She accidentally flirted with the villain and was fiercely criticized as the regent for forcibly mar

It was getting dark outside.

The tent was very thick, almost blocking out all outside light. There were no candles lit inside, so the light was dim.

The other person's eyes then appeared exceptionally bright.

Xiao Che looked at the mischievousness in her eyes, as if her "no" was some unreasonable command, and felt a tightness in his chest.

In this world, what other man could she find who would indulge and satisfy her like him!

She didn't want to possess him, yet she wanted to do such intimate things with another man?

She should really be locked up and given a good scolding!

"No one can!"

Jiang Ruining wanted to express her protest, so she deliberately furrowed her delicate brows: "But..."

"No buts!" Xiao Che released her, rolled off the bed, turned his back to her, exuding a chilling aura, and strode away.

The curtains were lifted and then fell heavily back down.

A little light shone through, only to be driven away again.

All that remained in the tent was her smug, triumphant chuckle, like a cat that had just stolen some fish!

Having tested the waters to this point, she was basically certain that Xiao Che liked her!

But why not express it?

Don't all those powerful and domineering madmen like him like to force love?

Is it that you don't like it that much yet?

Or was he afraid that having too many rivals would bring her more trouble if he kept her by his side?

Or perhaps, like her, he was driven by a competitive spirit and wanted to see her reveal her feelings first?

If it's the second point, she doesn't care. Anyway, she's already been dragged into the game by him, and his favoritism and protection have long made it impossible for the two of them to separate.

If it's the first or third possibility.

Jiang Ruining was still not convinced and insisted on keeping him hanging on until he "really liked" her, until he couldn't let go and had to admit it first!

"If I can't have it, I don't want it anymore!"

……

Jiang Huai was kept outside.

Leaving is not an option, nor is staying.

If we don't leave, people will start speculating. Why is our daughter alone with another man, leaving her father out in the cold?

He was worried about leaving, as his daughter was still a child and didn't understand things. The regent was old and still didn't understand things, staying in the little girl's tent and refusing to come out!

After much deliberation, it was decided to let Shi'an go in to issue a notice; he needed to go in now!

"Excuse me……"

Just as he opened his mouth, the Regent came out from inside, his face grim.

Just as Jiang Huai was wondering if his daughter had offended him, he noticed that the Regent's lip was bruised!

It was clearly bitten open!

Did he bite it himself?

Was it your daughter who bit you?

The old father was in a state of panic, his mind was in a daze, and he was both angry and suspicious.

Having spent eighteen years in officialdom, experiencing countless life-and-death struggles and schemes, this was the first time he had ever been so helpless!

How could Xiao Che not see through his ever-changing gaze?

He coughed lightly twice, pretending nothing had happened: "Why has Lord Jiang arrived at this hour?"

Jiang Huai's expression was subtle.

Is it because he arrived early and disturbed them?

Were we too late? Did we not care enough about our daughter?

"I was held up by someone just now... to come and see my daughter."

It's only natural for a father to look after his daughter!

Why does it seem like he needs outsiders' approval first?

"Your Highness, I humbly request that you not spend time alone with Ningning in private. If others see this, it will surely cause gossip and damage your reputations. Ningning is young and naive; please consider her feelings!"

Xiao Che understood the accusation in his words but did not get angry: "It was my oversight. I will pay attention in the future."

Although Jiang Huai had been in Jiangnan for many years, he had dealt with him several times, but this was the first time he had seen him so easy to talk to: "Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness."

Xiao Che nodded.

Jiang Huai bowed respectfully as he saw him off, and after watching him leave, he turned to look at the hanging curtains.

I took a deep breath.

Three years later, there is even a life-or-death situation.

This powerful minister, who held immense military and political power in his region, was filled with anxiety at this moment.

"Will the master compensate the young lady?"

The sudden question made Jiang Huai stumble as he was about to take a step forward.

Turning my head, I saw a face that was a little too clear.

He recognized her as the maidservant beside his daughter; her intelligence was unknown, but her loyalty was commendable.

Yun Mi said with a serious expression, "This young lady is not easy to appease. Unless the master will hold her in the highest regard in the future, she may not forgive your neglect over the years!"

Jiang Huai did not scold her for being presumptuous; instead, he took her words to heart.

He smiled.

He took two steps forward and spoke through the tent flap, "Ningning, may Father come in?"

Jiang Ruining washed her face, covered the hickeys with face powder, took a tinderbox, lit the candles one by one, and then went to lift the curtain.

See you again after three years.

Jiang Huai looked at the little girl in front of him and was momentarily stunned, unable to reconcile her with the daughter who had cried to him with red eyes three years ago, complaining of her grievances.

His demeanor became more composed, his gaze more indifferent, his smile more polite, and the "Dad" he uttered carried no trace of longing or coquetry; it was as if he had completely changed into a different person.

How disappointed must she have been to become so distant from her father?

Thinking of this, Jiang Huai felt a surge of regret and pity: "Ningning..."

Jiang Ruining was no longer the same Jiang Ruining. He curtsied and greeted them with composure and indifference: "Father, please come in!"

Jiang Huai saw the shadow of the Regent in her, that aloofness that seemed to stand on clouds, exactly the same.

They entered the tent and sat down.

A pot of water was boiling on a small red clay stove beside the table, and steam rushed out of the spout, moistening the dry air.

"Are you feeling any better? After returning to the capital, your father began investigating the corruption case and hasn't been able to take care of you."

Jiang Ruining picked up the teapot bubbling on the red clay stove, brewed a pot of tea, poured two cups, placed one cup next to her father, and drank it herself.

As high-ranking officials of the imperial court, their comings and goings were not their own decisions, so many officials sent to remote areas had regrets, often missing the weddings and funerals of their closest relatives.

"I understand. Important political matters are more important, and I shouldn't get angry with you over such trivial things. Besides, you cooperated with Xiao Che in the capital to get all the people who should be imprisoned so quickly, which was also to vent my anger. I know you haven't been idle either."

The more sensible she became, the more Jiang Huai blamed himself: "Three years ago, I also thought about taking you away, but I was cracking down on corruption in Jiangnan, and I was a thorn in the side of the officials and merchants in Jiangnan who were eager to get rid of me. If I had kept you by my side, I was afraid it would have cost you your life."

Jiang Ruining smelled the aroma of the tea; the sweet fragrance filled her nostrils and was very comforting. "I used to blame you when I was young and didn't understand, but now that I'm older, I understand Dad's difficulties, so I don't blame you anymore."

"My father is not in the capital, busy with government affairs all day long, fighting wits and courage with treacherous officials, and there are people deliberately deceiving him behind his back. How can he always be so attentive? I understand."

But Jiang Huai understood that if he truly didn't blame her, he wouldn't be so indifferent.

He had seen her from afar just now, and when she was with the Regent, she was clearly still acting like a charming and pretentious young girl!

Having worked in officialdom for twenty-three years, I've solved countless problems, big and small, but this is the first time I've encountered such a thorny issue.

"I wish you would blame me."