Side Story 7: A Year’s Promise Part 2
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“Oh, they all seem to get along well. Xiao Hei and Xiao Bai usually stay in the palace, especially Xiao Bai, who doesn’t have many friends. Seeing your two pets, it must be very happy,” Xia Yuqing said with a loving expression as she looked at the few small animals not far away.
“…” Your Majesty, where do you see that Xiao Bai is happy? Haven’t you noticed that its fur is all standing up? It’s clearly in a posture ready to fight at any moment! The maidservants guarding Xia Yuqing on the side couldn’t help but think so, wearing expressions of speechlessness.
“Yeah, that’s what I think too. Daidai usually doesn’t dare to play with people it doesn’t know, but today it actually walked over to make friends. It seems to really like Xiao Hei and Xiao Bai,” Xie Enqing said, looking at Daidai hovering around the battle circle of the three pets, her eyes shining brightly.
Seeing her like this, Xia Yuqing became curious. “Does the Little Doctor really like that little pig named Daidai?”
Xie Enqing was stunned for a moment, and then, under Xia Yuqing’s gaze, her face blushed slightly. “Yes, Daidai is a special companion that Xiang Xiang specially found for me to play with. I heard that it will never grow up, just that small.”
“Never grow up?” Xia Yuqing looked surprised and turned to look at Daidai carefully for a moment, her eyes brightening. She hadn’t noticed at first, but now that she looked closely, wasn’t this pig the legendary miniature pet pig? Young Master Yin was truly incredible, able to find even such unique pets. But…
“Huh, is that pig from Young Master Yin, or rather, King Xue now? Did King Xue give it to you? Why did I hear that Xue King initially gave you a small silver fox?”
“Yes, Little Fox was also a gift from Xiang Xiang. Little Fox and I used to be very close, but since I had Hui Er, Little Fox has been following him around. Xiang Xiang brought Daidai to me later because of this. Daidai is well-behaved and won’t run around like Little Fox, so I really like it.”
“…” So that’s how it is. Xia Yuqing suddenly understood. No wonder the Little Doctor was no longer as enthusiastic about the small silver fox as before. It turned out the little fox had betrayed her. It was understandable then. The little fox was unfaithful, devoting its affections to the young master and ignoring the older one. No wonder Little Doctor’s feelings changed. The little fox wasn’t determined enough. However, it seemed that Daidai wasn’t running around because it couldn’t run at all due to its lazy nature.
“It seems that the kids over there are having a good time.” Xia Yuqing coughed softly, pushing away the strange thoughts in her mind and changing the topic.
Indeed, when Xia Yuqing mentioned it, Xie Enqing’s attention shifted from the pets to the three children not far away.
Compared to the tension among the pets, the three children appeared to be enjoying themselves. Of course, this was just the surface.
Second Baby examined the little child on the other side who appeared much smaller than them, curiosity in her eyes.
Yin Hui noticed the curious gaze from the adorable big sister staring at him, so out of politeness, he smiled at her as usual. However, his smile caused the big sister to freeze.
So… so beautiful! The little brother smiled so beautifully! Second Baby stared at Yin Hui’s gentle smile with sparkling eyes. This little brother was so cute, just like her aunt’s adorable little daughter. If her mother gave birth to a little brother who looked just as cute, she wouldn’t mind!
Big Baby didn’t know that his little sister had imagined Yin Hui as her future little brother. He just sensed that she was getting too close to this sudden little brother. As a sis-con, this was unacceptable. So, upon seeing Yin Hui for the first time, he already categorized him as a potential threat to his beloved little sister.
Yin Hui smiled back at Second Baby with warmth and was about to say something when he felt a hostile gaze coming from the side.
Yin Hui’s expression froze for a moment as he turned to look at the source of the gaze, Big Baby. His eyebrow lifted slightly as he recalled a phrase his father often told him, “When the enemy is strong and we are weak, when at a disadvantage, strike first.”
With a subtle gleam in his eyes, Yin Hui’s face reverted to its gentle and harmless smile. Taking small steps, he walked towards Big Baby, calling out affectionately, “Brother… Brother…”
Big Baby didn’t expect that Yin Hui would pounce on him first. He was stunned for a moment, but it was this moment that destined the tragedy to happen.
Yin Hui’s intention was to approach Big Baby and get close to him. If Big Baby showed explicit hostility, the adults would naturally stand on Yin Hui’s side. If Big Baby accepted him, it would be easier to trip him up in the future.
Yin Hui’s little plan sounded cracking, but unfortunately, he didn’t consider his own short stature and not-so-steady small steps. So, in the process of rushing towards Big Baby, he tragically tripped over his own feet, and then with a cry, he directly tumbled towards Big Baby.
Although Big Baby didn’t like this little brat, he was startled when he saw the little guy suddenly fall. Reflexively, he reached out and caught him. As a result, the little guy plunged into his arms.
Everyone heard a muffled bang, and when they looked over, they saw the two little kids rolling into a ball. Yin Hui fell into Big Baby’s arms, and then they rolled on the ground together. Second Baby anxiously shouted from the side, “Brother, little brother.”
