76 Rattling the Mountain, Startling the Tiger

part from Rong Jing eating fish in the main room of the west wing, there was no one else around. It was clear that String Song had taken off with the person who cooked the fish long ago. After retract...Chapter 76: Beating the Mountain to Intimidate the Tiger

Upon hearing this, Yun Qianyue smiled. It was neither unexpected nor surprising that Yun Li and the Seventh Princess were so resolute; rather, she felt it was quite good. Though their faces differed, their determination remained as one. She believed they would stay true to their vows till death do them part. This brought her more joy than seeing her mother ever could.

Seeing Yun Qianyue’s smile, Yun Li’s solemn expression relaxed a bit and he blushed slightly, murmuring, "Sister, are you laughing at me"

"No! I am happy." Yun Qianyue chuckled softly. Apart from being delighted that in this feudal dynasty where men were respected above all else, he still harbored the idea of marrying only one wife and never taking another, she was also pleased by his continued shyness when facing her, a trait that remained after enduring the imperial court’s influence for so long. This was truly commendable.

"I thought you were mocking me!" Yun Li smiled.

"Brother, have you talked to your sister-in-law about this" Yun Qianyue asked.

Yun Li shook his head, "Not yet! I won’t agree unless she feels no pressure in her heart."

Yun Qianyue nodded and said with a smile, "Your thoughts are good. But there’s no such thing as an impermeable wall. Moreover, your wife is not just any ordinary spouse who needs protection from you; she’s the Seventh Princess. Don’t you know anything about what happened at Minister Wen’s Estate I don’t know how much the Seventh Princess told you regarding her and Rong Feng."

"On my wedding day, she told me everything that was on her mind. She knows it all," Yun Li said calmly.

Yun Qianyue nodded seriously, "She endured ten years in the palace with patience and resilience; perhaps even more than you can imagine. You needn’t worry about her bearing up under mental pressure. After enduring for a decade, what else could she not withstand Brother, she’s astute enough to understand what she truly desires. To her, you are everything. She told me that once she enters the gates of Cloud Manor, she will be part of the Yun family."

Yun Li nodded with bright eyes and a faint smile.

Seeing that he understood, Yun Qianyue continued, "You must believe she can endure hardships alongside you. You shouldn’t shield her from everything; it’s more powerful to face challenges together. Your path ahead is long, not something resolved in a day or two. Today’s issue with the Sixth Princess may pass, but tomorrow there could be other problems. I know your words today are sincere, but I hope every future day brings you steadfast resolve and unchanged intentions. This is true love."

Yun Li nodded seriously, "Sister speaks very well! It was my foolishness not to see it earlier. Today’s advice will be etched in my heart forever."

"I believe in you and your marriage!" Yun Qianyue smiled.

Suspecting she was tired from recent days of hard work, Yun Li said with genuine concern, "Sister must have been very busy recently. Rest now." He then stood up to return to the Seventh Princess's side.

"Alright," Yun Qianyue waved her hand in farewell.

Yun Li took a step outside and saw Ye Qingran still sleeping on the chair; he hesitated, turning back towards Yun Qianyue.

"Brother can speak freely." Yun Qianyue smiled knowingly at him.

After a moment’s hesitation, Yun Li said softly, "Sister, it might be best to keep your distance from the Prince of Virtuousness. He is the son of the Duke and in charge of forty thousand troops across the capital city. Even when he leaves the capital for several days, everything remains secure. Such ability isn’t ordinary."

Yun Qianyue’s smile faded slightly as she nodded.

"I know Sister is kind-hearted and the Prince treats you well. But in times of conflict where both cannot be preserved, he would prioritize the imperial family and his own house, while you must protect Yun Manor first. It’s futile to hope otherwise; it only leads to sorrow," Yun Li added quietly.

Closing her eyes briefly then opening them again, Yun Qianyue smiled at Yun Li, "Brother needn’t worry. I know my limits."

Yun Li nodded and turned away as he spoke no more; the sound of the curtain rising and falling marked his swift exit from Yun Qianyue’s room.

Afraid for him, she watched Yun Li leave before turning her gaze to the window. A breeze blew Ye Qingran’s clothes, revealing a large dried red stain on his inner robe; it was clear that when he had feigned hitting her earlier, he reopened an old wound. It must have taken great strength not to wake from pain during sleep. She felt a deep sense of helplessness regarding the burdens of name and duty, as if feeling what lay outside through him.

