Chapter 069: Taking a Wife and Concubines—The Tragedy of Life

Xiao Yue was not known for his temper, yet as a member of the imperial family, he had cultivated restraint—rarely did he vent his anger by smashing things, no matter how furious he became.

Lei Ming had only encountered this side of him twice; the last time was when the young lady of the Wu family sent him a maidservant.

Now, kneeling on the floor, Lei Ming’s heart quaked with fear.

Xiao Yue fixed his gaze on him, his smile cold as ice. “Are you deaf, or do you simply lack memory? Did you take my words last night as mere wind past your ears? If you dislike being here, then return to the northern frontier at once! Do you mistake my residence for the city market? If you cannot discern which messages ought to be relayed and which not, I’ll find someone who can!”

Lei Ming felt utterly wronged by this barrage and, sneaking a glance at his master’s expression, tried to understand. Everything had seemed well enough yesterday in the palace; Lei Ming truly couldn’t fathom what had provoked his lord’s sudden wrath. Yet, observing Xiao Yue’s thunderous rage, he recognized that this was genuine anger.

Hastily collecting himself and bowing his head in deep deference, Lei Ming pleaded, “Your servant acknowledges his error. Master, please quell your anger and grant me another chance.”

But Xiao Yue’s countenance remained implacable, his irritation not at all soothed by Lei Ming’s submission—if anything, it only grew more vexed and restless.

In truth, even Xiao Yue himself struggled to pinpoint the source of his agitation. His enmity with Wu Xun was predetermined before his return from the northern frontier; their coexistence was impossible. At first, his interactions with Wu Tan were devoid of ulterior motive—her temperament differed from his memories, and on a whim, he had teased her a couple of times.

Had Lei Ming not mentioned it last night, he might not have noticed how frequent his encounters with that silly little girl had grown.

She was nothing more than a childish, reckless girl—regardless of her parentage, even if she were not Wu Xun’s daughter—

Xiao Yue thought he must have been addled these past days, to have invested so much time and energy in such a trivial girl.

What made it worse was that Lei Ming had noticed his undignified behavior, while he himself remained oblivious.

Ashamed beyond words, Xiao Yue had begun sulking after Lei Ming unearthed the truth at the gates of Huayang Palace the previous night. He had shut himself away, hoping to regain his composure, but even after berating Lei Ming, he still could not distinguish whether his anger was directed at that wild girl or at himself.

Ultimately, the mere sight of Lei Ming—so “perceptive”—only fanned his fury.

“Get out!” Xiao Yue’s face was frosty as he barked his order.

“Your Highness, I do have urgent news to report from the Marquis of Dingyuan’s household!” Lei Ming would have gladly left, but recalling his duty, he braced himself and, before Xiao Yue could erupt again, hurriedly spilled all, “Early this morning, Princess Changyang and Lady Changping called on the Wu family’s matriarch to propose a marriage between Lady Changping and Heir Wu Qinglin, but the proposal was rejected and the meeting ended in discord. Later, Concubine Xian of the palace sent her chief maid with lavish gifts, inviting the Wu matriarch to the palace. According to palace sources, after Huo Wenshan and his party left last night, Concubine Xian expressed to the Emperor her wish to have Heir Wu become Princess Lin’an’s consort. However, the Emperor did not agree.”

Upon returning to the capital, Xiao Yue had tasked Lei Ming with keeping careful watch on the Wu family, both within the household and at court, ensuring all related news was reported in detail. Lei Ming knew this order extended to investigating even the background of Wu Xun’s new wife, Lady Meng, so there had to be significant stakes involved. Yet, seeing his master repeatedly interact with the Wu family’s young lady with no apparent purpose had muddled his focus—he had begun to automatically report all news about Wu Tan first.

Today, after bearing the brunt of Xiao Yue’s inexplicable rage, Lei Ming finally realized anew the original reason for his master’s attention to the Wu family.

So, with full seriousness, he reported only the “proper business.”

Indeed, Xiao Yue did not grow angry again.

“Wu Qinglin? That is unexpected.” Xiao Yue pressed his lips together, pondered, and then said coolly, “Concubine Xian’s efforts are doomed to fail. My imperial brother will never consent.”

His tone was resolute—the “he” in question being the Emperor.

Lei Ming was puzzled. “The information I received suggests that Concubine Xian is exceptionally persistent in this matter. Wu Qinglin’s rank and background are more than sufficient...”