Xia Yuqing looked at Yin Hui nestled in Big Baby’s arms and then glanced at Big Baby, who was tightly holding Yin Hui. Her eyes suddenly lit up. Oh my, why do I suddenly feel that the little babies from the Yin family and our Big Baby are a good match? The domineering emperor gong and the gentle, obedient shou, OMG, suddenly overwhelmed by cuteness!
Indeed, the Ultra Seme Lord’s son was also a gong in the making! At such a young age, he was already scheming to get close to his future suitor. Ah ah ah, once you addthe one from Eldest Royal Brother’s family, and if the one that Xiao Xi would have in the future was also a boy, plus the ones from Xiao Yuan’s family… the more, the merrier. Son, don’t carelessly collect all of them into your harem. Mother will wholeheartedly support you!
Big Baby had no idea that his simple act of reaching out to help had sparked such tremendous repercussions. If he knew that this act would lead to his mother later subtly pushing him toward a path of collecting potential lovers for his future, he would have cut off his own hand if necessary to avoid reaching out!
The people on the side were briefly stunned, then exclaimed and quickly rushed to where the two children had fallen.
Xie Enqing and Xia Yuqing also woke up instantly, rushing to the front of the two children.
Yin Hui, rubbing his slightly hurt head, popped his head out of Big Baby’s arms. His eyes were red and pitiful, instantly attracting everyone’s attention. Seeing his pitiful appearance, all the girls present were overwhelmed with motherly love, wishing to hug the child and comfort him.
So when Xie Enqing picked up Yin Hui from Big Baby’s arms, Second Baby followed eagerly, showing concern and asking, “Little brother, are you okay?” She completely treated Yin Hui as her future younger brother and showered him with affection. Xia Yuqing, who had already listed Yin Hui in her future son-in-law candidate list, naturally wouldn’t miss this opportunity. She quickly took advantage of the situation to inquire and build a good relationship.
Big Baby, after painfully getting up from the ground and seeing this scene, found that the people who should have been around him were all taken away by that little white-faced guy, even his sister and mother! Big Baby’s face suddenly darkened.
D*mn it, this b*stard actually used a trick to make himself the scapegoat! Not only did he let himself take the fall, but he also made his sister care so much about him. The color on Big Baby’s face immediately became gloomy. This d*mn guy dared to use such a pitiful act! Making himself the scapegoat and even letting his sister care for him so much. Compared to this rabbit brat who knows how to seek sympathy, the little fool from the Xia family is much better. At least he doesn’t blatantly follow me and snatch my sister!
Big Baby’s face darkened instantly. In his heart, he remembered this little brat who dared to snatch people under his nose. At this moment, their enmity was thoroughly formed.
Just as Big Baby was glaring at the people opposite him, Xia Yuqing and the others suddenly heard a cry, “Niang Niang, Xiao Bai and them are fighting!”
“!”
Both Xie Enqing and Xia Yuqing turned to look, only to see that several small animals had started fighting.
“Xiao Bai!”
“Daidai!”
After a chaotic scene of animals going wild, Xia Yuqing and the others finally managed to separate the animals. The fur of the little silver fox was all ruffled, Daidai looked quite frightened, and Xiao Hei was the least injured, having only lost a few strands of fur. Xiao Bai, however, suffered the most. It had lost a tuft of fur from its head and was almost bald again, despite Xiao Hei’s protective efforts.
Given the previous incident, Xia Yuqing and Xie Enqing dared not leave the animals together anymore. On the contrary, Yin Hui’s relationship with Second Baby had flourished since then. Second Baby was delighted to have another cute and pretty little brother, and Yin Hui was happy to have a lovely sister to play with. The two of them were harmonious together, leaving Big Baby to stew on the sidelines. He watched this little brat, who was constantly leading his precious sister astray, and wished he could just beat him up on the spot. But he had to consider his image in front of his sister, so he could only grind his teeth in frustration.
Similarly, Big Baby’s father had also been having a less-than-pleasant time. Ever since Xia Yuqing returned, countless people had been coming to see her. Xia Muyun, Liu Yixiang, and others visited daily, monopolizing Xia Yuqing’s time. And now there was Xie Enqing as well. The couple had no time for a moment of privacy. Unfortunately, Xie Enqing was not only Xue Kingdom’s Empress Niang Niang but also a cousin of Shao Zitang. They couldn’t be dealt with! Furthermore, Feng Tingye couldn’t bear to sever the connection between them. Seeing Xia Yuqing’s genuinely happy smile, he could only complain in his heart about Yin Xiang and Xia Mingyuan’s inefficiency, urging them to take their people back sooner. As a result, Feng Tingye’s expression became increasingly gloomy. He was just a step away from having the words “unsatisfied desire” written on his forehead.
Thankfully, it seemed the heavens sensed his nearly tangible resentment. Not long after, Yin Xiang personally arrived in Ye Country to bring Xie Enqing home. Surprisingly, Xia Mingyuan accompanied him.
When Yin Xiang arrived, Feng Tingye and Xia Yuqing were there to welcome them. Thus, after Yin Xiang and Xia Mingyuan alighted from their respective carriages, an unconscious standoff formed among the three men.
