Chapter 36: First Encounter with His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince

Xiao Shengjie looked displeased at the small figure bowing before him, feeling his authority challenged. "Raise your head," he commanded.

Chu Junhan slowly lifted her head.

Their eyes met, and in Xiao Shengjie's mind, an image appeared: a proud, solitary wolf fixated on its prey. Under the unwavering gaze, the prey had nowhere to escape, resigned to await its inevitable demise.

"Your Highness, I am the son of Chu Xiong, your sworn brother," Chu Junhan uttered each word with deliberate clarity. Though her voice was soft, it carried an undeniable authority that pierced through everything.

Xiao Shengjie trembled slightly, nearly dropping the folding fan in his hand.

"Your Highness?" The young eunuch accompanying him hurriedly supported the swaying boy, his face filled with concern.

Everyone present noticed Xiao Shengjie's sudden unease, except for Chu Junhan, whose head was still lowered, hiding the frost on her face from all eyes.

"It's nothing," Xiao Shengjie rubbed his brow. He was the crown prince; how could he be frightened by a child? Ridiculous!

"I heard that General Chu had returned to the capital, and thought I should visit my sworn brother whom I have never met. Now that I have, I shall take my leave," he declared, not waiting for anyone to respond, and departed in haste.

"Farewell, Your Highness!"

Everyone bowed respectfully, watching the prince's hurried figure depart, faces full of confusion. Was the crown prince actually frightened by young Master Chu?

"He seemed quite afraid of you," Liu Yan'er appeared before Chu Junhan at some point, her wide eyes blinking curiously.

Chu Junhan snorted, crossing her arms and teasing Liu Yan'er, "Are you afraid of me?"

"Junhan does have an air that keeps strangers at a distance, but Yan'er isn't afraid," she replied.

"Is that so?" Chu Junhan leaned closer, causing the little girl to step back repeatedly, nearly losing her balance.

"Han'er, don't be rude. That's your sister Yan'er; you mustn't bully her, understand?" Xi Feng exclaimed, her head aching. Her daughter's temperament was much like her own—stubborn and mischievous.

"Oh," Chu Junhan responded, ceasing her advance.

Madam Liu joined her daughter, gently patting her back. "Yan'er, go play with Junhan for a while. I'll call you later."

Liu Yan'er bit her lip and looked at Chu Junhan, appearing pitiful and helpless.

"Han'er, take Yan'er to play, and remember, don't bully her," Xi Feng reminded. Liu Yan'er gazed hopefully at the little child before her.

"No time," Chu Junhan replied, clapping her small hands, swinging her sleeves, and turning away. Her figure vanished swiftly.

"This child has no sense of propriety. Please forgive her, Madam Liu," Xi Feng sighed in relief. She truly feared her Han'er might do something to this pampered daughter of the Liu family, which would certainly bring a formal reprimand.

Chu Junhan might have bullied the little girl, but after meeting Xiao Shengjie, she realized she had far more important matters to attend to.

"Father."

In Chu Xiong's study, a little child peeked her head through the doorframe.

Chu Xiong put down his book and looked up with a smile in his eyes. "What brings Han'er here?"

Chu Junhan hopped over the tall threshold, bouncing over to Chu Xiong's side and tugging at his sleeve. "Father, have you forgotten your promise to Han'er?"

"What promise?"

"Father, have you really forgotten?" Chu Junhan pouted.

Chu Xiong laughed, pinching the child's cheek. "Then Han'er, remind your father."