Chapter Thirteen: The Type I Like

The snow continued to fall relentlessly, growing even colder as night deepened.

The palace maids carried lanterns that cast a soft, orange glow.

At the end of the covered corridor stood Princess Gaoyang, graceful and poised. Behind her, a maid held a purple oil-paper umbrella above her head. Her palace robes, a deep crimson, accentuated her slender figure, and a pure white fox-fur collar wrapped delicately around her neck. The lantern light illuminated her face, delicate and radiant like a blooming flower or polished jade, exuding an enchanting beauty beyond compare.

Even the well-experienced Fang Jun found himself momentarily stunned by her presence.

But soon, recalling her future actions, the slight flutter in his heart settled instantly. No matter how beautiful the face, if the heart is restless and unruly, it is nothing but a painted skull beneath the flesh.

Clearly, Princess Gaoyang was not Fang Jun’s type.

Li Junxian was evidently aware that His Majesty had betrothed Princess Gaoyang to Fang Jun. Thus, when she appeared, he greeted her respectfully and then wisely stepped aside, clasping his hands behind his back and gazing skyward as if admiring the breathtaking snow-covered palace grounds.

Fang Jun stepped forward, bowing deeply. “Your Highness, I am Fang Jun.”

Princess Gaoyang exhaled sharply through her delicate nose, a soft “hmph” escaping her lips. Her expression was both cold and coy, the epitome of haughty charm.

The atmosphere grew slightly awkward.

Fang Jun rubbed his nose, feeling they had little common ground. “I must be going home. My apologies, Your Highness, please, lead the way.”

He stepped aside, clearing the path for the princess.

Princess Gaoyang glided forward with light, elegant steps, her gown fluttering gracefully—a clear result of palace training.

Just as she was about to brush past Fang Jun, she suddenly stopped, standing only three feet away.

“Fang Yiai…” she said.

Fang Jun corrected her respectfully, “Your Highness, please call me Fang Jun.”

She snorted. “Fang Jun, don’t think that just because the Emperor betrothed me to you, you can dream of rising swiftly through the ranks as the perfect son-in-law. Honestly, I don’t look up to you one bit.”

Fang Jun remained silent. He thought to himself, “Do you think I fancy you? I’m only stirring up trouble to get His Majesty to revoke this decree.”

Given his temperament, on such a snowy, serene night, he would much rather enjoy a warm cup of tea and a good book with his little maid by his side than be entangled in this.

Seeing his silence, Princess Gaoyang assumed he was displeased and pressed on. “In my heart, my future husband should be handsome, learned, refined, and extraordinarily elegant…”

Fang Jun still said nothing but thought: “So you like pretty boys, huh? Too bad I’m a sunny, warm guy—not your type. Though they say that monk named Bianji is as delicate and beautiful as a flower…”

Princess Gaoyang’s eyes brimmed with disdain. “But none of that applies to you! Look at yourself—your clothing is dull and rustic, your complexion dark, your build broad and rough like a warrior, where is the slightest trace of elegance? So, I advise you: a toad will never eat swan meat. Let go of this foolish hope...”

This time, Fang Jun’s expression darkened for real—he was speechless.

This little girl’s tongue was sharper than a serpent’s venom.

He imagined if he were still the old Fang Yiai, such biting words would shatter his confidence completely. Even if they wed, he would remain timid and submissive.

Hence, when Princess Gaoyang secretly met with Bianji, he would stand guard outside; if she rebelled, he would foolishly carry her banner...

In her eyes, Fang Jun was utterly talentless, unvirtuous, unhandsome, and lacking in character—a complete waste of life’s resources.

Nearby, Li Junxian continued to gaze skyward, seemingly oblivious to their exchange.

He feared Fang Jun might lose face and lash out in anger, which would be troublesome.

But he was wrong; Fang Jun was unfazed.

Two people who dislike each other deeply find it impossible to force a relationship, much more so than one-sided reluctance.

With both parties pulling against it, the chances of this marriage falling through increase exponentially.

Still, Fang Jun felt somewhat aggrieved.

Any man would feel slighted to be so openly scorned by a woman.

He straightened his robe and said, “If Your Highness thinks so, then all the better. It is best to be honest with each other; it will hasten the birth of friendship. To be frank, my type isn’t someone like Your Highness either.”

Princess Gaoyang arched her delicate brows, still haughty. “Oh? I am so outstanding… Fine, then what kind of woman do you like?”

Fang Jun said seriously, “One you could never become.”

Princess Gaoyang bristled. “Are you saying someone who follows the three obediences and four virtues? I can do that!”

Fang Jun shook his head. “Not what you think.”

Her curiosity piqued, she pouted, “Stop beating around the bush, Fang Jun. Are you even a man?”

The proud little princess was displeased—how dare such a toad look down on her? She was fair-skinned, beautiful, of high status, with endless riches granted by her father. Why wouldn’t he fancy her?

Could there really be a better woman than her in the world?

It was pure foolishness!

Surely he only said that to save face after being rejected!

Very well, she would shatter his fragile vanity to see what he had to say.

Fang Jun sighed, imitating Li Junxian by tilting his head forty-five degrees upward to gaze at the dim sky.

In a low voice, he said, “From the moment we wed, you must be kind only to me; cherish me and never deceive me; keep every promise you make; speak only truth to me. Do not lie or scold me; care for me deeply; if anyone bullies me, you must defend me immediately; when I am happy, share in my joy; when I am sad, comfort me; always believe I am the most beautiful; see me in your dreams; hold only me in your heart...”

The cold wind howled, snow swirling wildly.

Princess Gaoyang stood stunned, her heart lost in the biting chill…

Had she misheard?

Or was her vision blurred, seeing not Fang Jun but a woman disguised in his skin?

What sort of shameless man could utter such words?

Cherish you… never deceive you… keep promises… defend you when bullied… comfort you… even in dreams…

Most absurdly, always think you’re the most beautiful?!

“You’re beautiful, my foot!” Fang Jun muttered.

These words, spoken across a thousand years, utterly shattered Princess Gaoyang’s already fragile worldview and sense of life.

Could such a shameless man truly exist?

Not only Princess Gaoyang, but the maids nearby, upon hearing this, were first dumbfounded, then erupted into fits of laughter, nearly doubled over.

Even Li Junxian, still gazing skyward as if deaf to everything, twitched his icy face in disbelief.

“Damn, that’s shameless...”

Cheng Chubi looked at Fang Jun as if he were possessed.

Fang Jun, however, remained calm and said, “You see, Your Highness, you could never do what I just described. But don’t be discouraged; it’s not that you’re not good enough. It’s merely that my standards are rather high—most women can’t meet them.”

At that moment, Princess Gaoyang wanted nothing more than to curse. If someone could meet those standards, she’d marry them too—even if they were a woman!

Fang Jun bowed. “The hour grows late. My mother awaits at home. I take my leave.”

Then, under the astonished gaze of Princess Gaoyang and the maids nearly doubled over with laughter, he turned and strode away with unhurried ease.