Yin Xiang wore his usual gentle smile, and the phrase “a hidden knife in a smile” was never more fitting. In contrast, Xia Mingyuan appeared much more miserable, with a face as dark as a pot bottom. Clearly, he had been overwhelmed by palace affairs and was also in a bad mood due to his wife running away. Feng Tingye, on the other hand, maintained an enigmatic and observant demeanor from beginning to end.
As the three men faced off as if no one else existed, the oppressive aura radiating from them created a vacuum-like zone around them.
Xia Yuqing gazed at the tense confrontation among the three men and in her imagination, she thought that if Yun Xi’s father just happened to be here, they would have enough players for a game of mahjong! Of course, she wouldn’t dare to voice such thoughts in front of the involved parties. Otherwise, who knows how she would be tortured? Cough…
“Um, if there is anything to discuss, maybe we should wait until we return later? There are so many people here, and it’s a bit… noisy,” Xia Yuqing said at the right moment, successfully drawing the attention of the men.
“Empress Ye?”
“You are… Little Royal Sister?”
Both Yin Xiang and Xia Mingyuan asked in unison. Xia Yuqing awkwardly smiled and said, “Xue King, Eldest Royal Brother.”
On his way here, Xia Mingyuan heard about the incident and gave Xia Yuqing a deep look. Seeing Feng Tingye standing nearby, doting on her, he couldn’t help but believe it. He reached out and patted Xia Yuqing’s head, saying, “It’s good to have you back.”
Xia Yuqing nodded, her eyes slightly red, and smiled at Xia Mingyuan.
Yin Xiang, although a bit surprised by Xia Yuqing’s current appearance, was aware of the note she left behind. He didn’t delve into the matter and smiled gently, saying, “Qing Er, how has she been lately?”
Xia Yuqing was momentarily confused, but she understood that Yin Xiang was inquiring about Xie Enqing’s well-being. She smiled back and said, “The Royal Doctor is doing well. She’s playing with the children in my palace.”
Yin Xiang nodded. “Thank you for taking care of Qing Er during this time.”
“It’s nothing.” After exchanging pleasantries with Yin Xiang, Xia Yuqing turned to Xia Mingyuan and asked, “Xiang Er is also in the palace. Eldest Royal Brother, would you like…”
Xia Mingyuan’s eyes brightened, and he nodded.
After reaching a consensus, the group entered the palace with Feng Tingye and Xia Yuqing. Unexpectedly, they were told that just after Xia Yuqing had left, Liu Yixiang and Xie Enqing had arrived with a few children. Since they didn’t find Xia Yuqing in the palace, they went to Cining Palace to pay their respects to Zhang Sunshi and would return shortly.
Upon hearing this, the group sat down, making themselves comfortable in Xiefang Hall as they awaited their return.
Once seated and after sipping some tea, Xia Yuqing couldn’t help but ask Xia Mingyuan with curiosity, “Eldest Royal Brother, do you know how Second Royal Brother has been recently? I haven’t heard anything about him for a long time.”
Xia Mingyuan’s expression changed subtly upon hearing the question. Xia Yuqing looked at him with growing concern and asked, “Is something wrong with Second Royal Brother?”
Cough cough… Xia Mingyuan awkwardly cleared his throat and said, “It’s nothing. Your Second Royal Brother, you see, I heard that his wife finally had a child recently. The people from the Nine Palaces and Sixteen Strongholds are absolutely ecstatic.”
“What? Miss Yuxue also has a child now? Second Royal Brother sure moves fast!” Xia Yuqing’s eyes widened, and she exclaimed in surprise. It was hard to imagine her Second Royal Brother, who was the ultimate “bottom” in their relationship, moving so quickly.
But then again, she thought, her Second Royal Brother had basically been “married” off. With his uke-like disposition, facing someone like Yuxue, who was like a female queen even in bed, he would naturally end up being dominated. So instead of saying her Second Royal Brother moved fast, she should say that Miss Yuxue moved fast!
Xia Yuqing wiped her cold sweat, realizing how awkward the expression on her Big Royal Brother’s face looked. She couldn’t help but inquire further, “Big Royal Brother, does Second Royal Brother… have something going on?”
Xia Mingyuan cleared his throat a couple more times and twitched the corner of his mouth. “Ever since your Second Royal Brother’s spouse became pregnant, all the people who used to revolve around him in the Nine Palaces and Sixteen Strongholds have now shifted their focus to her.”
Xia Mingyuan’s words were subtle, but Xia Yuqing instantly understood. So, after Miss Yuxue became pregnant, Second Royal Brother’s worth plummeted, turning from a precious treasure into mere grass? Oh, my god! Second Royal Brother, I apologize to you. I accidentally married you into a wolf’s den! But seeing that you’re the father of the wolf mom’s children, those wolves should at least spare you a whole body. Take care of yourself!
As Xia Yuqing was imagining how Xia Mingxi was currently struggling in the Nine Palaces and Sixteen Strongholds, Liu Yixiang and Xia Enqing had returned with the children.
Upon seeing Yin Xiang not far away, Xie Enqing’s eyes lit up, and she rushed over to him, exclaiming joyfully, “Xiang Xiang.”
