Chapter 727: Chapter 726: 726: Don't Mess Around

Jiang Ning was caught off guard.

Only after he had kissed her and let her go, did she manage to stammer, “Am I not even allowed to smile in front of Your Highness?”

A faint flush appeared in Li Hongyuan’s eyes, clearly unsatisfied with the kiss just now.

Her flushed cheeks, her disheveled hair, her rosy lips, all made it almost impossible for him to control himself.

He said, “I will come to you tonight.”

Jiang Ning frowned, bowed her head, and started to tidy up her hair and clothes.

Li Hongyuan just watched her.

If it wasn’t for the carriage following behind them, carrying their two children, he would have taken her right here, right now.

As for now, he just stared at her emotionlessly, until the beast roaring wildly inside him finally calmed down, and retreated.

He turned his head to open the curtain, taking a deep breath of the cool air outside to clear his mind.

Jiang Ning also tilted her head to look outside.

The atmosphere was a bit awkward.

Until the carriage reached the gates of the Prime Minister’s Mansion.

The stewards and maids rushed out to greet them.

Jiang Ning was about to get off the carriage, but she was held back by Li Hongyuan.

Jiang Ning looked at his approaching face and frowned, “We’ve reached the doorstep, don’t mess around.”

Li Hongyuan raised a hand to her face, then paused, saying lightly, “I am not so lustful as to lose my mind.”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

He brushed a few strands of hair away from her cheek, as gently as if he were a light breeze, before placing a kiss on her ear.

Jiang Ning looked up at him.

Her round, bright, almond-shaped eyes locked onto his slightly elongated phoenix ones.

It seemed as though he’d lost himself, his stare unwavering.

“It’s time to get out.” Jiang Ning reminded him.

Li Hongyuan blinked, made a sound of agreement, then jumped off the carriage first, before turning to offer his hand to her–

Although there were many maids waiting below, who dare to intervene when the Crown Prince himself extended his hand?

In front of everyone, Jiang Ning couldn’t deny him face, so she placed her hand in his.

Li Hongyuan helped her off the carriage, and casually remarked, “Your hand is quite warm.”

“Your Highness’s hand is even warmer.”

“Probably because of you.”

“…”

Jiang Ning didn’t respond again.

This man truly was split in two.

One moment, he was cold and aloof towards her, the next he was desiring her with all his might.

Those small gestures and minute details that he occasionally revealed, made it hard for anyone to doubt that he liked Jiang Ning.

But it seemed like he was always deliberately restraining himself.

Perhaps, this was also his way of self-protection.

Jiang Ruobai, leading his son, came out to greet them.

Jiang Ning composed herself, pulled her hand back, and put on a smile to greet them.

“Father, Third Brother, happy new year.”

Jiang Ruobai laughed heartily, his face full of smiles. Even though his eyes never moved from his daughter, he remembered to pay his respects to the Crown Prince first.

Jiang Yi didn’t have a chance to say anything to his sister before he was beset by two children flanking him from either side.

“Uncle!”

“Ah!”

“Uncle, Uncle!”

“Ah, ah!”

“Uncle, Uncle, here’s wishing you luck in your career!” Little Lingzi shouted in her high pitched voice.

Uncle laughed with joy, “My dear, what a sweet mouth you have, let your uncle smell, did you put honey on it?”

Lingzi extended her chubby little hand.

Jiang Yi bent down to take a sniff, “What’s this, Lingzi sweetie, there’s honey on your hand too?”

Lingzi looked upset, “Mother said that after saying those words, I would get a red envelope! Uncle, why aren’t you giving? Is my maternal family going poor?”

Jiang Yi was taken aback for a moment, then erupted with laughter, “Alright, alright, I’ll give it to you!”

He took out all the money from his purse straight away. Half went to Lingzi, and half went to Wenzan. “Here, take it, it’s to be shared among everyone present.”