The Fire and the Prince

Moving everything out took time.

Feeling restless, I changed into plain clothes and went alone to my tea house.

This tea house was one of my businesses.

At first, I redesigned it because Northern Border people liked wine.

I created wine rooms and tea rooms, so outsiders could blend into Jiang City more easily.

Over time, it became a place where officials and nobles traded information.

I chose a tea room and listened to music.

Then I heard loud voices outside.

“What kind of thing is that Gu bastard? He’s not human!”

I paused.

The person outside was insulting Gu Yuzhi.

Good.

Very accurate.

I held my teacup tighter and listened.

For a full quarter hour, the man cursed Gu Yuzhi nonstop.

When it finally quieted, I opened the door to see which hero it was.

No one.

Probably gone.

I returned to the Gu residence.

Before I could get down from the carriage, the whole Gu family stood at the gate.

Madam Gu hugged me and cried.

“Nannan, what do you mean by this? Our Gu family raised you for so long. You and Yuzhi grew up together. How can you leave like this?”

“We still have a marriage promise. If you leave, outsiders will think we wronged you.”

So that was it.

They feared I would leave them with an empty house and a bad reputation.

“Madam Gu,” I said, “was it not General Gu who broke the promise first and declared he would never marry me?”

“As for Gu family raising me, both of us know the truth.”

“I am only taking what belongs to me.”

“I do not interfere with your affairs.”

I did not want to argue.

I got back in the carriage and returned to the Su residence early.

I had expected trouble.

I had not expected it so quickly.

Before reaching home, I saw flames rising in the direction of the Su residence.

The fire lit half the sky.

My mind went blank.

Father.

Father was still home.

I rushed back without stopping.

Explosions thundered.

Smoke rose into the sky.

The street filled with screams and children crying.

Shards from the blast cut my arm.

I did not feel pain.

I searched frantically through the chaos for that familiar figure.

“Nannan.”

The moment I heard the voice, my whole body froze.

“Father!”

“I’m fine. I’m fine.”

He held me.

“Thanks to the Third Prince. He sent many people to help put out the fire. I was helping just now.”

“The Third Prince?”

The name was familiar.

In Jiang City, everyone knew him.

The emperor adored him.

He had reached marriage age long ago but rejected every noble girl chosen for him.

Over time, rumors spread that he preferred men.

I did not discriminate.

But why would he help the Su family?

After confirming Father was truly fine, I went to the backyard to find him.

The burned courtyard was gray with ash.

I looked around.

Suddenly, something creaked above me.

A broken beam fell.

“Careful!”

I turned and stepped back lightly.

The beam missed me.

Then hit someone else.

“Your Highness, are you alright?”

I stood awkwardly, unsure whether to help.

Then a voice exploded in my mind.

Help! Where is my heroic rescue? Why did I fall on my own backside?

“What?”

The Third Prince stood slowly, dusting his clothes.

“I’m fine. Are you hurt?”

But the voice continued.

No way. Did Nannan get scared silly? My Nannan, please don’t become stupid. Wuwuwu.

I stared at him.

He looked dignified.

Gentle.

Composed.

His mouth had not moved.

Nannan is looking at me. Did she fall for me? Of course she did. Xiaoliu was right—Nannan likes white fur-trimmed robes. Reward him later!

I coughed twice.

“Your Highness, thank you for helping us. I have no way to repay you except…”

Except marry me! Nannan likes me! She must!

I forgot my words.

“Except to gift Your Highness this painting.”

I handed him a painting by a famous Jiangnan master.

“I heard Your Highness enjoys calligraphy and paintings. My father obtained this years ago in Jiangnan. Please accept this small token.”

His face remained calm.

His mind did not.

Nannan gave me a painting! Her father giving me a painting means he approves of me. Does that mean I can get closer to Nannan soon? Just thinking about it makes me happy!

I interrupted him.

“Your Highness, as long as you like it.”

“I am far beneath Your Highness and dare not dream. I’ll leave first.”

“Wait, Miss Su,” he said. “There is one thing I must tell you.”

“The fire at the Su residence was set by the Gu family.”

I nodded.

“I understand. Thank you, Your Highness. I will handle the rest myself.”

My Nannan is so independent and excellent. I like her so much. That dead Gu Yuzhi—I must ruin him.

This time, I had no choice but to believe it.

I could hear the Third Prince’s thoughts.