come here," Kuina smiled. "And I would sometimes fall asleep here too when my maid accompanies me to play."

"Please don't," Jun Qing doesn't want his endurance to get tested for another round. He had already gotten tortured enough this afternoon.

"Why are you so against me sleeping?" Kuina rolled her eyes. It's just sleeping in the room and it's not like anyone would see her. Besides, he's there and he could wake her up if someone comes.

"I'm a man, Princess Kuina. Do you think I could stay calm in front of a pretty girl?" Jun Qing said helplessly. Is this princess trying to challenge him as a man?

Oh right… Because of Jun Qing's face that looks much older, Kuina always treated him the same as she treated other old men. They would just ignore her playful antics and regard it as her naughty nature. She had forgotten Jun Qing was only in his twenties and he's an adult man. Remembering it caused Kuina's face to turn beet-red.

Jun Qing sighed. "You don't have to worry. I won't attack you or anything. Just don't keep on challenging my patience."

Kuina looked at Jun Qing. She smiled craftily. "What if I say that I like you?"

Jun Qing did not know the answer. He just felt that his face had turned red… He looked away and coughed.

"Please don't joke around, Princess Kuina."

Kuina hadn't expected that his reaction would be so cute. She had just found out that she was drawn to him by his simple and straight nature. After all, he is also the only man she had encountered who can cope with her mischievous and stubborn antics.

"I'm not joking."

Jun Qing stared back. This naughty princess had made him tired, but he doesn't dislike her. Liking her? Maybe he did without him realizing it. He raised his hand and stroked the girl's head, ignoring their status.

Kuina was startled, but she smiled back.

The two of them stared into each other's eyes. They hadn't done anything else when they heard the sound of coughing from beside them which made them quickly move away from each other.

Jun Min looked at the two of them. "What are you two doing?"

For the first time in his life, Jun Qing truly wished to kick his nephew out for spoiling such a good moment.