USWHC -Chapter 459 A Toad Wants to Eat Swan Meat (Part 9)

“Wait—there’s something you need to explain clearly!” Zhu Jie said, grabbing Ji Yi’s ear and twisting it hard.

“Ow, ow, that hurts! If you’ve got something to say, say it nicely, my dear wife!” Ji Yi cried out, tilting his head and clutching his ear. “You used me and then tossed me aside—how ruthless!”

Hearing that, Zhu Jie’s face flushed red. “What nonsense are you talking about? You were the one misbehaving first, okay?!”

“When did I?” Ji Yi protested with an innocent look.

Zhu Jie simply crossed her legs and sat on the bed, fuming. “How not? Tell me—did you come to this flashy world and get dazzled by pretty faces? You even dared to sneak into the women’s restroom, you shameless pervert!”

Ji Yi’s eyes widened at once. “Oh, so you were there? And you didn’t even save me!”

“A filthy hooligan like you deserves to be beaten to death—why should I save you?” Zhu Jie pouted angrily.

Ji Yi immediately put on a wronged expression. “Wife, it’s really not like that—I… I went there to find you!”

“You still dare to argue!” Zhu Jie glared. “Are you itching for a beating?”

“I swear!” Ji Yi quickly raised his hand. “I just mistook the Ping’an County Princess for you, that’s why I followed her in!”

“The Ping’an County Princess? Have you lost your mind? Anyone who asks around would know I’m nothing like her! She’s so domineering, arrogant, and infamous—how could I possibly be that kind of person?” Zhu Jie said unhappily.

Ji Yi muttered under his breath, “How are you not…”

“What did you say?” Zhu Jie grabbed his other ear as well, pulling both until they stuck out like Dumbo’s. “Say that again?”

“My wife is gentle and kind, virtuous and refined, the number one beauty and the number one talent in all of Great Liang—of course you’re nothing like that!” Ji Yi hurriedly changed his tune.

Zhu Jie blushed again. “I’m not as amazing as you make me sound.”

At least you know that, Ji Yi snickered inwardly, but said even more seriously, “You are—how could you not be? My wife is even better than that!”

As he spoke, he gently pulled her into his arms and said softly, “So… the reason you were so cold to me—is because you were jealous, right?”

“No,” Zhu Jie said, leaning lightly against his chest. Then she sighed faintly. “But you really are bold. Do you know that the one above isn’t just protecting me? He’s also the emperor’s eyes and ears. If the emperor finds out about you, I’m afraid you won’t even make it out of the princess’s residence alive.”

“Is that so? The emperor values you that much? Is it because you snuck out?” Ji Yi swayed gently, rocking her like he was soothing a child.

Zhu Jie’s expression dimmed. “Not entirely…”

“Don’t worry. I’ll definitely become someone worthy of you,” Ji Yi said with a smile, resting his forehead against her hair. “How about I make it so the emperor begs me to marry you?”

“Tch, forget it! Look at you, acting like you’re some big shot,” Zhu Jie laughed with mock annoyance. “It’s not that simple.”

Ji Yi replied softly, “I know. Without any background, not being from a noble family, marrying you won’t be easy. But I can work hard to prove myself! If I become the top scholar, wouldn’t the emperor look at me differently?”

“There’s a top scholar every three years, and you don’t see them all marrying princesses,” Zhu Jie shot him down immediately.

“But I’m a different kind of top scholar!” Ji Yi said smugly. “I’m very capable, you know.” He winked teasingly and leaned close to her ear. “Don’t you think so?”

“Such vanity!” Zhu Jie laughed lightly, her face flushing again. But then her gaze dimmed. “You haven’t even passed the provincial exam, and you’re already talking about becoming top scholar.”

“How would I know I can’t if I don’t try? Besides, my teacher is different!” Ji Yi said with feigned pride.

Zhu Jie widened her eyes. “Who’s your teacher?”

“The number one talented woman of Great Liang—you,” Ji Yi said with complete seriousness.

Zhu Jie burst into laughter. “How come I never noticed before that you’re such a smooth talker?”

“Well, I’ve been holding it in—haven’t had a confidant to talk to for so long,” Ji Yi said pitifully. As he spoke, he held her tighter, gently rubbing against her hair. “From now on… don’t leave me again, okay?”