Regarding Ye Qingran, from their initial avoidance, through his amnesia leading them into an unexpected friendship with common interests and mutual understanding, to now standing at a crossroads where every step forward leads to a precipice or backward to a slope—no matter which path they take in the future, it will be divergent.

The Way differs, what is there to plot about

Yun Qianyue closed her eyes and leaned back in the chair with her entire body weight.

After an unknown amount of time passed, when Yun Qianyue was half asleep, she heard Ling Lian’s voice outside calling out, "Miss!"

"Mm." Yun Qianyue responded.

"The palace just sent a message to the manor; His Majesty requests Seventh Princess to come to the palace!" Ling Lian said.

Yun Qianyue moved her eyelashes and replied, "I know! Arrange for two people from Xi Feng Garden to follow her."

"Yes!" Ling Lian responded.

Yun Qianyue remained silent. The old emperor inviting Seventh Princess to the palace was no different than persuading or threatening; either way, he wouldn’t succeed and would simply be wasting effort.

"Miss, it’s windy! Please close the window before sleeping," Ling Lian didn’t immediately leave but glanced at the open window and reminded Yun Qianyue.

Only then did Yun Qianyue feel a chill coming from outside. She nodded, "Okay!"

Ling Lian’s footsteps faded away.

Yun Qianyue opened her eyes and looked out the window to see Ye Qingran still sleeping soundly. It had just been a gentle breeze but now it was getting stronger; he seemed unaware of it. Yun Qianyue frowned, got up from the chair, reached out to close the window, then walked out of the room.

She arrived under the osmanthus tree and patted Ye Qingran on his shoulder. "Ye Qingran, there’s wind now. Let’s go back to the manor for sleep."

Ye Qingran didn’t move at all.

Yun Qianyue realized something was wrong and pulled aside the hair covering his face; she saw that he had a flushed complexion. She touched her hand on his forehead, feeling it burning hot—clearly, he was running a fever. She was slightly alarmed, drew back her hand, pursed her lips as she looked at Ye Qingran for a moment, then stretched out to lift him up and walk towards the room.

"Miss!" Yixue had also noticed something wrong with Ye Qingran and walked over.

Yun Qianyue glanced at her and said, "He’s running a fever. I’m going to take him inside first; in a moment, I’ll write out a prescription for you to fetch medicine."

"Alright!" Ling Lian nodded and followed Yun Qianyue back into the room.

Yun Qianyue laid Ye Qingran down on his bed and had him lie comfortably; she then pressed her fingers against his pulse. After a moment, her eyebrows tightened in concern, "With such serious injuries, he could still run to me here. Did no one from the Prince’s Manor try to stop him"

"Perhaps they couldn’t stop him! Little Marquis Ye is said to have strict control over his people," Yixue replied.

Yun Qianyue put down her hand and turned to walk toward a desk, picked up a pen and wrote out the prescription on an announcement paper. After a moment, she handed it over to Yixue who didn’t say much but immediately left with it.

Yun Qianyue put down her pen, turned back around, and walked to a basin of clean water where she wetted a towel and squeezed out the excess water. She came back to Ye Qingran’s bed and placed the dampened towel on his forehead. Just as she was about to pull away, her hand was suddenly tightly gripped by Ye Qingran. Yun Qianyue was taken aback; she looked down at him—still asleep, he had a thin lip tightly pursed, it seemed an unconscious action. She lowered her gaze and gently tried to withdraw.

Ye Qingran appeared to have felt her trying to pull away as his grip tightened even more on her hand.

Yun Qianyue frowned; when she exerted more strength, Ye Qingran’s grip on her hand became tighter. She furrowed her brow and, worried about disturbing his injuries, no longer moved but softly said to him, "Ye Qingran, you’re running a fever. Let go so I can bring your temperature down."

Ye Qingran did not move at all as though he had heard nothing.

Yun Qianyue tried again to free her hand but his grip remained tight even after she moved away from it. She looked at his face; his eyebrows were tightly furrowed and his lips, pale and chapped, seemed completely unaware. The act of gripping her hand appeared unconscious. Yun Qianyue stopped struggling and simply sat on the bedhead.

Ye Qingran remained still too.

A little while later, Ling Lian returned; she saw Ye Qingran lying in bed and was taken aback. "Miss"

"His injuries are very serious and he hasn’t properly rested; it’s likely he caught a chill from the wind and ran a fever. Yixue has gone to fetch medicine," Yun Qianyue asked Ling Lian upon her return, "Did my sister-in-law go to the palace"

"Hmm, we're in the palace now! I've made arrangements; miss, you can rest assured," Ling Lian said.

