Chapter 118: Little Enchantress, Let Me Leave My Mark! (Second Update)

Xiao Yue timed his arrival at the palace perfectly, coinciding with the moment the Emperor had just returned to the Imperial Study to deliberate with several high-ranking officials.

When the attendant went in to announce him, the Emperor was quite surprised. "Prince Sheng? Did he say what business he has with Us?"

The attendant looked troubled. "The Prince only said it was an urgent matter and that he must see Your Majesty immediately."

An urgent matter? And one that required an immediate audience?

Just yesterday, Xiao Yue had gone to the Marquis of Dingyuan’s estate. News of his visit had reached the Emperor almost before he had even stepped through the threshold. The Emperor had been feeling stifled and puzzled by it—after all, with Wu Qinglin out of the capital, the Wu household had no one left to take charge. Why would he go there now? What could he possibly be doing?

Lost in these thoughts, the Emperor was momentarily distracted. The attendant did not dare to urge him, instead glancing up anxiously and stealing a peek at his face.

Cheng Wenshi, the Grand Chancellor, sensed the Emperor’s shift in mood and tried to offer a reminder: "Your Majesty... if Prince Sheng has an urgent matter to discuss, would you like us to wait in the side hall?"

"Oh!" The Emperor snapped back to reality. "No need!"

He then glanced at Tao Renzhi. "Go and ask Prince Sheng what this is about first."

"Yes!" Tao Renzhi acknowledged the order and hurried out.

At that moment, Xiao Yue was standing at the foot of the palace steps. He was not wearing court robes, but a simple moon-white gown embroidered with gold. His hair was held by a jade pin, giving him a look that was both handsome and effortless. At a glance, few would guess that he was actually a military commander who had spent years dominating the battlefield.

"Greetings, Prince," Tao Renzhi said with a smile as he approached. Up close, he noticed that the Prince looked weary, with faint dark circles under his eyes. His smile faltered. "You don't look well today, Prince. Are you feeling unwell? Shall I summon an imperial physician?"

Xiao Yue chuckled. "No need! I just didn't sleep well last night; I’ll recover after a while." He went straight to the point: "Has the Emperor summoned me in?"

"This..." Tao Renzhi looked back toward the hall, embarrassed, and offered a placating smile. "His Majesty is currently deliberating with several ministers. If your matter can wait, Prince... perhaps you could tell me? Once His Majesty is finished, I will relay it for you?"

Xiao Yue refused directly. "Then please, Grand Eunuch, go in and report once more. This is a private matter and won't take much of the Emperor's time—just a few words. I’ll just go in, pay my respects, and leave immediately. It won't interfere with his discussion of state affairs."

This Prince had been of such a temperament since childhood; he rarely showed himself, but when he did have business, he was never one to drag things out—it had to be settled on the spot. Since he had come into power, this habit had only intensified.

Seeing his resolve, Tao Renzhi could say no more. "Please wait a moment, I will go in and report again."

"My thanks, Grand Eunuch," Xiao Yue said, standing tall and offering a slight smile.

Tao Renzhi went in and relayed the message exactly. The Emperor generally understood his younger brother’s temperament, and since Xiao Yue claimed it would only take a few words, he didn't want to waste energy arguing. "Then bring him in."

The Emperor knew his own lifespan might not be long, so since Xiao Yun was nine, he had brought him along to morning court and to sessions in the Imperial Study. Xiao Yun had never held much affection for his imperial uncle, and hearing of his sudden arrival, he paid extra attention.

After a moment, Xiao Yue walked in. The Emperor watched his tall, vigorous figure and his youthful face; a flash of gloom crossed the Emperor's eyes. However, he hid it well, and all the others saw was the smile on his lips.

"My greetings to the Emperor and the Crown Prince!" Xiao Yue bowed to the Emperor and then gave a nod to Xiao Yun.

"Uncle," Xiao Yun said, though he didn't like him, he couldn't show it on his face.

"Greetings, Prince Sheng," the other officials followed suit.

Behind the imperial desk, the Emperor laughed. "Usually, when I ask you to come to the palace, you make all sorts of excuses. What brings you here today? Coming on your own, and in such a hurry? Tao Renzhi said you have a private matter to report?"

Upon hearing this, Cheng Wenshi quickly added, "If this is a family matter for Your Majesty and the Prince, we shall withdraw..."

The Emperor said it was unnecessary, perhaps the Prince had something unpresentable. These old officials, who had spent years in court, were all slippery; generally, they preferred not to offend either side if they could help it.

"No need for such trouble!" Xiao Yue raised a hand to stop him before he could finish. He didn't look at anyone, focusing solely on the Emperor behind the desk. "I have nothing unpresentable, and since it is a private matter, it would be even worse to delay your state affairs. I will be brief—Imperial Brother, I have recently taken a fancy to a young lady. Since a brother is like a father, I felt it was only right to come and inform you."

The Emperor was stunned. "At my birthday banquet a few days ago, your sister-in-law and Aunt Huyang were urging you to let them help you choose a consort, and you refused. Now, just a few days later, you already have someone in mind?"

