Chapter 104: This One Looks Familiar Too

“Ah, it’s Young Lord Rong!”
“I was wondering why he was wearing a mask—it turns out it’s Young Lord Rong…”
“Yes, I’ve heard that Young Lord Rong never shows himself. No one knows what he looks like except His Majesty. Naturally, he doesn’t want to reveal his face this time either…”
“Oh my, to actually witness Young Lord Rong in person within my lifetime! I thought he was just a legend…”

And now, this figure who lived only in legend had appeared, and under such circumstances.

Just moments ago, he had asked Miss Ji to bring some refreshments, and now he was carrying her back in his arms.

This Young Lord Rong’s care for Miss Ji was truly remarkable!

Whispers spread below: “Could it be that Young Lord Rong is actually Miss Ji’s father? After all, no one has ever seen him, and he might be old enough to have children…”

“Bah! Were you able to have children at eight years old? I saw Young Lord Rong when he was granted his title—though it was only his back, he was still just a child then. Having children? What nonsense!” Another official spat disdainfully, mocking the other’s intelligence.

Upon seeing that Sikou Yan’s expression had softened considerably, Duan Qingyi hurriedly said, “Ayan, no need for formalities, please sit down quickly.”

Sikou Yan smiled faintly and turned his gaze to Shangguan Yun’er, who stood there frozen. “I just heard someone suggesting that His Majesty should punish Xiao Xin’er?”

Shangguan Yun’er’s body trembled, and she instinctively took two steps back.

Ji Tianxin, seemingly realizing Sikou Yan was referring to her, lifted her head and looked at Shangguan Yun’er.

Who was this person?

Sikou Yan continued, “What a coincidence, I too have arrived late. I wonder, young lady, do you also wish for His Majesty to punish me?”

Though his tone bore a smile, it sent a chill down one’s spine.

Shangguan Yun’er dared not utter a word; her voice was caught in her throat, unable to escape.

With Sikou Yan’s question, the atmosphere in the great hall plunged to an icy low.

He seemed utterly indifferent to offending anyone or to the significance of this place.

It was as if, whenever someone bullied Miss Ji, this Young Lord Rong would disregard who they were or where they stood—he would deal with them.

This was the realization that dawned in the minds of all present.

Duan Qing cleared his throat. He hadn’t intended to punish anyone; a few words would suffice. But now, with Ayan acting this way… he didn’t even dare to speak.

What exactly was the relationship between this man and that strange girl? Why was he so protective of her?

“Exactly—Miss Shangguan is really peculiar. You’re dancing, so why interfere with others? Does someone need to ask your permission just to step away for a moment?” Duan Zi also stepped forward. Being younger, her words were blunt and straightforward, dealing a harsh blow to Shangguan Yun’er, whose face flushed crimson.

Ji Tianxin glanced at Duan Zi, thinking she looked familiar. Who was she?

Unbeknownst to them all, while the great hall buzzed with lively debate, the protagonist at the center of the storm watched on, bewildered.

Though she had observed for some time, she only found these people vaguely familiar.

She had no intention of remembering them, merely listening to their words out of curiosity.

Her innocent, bewildered demeanor was utterly non-threatening.

Noticing Duan Zi’s speech, Sikou Yan shifted his gaze toward her as well.