Yin Xiang seemed to have expected her reaction and naturally opened his arms to embrace her, gently cautioning, “Slow down, don’t fall.”
Xie Enqing’s face turned slightly red, and she mumbled softly, “Wasn’t Xiang Xiang going to catch me?”
Yin Xiang smiled helplessly and indulgently, “Alright, I’ll catch you. But you can’t do this when I’m not around. It’s dangerous when there’s no one to catch you.”
Xie Enqing nodded obediently. She resembled a well-behaved little white rabbit that had been tamed by a big gray wolf.
“…” Hey, you two! Be mindful of the occasion. We’re all still here. Displaying your affection so openly might easily attract resentment. It’s blinding us, you know, our 24k titanium alloy dog eyes!”
Compared to the affectionate display on one side, the situation on the other side was far from optimistic. Xia Mingyuan glanced at the dog-like couple, radiating intense brilliance not far away, blinding everyone’s dog eyes. Then he looked at his own wife who was treating him indifferently, not even sparing him a proper glance since she entered, a complete lack of sentimentality. Tears welled up in his eyes.
“That… shrew, I was wrong this time. Can you stop being angry? Can you come back with me?” Xia Mingyuan quietly moved next to Yixiang and grabbed her sleeve, apologizing and coaxing in a low voice.
However, Liu Yixiang didn’t buy into his act at all. She gave a cold snort and pulled her sleeve back, saying, “Go back? Why? I think things are pretty good now. I’m quite comfortable living in Ye Country. I don’t intend to go back for the time being.”
“!”
With Liu Yixiang’s words, alarm bells rang in Xia Mingyuan’s head. He couldn’t care less about his face anymore. He grabbed Liu Yixiang’s hand and said urgently, “Wife, I really know I was wrong this time. I promise I won’t force you into anything you don’t want to do anymore. Even if you don’t care about my face, at least think about our two children. They are alone and helpless in the palace. Can you bear that?”
“Really?” Liu Yixiang finally turned to give him a glance. After that, she solemnly confirmed, “You won’t make me have a daughter for you anymore?”
Hearing this, Feng Tingye’s movement suddenly stopped, and he remembered how back when he arrived in Ye Country and talked to Xia Mingyuan about having a pair of dragon and phoenix twins, Xia Mingyuan had an unsatisfied expression. Later, after this brat also had a pair of twins, he even sent a letter to boast. And now he wanted Xie Enqing to give him a daughter? It was clear he wanted to completely suppress him. Hmph, nice try!
Liu Yixiang’s words had yet to fade when Xia Mingyuan felt scrutinizing gazes from all directions. His expression immediately turned sour. If he agreed here and now, he would be bound by his words, and he would never be able to change his mind.
Xia Mingyuan’s internal scale, balancing his wife and future child, swung uncontrollably, ultimately settling on his wife. It was a joke. The future child was nowhere in sight; who knew if there would be one. But if the wife was gone, the future child would definitely be non-existent. Which was more important? One glance would tell.
After Xia Mingyuan had thought it through, he said earnestly, “Really, truly. As long as you’re unwilling, I will never force you again.”
“This is what you said. Fine, since you put it that way, I’ll reluctantly go back with you. But not for your sake, I’m doing it for the sake of our two children.” Having gotten the answer she wanted, Liu Yixiang smiled slightly and finally relaxed.
“… ” Shrew, I’m also a ruler of a country. Could you at least spare me some dignity in front of everyone?” Xia Mingyuan glanced at the person, who was obediently nestled in Yin Xiang’s arms not far away, Xie Enqing who followed Yin Xiang’s every word. He was close to tears again. Why were people’s differences so vast?
Hearing Xia Mingyuan’s submissive response, Feng Tingye’s lips curled slightly, and a hint of mockery flashed in his eyes. The next second, his hand was on Xia Yuqing’s waist, pulling her into his embrace. He teasingly smiled and said, “Ai Fei, our little princess has always wanted a sister. The Empress Dowager also hopes we can have another child to make the palace livelier. Of course, I’ve also been looking forward to it. Ai Fei, to fulfill everyone’s expectations, how about we have another child?”
Xia Yuqing’s mind went blank. She really couldn’t understand how the conversation had just shifted from Xiang Er and her Big Royal Brother’s matter to her having another child.
“Um… Your Majesty, maybe we should discuss this privately later. Everyone is watching.”
“It’s precisely because everyone is watching that I said it. This way, with so many witnesses, my Ai Fei won’t go back on her word.” Feng Tingye said matter-of-factly, wearing a smile on his face that was truly infuriating.
“…” So this cunning idea was yours, Your Majesty! Truly a black-bellied, diabolical Ultra Seme Lord! But did you consider how unconventional your approach was and how I would feel about it?!
Seeing Xia Yuqing’s face full of frustration, Feng Tingye’s lips curled even more. However, he didn’t give Xia Yuqing a chance to retaliate. He immediately put on a grieving expression and said, “Ai Fei, do you really want to make Dundun and the Empress Dowager sad? Are you willing to disappoint me?”
“I…” This time, Xia Yuqing blushed under the scrutiny from all directions, growing furious. “Fine, I’ll have one if you want to. Who’s afraid of whom?”