Xiao Yun, sitting just below the Emperor, stiffened. It wasn't that he had discovered a clue, but he suddenly had an intuition—this matter was not that simple. His gaze remained locked on Xiao Yue.

Xiao Yue was aware of the stare but chose to ignore it, speaking with a serious expression. "It happened on the day of your birthday banquet. I encountered her by chance in the palace and found myself quite taken with her."

The Emperor laughed. "So, you’ve come to ask for a marriage decree?"

"No!" Xiao Yue denied it.

Everyone was puzzled, exchanging confused looks.

Xiao Yue continued with a serious face: "The girl is a bit too young. Furthermore, I was reckless a few days ago and frightened her. I’m afraid I can’t coax her back into a good mood for the time being. I won't trouble you for a marriage decree just yet. I came today specifically to inform you of this: I have set my sights on her, and you must absolutely not betroth her to anyone else."

This Prince had not been back in the capital for long, and while few had had contact with him, one thing was clear—he was not a man of easy temperament or approachability. Now, he was even using the word "coax."

Just which girl was so pretentious yet so bold that she could make this Prince use such language? Xiao Yue’s dead-serious expression was quite convincing; he clearly meant business. The high-ranking officials present, despite their positions, were not immune to the urge for gossip. They looked at each other, waiting with interest to hear the rest.

And the Emperor—he was naturally the most surprised of all. No one understood his younger brother better than he did. A man like Xiao Yue, even if he were struck by lightning and pieced back together, could never be a romantic. Unless—the other person was a little enchantress who knew sorcery and could steal souls!

The smile on the Emperor's face dimmed, though he maintained a benevolent mask. "After all this, which girl is so formidable that she has managed to tame you?"

Xiao Yue said calmly, "Wu Tan!"

In the capital, Wu Xun was famous; his eldest son, known for his literary and martial skills, was also famous; his youngest daughter, betrothed to the Crown Prince, had recently become famous; and his second son, Wu Qingyu, had made headlines yesterday for his eccentric scheme to snatch the fiancée of the Duke of Ping's second son.

But the Marquis of Dingyuan’s estate was not so high-profile that these arrogant ministers would know the names of every one of Wu Xun’s daughters. So, apart from Hu Tianming and Jiang Weishen, the others were left staring at each other in confusion.

They only saw the smile on the Emperor’s face freeze.

The Crown Prince, Xiao Yun, suddenly stood up. The movement was so abrupt that he tripped over his chair. Everyone looked at him. Xiao Yun realized he had lost his composure, his hand hidden in his sleeve clenching into a fist, his face flushing red. He knew he shouldn't be losing his cool in such a setting, but he couldn't help it. He stared at Xiao Yue, his voice forced through gritted teeth: "Is my uncle joking?"

Wu Tan? It was actually Wu Tan? Xiao Yue had taken a fancy to Wu Tan? No! How could this be? It would be more accurate to say he was targeting the Marquis of Dingyuan’s estate than Wu Tan herself. Earlier, Xiao Yue had even half-jokingly incited him to find a way to kill Wu Xun! And how old was Wu Tan? Unless Xiao Yue had some peculiar obsession, why would he pass over so many eligible, high-born women to target that brat?

Xiao Yun was convinced this was a conspiracy. The Emperor shared the same thought, observing Xiao Yue with a deep, calculating gaze.

Xiao Yue’s expression remained composed. He spoke slowly: "Is the Crown Prince worried about the future order of seniority? You worry too much. Although one of your secondary consorts is also from the Marquis of Dingyuan’s house, there is a rule that has existed for centuries—the husband is the wife’s master. Once a woman marries, she follows her husband. Even if my consort and your secondary consort were sisters, you should simply treat it as if that were not the case. Our status as uncle and nephew will remain the standard for them; it will cause no obstruction at all."

If he hadn't mentioned it, Xiao Yun might have momentarily forgotten his own headache—he had indeed betrothed a daughter of the Marquis of Dingyuan as a secondary consort! If he had known, he should have acted first to block Xiao Yue’s words, but the advantage had been lost.

Xiao Yun felt so angry he thought his hair might catch fire. This wasn't about whether they were sisters or not! The problem was that he had previously discussed marriage with Wu Tan! Although it had come to nothing and was never made public for the sake of the royal and Wu family reputations, Xiao Yue knew about it! Knowing this, he still claimed he had taken a fancy to her?!

The officials present finally realized who this "enchantress" was. She must truly be a fox spirit with evil powers! Wu Xun had three daughters; one had married two years ago, and this year one was betrothed to the Crown Prince. When the remaining one was mentioned, everyone had a faint impression... she was only twelve or thirteen! A mere child!

If this were a marriage discussion with someone of the Crown Prince’s age, it would seem logical. But Prince Sheng was twenty-two; why not find someone of fifteen or sixteen who could stand by his side with dignity?

The Crown Prince seemed deeply troubled by the fact that his uncle had taken a liking to his future sister-in-law. But this was a private royal matter, and the officials, practicing self-preservation, pretended to be wooden statues.

