“What’s different?” Zu An carried her to the bed and sat down. He didn’t go further.

Xiao Tuo turned her face away and tightly pursed her lips, offering no reply. She knew that, at this point, anything she said would be meaningless.

Zu An smiled. “Unfortunately, I’m a soft-hearted man who lets bygones become bygones. I won’t hold anything against you, as long as you agree to become my woman.”

“Keep on dreaming!” Even though Xiao Tuo was so scared that her entire body was shaking, she still summoned the courage to reject him. “Big brother Lian will be the only one that my heart belongs to. I will never give myself to an incapable ruler like you!”

Zu An chuckled. “Your love for Lian might be unswerving, but I fear that he doesn’t trust you.”

Xiao Tuo bit her lip, and then said, “I grew up with my big brother Lian. We understand each other. You cannot drive a wedge between us.”

“Is that so?” A mocking look flickered across Zu An’s face. “If the two of you really are childhood sweethearts, then why would he be willing to send you into the palace to serve another...