无翼乌工口里番无色无摭挡

“I didn’t say he doesn’t like me.”

“Then, Master still…”

“Him liking me and him liking the kingdom are not mutually exclusive.” Yun Dai turned over, “But in his heart, whether the kingdom is more important or the person he likes is more important, that’s hard to say.”

Huang Ying pursed her lips and smiled, “Master should not overthink it.”

“What do you mean?” Jiang Ning looked at her with wide eyes, “Do you think I’m shameless, self-deluding, and even daring to compare myself to the kingdom in a man’s heart?”

Huang Ying hurriedly waved her hand, “This servant didn’t…”

“Hmph.” Jiang Ning closed her eyes again.

But this time she didn’t speak anymore.

This kind of conversation could only be held privately. If word got out, who knows how many people would label her with the four words “a beauty who brings disaster”?

How could a mere woman think that the Crown Prince would value her more than the kingdom?

Impossible!

If such a Crown Prince were to ascend to the throne in the future, he would be nothing more than a foolish ruler blinded by lust!

Jiang Ning knew very well that everyone thought the same way, excluding herself.

This included her maid servants.

It was not that they were disloyal to her, but rather because they were brought up with such a mentality since their childhood.

Whenever men fail to do anything right, such as failing the imperial examination, failing in their official duties, or failing to manage the kingdom, they always find a reason for it.

And they blame everything on the woman, accusing her of being a “beauty who brings disaster”, thus easing their conscience.

Failing the examination is not because they don’t work hard enough, but because the woman doesn’t manage the household well, allowing the man to study in peace.

Failing to manage the kingdom is due to too many seductive women, causing the ruler to indulge in wine and women.

In short, it’s always the woman’s fault.

As Jiang Ning thought about it, she became angry and couldn’t sleep anymore.

“Huang Ying.”

“What’s the matter, Master?” Huang Ying quickly responded.

“You go to sleep.”

“This servant will stay here in case Master gets thirsty in the night and needs water.”

After all, she had drunk a lot of alcohol.

Jiang Ning said, “I’m not drunk, and if I’m thirsty, I’ll pour myself some water. You can go.”

Unable to argue, Huang Ying tidied up the room and left.

Jiang Ning lay there for a while longer, and when everyone in the courtyard was asleep, she sat up, got dressed, and went outside.

“Gucheng.” She called out casually.

Her voice wasn’t loud, just a habit when she went out. She had only realized that it was already late at night when she finished speaking.

However, the next moment, a black shadow floated down from the roof.

In the darkness, it looked like a ghostly apparition.

Gucheng landed softly in front of her.

“Don’t you sleep?” Jiang Ning asked in surprise.

Gucheng remained silent for a long time before he finally said slowly, “When you don’t call me, I’m asleep.”

“Isn’t that bad for you? Wouldn’t that mess up your daily routine?” Jiang Ning frowned slightly.

“I’m used to it.”

“Did Uncle train you this way?”

“Yes.”

He didn’t explain further.

Besides being a man of few words, the reasons behind his upbringing were quite complicated and difficult for Jiang Ning to understand.

She didn’t pursue the matter further either.

At such a young age, to be as formidable as he was, his training must have been extremely brutal and painful.

Why should she inquire about it and make him relive those memories again?

“You’re not sleeping?” Gucheng took the initiative to ask her.

This was the first time she had called for him in the middle of the night.