Yun Qianyue nodded and leaned against the wall. The hand that Night Qingran wasn't holding onto took off the towel from his forehead. It was already very hot after such a short time. She handed the towel to Ling Lian and told her, "You come over here, help cool him down."

Ling Lian nodded, took the towel and walked toward a basin of clear water. Soon she returned with a cooled towel, placed it on Night Qingran's forehead. In no time the towel was hot again; she repeatedly wetted it before putting it back on his head.

"It doesn't seem to be working! Go get half a jar of wine and use it to wipe him down," Yun Qianyue thought for a moment and instructed her.

Ling Lian responded with a nod, then left.

Yun Qianyue tried again to free herself from Night Qingran's grip but he held on just as tightly; she gave up entirely on the idea.

In no time Ling Lian returned carrying a jar of wine. She wetted the towel in the wine and used it to wipe Night Qingran’s forehead, after a moment or two she looked up and said, "Miss, this isn't working either. He's burning all over..."

Yun Qianyue gave an “Hmm” as she thought perhaps she should take off his clothes and wipe him down

"Miss, please don’t be rash! Even if I’m willing to do it, when Young Prince Jing finds out he might not approve," Ling Lian quickly stopped Yun Qianyue’s thoughts, saying with trepidation.

Yun Qianyue laughed and shook her head. "Of course, I don't have that kind of self-sacrificing spirit, but his fever is really serious. Even if Yi Xue brings back the medicine for him to take it will still be slow to work. If he’s so hot like this, it’ll definitely not be good for his injuries. Alright then! Go and call two Hidden Guards from outside and have them do it."

Ling Lian breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that this was a solution but she looked at Night Qingran clutching Yun Qianyue's hand, "Then what are you going to do"

Yun Qianyue frowned slightly and somewhat reluctantly said, "Cover my eyes."

"This... Miss, can't you break free" Ling Lian looked at Night Qingran’s hand. For the sake of getting his fever down, someone would have to wipe all over Xiang Rui's body, but even if she covered her eyes it was still not proper.

“I could get away, but he grips so tightly I’m afraid it might hurt him and maybe even damage his wound again.” Yun Qianyue shook her head helplessly and looked at Night Qingran. "Who would have thought this guy gets so insecure when sick, just like Little Seven. Back then every time Little Seven was injured or ill I had to stay by his side; he’d get all cranky if I wasn’t there."

Ling Lian knew Yun Qianyue was referring to the Prince of Donghai Gu Zishu as Little Seven, but she still hesitated and said, "I think it’s not a good idea. If this gets out..." She suddenly stopped talking when she sensed familiar aura.

Yun Qianyue felt the familiar aura before Ling Lian did and looked towards the entrance door. When she saw the moon-white brocade robe of that person, her eyes flashed but she didn’t say a word.

Rong Jing stood by the curtain outside the room, his gaze lazily looking inside; with just one glance he pushed aside the curtain and strode in slowly. His posture was still light and elegant, his appearance as if painted, while his aura was warm like jade, completely different from when he went to the Lan Family’s residence earlier; soon, he walked up to the bed, sized Night Qingran up with a quick glance, slightly raising an eyebrow. "So weak"

Yun Qianyue laughed out loud. She imagined that if Night Qingran heard this he would jump up!

"Even weaker than me!" Rong Jing said.

The corners of Yun Qianyue’s mouth twitched. This person… He's taking the opportunity to get even with him now...

“Night Qingran, aren’t you capable If you have the strength then let go and hit me,” Rong Jing said.

Night Qingran’s hand suddenly moved; Yun Qianyue widened her eyes as she saw his hand slowly loosen. She was just about to praise Rong Jing’s tactic when Night Qingran's hand grabbed her even more tightly than before. She tugged at him, looking speechlessly at Rong Jing.

"You really want to be held by him Why don’t you take the chance and leave" Rong Jing asked Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue muttered, "I forgot."

Rong Jing seemed to give her a blank look as he suddenly reached out with his hand, aiming for Night Qingran’s hand.

Yun Qianyue wanted to stop him but seeing that this person had not gotten angry just now and was careful in how he dealt with the situation, if she stopped him then he would really get angry. So she obediently closed her mouth and didn’t say anything.

Rong Jing’s hand tapped on Night Qingran's hand twice but his hand remained tightly gripping hers as if he was intentionally opposing Rong Jing; there wasn't even a hint of movement from him.