Xiao Yun was stumped by Xiao Yue’s words. The Emperor, thinking along the same lines, felt Xiao Yue was using this as an opportunity to provoke and declare war, using Wu Tan to get closer to the Marquis who held real military power. But Xiao Yue had said everything that needed to be said.

The Emperor’s thoughts raced. After a long time, he deliberated and spoke slowly: "That girl’s age is indeed..."

"I can wait!" Xiao Yue interrupted him firmly. Without waiting for the Emperor’s reaction, he changed the subject: "I came to the palace today specifically to inform you of this. Firstly, as I said, to give you prior notice that I have taken a fancy to her, so you won't betroth her to anyone else without knowing. Secondly—the Marquis of Dingyuan and I are both military men. Although I am currently idle in the capital, I should theoretically avoid suspicion. However, the heart follows its own path, and I ask for your understanding and tolerance. I swear to the heavens that my only desire is this one woman from the Wu family, and I have no other ulterior motives. Please, Your Majesty, judge for yourself!"

This blunt statement left the Emperor’s face rigid. There was no rule stating that two military households could not intermarry; if there was any obstruction, it was only the fear and suspicion of the one on the throne. Xiao Yue had openly cornered him. The Emperor did not believe his "oath" for a second; he only saw Xiao Yue’s devious methods of manipulating hearts right in front of him. He had never expected that before he could do anything to Xiao Yue, Xiao Yue would be the one to strike first.

So, his initial thought had been correct? If he was soft-hearted and didn't cut the weeds at the root, would he eventually be raising a tiger that would cause disaster?

Rage surged within the Emperor, but his face remained a frozen mask. Beneath his sleeves, his fingers clenched and unclenched until his nails dug into his palms, suppressing the fury rising through his veins.

"Although it is said that a brother is like a father, the late Emperor has already passed, and you are an adult. It is not for me, your brother, to interfere too much in your private affairs. And if we speak of rules, that would be superfluous. However, while I may stay out of your marriage, the Empress Dowager is still alive. If you are truly determined, you should ask for her opinion before deciding." In the end, that was all the Emperor said.

He looked at Xiao Yue. To others, it seemed like a normal gaze between brothers, but Xiao Yue clearly perceived the cold warning deep within his eyes.

"There is still time," he smiled. There had been no brotherly affection between them since they were children. When he was small, the Emperor was busy with the struggle for the throne and barely noticed his younger brother. By the time he grew up, the Emperor had developed inner demons from that struggle, and when he did notice him, it was only to consider how to get rid of him. "Didn't I say? Because I was reckless, I offended the girl, and I must coax her first."

In any case, he had only come to notify the Emperor today. If that brat Wu Tan acted out and tried to force the Emperor to betroth her to someone else just to avoid him, it would be troublesome to handle later.

Though neither the Emperor nor Wu Tan believed his words, they were the truth—he had no intention of seeking the Marquis of Dingyuan’s support; he was simply in a hurry to "claim" Wu Tan so she wouldn't stir up trouble. As long as she didn't marry anyone else for now, she could stir up all the trouble she wanted!

Having reached this point, Xiao Yue had achieved his expected goal. Seeing that the Emperor’s temper was reaching its limit, he decided not to provoke him further. He bowed. "In that case, I will not disturb you and the ministers any further. I shall take my leave."

Xiao Yun was anxious, but he couldn't shout in front of everyone. He could only cast desperate, pleading glances at his father. But the Emperor simply kept his hands pressed on the desk, watching Xiao Yue with a calm expression, saying nothing.

Xiao Yue took three steps back. When he was about to turn and leave, he stopped again and said to Hu Tianming and the others: "By the way! That girl is thin-skinned. Please, everyone, be lenient with your words regarding my pursuit of her. Do not spread it around; otherwise, she will avoid me even more and refuse to see me."

Xiao Yun wanted to throw his brush pot at him. Wu Tan, thin-skinned? If that brat were thin-skinned, there would be no thick-skinned people left in the world.

"Yes... yes... yes!" Hu Tianming and the others, seeing the Emperor’s darkening complexion, vaguely agreed just to be rid of him.

Xiao Yue smiled, feeling refreshed, and left. With the scene he had caused, the Emperor clearly had no heart for state affairs.

Cheng Wenshi, reading the room, offered: "Your Majesty seems tired. Your health is paramount. Perhaps you should rest?"

The Emperor’s mood was at its worst; he couldn't keep up the act any longer. Fearing he would lose control if he kept them there, he waved his hand. "I have been feeling unwell since this morning. We shall deliberate on state affairs another day. You may all go."

"Yes!" Everyone acknowledged and began to withdraw. But the Emperor could not help but add one last warning: "Prince Sheng was spoiled by the Empress Dowager since childhood. He is stubborn and does things on a whim. Do not take his words seriously; pretend you heard nothing."

"Yes!" They replied and exited.

Once they were gone, Xiao Yun could no longer contain himself. He walked out from behind his desk to the Emperor’s side. "Father, we absolutely cannot let our uncle marry Wu Tan!"

Before he could finish, the Emperor swung his arm violently, sweeping the documents and stationery off the desk. A paperweight smashed through a massive vase, which shattered, the water inside spilling out and flooding the floor at their feet.