Xiao Yue raised a hand, calmly analyzing, “There can be no objection to Wu Qinglin marrying a princess, either by rank or by merit. However, there is an ancestral rule that a princess’s consort may not hold real power. If Wu Qinglin marries Lin’an, he can still inherit the Marquisate, but after Wu Xun, the Wu family would have to relinquish its military command.”

Lei Ming was not dull; setting aside his master’s private attitude toward the Wu family’s second young lady, he was well aware of Xiao Yue’s enmity with Wu Xun. Suddenly, it all made sense: “If that is the case, is it not a perfect outcome? Your Highness had Yannan gather information on Wu Xun in order to deal with him. If this marriage is arranged, the Wu family’s military power will inevitably fall into the court’s hands. His Majesty has long wanted the Crown Prince to marry a Wu daughter to check their military might. Would he not welcome this outcome? His initial refusal to Concubine Xian might simply be a ruse, a way to test the Wu family’s reaction.”

Allowing one clan to hold command over a border army for generations was indeed dangerous. In Lei Ming’s view, the Emperor’s real problem was finding a way to strip the Wu family of their power.

Concubine Xian’s scheme to have Wu Qinglin marry the princess was a ready-made opportunity.

Xiao Yue leaned back in his chair, unconcerned. “Even if the Wu family is willing to relinquish power, my imperial brother’s primary sentiment toward them is not just fear, but reliance. His intent in marrying the Crown Prince to a Wu daughter is to bind the family closer, ensuring their continued loyalty—not to eradicate them. For now, he has no more suitable commander for the southern border than Wu Xun.”

Lei Ming’s analysis was not entirely wrong—the Emperor did not trust the Wu family, especially their hold on the military, but neither did he have a more reliable general to defend the southern frontier. For now, he had no choice but to rely on them.

Though Wu Qinglin was young, his three years in the army had earned him a good name and a clear talent for command. The Emperor’s arrangement for Xiao Yun to marry a Wu daughter was a means to win their allegiance. If Wu Qinglin were removed from the southern border, the Emperor would be much less pleased.

“In that case, Concubine Xian’s efforts will be in vain,” Lei Ming concluded, sneaking a glance at Xiao Yue’s expression.

When discussing serious matters, his master was perfectly normal. Lei Ming, still a little traumatized, was in fact reluctant to continue the subject, but his duty compelled him to press on. Steeling himself, he asked, “Your Highness, forgive my boldness...a few days ago, you had Yannan gather a great deal of information about Southern Liang and Marquis Wu Xun. Are you planning to act against Wu Xun?”

Xiao Yue glanced up, giving him a scrutinizing look.

Lei Ming immediately dropped his head, not daring to meet his master’s eyes but persisted, “I just wish to know the extent of your intentions, so I may be prepared in the future.”

Before his injury, Lei Ming had only sensed Xiao Yue’s poor relations with the Emperor. But after that incident, it was clear to all close attendants—even though Xiao Yue never said it outright—that he had returned to the capital with ambition for the throne.

This was not a problem for Lei Ming—his lord was, in all respects, more capable than the sickly Emperor. The only issue was Xiao Yue’s contradictory attitude toward the Wu family.

Since returning to the capital, Lei Ming had often suspected his master’s logic was flawed—flirting with the daughter while scheming against the father... What sense did that make?

Although Lei Ming phrased his question obliquely, Xiao Yue saw right through him.

He sneered. “If you have nothing better to do, make a trip to Yuanzhou and bring me Wu Xun’s head.”

Lei Ming was so startled he forgot his fear, looking up in shock.

Xiao Yue’s face was as cold as frost, his eyes so deep and chilling they inspired awe. He watched Lei Ming and enunciated each word: “Anything else you wish to ask?”

The oppressive aura was overwhelming.

Lei Ming dared not meet his gaze, bowing deeply, heart pounding. “Your servant takes his leave!”

With that, he rose hurriedly and retreated.

Xiao Yue had mentioned killing Wu Xun several times—outside Zhengyang Palace upon his return, when he goaded the little prince, and again last night, half-jesting, when warning Wu Xun not to marry Wu Tan into the Prince Sheng’s household. Lei Ming had always thought he was either joking or speaking in passing—until now.

Only in this moment did Lei Ming see a clear, unwavering intent—Xiao Yue was not joking; he harbored a genuine, powerful will to kill Wu Xun!

