Wen Xueran stopped at the door and said, without turning around, "If… you're in trouble in the future, you can come to Annan and look for me." Only then did he leave.
He knew very well that they would have nearly no chance of meeting again after this meeting. He never took their so-called marriage agreement seriously in the past, for he never lacked women around him. Even the most cold-hearted women would show a shy, timid smile after meeting him.
Yet, right now, all he wanted was for the woman behind him to leave with him. He wouldn't demand anything of her anymore.
He had been mistaken from the very beginning. He thought it wouldn't matter even if she married Prince Yi, that she would follow him without hesitation after learning about her identity. He thought she was just a secret chess piece that he placed in Prince Yi's Manor.
Ao Chenyi was never a gentleman, and her health was so frail. Even if she would eventually grow up and
Ao Chenyi watched how Ning Xueyan put up a strong front and how she was unable to say anything despite feeling awkward and peeved under his oppression. He stared at her red face as he pinned her underneath until he started to chuckle in a superb mood. He shifted his body sideways, his handsome eyes carrying a trace of affection.Of course, he could see that his little wild cat was being bashful, so bashful that her face was fiery red. Her little face was as red as the clouds at sunset, making her pale face look more lively than usual. Affection rippled through his heart, and he pulled her to his side, hugging her close."The Feudal Prince of Annan's rebellion has been in the works for a long time. The three princes of Annan were forced to surrender back then, and my father only accepted them because their territory is close to the border and intersects with the nine barbarian states and they're the kind to use their fists rather than words. The nine barbari
It didn't make much for a wise person to understand the Emperor's feelings about Ao Chenyi. Ning Xueyan heard, way back when she was in the Lord Protector's Manor, that the Emperor was in poor health, a stark contrast to Ao Chenyi's youthful vigor. This was plenty of reason for him, especially when Ao Mingyu and Ao Mingwan weren't worthy opponents for Ao Chenyi.These factors made it very likely for the Emperor to use this opportunity to attack Ao Chenyi.The rebellion of the Feudal Prince of Annan would soon plunge the nation into chaos, allowing him to take advantage of the crisis for personal gain. If an incident were to break out during this time, it would be easier for him to deal with Ao Chenyi than in peaceful times."It's all right. He can't do anything to me." Ao Chenyi patted Ning Xueyan's head. He could see the panic in her eyes. With a languid laugh, he added, "He still doesn't know about Annan's rebellion, but I already do. While h
Hua Yueying was the mantis who believed she could control any man, but what about the oriole? An idea sparked in Ning Xueyan's mind as she recalled his words earlier..."Don't worry. I'll be careful." She laughed. Her vibrant eyes blinked and she asked, "When will the news of the Annan rebellion reach the capital?""In about three days," he replied lazily, giving her a sidelong glance."Three days is plenty of time. In three days, it'll be the birthday banquet of the Madam Dowager of the Lord Guardian's Manor. I have to prepare a gift for her." She sat up in one smooth movement. She had yet to pick a suitable gift. She couldn't afford to lose momentum as Heng Yuqing's close friend and a representative of Prince Yi's Manor.She wasn't planning to impress everyone, but her gift must be better than the rest."I have chosen the gift. Tell Xinmei to get it from Yu Jian later." Ao Chenyi wasn't going to let her go. He grabbe
The banquet at the Lord Guardian's Manor was a bustling affair for two reasons: the status of the manor as well as the identity of the Madam Dowager herself. She was a female hero that was more respected than her counterpart in the Lord Protector's Manor. That was why she was able to receive everyone's approval even after so many years.Ning Xueyan left for the Lord Guardian's Manor herself as Ao Chenyi had to stop by the palace first. Her timing was just right; she was neither early nor late when she arrived. One carriage after another entered the gate of the Lord Guardian's Manor. Twenty servants—ten older female servants and ten young servants—stood at the gate to receive guests.The sharp-eyed servants immediately noticed the carriage from Prince Yi's Manor. A clever older female servant went up to the carriage at once. No ordinary family would arrive with such a lavish carriage, never mind the handful of imperial guards standing beside it. The servant
"Second Sister, go and entertain the other guests. You can leave Princess Yi to me," Heng Yuqing said, smiling at Heng Yuwan.The side hall might be quiet, but there were still a handful of people, mostly young ladies and madams. The guests were young, however, and couldn't sit still. Most had likely gone on a stroll in the garden."Mother told me to keep Princess Yi company. How can I leave? Don't worry, Elder Sister. I'll just be listening. I won't disturb you both."Heng Yuwan spoke with a neutral expression and sat down on one of the chairs, looking like she wouldn't be budging. Mrs. Lord Guardian had indeed said so, but Heng Yuwan's words made people uneasy. Bringing it up at a moment like this made it seem like Ning Xueyan and Heng Yuqing were bullying her and chasing her away.Ning Xueyan sat down on a chair, her brilliant eyes sweeping past Heng Yuwan's face, and said nothing. If she hadn't seen it, she would have thought H
