Chapter 1441: Li You

Chapter 1441: Chapter 1441: Li You

An elegant and picturesque courtyard, with the lingering sound of music blending with the gentle sounds of bridges and flowing water, can truly be called a rare human masterpiece that makes the listener feel at ease. As Xiao Tianyu approaches the courtyard entrance, these strands of wonderful melodies drift into his ears.

Surely, the person playing the instrument must be an elegant and beautiful woman.

Yet, Xiao Tianyu is puzzled as to why Li Yuan has brought him here, for this is clearly the Princess’s private courtyard.

Indeed, as Xiao Tianyu looks up, he sees a plaque adorned with four graceful characters: Princess’s Mansion.

Thus, Xiao Tianyu speaks to Li Yuan: "May I ask, Prince Li, what is the meaning of this?"

"Brother Xiao, don’t be so reserved. My seventh sister has heard much of Brother Xiao’s extraordinary talents and simply wishes to witness Brother Xiao’s elegance. Besides, with Brother Xiao’s appearance and talents, he would be more than suitable to be matched with our Great Li Princess!"

Li Yuan stands before the courtyard entrance, his voice gentle.

At this moment, even if Xiao Tianyu were foolish, he could naturally understand that the Great Li Dynasty seeks to use the Seventh Princess to win him over.

"To intrude upon the Princess’s Mansion is likely not well-mannered. Moreover, the Seventh Princess, as the esteemed Princess of Great Li, how could Xiao possibly marry up? I ask Prince Li not to joke about such matters!" Xiao Tianyu replies with a smile, his words tactful as he turns to leave.

But Li Yuan merely chuckles carelessly: "Since you’re here, why not listen to a piece my sister plays specifically for Brother Xiao? Surely Brother Xiao is knowledgeable in music!"

At that, Li Yuan grabs Xiao Tianyu’s right hand, leading him inside as if they were brothers.

Upon entering, a fresh fragrance envelops him.

Xiao Tianyu’s gaze sweeps briefly across the courtyard, finding it particularly elegant, then his eyes fall upon a pavilion where a woman of unmatched grace sits with her face veiled, gently plucking the strings of her instrument, notes weaving out like threads.

This woman, in snow-white attire with alabaster skin, exudes an aura of high purity and elegance from every inch of her being. Just one glance would make it difficult to look away.

Indeed, Xiao Tianyu wonders what kind of magnificent beauty lies beneath the veil?

"Brother Xiao, please sit here. Today is my great brother’s appointment ceremony, so I have many things to attend to and cannot keep you company!" Li Yuan speaks to Xiao Tianyu with a smile, then glances toward the pavilion as if signaling something to the Seventh Princess.

"Prince Li, this might not be appropriate. Furthermore, I already have..."

"My seventh sister has admired Brother Xiao for a long time, so since you’re here, why not let her truly witness Brother Xiao’s grace?" Li Yuan interrupts Xiao Tianyu with a smile, causing Xiao Tianyu some dilemma: "This..."

"Since you’ve come, why not let me perform a piece before you leave!" At that moment, a gentle voice drifts from the pavilion, enchanting the imagination.

With these words, Xiao Tianyu feels even more conflicted.

Thus, Xiao Tianyu speaks: "This truly might not be appropriate."

"Does it mean you look down upon me?" The Seventh Princess’s voice remains as gentle as ever, her delicate fingers softly plucking the strings, and the music starts anew.

By now, Li Yuan has already exited the courtyard.

"Why not sit in the pavilion?" The Seventh Princess’s beautiful eyes watch Xiao Tianyu, clear and serene, not at all resembling a woman with ulterior motives. Under these circumstances, Xiao Tianyu has no choice but to approach the pavilion.

The Seventh Princess gestures invitingly: "Please have a seat!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Tianyu glances at the Seventh Princess and takes a seat.

"I am Li You, greeting Brother Xiao!" Li You stands, her graceful form slightly bowing toward Xiao Tianyu, shedding any airs of nobility, seeming just like a common woman.

"Seventh Princess, you’re too kind!" Xiao Tianyu smiles gently, like a spring breeze. Faced with such a woman, her invitation is almost impossible for any man to decline.

Even if her true appearance is hidden by the veil.

"I’ve heard much over the years about Brother Xiao, a man of extraordinary talents and charm. To see him today proves it true; I’ve admired him for a long time, but never did I expect to truly meet him one day!"

Li You smiles softly at Xiao Tianyu, yet her beautiful eyes seem evasive, as though she dares not meet his clear gaze directly.

This does not escape Xiao Tianyu’s attentive scrutiny.

Li You continues to smile lightly: "A few months ago, I heard of Brother Xiao and his three companions challenging the Luoshen Sect, ascending from the outer peaks to battle Wang You. In that clash, both Brother Xiao and Wang You attained divine status, after which Wang You admitted defeat, and Brother Xiao slew the Sword Son Yao Junlin at Middle Three Peaks. Such boldness truly impresses me!"

The conversation with Li You differs noticeably from what Li Yuan said at the Xiao Sect.

Li Yuan once declared in the Golden Hall of Xiao Sect that Xiao Tianyu defeated Wang You, showering him with praise.

Yet Li You states Wang You admitted defeat.

While the meaning differs little, it is enough to greatly alter Xiao Tianyu’s impression of Li You.

"You honor me," Xiao Tianyu nods gently, quite gentlemanly, though his clear gaze appraises the graceful form before him, he merely appreciates without a trace of impropriety.

Seeing this, Li You feels a fondness blossom, offering a soft smile: "It seems Brother Xiao is a very unique man!"

"How do you know?" Xiao Tianyu asks.

"At least your gaze is clear, unlike some others!" Li You smiles softly, while Xiao Tianyu replies: "Meeting me was probably not what you wished for, Princess."

Dong!

With these words, the string snaps, and the beautiful music halts abruptly, Li You’s eyes focus intently on Xiao Tianyu, revealing a trace of surprise.

And Xiao Tianyu continues: "Family pressure?"

"Though a Great Li Princess appears noble, how many can truly comprehend the sorrow behind it?" Li You’s gaze remains upon Xiao Tianyu, not directly answering his query.

She continues: "Since Brother Xiao saw through it, I have nothing to hide. The title of Great Li Princess, ha..."

Her voice, though delicate and pleasant, carries a hint of melancholy.

Li You’s words flow on: "Indeed, being a Great Li Princess is truly the most pitiable of people. From birth, one’s fate is already decided, merely used as a token to garner favor. Over the years, how many princesses have come from Great Li, yet now how many remain in the Great Li Imperial Palace?"

"Above me are six elder sisters, all given away by Great Li as tokens to strengthen alliances!" She sighs slightly, and Xiao Tianyu calmly states: "So the next in line is you?"

"Correct!" Li You nods.

"And the intended person is me?" Xiao Tianyu gestures to himself, while Li You’s beautiful eyes flicker with a slight shyness as she speaks: "If Brother Xiao desires, Li You is willing to serve at any time!"

Saying this, Li You removes the veil from her face, revealing an impeccable countenance before Xiao Tianyu, rivalling even Mo Qingluan in beauty—a woman any man would desire to possess.