The realization struck Lei Ming’s mind like a thunderclap. Even if Wu Xun was loyal to the Emperor, Xiao Yue could simply strip him of military power—murder seemed unnecessary. Especially since the Wu family’s second young lady, for whom Xiao Yue clearly had some affection, was involved.

Lei Ming simply could not understand it. Xiao Yue and Wu Xun, stationed at opposite ends of the empire, had never even crossed paths—where did such bitter hatred arise from?

Regardless, Lei Ming resolved to tread carefully, avoiding mention of Wu Tan in Xiao Yue’s presence whenever possible. If he had to report news concerning the Marquis’s household, he would steer clear of anything unrelated to the second young lady.

But even before he had left Xiao Yue’s residence, another major piece of news regarding the Marquis’s household arrived—

The Empress herself had issued an imperial decree, formally arranging the Crown Prince’s marriage.

The Crown Princess would be Jiang Yuzhi, the legitimate daughter of Duke Pingguo’s eldest son, and the Wu family’s second legitimate daughter, Wu Qingqiong, would be granted the position of secondary consort.

Two imperial edicts were sent out simultaneously from Zhengyang Palace.

Though both family mansions were some distance from the palace, they were not far from each other, and to show the importance of the occasion, the chief eunuch, Tao Renzhi, personally delivered the decrees.

The Wu household had only just recovered from the disruptive visit by Princess Changyang and her daughter. The matriarch had barely composed herself when Steward Qin rushed in breathlessly, “Madam, the palace messenger has arrived—Chief Eunuch Tao will be here any moment. The Third Miss must prepare to receive the decree.”

Receiving an imperial edict was a grand affair, requiring the entire household to assemble. Since the message emphasized the Third Miss, the matriarch understood at once that the marriage to the Crown Prince had been settled.

Her feelings were not distinctly glad or sorrowful—she responded calmly, “Understood. Has word been sent to both the Southern Court and Yunlan Pavilion?”

“It has!” replied Steward Qin.

The matriarch nodded slightly, motioning for Mistress Zhou to help her from the kang. “Very well. Make the arrangements—gather everyone in the household and prepare to receive the decree.”

“Yes, Madam!” Steward Qin hurried off to see to the preparations.

Meanwhile, Mistress Zhou summoned the maids to assist the matriarch in changing into formal attire and redoing her hair. She also asked, “Madam, since Chief Eunuch Tao is coming in person, shall we prepare a red envelope for him?”

Lady Meng was known for her tact and skill in household management; she would handle the red envelopes for Tao Renzhi and the accompanying palace staff. Still, as Tao Renzhi was of especially high rank, the matriarch nodded, “Prepare it.”

At this moment in Yunlan Pavilion—

Wu Qingqiong, still brooding over her embarrassment in the palace yesterday, had shut herself in her room, refusing food and visitors. Lady Meng, sympathetic to her distress, had excused her from etiquette lessons for the day.

Wu Qingqiong was unaware of Princess Changyang’s visit, only learning of it after the fact from Mian.

“Third Miss? Are you in?” The gatekeeper woman, eager for a reward, did not wait for an answer, but barged into the courtyard, thumping on the door.

“What’s this racket? It’s broad daylight—are you calling for a funeral?” Wu Qingqiong, still in her underclothes and frustrated at missing the spectacle of Li Xun’er’s disgrace, sat up abruptly, seizing a half-cooled bowl of chicken soup from her bedside table.

Mu Jin, who had been organizing embroidery silks in the outer room, hurried to open the door.

The gatekeeper bustled in, beaming, “Congratulations, Third Miss—”

She got no further before Wu Qingqiong hurled the chicken soup at her, drenching her on the spot.

Momentarily stunned, the woman stood there, the aroma of chicken soup filling the air, distracted from her purpose.

Mian entered with a frown, scolding, “What’s the matter with you? This is the young lady’s chamber—bring a message if you must, but don’t make such a commotion.”

Snapping back to herself, the woman put on a smile and knelt, “Congratulations, Third Miss! I was sent to bring you the good news—please prepare yourself to receive the imperial edict from the palace.”

The announcement was abrupt; Mu Jin was momentarily confused.

But Wu Qingqiong, upon hearing that the palace was issuing her a decree, leapt out of bed barefoot, heedless of the soup on the rug.

“Miss, put on your shoes—the floor is filthy!” Mian tried to stop her.

Wu Qingqiong shoved her aside, seized the messenger’s shoulders, and stared intensely into her eyes, “What did you say? The palace sends a decree? What decree? Explain!”

