Staring at the little fox with her shining eyes, the National Teacher nodded in satisfaction and said to Lian Jingya, "Since that’s the case, I will keep this little fox, so it doesn’t hurt the Seventh Princess with its wild nature."

Upon hearing the National Teacher’s concern for her, Lian Jingya felt elated, her heart fluttering. Even when Lian Jingrui nudged her a few times, she didn’t come out of her daze.

The little fox in the National Teacher's arms couldn’t help but mutter inwardly, He’s clearly threatening me to choose him! And now he’s saying I’m wild and untamed? What a cunning man.

Despite her grievances, the little fox knew she had no choice but to soften for the moment. Who knew whether this man would change his mind and give her to Princess Seven? She had already lost her spiritual power after being struck by lightning, so if she was skinned alive, she would have nothing left. Forget about shedding her fox form—she wouldn’t even have her life.

Her little paws tightly gripped the National Teacher’s robe, refusing to let go. She didn’t care if she dirtied his clothes—this was her lifeline, and she couldn’t afford to let go.

Lian Jingya, seeing this, chuckled. "It looks like this little fox likes the National Teacher, see how tightly it’s holding onto his clothes."

"Indeed, it seems this creature has a special bond with the National Teacher," Lian Jingrui added.

Lian Jingrui’s words were meant to compliment the National Teacher’s charm, but he used the word "creature" in reference to the little fox. Who was the little fox, after all? Though she was a nine-tailed fox, she still carried the aura of the ancient beasts. If it weren’t for the accident, she would have been a divine beast by now.

Hmph, even a fox has dignity.

With that, the little fox released her hold on the National Teacher’s robe and leaped out of his arms. She swiftly ran to Lian Jingrui’s feet, climbing up his thigh.

"Fifth Brother, it seems this little fox also likes..." Lian Jingya had just begun to speak, but was interrupted by a sudden scream from Lian Jingrui.

Lian Jingrui cried out as the little fox, having jumped off the National Teacher’s shoulder, had scratched his lips with her claws.

The little fox jumped back to the National Teacher’s feet, then turned around to face Lian Jingrui, screeching at him. Dare to call me a creature? I’ll scratch you to death!

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"Aah!" Lian Jingrui, in pain from the scratch on his lips, wanted to shout, but when he opened his mouth, the injury made it worse. He could only cover his mouth, muttering, "Little creature, how dare you scratch me?"

The little fox’s fur bristled with anger. Even the tamest fox would find this intolerable.

Just as she was about to rush at Lian Jingrui to bite him, the fur on her neck was suddenly grabbed.

The National Teacher had anticipated that the little fox would try to go for Lian Jingrui, since he could tell she was no ordinary fox. He had let her scratch Lian Jingrui once, but the second time was unacceptable—especially since Lian Jingrui was a prince.

Holding the little fox in his arms, the National Teacher gently ran his hand over her fur, attempting to calm her down.

The little fox felt soothed by the National Teacher’s gentle strokes, her bristling fur slowly softening. Her eyes narrowed as she relaxed, enjoying the touch.

Seeing the little fox calm down, the National Teacher smiled inwardly. This little creature knows how to climb up the ladder.

"Fifth Prince," the National Teacher spoke with a smile. "Although the little fox shouldn’t have scratched you, it was you who first called it a creature. While the little fox may not be human, it is still a life and deserves respect. Since you’ve called it a creature twice, the scratch should make it even. Let’s not dwell on it anymore, shall we?"

Though the National Teacher’s tone seemed to be suggesting a compromise, it was laced with sarcasm. You got scratched by the little fox because of your own words!

Lian Jingrui was furious. He’s injured, and yet he can’t even hold the little fox accountable? But since the National Teacher had spoken, Lian Jingrui couldn’t openly challenge him.

He reluctantly nodded. "For the National Teacher’s sake, I won’t pursue it further. But if this little creature scratches someone else, it won’t be so easy to let go."

"Don’t worry, Fifth Prince," the National Teacher replied with a smile. "I’ll make sure the little fox understands that not everyone deserves her claws."

With that, the National Teacher turned and walked back to his tent with the little fox in his arms.

Lian Jingrui, unable to hold back his frustration, could only watch as the National Teacher, whose position in Bei Yan was unshakable, left him to stew in his anger. This was a loss he would have to swallow.

The National Teacher didn’t care about Lian Jingrui’s feelings. At this moment, he was focused on having a conversation with his little fox.

He walked to the table, took out a handkerchief from his pocket, and laid it on the table. He placed the little fox on top of it.

The little fox tried to move, but the National Teacher gently tapped her on the head. "Stay on the handkerchief. You’re so dirty—where do you think you’re going?"

As he spoke, the National Teacher went behind the screen to bring a basin of water and set it on a nearby stool. He wrung out the handkerchief and gently wiped the little fox’s paws, talking to her as he did.

"Little thing, you really have guts. You dared to scratch the emperor’s brother," the National Teacher said with a smile, though his tone wasn’t harsh. "What would you have done if I hadn’t stepped in to save you?"