1794 She Did Not Want To Be The Second Choice
She tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Only when it was almost daybreak did she start to doze off.

“Wake up, Cousin Hexin.” Yuan You shook her arm when she saw how soundly Hexin was sleeping.

Hexin opened her eyes drowsily. “Is it morning already?”

“Yes. You should get up soon. They’re about to take down the tents,” said Yuan You.

Hexin finally sat up and massaged her forehead, which was slightly aching. Then, she got changed and cleaned up.

After they were done packing, she walked out of the tent to see that all the other tents had been taken down. Hers and Yuan You’s were the only ones still standing.

She suddenly realized that she must have overslept and everyone was waiting for her.

“Did you have a good sleep last night?” Long Yin came over and asked gently when he saw the guilty look on her face.

Hexin was about to yawn widely when she suddenly heard his voice; she quickly covered her mouth.

She was a little embarrassed. Why was he always around whenever she showed an unruly side of herself?

Hexin shook her head with a hint of dejectedness as she thought about this. “I didn’t sleep well and got up late. I caused everyone to have their journey delayed.”

“It’s fine. We’re not in a rush, anyway,” Long Yin comforted her gently. He paused before asking, “Did I cause you any distress?”

“Huh?” Hexin did not understand what he meant.

“Were you unable to sleep well last night because of me?” Long Yin asked.

Hexin had mixed feelings about this, but she denied it. “Of course not. I think I must be feeling a little heaty.”

“Alright. That’s good to know. I don’t want to be the one giving your distress.” Long Yin rubbed her head. When he put his hand down, he took the opportunity to grab hers. “Come on. I’ve got someone to cook you a bowl of Lotus Seed Congee. It will help cool your body down.”

Before Hexin could reply, he had already pulled her along with him.

Yuan You followed behind with her mouth wide open in shock.

Crown Prince Long was coming on quite strong and dominant. Cousin Hexin did not even have the chance to say no!

Hexin finally realized what had transpired after walking for a while. She pulled her hand out of his and said uncomfortably, “Stop acting this way, Big Bro Long Yin. It isn’t appropriate to be seen by others.”

“I didn’t do anything to you,” Long Yin replied with indifference. “All the people here are my men. It doesn’t matter if they’ve seen us. You don’t need to feel nervous.” He paused. “Xinxin, I’m being serious about wooing you. I think of you as my future wife.”

Hexin frowned. “When did you become so stubborn about marrying me? I thought I’d made it clear between us.”

“I know, but that’s what you want, not what I want.” Long Yin continued walking while holding her hand. “I really want to marry you and plan to give my best to this. I hope you can let go of your previous bias toward me and accept me.”

Hexin felt a little upset when she heard this. She felt that he was being too pushy and was being inconsiderate about the feelings of others.

She lowered her head and followed behind him a little moodily.

Long Yin helped Hexin up the horse-drawn carriage after breakfast.

After she had entered the carriage, Long Yin walked toward the window and curled his fingers to knock against the side of the window. “Xinxin.”

Hexin clenched her handkerchief inside the carriage.

She had no idea when it had started, but Long Yin had now gotten familiar with calling her by her pet name.

“Yes?” It took her quite a while before she replied in a low voice.

Long Yin leaned against the side of the carriage with a small smile on his lips. “I know that I have a place in your heart. Since that’s the case, why are you always pushing me away? Isn’t it better to follow your feelings?”

Hexin’s eyes widened in shock when she heard this.

How did he find out?

She was sure she had hidden it very well.

Even so… Should she follow her heart?
A bitter smile appeared on her lips.

She could not allow herself to continue liking him because he already had someone in his heart—that could never be erased. Hexin did not want to be someone’s second choice.