The woman, eager to please, replied, “Your marriage has been decided, Miss.”

The news was so sudden that Wu Qingqiong froze, then, shaking herself awake, broke into a radiant grin, murmuring, “Wonderful! Wonderful!”

At last, the marriage was set—it was hers.

This was a marriage snatched from Wu Tan; the reversal gave her more satisfaction than the betrothal itself.

Wu Qingqiong spun joyfully about her room.

The messenger, still hoping for a reward, gushed, “Congratulations, Miss! Such happiness for you!”

Brimming with delight, Wu Qingqiong declared, “A reward! And all the servants in Yunlan Pavilion—each is to have five taels of silver!”

“Thank you, Miss!” Mian thanked her and immediately fetched silver to give to the messenger.

With her reward in hand, the woman showered Wu Qingqiong with blessings before leaving.

Soon, the entire courtyard was abuzz with the good news, and the other servants crowded in to offer their congratulations.

Mu Jin, in the midst of her work, put it aside and summoned more maids to help dress and adorn Wu Qingqiong for the occasion.

As she sat at her dressing table, Wu Qingqiong suddenly asked, “Does Wu Tan know yet?”

Strictly speaking, this marriage had been taken from Wu Tan. All her life, Wu Tan had the support of the matriarch and Lady Meng’s favor—Wu Tan always overshadowed her.

Now, she would marry the Crown Prince, while Wu Tan’s engagement was broken. After years of pent-up resentment, Wu Qingqiong finally felt vindicated.

Mu Jin smiled, “No need for us to say—a royal decree requires the whole household’s presence. When you receive the edict, Second Miss must be there too.”

“I’m so happy, I almost forgot the whole family must be present,” Wu Qingqiong laughed, but added, “Still, I want to be sure—go to Jingchun Studio and check if Wu Tan is there. I want her to see this with her own eyes.”

“Yes, Miss, I’ll send someone at once.”

As the mistress was about to ascend to new heights, Yunlan Pavilion was all festivity.

Wu Tan, meanwhile, had just returned from seeing Wu Qinglin and was debating whether to eat or nap when Xingzi returned, displeased.

“I sent you to Lin Mansion with a message. Why are you back already?” Wu Tan asked, puzzled.

Xingzi, still angry, replied, “I was at the gate when the palace’s envoy arrived, saying an imperial decree was on its way. We are to prepare to receive it.”

Cheng Cheng, putting aside her work, asked, “Is it for the Third Miss?”

Xingzi, sulking, said nothing.

Both maids were indignant on their mistress’s behalf. Though Wu Tan had never seemed thrilled at the prospect of marrying the Crown Prince, to have the marriage snatched away by the Third Miss was quite another matter; it was Wu Tan’s greatest humiliation before Wu Qingqiong.

Cheng Cheng, worried that Wu Tan might be upset, looked anxiously at her.

But Wu Tan, seeing the concern in her maids’ eyes, was untroubled. She nodded at Xingzi, “Why the fuss? She’s receiving the decree, not you. Go deliver my message!”

Xingzi, surprised by her mistress’s composure, decided she would rather avoid witnessing the Third Miss’s triumph and slipped away.

Wu Tan glanced at her own attire—she was still growing, and her spring clothes, though new, were a little plain.

Cheng Cheng asked, “Miss, would you like to change? You should look your best, not to lose face.”

Cheng Cheng was not one for rivalry, but this matter irked her on her mistress’s behalf.

Wu Tan rolled her eyes. “You silly girls—why try to upstage the bride on her joyful day? Remember, when we go out, be cheerful and composed. If we sulk, it only makes Wu Qingqiong smug. The matter is settled—getting angry only pleases her.”

Convinced, Cheng Cheng went out to rally the staff.

Wu Tan gathered the household and did not wait for Steward Qin’s summons, instead leading everyone to the main gate.

By then, Wu Qinglin had arrived and was assisting Steward Qin with preparations.

The matriarch and Wu Tan arrived almost together, noting that Lady Meng and her daughter had not yet come.

“Grandmother!” Wu Tan hurried to greet her.

The matriarch, seeing Wu Tan’s bright, unconcerned smile, was convinced she was suppressing her feelings for the sake of harmony and felt all the more guilty. She straightened a stray lock of Wu Tan’s hair and squeezed her hand. “Don’t worry. Among all the eligible gentlemen in the capital, your grandmother will find you the very best.”