Weiran Pavilion was located near a courtyard, about a dozen of steps away from its gate. There was a small rockery near the corner of the gate. From where Honored Consort Xia was standing, she could see Ao Chenyi standing there alone with his hands behind his back, staring at the courtyard.Her two palace maids stood still, not moving an inch, and watched her walk up to Ao Chenyi step by step. She stopped inside the pavilion and stared at the figure. Taking off her face veil, she asked in a trembling voice, "Your Highness, can you… can you still recognize… Hua Yueying?"She believed that he would be pleasantly surprised to hear her name.The man with the most handsome face she had ever seen slowly turned around, with a gaze so cold that he resembled a Demon King treading through the bloody hell. His icy gaze fell on her face as he looked at her like she was a lifeless object.Honored Consort Xia staggered, taking back her outstretc
Honored Consort Ya's carriage entered the Lord Guardian's Manor right after Prince Yi's carriage. One could assume that she was deliberately tailing him. The Emperor had sent her here to keep an eye on him and Honored Consort Xia. He said that Honored Consort Xia, apparently Prince Yi's spy, might pass him a message at the manor.Honored Consort Ya had always been wary of Honored Consort Xia. On the day she, Honored Consort Shu, and the Empress questioned Honored Consort Xia, the latter kept her veil on even in front of the Empress. This made them feel provoked.However, she had already received the Emperor's order. She couldn't very well bring up the incident again.Honored Consort Xia was able to keep her veil on, revealing only a pair of eyes, in front of the Empress. She also enjoyed the Emperor's protection. Truth to be told, Honored Consort Ya was jealous of her.Thus, the Emperor's order to visit the Lord Guardian's Manor an
How could Princess Yi be here? Didn't Honored Consort Ya say that Prince Yi was rendezvousing with Honored Consort Xia? Her words suggested that they weren't only having an affair, but also plotting to murder the Emperor. So how could Princess Yi be nearby?Everyone was stupefied. They looked at Honored Consort Ya, then at Ning Xueyan. For a while, no one said anything.Honored Consort Xia, who had been putting up a struggle, was also dumbfounded. When she came here, Ao Chenyi was the only one she saw. That was why she was able to say such things. How could there be someone hiding behind the rockery?Honored Consort Ya was also stunned but she quickly recovered her senses and looked Ning Xueyan up and down with a dark expression. She had experienced so much, after all. Besides, Honored Consort Xia was the one who spoke of such private matters here without noticing a second person. Her shock was bigger to find out that there was another person h
"What will you do now?" Ning Xueyan had to take two quick steps to catch up with Ao Chenyi's pace. "Destroy the nine barbarian states alongside Wen Xueran?""No." Ao Chenyi raised an eyebrow and smiled mysteriously. "I'll negotiate with Wen Xueran."Confused, she repeated, "Negotiate?""The people of the nine barbarian states have always been different from those of the central plains. They're valiant and barbaric. For many years, they have wanted to invade us. If it weren't for the princes of Annan holding down the front, the nine barbarian states would have attacked us a long time ago. Annan troops have fought the nine barbarian states more than our troops did, and they have a better chance of winning too."Ao Chenyi said calmly. He didn't like the nine barbarian states in the slightest. If it weren't his father forbidding him from going to the faraway hinterland of the nine barbarian states, where death was almost certain, he wo
It didn't take long for Qingyu to return from the Lord Protector's Manor with a new piece of news. It was said that there had been a haunting in the prayer hall of the manor.Rumor had it that an older maid became ill from the fright of seeing a ghost.A long time ago, the Cloud Reflection Courtyard was said to be haunted too. No one dared to come close at that time, not even during the day. Even though the rumors died down later on, a few people who were deeply affected by the events said that the situation was still grave then.Therefore, even though only a maid had seen the ghost, the rumors spread like wildfire in the manor.The prayer hall used to be Madam Dowager's favorite spot. It was later used to imprison Madam Ling for some time. Now that Madam Ling was dead, everyone feared that she was the ghost. It was said that Madam Ling was an evil woman when she was alive. Even in death, she might become a malicious ghost. The sit
Ao Chenyi was so close that his handsome face was all that Ning Xueyan could see, and he didn't look all that happy. Then, she realized that she had been holding tightly onto a strand of his black hair.She flung her hand and hastily released the strand of hair in her hand. She even caressed the hair on his temples with a wide smile. "Why are you here? When did you come? Why didn't you wake me up?"Ning Xueyan looked truly confused as if she really didn't know that she had grabbed Ao Chenyi's hair until it hurt."Playing dumb, huh?" he said coldly, frowning at her. His slender fingers reached out and lightly pinched the wing of her nose."Ouch!" Ning Xueyan held her nose pitifully. Her limpid eyes seemed glazed over as if brewing tears."Now you know it hurts!" Ao Chenyi's thin lips were curved into a smile. He was satisfied to see her not daring to voice her frustration.Ning Xueyan nodded firmly without
"Can you remember it now?" Ao Chenyi narrowed his eyes and knocked on their table with his slender fingers. His voice sounded a tad threatening."I… I really can't remember." Ning Xueyan felt like she had thought of all the possible answers but she was still coming up empty. She had no choice but to admit her fault."You really can't remember?" His beautiful eyes curved into a charming arc and his expression was sinister. Sure enough, this was a bad situation to be in. She didn't even hesitate to grab his hand with a bright smile on her tender face."Even if I can't remember, you can still remind me, right?" She knew it would pay well to cajole this man.Ao Chenyi wasn't polite with her either. He turned his hand over and pinched her soft face. His expression had improved considerably. There was a faint smile on his face as he asked, "If I tell you, can you really understand and remember what it is?""Of course I can!"
