“I, well, I’ll be more careful in the future. But, Uncle, we of the Xie family are not afraid of the Feng family. For us to act like this, it’s just…”
Xie Shaojun’s expression was reluctant, but he still nodded at his uncle’s words. Though the Xie family no longer held the same power as before, they were still one of the top families that even the Feng family feared. More importantly, the Xie family’s secret techniques were unmatched.
He had merely had a minor argument with that girl—such things were normal between young lovers. Yet the Emperor had issued such an imperial decree. Xie Shaojun was utterly baffled. Though he complied with his uncle’s instructions, he couldn’t help but feel resentful and suspicious.
“Child, while our Xie family does not fear the Feng family, do not forget that the entire Daqi now belongs to the Fengs. There is a clear distinction between ruler and subject, and your attitude is inappropriate. I suggest you mend your relationship with Princess Qingya. Winning her heart would not only ease the Feng family’s vigilance toward us but also bring honor to our Xie family. What do you think?”
The Xie family head sighed softly at his nephew’s rough demeanor and impulsive thoughts but still tried to persuade him.
“Fine, I’ll listen to you. I’ll go back and apologize to her properly, hoping she’ll continue our relationship. I’ll take my leave now.”
Though Xie Shaojun didn’t fully understand his uncle’s reasoning—after all, there were countless women in the world, and she had already rejected him—he decided to comply for the sake of their past bond. But the thought of that unruly girl, who was supposed to be his, now pining for another man, stirred his pride and possessiveness. He resolved to defeat Leng Mingye and win Wan Qing’s heart.
As for whether he would marry her, that would depend entirely on his mood.
“Don’t worry, Elder Brother. Though Jun’er is reckless, he listens to me. I only hope our actions can deceive the Feng family, allowing us to continue preparing for our grand plans. But we can no longer act as recklessly as before—we must exercise caution.”
As Xie Shaojun left, the Xie family head turned to his elder brother, who wore a worried expression. He sighed and reassured him, reflecting on their humiliating compromise with a mix of anticipation and solemnity. He then gravely advised his brother on the Xie family’s current predicament.
“I’ll ensure our subordinates are more vigilant. And you—don’t overexert yourself. Let’s hope that brat doesn’t cause any more trouble at this critical juncture, or things may spiral beyond our control.”
“Disappointing, truly,” the elder Xie sighed in agreement.
“How could this happen? How… Tell me, what exactly is going on with Princess Qingya?”
Back in his palace quarters, Xie Shaojun grew increasingly furious. He recalled the unjust slap from his father—when it was the girl who had broken her vows, pledging herself to him while harboring feelings for another man.
His anger flared as he turned to his attendant and demanded answers.
“Young Master, I heard from a fellow servant working in the inner court that the Emperor was enraged. Not only did you confront the Princess, but you also severely injured the esteemed guest, the renowned Young Master Leng. To prevent conflict between our nations, the Emperor punished you as a warning.”
Xie Shaojun was stunned. While he had indeed provoked Leng Mingye and exchanged blows, they had only clashed briefly. Leng, lacking internal energy, had stumbled and fallen—hardly a severe injury. Yet this supposedly heroic and powerful man had spun it into a tale of grievous harm.
The injustice of it all infuriated him. They could mock him for his earlier rudeness toward royalty, but he refused to bear this false accusation.
“Ridiculous! I humiliated Leng Mingye, yes, but when did I fight him? If anything, he lost his footing and fell—a man with no internal energy, undeserving of his title, daring to steal my woman. No matter how exceptional he once was, without strength, he’s nothing but trash. If I were him, I’d be too ashamed to live. Yet he has the audacity to claim I gravely injured him? Pathetic! Come with me.”
His attendants exchanged uneasy glances. Their master’s temper was notorious, and they had been tasked with keeping him in check. Yet as Xie Shaojun stormed out, they had no choice but to follow.
—
“Princess Qingya is not receiving guests. Please leave.”
Xie Shaojun, though impulsive, didn’t immediately seek out Leng Mingye. After listening to his attendants’ pleas and considering his uncle and father’s warnings, he swallowed his pride and went to Wan Qing’s quarters instead.
Honglian, seeing his approach, frowned. Inside, Wan Qing was playing chess with Leng Mingye and Feng Moli. Unwelcome as he was, she blocked his path.
“I have urgent business with your Princess. If you won’t let me in, I’ll force my way.”
Though seething, Xie Shaojun forced himself to remain calm. This was his betrothed, yet she was being deceived by a scheming actor. When Honglian refused again, he moved to push past her.
—
“So he’s finally come. I’ll take my leave—you two handle this. Remember what I told you earlier. If he attacks again, we’ll have grounds to arrest him and annul Qing’er’s engagement.”
Feng Moli, who had been playing chess with Leng Mingye, had long since revealed their plan. Though Leng found the Feng family’s scheming beneath them, he played along for Wan Qing’s sake.
Now, with Xie Shaojun’s arrival, Feng Moli excused himself, leaving the two alone with the chessboard.
“I can’t believe how childish Uncle and Grandfather are. They already have evidence of the Xie family’s military stockpiling and supplies. Why resort to such petty games? And here we are, their pawns. Be careful—your internal energy has only recovered by ten percent after Uncle’s treatment.”
As Feng Moli departed, Wan Qing sighed in frustration. Were it not for their prior agreement, she might have suspected her grandfather of deliberately keeping her apart from Leng Mingye. Still, she played her part, instructing Honglian to let Xie Shaojun in.
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