Three Imperial Cities, Thirteenth Prince's Manor. Ning Chen stood quietly within the manor, a faint melancholy on his face, the knot in his heart difficult to untie.
Nine Nether King had agreed to his marriage alliance with the fox race. This was exceedingly troublesome.
The fox race sought to protect itself by marrying into the Heavenly Demon Royal Clan; he could understand that. However, he was already married and could not possibly marry another woman of the fox race.
Wan'er was a good girl, but her destination was not him.
"Your Highness, the night is deep and the air is cold. Please rest early."
Gathering her courage, Shi Qing stepped forward and reminded him, though her voice lacked confidence.
Ning Chen came back to himself. Looking at the obviously fearful girl before him, he said calmly, "Shi Qing, if I let you and your sister leave the manor, would you have somewhere to go?"
Hearing this, Shi Qing's face filled with panic. She immediately knelt and said, "Your Highness, I do not know what this servant has done wrong. Please make it clear, Your Highness. This servant will certainly do her utmost to change."
Seeing her reaction, Ning Chen's brows furrowed slightly. "You have done nothing wrong, and I am not driving you away. But are you not tired of living under another's roof as servants? I can see that both you and Shi Yu are somewhat afraid of me. If I let you leave the manor, you can live freely."
Shi Qing lowered her head. "This servant does not wish to leave."
"Why?"
Ning Chen frowned. "You have a chance to regain your freedom, so why continue living under another's roof and acting according to others' expressions?"
"Your Highness the Crown Prince, you are a lofty prince of the