Feng Tingye smiled radiantly. “This was what my Ai Fei said. I didn’t force you.”
“…” Da*mn this black-bellied man!
Feng Tingye embraced the person in his arms with satisfaction. At the same time, from an angle hidden from Xia Yuqing, he cast a provocative glance in the direction of Xia Mingyuan.
After receiving Feng Tingye’s gaze, Xia Mingyuan’s face darkened suddenly. He knew this b*stard was intentionally targeting him. Feng Tingye, we’ll see about that.
On the side, the bewildered Big Baby, who was watching the situation unfold, couldn’t help but twitch the corner of his mouth. For these people who acted like children the moment women were involved, their intelligence seemed to regress, he was utterly speechless.
After sorting out court matters, Yin Xiang and Xia Mingyuan couldn’t stay away from their own countries for too long. Therefore, after meeting with Xie Enqing and Liu Yixiang, they hurried back the next morning.
Before leaving, Xia Mingyuan cast another deep gaze at Xia Yuqing. Then, he sighed softly and said to her, “I’m sorry.”
It took Xia Yuqing several seconds to realize that Xia Mingyuan was apologizing for failing to completely eliminate Xia Mingxuan’s threat a year ago, which had allowed Xia Mingxuan to escape and eventually abduct her in Ye Country.
“No one could have foreseen what happened to Fourth Royal Brother. It’s not your fault, Eldest Royal Brother.” She had taken away the body of the person he loved. It would have been understandable if he did anything out of anger. But all of that didn’t matter anymore. He had jumped off a cliff with her and died together with her. He got back the body of the person he loved, and everything had ended.
Xia Mingyuan looked at Xia Yuqing’s still clear eyes, even after so many years had passed. He couldn’t help but reach out and touch her head once again, then suddenly turned his head to look at Feng Tingye.
A year ago, when Xia Mingyuan suddenly heard about Xia Yuqing’s situation, his shock and heartache were self-evident. But what followed was a heavy sense of remorse, directed at Xia Yuqing and Feng Tingye. Back then, Xia Mingxuan had seemingly died by his own decree, but due to an unforeseen oversight, those who were initially planning harm against him managed to save him by replacing his body. He never anticipated that this would also implicate Xia Yuqing.
Although Feng Tingye hadn’t said much over the past year, Xia Mingyuan knew there was still a hint of resentment in Feng Tingye’s heart. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have watched from the sidelines as Xia Country experienced internal turmoil multiple times during these years. But he didn’t have much to complain about. He felt guilty himself, so the fact that Feng Tingye still held a degree of resentment could be considered quite magnanimous. Thankfully… thankfully, little royal sister had returned in the end. Otherwise, he might have never been able to repay this guilt in his lifetime.
With Liu Yixiang and Xie Enqing gone, Xia Yuqing found herself noticeably more idle, which was exactly what Feng Tingye wanted.
On that day, Feng Tingye exuded an excessively triumphant air from head to toe, causing Yan Ran and his close associates find it a bit hard to endure. They cast contemptuous glances at him several times. However, at that moment, Feng Tingye was busy planning how to spend the next part of his private life with Xia Yuqing, so he was in a pleasant mood and couldn’t be bothered with their reactions.
Feng Tingye’s mental calculations were ringing like a bell. However, he didn’t realize that just after Xia Mingyuan and the others had left, Yun Zhongyue returned. It wasn’t just Yun Zhongyue’s return that mattered; the most important thing was that he brought someone with him.
“What did you say? That what’s-her-name Ying Yue came with Second Senior Brother and said she wants to see me?” Xia Yuqing’s heart skipped a beat, and her expression instantly turned sour.
“If Niang Niang doesn’t want to see him, this servant will tell him.” Cui Er saw through Xia Yuqing’s thoughts and frowned slightly, offering a hesitant suggestion with some reluctance.
As Xia Yuqing was hesitating, she noticed Lu Rui, who came to report, hesitating to speak. Clearly, there was something she hadn’t said yet.
“Lu Rui, what’s wrong? Did he say something else?”
Lu Rui pursed her lips and looked at Xia Yuqing before speaking softly, “That person also said he wants to discuss something with you related to the Little Princess. He warned that if you don’t listen now, you might regret it later.”
Xia Yuqing’s expression changed suddenly, and she abruptly remembered what Night Shuyan had told her at that time. Could it be that she had narrowly escaped a disaster, but these people now want…
Thinking of this possibility, Xia Yuqing’s expression became even more unpleasant. Seeing this, both Cui Er and Lu Rui looked at her with some concern. “Niang Niang…”
“Where is he now?”
Seeing Xia Yuqing’s rarely displayed annoyance, both Cui Er and Lu Rui were stunned. After a moment, they answered, “He’s waiting in the side hall.”
Xia Yuqing didn’t say anything, but took a step and rushed towards the side hall. Cui Er and Lu Rui exchanged glances and hurriedly followed her.
Ying Yue sat in the side hall, lightly sipping tea while waiting for Xia Yuqing’s arrival. Not long after, hurried footsteps were heard from outside. The corners of her lips curled slightly, and he put down the teacup on the table.