Yun Qianyue moved her hands but still had no effect, she looked helplessly at Rong Jing.

Rong Jing frowned and stared at Night Qingran’s hand for a moment before murmuring, "I really want to cripple his hand; what should I do

"No, better not! It's boring even if you don't know that I'm done with him," Yun Qianyue hurriedly said.

Rong Jing nodded and seemed to agree with Yun Qianyue. He withdrew his gaze from Ye Qingran’s hand and looked at his face for a moment before suddenly turning to Ling Lian, "What were you going to do just now"

Ling Lian stood beside them without daring to breathe loudly. Upon hearing Rong Jing's question, she quickly answered, "Just now, Miss and I were discussing how to cool down Young Marquis Ran. Wiping his forehead didn’t work well; we need to wipe his body…"

"Wipe his body" A brow of Rong Jing rose.

Ling Lian hurriedly said, "It's not me who’s going to do it or Miss either. I’ll call two undercover guards from outside."

"What about her then" Rong Jing glanced at Yun Qianyue with a sweep of his eyes.

"Young Marquis Ran was holding onto Miss without letting go, and Miss said he had to close his eyes because his injuries were too severe. Taking medicine would take too long to work, so we need to cool him down in this way… " Ling Lian quickly explained.

"Hmm, that’s a great idea!" Rong Jing nodded and withdrew his gaze, looking at Ye Qingran as he said, "Ye Qingran, I wonder if it still makes sense for you to take off your clothes I also want to see."

Yun Qianyue's face twitched.

Ye Qingran remained motionless with his eyes closed.

"If Yun Qianyue is willing to watch a living spring palace, she shouldn’t be afraid of you without clothes. Why cover your eyes Let’s just do it like this! We’ll all look at you." Rong Jing slowly said. After speaking, he instructed Ling Lian, "You go out and call two undercover guards in here."

"…Yes!" Ling Lian took a sharp intake of breath as she looked at Yun Qianyue before heading down.

"Weak beauty, you’re dead…" Ye Qingran muttered hoarsely as his hand slowly loosened.

Yun Qianyue watched Ye Qingran. Even in the state of fever-induced delirium, he still had a slight hint of consciousness. Perhaps Ye Qingran was overly sensitive to Rong Jing's presence and voice; it was rare for him to wake up in such an overheated state. This time, she didn’t forget to withdraw her hand as soon as his grip loosened.

"Little girl, you get out…" Ye Qingran seemed to want to open his eyes but couldn't do so and spoke hoarsely again.

“Okay!” Yun Qianyue stood up and reached out to pull Rong Jing.

Rong Jing sidestepped and shook his head, "You go out! Such a rare opportunity, I have to take a look. It would be too much of a waste not to." He then said one word at a time: "Young Marquis Ran’s jade body!"

Yun Qianyue looked up helplessly at the roof.

"Weak beauty, get lost…" Ye Qingran seemed angry and managed to speak coherently this time, but it appeared that his eyes were still covered.

"No!" Rong Jing shook his head.

“You…” Ye Qingran clenched his fists as if trying to sit up.

"Alright, he’s overheated! You should give him a break." Yun Qianyue turned around and pulled her gaze away from the roof. She was really fed up with it and feared that if Ye Qingran got angry and fell off the bed, his wound would be completely torn open. That would make things even more troublesome. She hurriedly grabbed Rong Jing and dragged him out.

"In any case, I’ve already seen this weak form of his. Not seeing his jade body wouldn’t matter much anyway; it probably won’t be very interesting." Rong Jing was quite agreeable as he let Yun Qianyue drag him out.

The bed frame made a loud "bang" sound.

Yun Qianyue quickly turned around and saw Ye Qingran seemingly sitting up but then falling back down weakly. Before she could speak, two undercover guards had already walked in. She turned around again and hurriedly instructed them, “Use alcohol to rub his body to cool him down; be careful not to touch his wounds.”

"Yes!" The two undercover guards responded and went inside.

Yun Qianyue pulled Rong Jing through the doorway. He waved his hand, and the door silently closed behind them. Then he turned around and pulled Yun Qianyue, using just the tip of his toe to lightly jump onto the roof and sat down after choosing another spot.

"You returned to the estate" Yun Qianyue asked Rong Jing as she tilted her head.

Rong Jing made a noise in affirmation.

"Why are you not resting and back here again" Yun Qianyue asked.

Rong Jing turned his head, raised an eyebrow, "Are you planning to take care of him if I don't come over Letting him hold your hand all the time You undressed him in the room to lower his temperature"

Yun Qianyue coughed softly and lowered her voice, "He has a fever here. I can’t just leave him alone."

