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墨書 Inktalez
Looking around at the crowd gathered, Qing Luan pondered whether she should reveal her trump card and what kind of opportunity it might bring her.
She kept Sister Yun tightly behind her, thinking about how she had already lost Qin'er and could not afford to lose Sister Yun as well. Even if it meant compromising in the end, she was willing to do whatever it took.
"This place is really lively," a clear voice drew everyone's attention, causing all eyes to fall on the elegant figure approaching.
"Father," Yun Nishang exclaimed as she arrived, skipping the usual formalities and directly leaping into the Emperor's embrace, pouting, "You bullied my friend!"
After the incident with Brent was resolved, she had regained her freedom and continued to receive affection just like before.
"What brings you here?" The Emperor looked at her with eyes full of fondness and playfully pinched her nose.
In that moment, he truly resembled a caring father, Qing Luan thought to herself, though her expression remained tense.
"Father, you're being unreasonable," she protested with a pout as she stood up. "You didn't even call for me when it was so lively! I was almost suffocating!" Hmph! If she hadn't received word to rush over, who knew what might have happened? That Consort De was truly infuriating!
"You little rascal, always causing trouble. How would I know you were hiding in that corner?" He allowed her to tug at his sleeve while maintaining a smile of indulgence.
This Emperor was quite interesting, Qing Luan observed quietly, internally criticizing: When that prince stood beside him, he hardly showed any warmth; yet the moment his daughter arrived, he smiled like Maitreya Buddha—so benevolent. Did he not realize how much danger this could bring Yun Nishang?
Was this genuine affection or a calculated move?
Qing Luan hesitated to make a judgment. She feared that if her suspicions were true, Yun Nishang would not be able to bear it. Her concerns were not unfounded; after all, the Emperor had issued an arbitrary decree without regard for Yun Nishang's protests about the engagement. This made her doubt the sincerity of his affection for Yun Nishang; rather, it seemed he needed something from her.
"Hmph! Anyway, it's Father who's in the wrong," Yun Nishang decided not to dwell on that and turned to the cautious Qing Luan instead. "Father, why did you send people to surround Qing Luan? She's my good friend; you can't capture her."
"That wasn't my order; don't wrongfully accuse me," the Emperor replied gently with a teasing tone, a stark contrast to his earlier enigmatic demeanor.
"If it wasn't your order, then who else? Who would dare give orders in front of Father?" Yun Nishang feigned confusion and asked seriously.
"Princess, it is my command. Zhu Qingluan has been too presumptuous, not only defying my goodwill but also daring to let a mere maid act so arrogantly. In response to your father's words, should you not capture her?" Consort De's expression remained unchanged as she passed the more complex question back to her.
"What goodwill has Zhu Qingluan defied?" Yun Nishang asked, puzzled.
Your goodwill, I fear, may be seen as malice by others. If she does not defy it, does she wish for her life to be prolonged?
"You know Zhu Qingluan's status—she is just a lowly Merchant's Daughter. Such a background is hardly enough to enter the palace. I saw her beauty and talent and wanted to arrange for her to marry you, Second Prince, as a concubine. Who would have thought she would be so ungrateful, resisting repeatedly and claiming she has a lifelong partner? How ridiculous is that?" Yun Nishang felt discomfort at the thought of someone stealing the Emperor's attention every time they appeared; it was truly infuriating.
"She already has someone in mind; what is wrong with that?" Yun Nishang boldly replied, looking innocently at Consort De as she accused, "Instead, it is you who has failed to understand the situation. If you try to break up a couple, of course they will protest repeatedly. You cannot blame her for that." If anyone were to be blamed, it would be you for trying to reach beyond your grasp.
The one who matched Zhu Qingluan was undoubtedly Xuanyuan Rui; could it really be that insidious little Second Prince?
"How do you know if she has someone in mind?" Consort De felt a sudden shock in her heart, suspecting that Yun Nishang was trying to save Zhu Qingluan by fabricating this story.
"I certainly know; he is someone I am acquainted with." Seeing Qing Luan nod slightly, Yun Nishang became bolder, flashing a dazzling smile and coolly saying.
"Who is it?" Yunlin couldn't contain himself and blurted out. Who was opposing him? Was it the First Prince? If so, then he would gain Zhu Qingluan and endless wealth; wouldn't that leave him at a complete disadvantage?
"Who it is doesn't matter; what matters is that Zhu Qingluan has someone in mind. Does Consort De still blame her for not recognizing your favor? If she were to agree, perhaps Consort De would be the one angry for giving Second Brother such a money-hungry and untrustworthy woman; she might not even be able to leave the house." Nishang mocked with hidden meaning.
Consort De's face stiffened for just a moment, but Qing Luan caught it all. She clenched her hands tightly, suppressing her anger while forcing a smile and saying, "That is indeed my fault; it's just that this girl has been too presumptuous to confront your father directly. Can such a crime be forgiven?"
Even if she couldn't have what she wanted, she would ensure they paid a price as a warning.
"Little girl?" Yun Nishang raised an eyebrow with a charming smile. "Your Highness, didn't you just say something about Zhu Qingluan defying orders and that her entire clan should be punished? Is that right?" Oh dear, punishing an entire clan—how interesting.
"That is certain!" Consort De thought Yun Nishang was referring to Prime Minister Huang and believed that since Zhu Qingluan had already left the Chen Family and had no ties with Prime Minister Huang, she could afford to be so ruthless.
"Clap, clap..." The sound of applause echoed, leaving everyone in a state of confusion. Today was truly lively!
"Fourth Brother," Yun Nishang called out joyfully upon seeing the figure approaching slowly, completely different from her earlier demeanor when she had distanced herself from Yunlin.
"Little Girl, you're becoming increasingly unruly," Yun Qingyang said as he intercepted her, giving her a light tap on the forehead.
"Ouch! You're bullying me! I'm going to tell Father Emperor," Yun Nishang exclaimed as she stepped away from his embrace and turned to leave.
"Hehe..." Yun Qingyang was not angry; instead, he walked over to the Emperor's side and respectfully said, "Son pays his respects to Father Emperor."
"How did you get into the palace?" The Emperor asked him without any extra joy, merely inquiring in a calm tone.
"I came to the palace today to report something to Father Emperor," Yun Qingyang replied, clearly accustomed to his father's perpetually stoic expression, showing no reaction at all.
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