The next moment, the door to the side hall was forcefully pushed open from the outside, and the person he was looking for stormed in with an imposing manner.
Xia Yuqing saw Ying Yue inside the hall at a glance. Her expression darkened a bit, and she asked impatiently, “What are you doing here?”
Ying Yue seemed to have expected Xia Yuqing’s attitude upon seeing her and wasn’t surprised. A faint smile remained on his face as he replied, “Naturally, I came to discuss matters regarding Ye Empress. However…”
Ying Yue glanced suggestively behind Xia Yuqing. Xia Yuqing’s eyes flickered, she bit her lip, and said in a low voice, “Leave us.”
“Niang Niang!” The members of her entourage drew a cold breath and called out, somewhat disapproving.
“It’s alright. Wait outside. I need to have a private conversation with Young Master Ying Yue.”
Lu Rui and Cui Er exchanged a glance and hesitated for a moment. But in the end, they bowed and left the room. Just before exiting, Lu Rui still couldn’t help but worry, “Niang Niang, we’ll be outside. If you need anything, please call us.”
Hearing the sound of the door closing behind her, Xia Yuqing took a deep breath and couldn’t help but speak up, “What are you here for? Do you want to tell me that even though I escaped from your so-called divine punishment, my child is still trapped in that strange cycle? Let me tell you, don’t even think about harming my child in the name of divine punishment. I won’t let you hurt my child under the pretense of divine punishment! I warn you, unless you step over my dead body, don’t you dare touch my child.”
Ying Yue was taken aback by Xia Yuqing’s rare display of determination. She paused for a moment, then smiled slightly and said, “You don’t need to get so worked up. I…”
“How can I not get worked up?” Xia Yuqing glared at Ying Yue, clearly very displeased with the smile on his face.
Ying Yue couldn’t help but feel a bit amused. “Listen to me first. My time is limited. The two girls who just left probably have already gone to inform the person at your home. If you keep being so confrontational, we might not have time to discuss anything important.”
Xia Yuqing was stunned for a moment, then fell silent for a while. She regained some composure and said, “What do you want to say? If it’s about what Xiao Shuyan mentioned before, there’s no need to repeat it. I’m not interested in hearing it again.”
Ying Yue smiled slightly, “You don’t need to be so agitated. I’m not here today to harm your child. On the contrary, I came to tell you that my adoptive father has resolved the matter he mentioned a year ago. The so-called divine punishment will no longer be passed down to your next generation. It will only end with your generation, or rather, the generation of Xia Yuqing. You can rest assured.”
Xia Yuqing’s angry expression froze for a moment, and then she belatedly exclaimed, “Ah?”
Ying Yue found Xia Yuqing’s innocent response quite amusing. He repeated his words again, and this time Xia Yuqing finally understood. Her eyes brightened, “Really?”
“Of course, it’s true. Or do you want this matter to be false?”
Xia Yuqing choked for a moment. She raised her head and glared angrily at Ying Yue. However, after hearing Ying Yue’s words, her guard against him wasn’t as strong as before.
After a moment of contemplation, Xia Yuqing seemed to recall something and furrowed her brows. “Your adoptive father resolved this? If such a matter could be resolved, why didn’t Xiao Shuyan do it earlier? In that case…”
“In that case, wouldn’t Xia Yuqing’s maternal grandmother and mother not have died?”
Ying Yue’s eyes carried a trace of mockery, rendering Xia Yuqing speechless. Then, Ying Yue continued, “Don’t be too naive. In this world, no matter what you do, you have to pay a price. Xia Yuqing’s maternal grandmother’s death and the downfall of the previous dynasty were the prices she paid for violating the clan rules. The death of Xia Yuqing’s mother was the price she paid for her daughter’s survival. Now that this matter is resolved, my adoptive father must have paid a corresponding price.”
“What price?”
Ying Yue turned his head and looked at Xia Yuqing. With a somewhat sinister smile, he said, “Believe me, you wouldn’t want to know.”
Xia Yuqing was taken aback, realizing that Ying Yue didn’t want to dwell on this question. She let out a sigh of relief and then asked, “Why did you specifically come to tell me all of this?”
“What?”
Xia Yuqing looked straight into Ying Yue’s eyes and asked seriously, “Why did you come all this way to tell me these things? If I remember correctly, you actually dislike me, don’t you? If that’s the case, why would you be willing to tell me all of this?”
She had noticed this the first time she met this young man a year ago. There was some unexplained hostility from him towards her. If that was the case, he could have chosen to stay silent about this matter. Why would he come all the way here to tell her?
Xia Yuqing furrowed her brows, her thoughts leading to only one possibility. “Or was this instructed by Xiao Shuyan?”
Ying Yue chuckled lightly and averted her gaze. “No, my adoptive father didn’t give me any instructions before he left, nor did he ask me to come and tell you anything.”
“Why?”
Ying Yue chuckled softly at the question, then turned her head to look at Xia Yuqing. Instead of directly answering Xia Yuqing’s question, he focused on Xia Yuqing’s face and asked with a smile, “Do you know why I used to dislike you?”