Rong Jing snorted slightly, "He is a young lord of Duke De’s王府. How many people are willing to take care of him He isn't some stray cat or dog that no one cares for. As long as you send him back to Duke De's王府, everyone there would treat him like their master. It won’t trouble you."

"Although what you say is true, it doesn’t feel right! He has been nice to me," Yun Qianyue pouted.

“I don't think you're kind-hearted; I think your heart is rotten!” Rong Jing rebuked Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue was speechless.

Rong Jing didn’t say anything more, shook off her hand and leaned back onto the roof to lie down with his eyes closed.

Yun Qianyue looked at him. He seemed upset, but he also didn't seem that way; it was hard to tell if he was really angry or not. She stared at him for a moment then lay down next to him, cuddling into his embrace and said in a flattering tone, "This fellow has grown up alongside us two. He is the only unusual one from the Night Family. You also look upon him favorably, right He is different from others. Even though our paths differ and we don’t share the same ambitions, he isn't like other people. Our positions might be opposite, but that doesn't stop private friendship. We haven't truly fallen out yet, and it’s not certain if we will in the future. When things come to a head, would we still spare each other But seeing how weak he is now, should we take care of him He has been so kind to me; think about that cinnabar red venomous snake as well as his constant protection of me. Putting myself in his shoes, shouldn't I not abandon him"

Rong Jing snorted.

“What are you snorting for” Yun Qianyue elbowed him, “Don’t tell me what I said is wrong”

"You really don’t get tired!" Rong Jing covered her eyes with his hand.

“How am I not tired Troubles are piled up. Today when I saw my嫂子and哥哥I talked nonstop, and now this major trouble—Night Qingran—who came here won't leave me alone and has a fever. I don’t even have time to rest!” Yun Qianyue felt Rong Jing’s jade-like hand was warm and smooth against her eyes; she blinked uncomfortably as her long eyelashes brushed against his palm, creating an unusual feeling.

"Then stop talking! Close your eyes and sleep!" Rong Jing tersely commanded.

Yun Qianyue’s lips slightly opened and yawned. Knowing he wasn’t really angry, she nodded, "I am indeed very tired."

Rong Jing withdrew his hand; Yun Qianyue grabbed it again and placed it on her eyes. She covered his face with the cloud pattern sleeves and said, "Let's sleep like this."

Rong Jing made a hum sound in agreement, allowing her to hold onto his hand while emitting true qi to cover both of them, blocking out any wind.

Yun Qianyue felt no trace of the breeze and slept peacefully.

Soon after, they truly fell asleep on the roof.

When Yun Qianyue woke up again, she was lying in bed. Opening her eyes, there was no one beside her; touching the bed, it felt cold. Looking around the room, it was indeed hers, but empty inside. Glancing out of the window, the sky was dimming with fine rain falling outside, tapping softly on the ground. She touched her forehead and called out to the outside, "Linglian, Yixue!"

"Young Miss!" The two answered in unison and entered.

“Is it already the second day” Yun Qianyue asked.

"Yes, just dawn. It's raining outside," Linglian hurriedly informed her.

“Where’s Rong Jing” Yun Qianyue inquired again.

"Prince Regent Jing left early for court attendance!" Linglian reported, "The Emperor seemed to send someone to announce yesterday that if Prince Regent Jing's injury wasn't too serious, he should attend the imperial council. There are many matters in court now and they need him."

Yun Qianyue nodded, “Night Qingran”

"Yesterday, the secret guards used your method to lower Little Lord Rong's temperature according to what you said. Then Yixue gave him medicine. Prince Regent Jing instructed them to take Little Lord Rong back to Duke De's王府," Linglian explained.

Yun Qianyue nodded again, feeling relieved that he was sent back. Noticing it was still early morning, she lazily lay back down on the bed.

Linglian and Yixue seeing Yun Qianyue showed no signs of waking up glanced at each other before leaving. Just as they reached the door, hurried footsteps approached淺月閣. Looking towards the entrance, they saw a small maidservant assigned to Princess Seventh.

The two of them hurriedly went out to welcome the visitor. Ling Lian asked first, "What happened Why are you so flustered"

"Sister Ling Lian, Princess Seventh was just thrown into jail by His Majesty!" The little maidservant said anxiously.

"What’s going on" Ling Lian was startled and quickly pulled the little girl towards the room.