It seemed that at this point of the letter, the Empress couldn't continue anymore. There were only tear stains on the paper, followed by wide empty spaces.Then, the Empress said how reassured she was that Madam Ming would be taking care of her newborn. Madam Ming would be a fine mother. She had also asked someone to watch over Madam Ming and the newborn. Their statuses in the previous dynasty had vanished like smoke. Time was always moving forward and the changing of imperial dynasties was inevitable.The only tragedy was the eternal separation of her from her husband, and of her from her daughters.The only reason she had written the letter was that she couldn't help herself. If she never said anything, her child would never know the truth. That would have been for the best. Yet, she couldn't accept this, so she would hand the letter to the person who would be looking after Madam Ming. If Ning Ziying's identity was revealed to the world one d
The news of Ning Zu'an's death shocked everyone in the Lord Protector's Manor. Even though the title had been passed onto Ning Huaijing, Ning Zu'an was the patriarch of the family. Even without the title, he was still the most authoritative figure in the manor.Madam Dowager collapsed as soon as she heard the news of his death. She became ill and bedridden, unable to get up.Ning Xueyan couldn't leave the palace freely due to her status as the Empress. She sent Qingyu and Mother Han to the manor and had them inquire about Madam Dowager's health in her place. Mother Han returned to Prince Yi's Manor afterward while Qingyu entered the palace to report to Ning Xueyan.It was inconvenient for Mother Han to live in the palace because she had a son to take care of. Instead of entering the palace with Ning Xueyan, she stayed in Prince Yi's Manor as the housekeeper. Ning Xueyan was prepared to release her from the manor when the situation stabilized in
"The Empress discovered a secret tunnel under Chenyuan Palace by accident. She never told anyone about it. She even killed the maid that discovered the tunnel with her and accompanied her in walking through the tunnel. In other words, she was the only one who knew about it," Ning Xueyan explained.This was the Empress' secret. To prove it, she used Yun Luoluo's incident as an example. When Ning Xueyan was drugged in Chenyuan Palace, the Empress wanted to take her to a room. There, a man would sneak into the palace through the secret tunnel.If Ning Xueyan woke up and discovered herself in disheveled clothes in the presence of another man, she would surely panic. To protect her secret, she would surely agree with whatever the Empress wanted. The Empress wanted to use Ning Xueyan to force Ao Chenyi into accepting his "affair" with Yun Luoluo.Unfortunately, Ao Chenyi had appeared all of a sudden. She didn't dare to do anything with him around, so
Ao Chenyi didn't try to persuade her this time. This had bothered her for so long that she would continue to suffer for it if she didn't cry it out now. He held her tighter and allowed her to wet the front of his robe. She didn't brawl. All she did was close her eyes and let her tears stream down her face. When her tears finally dried, she sat quietly in Ao Chenyi's embrace for a long time.It was so quiet inside the room that she could finally calm down.Her hands were being held so tightly in Ao Chenyi's hand that she could feel the callus in his palm. He was Prince Yi, the late Emperor's beloved prince who grew up to be the infamous Demon King. Those who mentioned his name would often be frightened and alarmed. Only she knew how difficult his life had been.Ao Chenyi was still young when he drew his elder brother's jealousy and suspicion. He was framed, imprisoned, and nearly died. His fiancee abandoned him at his lowest point, sought shelte
"It was and wasn't an accident. He could only blame himself. No matter what, he was the one who forced my hand and cornered me to this state. He ruined my everything. Him dying in my hands could be considered as his retribution."The Empress began to look calm again. She turned her head and stared at Ning Xueyan with a trace of sadness in her eyes. "I invited you here to ask you to let go of my family. It's all my fault and has nothing to do with my family. They're just a small and useless noble family. In exchange for their safety, I'll tell you a secret."Her voice had lost her previous agitation and anger, leaving only a sense of helplessness. She had never put any hope in her family. She thought that she would be able to help her people after gaining power but now that she was in trouble, she was worried that her family would be implicated and sentenced to death.She had resented her family countless times for marrying her off to the Empero