Mutagen - Chapter 17 Why He Let Them Go

As part of the imperial family, every move by Chu Yuan in this game of chess is made with apprehension, fearing that with a moment of inattentiveness, the whole match will be lost in a single move.

Ascending to the throne at eighteen, not half a year passes before civil strife erupts in Yun Nan. Though the thoughts of the old guard at the imperial court are not exactly identical, they are all waiting to see how the new emperor will put an end to this.

Unexpectedly, before this side could make a move, a few thousand miles away, the King of Xi Nan, Duan Bai Yue, had already personally commanded troops to attack in all directions; not half a year had passed when peace was restored.

Sparse moonlight shines into the palace; Chu Yuan stamped the wax seal himself, and had a secret letter sent urgently to Yun Nan 800 miles away — this time, what must we(1) give in exchange?

Brush marks passed through the back of the paper; it almost can be seen, when writing this line, how angry the young emperor was.

Duan Bai Yue spread out a piece of paper unhurriedly, replying with only one word.

You.

Notes:
(1): Chu Yuan is using the royal ‘we’ here.

- Description from Novelupdates

Five years ago, she was the golden lady! But he became a murderer at the prosperous wedding and was personally sent to prison by the people he loves!

Five years later, she was a single mother who sought medical treatment for her daughter. She fell into the dust!

She said, one day you know the truth, will you regret it.

Later, he regretted, but she smiled, ”get away!“

Paranoid president, strong pursuit of his wife!

Welcome to The Last Step – A Tale of Fate, Power, and the Unforgiven.In a world where magic defines one's worth, three souls walk a path toward an uncertain destiny—each bearing a power that can shape the fate of nations.Lucas, the God’s Chosen Sorcerer, wields divine magic that bends reality itself, blessed by forces beyond mortal comprehension. A shining beacon of hope—or a harbinger of destruction—his path is riddled with expectations he never asked for.Celia, the Queen of Curses, commands a power feared by even the strongest mages. She carries the weight of a past filled with whispers and condemnation, but where others see a curse, she sees the strength to carve her own future.Kaiser, the Unwanted Void, stands apart. Neither blessed nor cursed, he is the anomaly that should not exist. In a world that measures worth by magic, he is a shadow in the light—yet, the abyss within him holds something far greater than mere sorcery.Together, they are bound by fate yet divided by their own battles. As war brews and forgotten gods stir, the lines between hero and villain blur. In the end, their choices will decide more than just their own lives—they will determine the very foundation of their world.This is their journey. This is their Last Step.

Wandering for fifteen years, Jiang Sheng picked up five elder brothers for herself.

For their sake, little Jiang Sheng went through fire and water, desperately making money.

The elder brothers didn’t disappoint her, giving everything for their little sister.

Until the General’s mansion discovered the switch of the legitimate daughter, and hastily brought her back.

But they didn’t treat her well either.

Some ridiculed her vulgarity, some laughed at her ignorance, some scorned her coarseness.

Yet no one knew, the new top scholar was her brother, the newly rich royal merchant was her brother, the returning victorious little general was her brother, the saintly healer was her brother, and that one… was also her brother.

However capable the fake young miss is, does she have five elder brothers to support her?

Note: The main characters have no romantic relationships, the female lead has a childish personality and focuses on familial love!!!