At this moment, Yun Qianyue also heard what they were talking about outside. She suddenly sat up and saw the little maidservant being dragged in by Ling Lian. She spoke slowly, "Don’t be anxious; tell me what happened Did Senior Sister fail to return home after going into the palace yesterday"

"In response to Miss Yun Qianyue, Princess Seventh went into the palace yesterday, but His Majesty didn’t know for some reason why he didn’t see her. He sent her to Empress Mingfei’s place. She waited until it was very late in the evening when a messenger from His Majesty came with an order that said since they hadn’t seen each other today, Princess Seventh should stay in the palace overnight and keep Empress Mingfei company until tomorrow. Early this morning, before His Majesty went to court, he summoned Princess Seventh. Not long after she entered the hall, His Majesty suddenly flew into a rage and ordered her thrown into Tian Prison!" The little maidservant steadied herself when she saw Yun Qianyue and heard her voice; she was no longer flustered as she recounted everything that happened.

"Did you not follow Princess Seventh inside" Yun Qianyue asked.

"Someone stopped us outside, so only the princess entered alone!" The little maidservant replied.

Yun Qianyue nodded. "Where’s my brother"

"Young Master went to court and probably doesn’t know about this yet! I was instructed by Sister Ling Lian yesterday, so I hurried over here straight away!" the little maidservant said immediately.

Yun Qianyue nodded and didn’t speak anymore. She lowered her head in deep thought.

The little maidservant stopped talking too; Ling Lian and Yi Xue looked at Yun Qianyue, but there was an awkward silence in the room for a while.

After some time, Yun Qianyue raised her head and told Ling Lian, "Prepare the carriage! We’re going out of the manor."

Ling Lian answered and hurriedly went downstairs.

I Yi Xue brought over Yun Qianyue’s clothes. After she was properly dressed and done with a quick wash-up, she instructed the little maidservant, "Don’t worry; go back to Xi Feng Garden first and tell everyone there not to panic. Go about their business as normal."

"Yes!" The little maidservant nodded. Seeing Yun Qianyue’s actions, she couldn’t help but ask, "Miss Yun Qianyue, are you going to the Ministry of Punishment"

Yun Qianyue shook her head. "No, I’m picking up my brother as he gets off from court."

The little maidservant was taken aback and nodded; she didn’t ask further questions and turned to leave.

When Yun Qianyue finished getting ready, Yi Xue handed her an umbrella. She stepped out of the door. It wasn’t raining heavily outside—when it hit the umbrella, it made a fine sound. The ground was wet, but there was no water pooling on the surface.

At the entrance to Yun Manor, Ling Lian had already instructed someone to prepare the carriage for them. Yun Qianyue tucked away her umbrella and got into the carriage; it started moving off.

The sky was overcast with rain, so unavoidable fewer people were out and about on the streets in the early morning.

"Miss, shall we pass by the Ministry of Punishment Do you want to go see Princess Seventh" Ling Lian asked Yun Qianyue in a low voice when she saw no indication from her that she wanted to head there.

"No! If my guess is correct, Old Emperor probably just wants to put Senior Sister behind bars as an example for my brother. As long as he’s afraid of Senior Sister suffering and can’t bear it anymore, he’ll have achieved his objective. We’re not going to take care of Senior Sister; we’re picking up my brother instead. By the way, I’m also going to ask Old Emperor what the reason is for him having people from Yun Manor thrown into jail without any cause. He has to give an explanation."

Ling Lian nodded.

The carriage smoothly made its way forward and didn’t stop by the Ministry of Punishment; it went straight towards the imperial palace.

—— Interlude ——

I think something’s up again, ladies. Do you feel it too… (⊙_⊙)

[Softly] Calling out to everyone who has accumulated votes: We’re halfway through this month already!

About the paper edition of the book, many readers have asked if I’ve finished writing the whole story. Let me clarify here—there’s no way! With how much I’m posting every day, there’s no extra effort to write it all in one go. The first book that will be edited and released is Volume 1; the speed of publication for subsequent volumes depends on the sales of the first volume. So ladies, if you’re collecting your copies early or late, please support the first volume first and then follow along with the steps of publication. Big hugs! For information about團購群號and預定地址，請看置頂留言。

Thank you all for the votes that I’ve seen—I love you all so much! Thank you to everyone who has sent diamond tips and flowers too! Big hugs!un Qianyue, saying coolly, "Show him my jade pendant! Oh, yes, also show him my handkerchief that you've always kept carefully; and the Crimson Beauty Brocade I gave you. Show all of them to the seven...