Chapter 311: Su Ming’s Subtle Teasing, Qian Renxue Contemplates Giving Up

Qian Renxue maintained her princely composure, smiling politely. "Su Ming, I had hoped to meet you sooner, but it seems every time you returned, you had other obligations. It's quite unfortunate."

"When I heard about Xue Beng's rudeness toward your companions, I wanted to apologize on his behalf. How could he be so disrespectful to such talents as yourselves!"

Su Ming listened, unfazed, and gave Qian Renxue an amused look. He wasn't buying her words at all. If Qian Renxue truly cared about Xue Beng's offense, she would've extended an apology to Tang San and his friends in the original story as well.

Su Ming shook his head slightly. "Your Highness, let's not beat around the bush. I don't believe you're here to apologize for Xue Beng's actions. You're both rivals, aren't you? I apologize if this comes across as disrespectful."

While he said this as if he were apologizing, Su Ming didn't actually think he was being disrespectful. The person before him was Qian Renxue in disguise, and royal family affairs were irrelevant to her. Her only concern was her ultimate goal.

Qian Renxue paused, realizing that Su Ming likely wouldn't speak to Xue Beng about her intentions, nor would he openly support Spirit Hall. She decided to be frank. "Fine, I admit it. Apologizing for Xue Beng was just an excuse to meet you."

Su Ming raised an eyebrow, intrigued not because this surprised him, but because it was unusual for Qian Renxue to abandon her usual mask as the courteous Crown Prince.

"Oh? That's not the sort of thing I'd expect His Highness to say. But honesty suits you. Why do you want to get to know me?"

Qian Renxue smiled, replying, "Naturally, I hope to recruit you. Your talent at your age is unmatched across the continent. I have a genuine appreciation for such gifts. If you and your companions join the Heaven Dou royal family, I'll provide you with any resources you need."

Su Ming, as expected, politely declined. "Thank you, Your Highness, but I'm not inclined to join the Heaven Dou Empire. Perhaps in the future, I may reconsider."

He wasn't about to burn any bridges outright, especially not in the imperial palace.

Then, glancing at Qian Renxue, he couldn't resist probing her further. "Your Highness, are you sure you want me to pledge my loyalty to the Heaven Dou Empire? Once I'm loyal to a cause, I don't back down. If the empire faces trouble down the line, I'd feel obligated to help. Are you certain about that?"

He fixed his gaze on Qian Renxue, watching for her reaction.

Qian Renxue: …

To anyone else, Su Ming's words would seem ideal—a man pledging unwavering loyalty to the empire. But Qian Renxue understood his underlying message: he would serve the empire, but not her personally. If Heaven Dou Empire faced an enemy force, he would defend it.

His words indirectly pointed to Spirit Hall without mentioning it directly. How was she supposed to respond? Agreeing would risk alienating him from Spirit Hall, where she wanted him to end up. But declining would be just as problematic given her role as Crown Prince!

Still hopeful, Qian Renxue asked, "Couldn't you just swear allegiance to me alone?"

Su Ming shook his head. "Sorry, Your Highness. I'm only loyal to causes, not individuals. You're a noble person, and I'd prefer to be friends."

Qian Renxue's expression stiffened as she noticed Su Ming's teasing grin. Ugh! This is maddening! I don't want to keep up this act anymore!

Now that her own doubts were out of the way, Qian Renxue didn't feel as compelled to succeed in this task as before. Su Ming's True Vision had exposed her identity, and his constant teasing had her thinking she should just reveal herself. After observing him through the diary for six or seven years, she felt she knew him well.

Besides, showing him my real face could be an advantage, she mused, recalling how stunned he'd been earlier. She felt confident her true appearance would impress him.

Letting out a sigh, Qian Renxue relaxed. She was ten years older than Su Ming. Why should I let a kid get the best of me?

Then, she looked directly at Su Ming and said calmly, "Forget it. Don't bother joining Heaven Dou."

Su Ming looked genuinely surprised. "Your Highness, you're a member of the royal family. Are you serious?"

Qian Renxue replied, "Yes, I am. I want loyal followers, not people bound to an empire. If my goals ever conflicted with the empire's, who would you side with?"

Su Ming: …

Seeing his stunned reaction, Qian Renxue finally felt she'd gotten a bit of payback.

"Besides, you're already close to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and they support the Heaven Dou Empire. Isn't that enough to imply you're on their side?"

Su Ming shrugged. "I get along well with them because of my relationship with Rongrong, the clan's successor. Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan is, after all, her family."

While their conversation seemed ordinary on the surface, it was clear there was much more beneath the polite exchange.