What was so wonderful about the palace? Only someone as shallow as Wu Qingqiong would plot to draw attention this way.

Yet, as everyone knew, it wasn’t simply a matter of merit—the point was that Wu Qingqiong had taken what was originally Wu Tan’s engagement for her own benefit.

The matriarch still felt she owed Wu Tan.

Wu Tan, understanding her grandmother’s feelings, merely smiled sweetly. “I know you love me, Grandmother.”

The two waited together until the imperial procession entered the lane. Lady Meng and Wu Qingqiong arrived at last.

Wu Qingqiong, resplendent in her finest attire and flanked by two maids, could not hide her joy, while Lady Meng looked deeply troubled, her face devoid of cheer.

The matriarch scolded, “What is this? Why so late?”

She signaled Mistress Zhou to have Nurse carry Wu Qingrui to his proper place.

Lady Meng snapped back to herself, apologizing, “Forgive me, Mother. Rui soiled his clothes at lunch, and I was delayed changing him.”

Lady Meng had opposed Wu Qingqiong’s marriage to the imperial family from the start, which Wu Tan had long noticed. But today, her distracted, desolate demeanor was excessive.

Wu Tan watched her closely, puzzled—Lady Meng was usually sharp, never so absent-minded, yet today she seemed lost in her own world.

Only when Wu Tan finally looked away did Lady Meng realize Wu Qingqiong had been staring at her for some time. Annoyed by her mother’s lack of response, Wu Qingqiong arched her brows and sniffed haughtily at Wu Tan, who, unbothered, returned the gesture. The sisters then turned away from each other in perfect synchrony.

Soon, Tao Renzhi’s sedan chair arrived.

The matriarch led the family in kneeling as Tao Renzhi read the imperial decree. Wu Qingqiong, bashful yet proud, stepped forward to accept it. Her engagement to Xiao Yun was now official.

Tao Renzhi’s smile was all pleats and politeness. “Congratulations, Third Miss, and to you, Madam. Marquis Wu is away from the capital—when you send word south, do remember to convey my regards.”

This meant the Emperor would not personally inform Wu Xun.

Mistress Zhou helped the matriarch forward as she said, “Thank you, Chief Eunuch, for your trouble. Please come inside for some tea.”

Tao Renzhi gave her a long look, his smile unwavering but his voice dropping, “Thank you, Madam, but I must move on—your household and the Jiang family are on my route, so I came here first.”

The matriarch paused, realizing what this meant. At the Emperor’s birthday banquet, the Empress had arranged for the Duke’s wife to bring Jiang Yuzhi to her. Now, with Tao Renzhi’s order of visits, she understood—though Wu Qingqiong was only a secondary consort, Tao had come here first, clearly on imperial instruction.

Lady Meng, meanwhile, remained oblivious, failing to handle even the customary tip. Wu Qinglin, noticing, signaled Steward Qin, and discreetly took over. He exchanged pleasantries with Tao Renzhi while passing him the prepared red envelope.

It was unwritten custom for palace envoys to receive such gifts, and Tao Renzhi accepted with a word of thanks.

The matriarch grew anxious—usually Lady Meng was reliable, and this was Wu Qingqiong’s big day. Yet she hadn’t even prepared rewards for the palace staff, a potential source of disgrace for the household. Fortunately, Steward Qin and Wu Qinglin handled matters quickly, providing silver for the attendants.

Wu Qingqiong, absorbed in her own happiness, only realized belatedly that her mother had failed in her duties, leaving her embarrassed. She tugged at Lady Meng, who startled and came back to herself, finding the matriarch glaring in displeasure while Wu Qinglin escorted Tao Renzhi out.

Lady Meng, mortified, murmured, “Mother, forgive me—I’m not feeling well today...”

Her behavior was clearly off. Wu Tan, observing her closely, became increasingly convinced Lady Meng was harboring some secret. She was usually so composed—why would she lose her wits over Wu Qingqiong’s engagement to the Crown Prince? Even if she shared Wu Tan’s concerns about palace life, Wu Qingqiong wasn’t married yet—there was no cause for such despair.

The matriarch, unwilling to say more, instructed, “The wedding is in two months—there’s little time. The palace will provide the dress, but you must see to the dowry and other arrangements.”

“Yes, Mother,” Lady Meng replied with a forced smile.

The matriarch, losing patience, turned to Wu Tan. “When Qinglin is finished, send him to me.”

