The Cross-Dressing Legend Is Excessively Beautiful - Chapter 19

Chapter 19

On a winter night, the snow fell rustling and thick, leaving one’s hands biting cold at the slightest touch.

In the center of the scene stood a small pavilion, and within it, a beauty.

Dressed in purple robes that nearly bled into the night, her tall, blurred silhouette was all that could be discerned from a distance. Amidst the drifting snow, plum blossoms in the distance were capped with white, their red petals appearing charmingly delicate.

The world-shaking beauty turned her head and spoke softly: “If you don’t show up soon, I’m leaving.” Though the words were imperious, they were spoken with a tone that sparked joy in the listener, making it impossible to refuse.

“After all this time, Eldest Miss Song’s temper hasn’t changed a bit.” With two crisp snaps, Jing He-zhou unfurled his fan and shook his head.

A jade crown, a white fan, and a smile dancing in his eyes—truly the image of a refined, dashing nobleman in a chaotic world!

The two exchanged a smile. These were Song Xi-zhi and the Fourth Prince, Jing He-zhou.

Song Xi-zhi snatched the fan from his hand and arched an eyebrow with a grin. “And you’re the same as ever. Tell me, which lady gave you this one?” Though a prince, Jing He-zhou was notorious throughout the capital as a profligate who spent all his time dallying with women.

Your average playboy specialized in breaking hearts, but Jing He-zhou had a knack for making women happy. One had to admit, that was a remarkable talent.

Sensing the mockery in Song Xi-zhi’s voice, Jing He-zhou rubbed his nose. “We’ve finally met after so long; must you embarrass me like this?”

“Though, if it makes you happy, then this bit of embarrassment is well worth it.”

Song Xi-zhi replied faintly, “Save that nonsense for someone else.” With that, he tossed the fan back. “Catch it properly, don’t let it break.”

Jing He-zhou leaned to the side, catching the flying fan with ease. “If it breaks, all the better—it gives me an excuse to visit Miss Qingdie to have it repaired.”

“So much of the world’s sentiment is contained within this cycle of borrowing and returning, gifting and repairing.” He winked, his expression a mix of roguishness and playfulness.

Coming from anyone else, such an action would seem lecherous, but on Jing He-zhou, it felt entirely natural—the epitome of peerless charm.

Song Xi-zhi sighed. “With that ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ look of yours, I wonder how many hearts you’ve snared.”

Another fine cabbage devoured by a pig! Even if this pig was exceptionally fair and handsome, it didn’t change his nature.

Jing He-zhou took two steps forward to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Song Xi-zhi. He didn’t argue; he simply gave a brilliant smile that seemed to light up the ink-black night.

Song Xi-zhi found himself smiling too. “Jing He-zhou really does have the magic touch to make people happy.”

As he laughed, it was as if the ice and snow had cracked to reveal a sudden burst of joy. Fanning himself, Jing He-zhou remarked with a blend of melancholy and delight, “To see the Goddess smile… I can die with no regrets!”

Song Xi-zhi smoothed back his hair. “Before you start projecting your ‘charm,’ please open your eyes and recognize the gender of the person you’re talking to.” He lowered his voice. “Brother, I don’t lean that way.”

The two stood close, their eyes meeting briefly before pulling away. Jing He-zhou tapped his head. “Ah, look at me. I’ve been a rogue for so long I can’t turn the style off.”

He looked genuinely annoyed with himself. “But it’s not entirely my fault.” He gestured toward Song Xi-zhi. “You’re wearing a dress and your face is so beautiful; it’s far too easy for someone to forget your true gender.”

“Cut it out!” Song Xi-zhi was nearly moved to laughter by his irritation. I treat you like a brother, but you’re out here flirting with me like I’m a maiden!

Song Xi-zhi made a move to strike him. “Tell me the truth—do you actually like women, or men?” If the man dared to say he liked men, Song Xi-zhi cracked his knuckles; he’d beat this dog’s head in!

Jing He-zhou laughingly dodged the attack, snapped his fan open, and smiled serenely. “I like those who are good-looking.”

“Vulgar!”

Jing He-zhou teased, “Brother Crown Prince saw you for the first time today and publicly asked for your hand. Was that not because you are beautiful and he was instantly smitten?”

“Since ancient times, the prerequisite for ‘love at first sight’ between scholars and beauties has always been a beautiful face. If you measure that feeling by ‘vulgarity,’ then wouldn’t those legendary lovers be the most vulgar people in the world?”

“Saints are only called saints because they are framed by the common masses. My greatest virtue is being honestly vulgar!”

Song Xi-zhi pulled his collar tight as a gust of wind sent his dark hair fluttering wildly, obscuring his vision. His voice turned somber. “We are all commoners, yet many strive to act elegant. You are the only one who doesn’t.”

“Jing He-zhou, you shouldn’t have come back.” The night was deep and silent, save for Song Xi-zhi’s low voice echoing in his ear. “The capital is about to fall into chaos.”

“I know. But I wanted to see you, so I came back.”

“You are too willful.”

“I have always been this willful. Since you’ve chosen to be my friend, you’ll just have to put up with it.”