“Qingxue, do you understand?” Cang Yan leaned closer to Yun Qingxue, his azure eyes filled with an unprecedented seriousness.
“I heard you very clearly,” Yun Qingxue steadied her emotions.
Wasn’t what she was doing right now deceiving Cang Yan? But if she didn’t deceive him, should she just obediently let herself be used?
“Good that you understand.” Cang Yan smiled meaningfully. “Since Qingxue isn’t happy staying in this Boxi Palace, why not move directly to my Beast King Palace? There are plenty of palaces there—you can choose whichever you like and live wherever you please.”
“That won’t be necessary.” Yun Qingxue pouted. Moving to the Beast King Palace and being under Cang Yan’s watch would mean her every move would be even harder to hide from him.
Moreover, if Feng Zihuang wanted to come find her or help her escape, the difficulty would increase significantly.
“I’m quite comfortable here in Boxi Palace. If you just drive those people away, wouldn’t that stop them from bothering me?”
“Qingxue, you do have a way with words,” Cang Yan chuckled. “Though I don’t particularly care for the Phoenix King or the Dragon King, guests are still guests. If I rashly drove them away, wouldn’t that give others a reason to criticize my Beast Clan?”
“Who said you had to drive them all away? Just drive the Dragon King away.” Yun Qingxue pursed her lips, muttering almost like she was sulking.
Cang Yan smiled. “This matter requires careful consideration. For now, Qingxue should move to the Beast King Palace.”
No matter what schemes the Dragon King and Phoenix King were plotting, keeping her close in the Beast Clan’s territory would ensure they couldn’t play any tricks—he was certain of that!
Yun Qingxue gritted her teeth inwardly. She absolutely did not want to go to the Beast King Palace, but if she refused too strongly, Cang Yan would surely grow suspicious.
“But…” she hesitated. “We’re not married yet. Wouldn’t it be improper to move in together?”
“Heh.” Cang Yan raised an eyebrow, amused. “The Beast King Palace is vast, with many palaces. Qingxue can choose any room she likes. Of course, if Qingxue wishes to move into my personal chambers, I would be more than delighted!”
Move in with you? In your dreams! I’m not insane!
Yun Qingxue cursed silently in her heart. Cang Yan had truly thrown her a dilemma—one she couldn’t outright refuse.
“Attendants!” Cang Yan called out, and the servants and guards who had just withdrawn immediately filed back in.
“Help the Flower King pack her things. She’s moving to the Beast King Palace.”
His command left no room for Yun Qingxue to argue or refuse.
“Yes!”
For the Flower King to be invited to the Beast King Palace—what an immense honor! The servants marveled as they efficiently began gathering Yun Qingxue’s belongings.
Truthfully, there wasn’t much to pack. When the Flower King had been brought to the Beast Clan by His Majesty, she had arrived with nothing. Everything in Boxi Palace had been provided by Cang Yan.
They only needed to take her clothes and jewelry. As for the rest, surely the new residence prepared by His Majesty would surpass Boxi Palace in luxury.
“Qingxue, why not come with me now to choose your palace?”
Cang Yan smiled, not waiting for her response before sweeping her into his arms and teleporting away from Boxi Palace.
=============
The morning breeze was gentle, rustling the willow branches along the shore.
Jin Lin sat on a stone bench by the pond, separated by a stone table from Feng Zihuang, who was clad in fiery red robes.
“Phoenix King, what brings you to seek me out so deliberately?”
Jin Lin lifted his teacup and took a sip.
Feng Zihuang smiled leisurely. “I’ve come for the Flower King.”
Jin Lin’s grip on the cup stiffened, his eyes instantly turning cold. “How strange. If the Phoenix King wishes to find the Flower King, why come to me?”
Damn it, another one eyeing Xuexue!
“Dragon King, let’s speak plainly. You came to the Beast Clan—wasn’t it also for the Flower King?” Feng Zihuang raised an eyebrow slightly.
“I’m not like you!”
I came for Xuexue out of genuine concern—can you compare to that?!
“But our goals at least align.” Feng Zihuang’s smile deepened, his sharp gaze steady. “Neither of us wants the Flower King to marry the Beast King, correct?”
“What do you propose?” Jin Lin watched Feng Zihuang coldly, his eyes openly wary and hostile.
Feng Zihuang remained unperturbed. “I bear no ill will toward the Flower King. Like you, I wish to stop Cang Yan from marrying her.”
Jin Lin studied him thoughtfully as Feng Zihuang continued, “Originally, the Flower King and I were discussing how to help her leave the Beast Clan. But this morning, Cang Yan took people to her residence and forcibly moved her to his own palace, the Beast King Palace.”
“Now, she’s under his direct watch. Though Cang Yan isn’t the rightful Beast King, he did overthrow the previous ruler to seize the throne—his abilities are not to be underestimated. With this move, it’s become much harder for me to act alone to rescue her. That’s why… I’ve come to propose an alliance between us, to achieve our shared goal.”
“There’s only one Flower King,” Jin Lin stated.
Feng Zihuang smiled. “Once we stop Cang Yan, we’ll each rely on our own abilities.”
“Agreed.” This time, Jin Lin answered without hesitation.
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