“Yes, Grandmother.” Wu Tan agreed, and the matriarch departed with her household.

Wu Qingqiong, still irked that her mother had neglected the rewards, barked, “Steward Qin, fetch silver from Mother’s quarters—five taels for each servant, ten for stewards and above.”

“Thank you, Miss!” The servants kowtowed and offered their congratulations.

At last, Wu Qingqiong felt her resentment ease.

Wu Tan had no mind for these matters. As soon as she saw Lady Meng enter, she whispered to Cheng Cheng, “Wait here for my brother, and pass along my message—I’m going in.”

She hurried after Lady Meng, who walked slowly, saying nothing, deep in thought—never noticing Wu Tan behind her. When their paths finally diverged, Wu Tan gave up and returned to Jingchun Studio.

The Crown Prince’s marriage was a matter of national celebration. The news of the double imperial decree spread quickly among the nobility—even before the decrees reached the two households, word had gotten out.

Among those who heard was Huo Yunhua.

After having her nose broken by Concubine Xian the previous night, she had been nearly driven mad with fear and had summoned the best bone-setter in the city for treatment. But a facial injury was hard to heal—any imperfection could ruin her face.

Though Huo Wenshan had seen to her education in all the arts, she knew her looks were the foundation of everything. If she were ugly, no amount of talent would attract a suitor.

After her plot against Princess Lin’an was exposed, she had been merely afraid. But with her nose broken, she was terrified—sleepless, she drifted in and out of a fearful stupor until the latest, even more devastating news arrived.

“What did you say?” Huo Yunhua shot upright, eyes wide and wild, staring at Qiu Ning, who brought the news.

Her eyes were bloodshot, her face bruised—she looked more like an angry ghost than the beautiful young lady she once was.

Qiu Ning, unable to meet her gaze, murmured, “It’s true. Chief Eunuch Tao personally delivered the decree—Miss Jiang Yuzhi will be the Crown Princess, Third Miss of the Wu family the secondary consort. The wedding is set for June twenty-fifth, and the Empress has permitted both marriages to take place on the same day.”

Huo Yunhua’s hands fell limp; she collapsed onto her couch, utterly defeated.

After her scheme had been exposed, she had known she was finished, but the relentless blows had left her too numb to worry about her future. Now, with these two imperial decrees, she realized with crushing clarity that her dreams were over.

Her hopes of becoming a royal consort had vanished before they had even begun—her dream, not a month old, shattered into dust.

How had it come to this?

Just a month ago, she had been certain of winning the title of Crown Prince’s consort. In a matter of days, her world had collapsed, and she was left in ruins.

It was as if fate itself had played a cruel joke on her. Huo Yunhua could only laugh bitterly before burying her face in her hands and weeping.

If Wu Qingqiong and Huo Yunhua had each experienced a turning point in their lives that day, so too had the young Crown Prince, Xiao Yun, who faced a storm of his own.

The Emperor had stayed in Zhengyang Palace the night before, claiming to discuss important matters with the Empress. Xiao Yun was left out, and spent the night restless, finally falling asleep after tossing and turning until dawn.

The next morning, he attended court with the Emperor, only to be delayed by urgent reports of flooding in the south. Rebuilding levees and disaster relief took up most of the day.

When he finally emerged from the hall, his attendant Xiao Youzi rushed over, drenched in sweat. “Your Highness!”

Seeing his state, Xiao Yun knew something was wrong. “What happened?”

“Early this morning, His Majesty left two imperial decrees at Zhengyang Palace. Half an hour ago, the Empress sent Chief Eunuch Tao to deliver marriage edicts to the Jiang and Wu households.”

Rage flared in Xiao Yun’s heart; his face darkened, a vein throbbing at his temple. Lifting his robe, he ran down the steps, teeth clenched. “Back to the Eastern Palace—assemble the guards and intercept them! Bring them back to me!”

The Emperor’s commands were not to be countermanded, but Xiao Youzi dared not refuse. “Your Highness...”

“Do as I say!” Xiao Yun barked impatiently. “Intercept them—I will see my mother!”

Without looking back, he strode toward the inner palace.

———End of Chapter———

The self-assured male lead: Would I ever be attracted to a little girl like that? Never! Impossible!

Lei Ming, mumbling: But I can see it clearly...

The male lead, covering his face: Even if you see it, don’t say it—I will never admit it!

Tan’er: You two are both mad as snakes!

(Original publication only. Please do not redistribute.)