Chapter 21

📖 CHAPTER 21: THE CROWN PRINCE'S WARNING

Gu Qingyan barely had a moment to enjoy the quiet of her courtyard before another unexpected visitor arrived.

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the stone path. Her maid, Xiaomei, rushed in, her face pale with unease.

"Miss, the Crown Prince is here."

Gu Qingyan's fingers paused against the tea cup.

Xu Jin?

Why was he here?

Before she could respond, the doors to her courtyard were pushed open. A tall figure dressed in dark royal robes stepped inside, his presence as sharp as a blade.

Xu Jin's gaze landed on her, his golden eyes dark with something unreadable.

The air between them was tense.

Gu Qingyan did not rise. Instead, she lifted her tea cup and took a slow sip, her expression calm.

"To what do I owe this unexpected visit, Your Highness?"

Xu Jin studied her for a long moment before he spoke. "You met with Feng Liyan last night."

Gu Qingyan's lips curled slightly. "It seems Your Highness has eyes everywhere."

Xu Jin took a slow step forward. "Stay away from him."

She raised a brow. "Is that an order?"

His jaw tightened. "It's a warning."

Gu Qingyan exhaled softly, setting her tea cup down with a gentle clink. "And why, pray tell, should I heed this warning?"

Xu Jin's gaze darkened. "He's dangerous."

Gu Qingyan tilted her head. "As if you aren't?"

Silence.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then, Xu Jin took another step closer, lowering his voice. "You don't understand, Qingyan. Feng Liyan is not someone you can afford to trust."

She met his gaze without fear. "And you are?"

Something flickered in his expression, something almost… frustrated.

"Feng Liyan is unpredictable," Xu Jin finally said. "He doesn't involve himself with people unless he has something to gain."

Gu Qingyan's smile did not reach her eyes. "How interesting. And yet, I recall you being the same."

Xu Jin's gaze sharpened. "I—"

"Don't bother denying it," she interrupted smoothly. "We both know that in this game of power, everyone has an agenda."

A flicker of emotion crossed his face, but it was gone as quickly as it came.

"Then tell me," he said quietly, "what is your agenda, Gu Qingyan?"

Her heart thudded.

A past life ago, she had never dared to challenge him, never dared to meet his gaze like this.

But this was a new life. And she would never be the same foolish girl again.

Her lips parted—

But before she could respond, Xu Jin reached forward.

His fingers brushed against her chin, tilting her face up slightly.

"Be careful, Qingyan." His voice was soft but firm. "Feng Liyan isn't the only danger you need to worry about."

Gu Qingyan's fingers curled into her sleeve.

She met his gaze without flinching.

Neither of them moved.

Neither of them backed down.

The tension between them was suffocating.

Then—

Xu Jin exhaled and took a step back.

His expression was unreadable once more. "This is my last warning."

Without another word, he turned and left, his figure disappearing into the night.

Gu Qingyan remained still, her fingers tightening slightly.

The Crown Prince was worried.

And if he was worried…

Then something far more dangerous was coming.

---

📍 Outside the Courtyard

Xu Jin stepped into his carriage, his hands tightening into fists.

The moment he sat down, his advisor hesitantly spoke. "Your Highness, forgive me for asking, but… why do you care if Lady Gu meets with Prince Feng?"

Xu Jin's jaw clenched.

Why, indeed?

He exhaled slowly, shutting his eyes.

He didn't have an answer.

But one thing was certain.

He did not like seeing her with another man.