Xia Yuqing was taken aback; she hadn’t expected Ying Yue to ask that. She also didn’t expect a response, but Ying Yue continued on his own, “I was just surprised. You were someone who didn’t understand anything, was timid and always causing trouble for others, a headache-inducing woman. Yet, why are so many people fond of you? My adoptive father cares about you, even the aloof and distant Bixuan beauty is close to you. There are also many exceptional individuals around you. It’s really hard to understand.”
“…” Hey, isn’t this a personal attack? A direct personal attack, criticizing me in front of me like this. Are you really a great man? Xia Yuqing looked at Ying Yue in bewilderment and had no idea what to say.
Ying Yue was once again amused by Xia Yuqing’s pitiful gaze. He resisted the urge to reach out and pinch someone and continued, “Later, I realized that you weren’t completely without merit. At the very least, you challenged us for the sake of the Bixuan beauty, and you chose the same path as your mother based off my adoptive father’s words. no, Xia Yuqing’s mother, and went down with that man in a double suicide.”
Xia Yuqing was momentarily stunned before it suddenly clicked. She pointed at Ying Yue, “You were also there that day…”
Ying Yue smiled and tacitly confirmed it. He would never forget that moment when he stood on a hilltop, watching Xia Yuqing pull out a gun and feeling shocked by her courage. Although she was usually timid and would hide behind others in dangerous situations, at that moment, she had been remarkably brave. Without hesitation, she chose to sacrifice herself over burdening others, just like she did today, standing up fearlessly for her child.
In that moment, Ying Yue began to understand why, even the weakest of creatures, when unintentionally having crossed her bottom line, would face her extraordinary resistance. In that instant, Xia Yuqing had been the most dazzling, even he almost couldn’t tear his gaze away.
“And today… you seem to care a lot about your child. For children to have parents who would protect them at any cost is quite fortunate.”
Xia Yuqing suddenly raised her head to look at the profile of Ying Yue’s face. After catching a fleeting trace of sorrow in his expression, she inexplicably began to understand why this person held so much animosity towards her.
She remembered that Shuyan had once mentioned that he had no wife or children. Whether it was her maternal grandmother or the current Ying Yue, they were both selected by him from peripheral connections, chosen as potential heirs. That’s why he resented and envied the attention Xia Yuqing received from Xiao Shuyan. In the end, it was just a tantrum thrown by a child who couldn’t have the candy.
Understanding this, Xia Yuqing felt somewhat relieved about Ying Yue’s previous hostility towards her.
Ying Yue’s sentiment lasted just a moment, and when he snapped back to reality, he saw Xia Yuqing deep in thought, her small face pensive. Ying Yue’s lips curled slightly, and that hint of wickedness within him rose to the surface as he leaned closer to Xia Yuqing’s face.
Just as Xia Yuqing regained her focus, she found Ying Yue’s face incredibly close to hers. Startled, she took several steps back, her face vigilant. “You, you, you… What are you doing?”
Ying Yue carefully observed Xia Yuqing for a moment, then concluded, “Really ugly! I used to think that other than your somewhat passable appearance, you didn’t stand out in any way. Now, even your face is no good. You’re truly worthless.”
“You!” Xia Yuqing was about to get angry, but then she heard Ying Yue add, “But I never expected that you would actually return.”
“Huh?” Xia Yuqing raised her hand mid-motion, not understanding. “What?”
“Don’t you know? After you fell off the cliff, my adoptive father and I came to find Feng Tingye. At that time, his face was so dark that it was truly frightening. But that appearance was probably something you hadn’t seen before—him looking so haggard. I even suspected that he might have followed you in a double suicide at any moment.”
Double suicide? Xia Yuqing’s eyes suddenly tightened, finding it hard to believe. Could the Ultra Seme Lord really… commit a double suicide for her?
“However, at that time, he told me that he believed you would come back, because you had a promise between you two. So, he was confident that you would return to his side.” Saying this, Ying Yue was a bit curious as she leaned over to Xia Yuqing’s side and inquired, “Do you know what kind of promise you had that made him so sure you would come back? You see, even my adoptive father at that time couldn’t be certain if you would really return to this world.”
Xia Yuqing didn’t hear what Ying Yue said later. At this moment, she couldn’t help but repeat one sentence in her mind: a promise between her and the Ultra Seme Lord? A promise, a promise… Could it be that…
Ying Yue didn’t want to run into Feng Tingye again, so after discussing what needed to be said with Xia Yuqing, he left Xia Yuqing’s chamber. In fact, not long after he left, Feng Tingye got wind of the situation and hurried over.
When Feng Tingye walked into the side hall with a serious face, Ying Yue had already disappeared, leaving only Xia Yuqing sitting alone in the spacious chamber, smiling foolishly.
Seeing that Xia Yuqing hadn’t suffered any injuries, Feng Tingye breathed a sigh of relief. He quickly stepped forward, lifted Xia Yuqing onto his lap, and asked softly, “Is Ai Fei very happy?”
Xia Yuqing was in the midst of her joyous laughter when she was suddenly picked up. Startled, she realized who it was and became even happier. She extended her arm to wrap around his neck and said, “Yes, I’m very happy.”
One thing Xia Yuqing had been worrying about since her return was whether the so-called divine punishment would harm her second child. Now that it was resolved, a heavy burden was lifted from her heart, and how could she not be happy?
Seeing the overly bright smile on Xia Yuqing’s face, Feng Tingye’s gaze darkened slightly. He lowered his head and captured Xia Yuqing’s crimson lips in a kiss.
“Mmm…” Xia Yuqing’s eyes widened as she was kissed. She tried to resist but was overpowered. She had no choice but to yield.
After the kiss, Xia Yuqing weakly leaned against Feng Tingye’s chest, panting for breath. Seeing that Feng Tingye was about to continue, she hurriedly interjected, “Your Majesty, wait a moment. I have something to say.”
“Hmm?”
Meeting Feng Tingye’s inquiring gaze, Xia Yuqing smiled mischievously and said, “Your Majesty, Ying Yue visited just now.”
A hint of coldness flashed in Feng Tingye’s eyes, but he didn’t say anything, waiting for Xia Yuqing to continue.
“He said you always believed I would come back, and he mentioned that we had a promise between us. That promise is…” Xia Yuqing looked at Feng Tingye expectantly.
Feng Tingye reached out and caressed Xia Yuqing’s face, smiling gently. “Did Ai Fei forget?”
Xia Yuqing pursed her lips and tentatively asked, “Was it the time before we were going to Shu Country? You asked me what I would do if one day you suddenly left me. I told you I would wait for a year. If I could forget you after a year, I would continue to live my life. But if I still remembered you after a year, then… I would go with you. At that time, I also asked Your Majesty, what would you do if I suddenly disappeared, and you also…”
Feng Tingye looked at Xia Yuqing’s shy expression and chuckled, “Ai Fei, since you remember it all, why ask me?”
Xia Yuqing’s eyes suddenly lit up. She grabbed onto the collar of Feng Tingye’s robes and exclaimed excitedly, “That’s the one! But what if I didn’t appear after a year? What would Your Majesty do?” Would you find someone new, or would…
Listening to Xia Yuqing’s curious question, Feng Tingye’s hand movement suddenly halted. Something flashed across his face but was quickly concealed. His right hand slowly reached around Xia Yuqing’s waist.
“Your Majesty, what are you doing?” Feeling the wandering hand on her waist, Xia Yuqing’s smile froze, and she asked awkwardly, “Your Majesty, what are you doing?”
Feng Tingye’s smile remained as he said casually, “Ai Fei, haven’t you promised something to me before?”
“… Having a child?”
Feng Tingye’s smile grew even brighter. “Besides that, if I remember correctly, Ai Fei also promised me that she wouldn’t meet anyone from the Yue Clan in the future. But Ai Fei violated the agreement, so I must punish you.”
Saying that, Feng Tingye didn’t give Xia Yuqing time to react. He directly scooped her up and headed towards the bed in the inner chamber.
After a brief silence, the anxious people waiting outside the side hall suddenly heard an angry exclamation, “Your Majesty, you beast! Using this method to change the subject again, ugh, ugh, ugh…” The unfinished sentence was swallowed up and turned into ambiguous moans.
The people outside blushed in unison upon hearing that sound. Afterwards, they diligently drove away the stunned people who were still standing outside like statues. “Go, go, go, why aren’t you leaving? You’re disturbing His Majesty and Her Majesty from having their second pregnancy. Be careful of your heads.”
In an instant, the people who were originally gathered outside the hall scattered like birds and beasts. While festivities were enjoyable to watch, their lives were more important!
In a moment, the crowd that was originally outside the hall had disappeared completely. The surroundings became silent and desolate. Inside the hall, however, the atmosphere was heated, making the spectators envious. This warmth continued until the crescent moon shyly appeared from behind the branches before gradually subsiding.
At that time, Xia Yuqing was already too tired to keep her eyes open. She let out a tired groan and fell asleep in a daze. Meanwhile, the culprit who had tired her out was now spirited. By the moonlight, he observed Xia Yuqing’s sweaty face for a while.
Suddenly, he reached out and gently brushed away the long hair sticking to Xia Yuqing’s back, then placed a light kiss on the butterfly-shaped birthmark behind her. Afterward, he carefully pulled up the blanket and covered both of them. His hand under the blanket tightly wrapped around her waist, enveloping her completely within his embrace.
Xia Yuqing had asked him what he would do if she didn’t return after a year. However, what she didn’t know was that the day after she returned happened to mark the one-year deadline. On that very day, when she appeared, he was in the study of Qianqing Palace, drafting his final abdication edict.
Xia Yuqing had once said that if she died before him, she would wait for a year. If she forgot about him after a year, she would find someone else to live a good life with. But if she couldn’t forget, she would go with him.
What he had wanted to convey at that time was that even if she forgot about him, he would never let her be with another man. Even if he became a vengeful spirit, he would always be the one by her side. So, if Xia Yuqing hadn’t returned at that time, he would have proceeded with his original plan to pass the throne to a certain young brat. After all, that young brat was so clever, and with the assistance of Yan Ran and the others, they could handle those old ministers with ill intentions. Once the young brat ascended to the throne, he would…
Since Xia Yuqing wasn’t willing to come back to him, he would take the initiative to find her. It was the same!
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