Strategy to Capture That Scum Gong-Chapter 172 - Your Highness, You’ve Been Exposed

Chapter 172 - Your Highness, You’ve Been Exposed

Translated by Eve

Edited by Serefina

15. Your Highness, You’ve Been Exposed

Xiao Yan stared at Xie He, gaze unwavering. Cui Shao had been innocent, but Cui Ning, Xiao Yan’s beloved, had suffered on account of Xiao Yan’s actions. Xiao Yan pledged that when he overthrew the Crown Prince, he would clear Cui Shao’s name. When that time came, his beloved would no longer suffer such a lowly status.

I’m sorry…you still have to wait a bit longer.

Xiao Yan chatted with Xie He for a while longer. When night fell, he had no choice but to pretend to say goodbye.

Xie He watched Xiao Yan go and then cautiously walked out from behind the artificial hill.

【Xie He：Ai, there’s so many things wrong….】

【444：(⊙v⊙) Hm?】

【Xie He：We’ve chatted behind this artificial mountain for an entire afternoon and yet no one in this heavily-guarded wangfu noticed us. Only someone as simple as Cui Ning would think that there was no issue with this. Smile.JPG】

【444：……】He hadn’t thought that anything had been wrong either…._(:зゝ∠)_

【Xie He：That said, having a secret rendezvous like this is quite exciting. XiaoXiao has fallen so deep he won’t be able to pull himself out, hehe.】

【444：O(∩_∩)O~】

【Xie He：It’s time to raise Xiao Qing’s Favourability Value now. Let me know when he arrives.】

【444：Mn!】

Xiao Yan and the Crown Prince’s fight raged on like a wildfire. Xiao Yan didn’t have time to accompany Xie He as ‘Yan ge’ every day. When he wasn’t home, Xie He would eat, sleep and drink. He would happily watch movies 444 put on for him, after having eaten and drunken to his heart’s content.

Qi Qing was also very busy. Although he didn’t go see Xie He, he knew that His Highness doted on Xie He dearly these days. With His Highness’ personality, even if his feelings for Xie He were to wane in the future, he would never treat him badly for the rest of his life.

His Highness could give Xie He honour and affection for the rest of his life. That Song Heng…had been able to obtain Xie He’s love. It had been said that Xie He had already fallen in love with Song Heng when he had still been at the Xunhuan House.

Qi Qing purposely chose not to go see Xie He. He had been afraid that it would only stir feelings he shouldn’t have. Even though he hadn’t gone to see the other, he still couldn’t stop himself from thinking of him.

Some time passed in this fashion. In the end, he couldn’t help himself. Although he could not be with Xie He, it should be okay to check up on him…right?

When Qi Qing went over, Xie He had been staring off into space as he quietly sat in the courtyard. His long, ink-coloured hair flowed down his back. He was dressed in a light blue brocade robe and his face was clean and beautiful…. He looked like an ordinary young master from an affluent family. It was just that there was no smile on his face and his eyes held a melancholic expression.

Qi Qing thought, if nothing had happened to Cui Shao, he would have lived his entire life in luxury and without worries. It wouldn’t have turned out like this, where even the other’s bright and neat exterior could not hide the mess inside.

Xie He sat there for a while. He seemed a bit bored. A moment later, he grabbed the walking stick leaning against the wall and slowly stood up. The servant girl next to him immediately went to support him but her help was declined.

Xie He slowly took a few steps before he suddenly turned his head. By chance, he caught sight of the distant Qi Qing. He paused.

Qi Qing had originally planned on leaving after catching a glimpse of Xie He. He had not thought that Xie He would discover him. Immediately, he became overcome with nervousness. He didn’t know what to say. He hesitated before turning around to leave. However, before he got very far, he heard Xie He call for him. “Qi daren.”

Xie He’s soft voice travelled through the distance between them, echoing in Qi Qing’s ears. No matter how he tried, his legs wouldn’t move. A long time later, Qi Qing slowly turned around and walked back. He arrived before Xie He, love hidden deeply in his eyes. He said, “Long time no see.”

Xie He smiled faintly. It had not been that long. He said, “Has Qi daren come to see His Highness?”

Qi Qing obviously knew that His Highness was not in but he couldn’t tell Xie He that he had in fact come to see him. Therefore, he nodded. “Yes.”

Xie He said, “His Highness hasn’t returned yet.”

Qi Qing fell silent for a moment, sadness flitting through his eyes. He said, “Then I shall leave for now.”

Xie He looked at him, gratitude appearing in his eyes. He had never forgotten the help Qi Qing had given him. Unfortunately, he had no way of repaying him. The only thing he could do was thank him with meaningless words. “Thank you.”

Xie He seemed to want to say something else but there were still servants around them. He was worried that he would cause a misunderstanding that would only trouble Qi Qing. Therefore, he didn’t say anything else in the end. He only watched the other leave.

After Qi Qing left the courtyard, he recalled Xie He’s look of wanting to say something but hesitating. That night, he spent the whole night tossing and turning. He couldn’t help but wonder what Xie He had wanted to say to him. From Xie He’s appearance, he could tell that the other was unhappy. His Highness was obviously treating him very well, so why wasn’t Xie He happy? It couldn’t be that His Highness had bullied him again?

Qi Qing had a heavy load on his mind. The next day, he snuck over to see Xie He when there was no one around.

Xie He had not expected for Qi Qing to come again. He was very surprised. He lowered his gaze and said in a quiet voice, “Qi daren, His Highness is not in….”

Qi Qing was nervous. His tone was stiff. “I-I came to see you.”

Xie He gazed into Qi Qing’s eyes that were full of emotion and recalled how the other had stood up for him. His eyes grew wet and he choked out, “Daren should not have come.”

He could not accept Qi Qing’s feelings and he could not break free of Xiao Yan’s control. Therefore, there was no reason for him to hold the other back.

Qi Qing felt his heart ache upon seeing Xie He cry. He whispered, “You’re unhappy.”

Xie He gently wiped at the corner of his eyes. He said, “Nu is not unhappy.”

Qi Qing didn’t believe him. He asked, “Does His Highness not treat you well?”

When he thought of this, he became enraged. Once again, dissatisfaction towards His Highness welled up in his chest. His Highness knew that Xie He was his saviour, but he still wasn’t willing to give him his freedom. He was upsetting and hurting Xie He.

Xie He’s eyes were full of sorrow. It wasn’t that His Highness wasn’t treating him well. It was just that he would rather His Highness not treat him like this and instead, grant him die a quick death. It was better than having to walk on eggshells like this.

Even though Xie He didn’t utter a word, Qi Qing could see the melancholy in Xie He’s eyes. He could only imagine the suffering and helplessness he felt. The sorrow that came from being restricted like this…. Just how did His Highness treat Xie He?!

Qi Qing felt the rage rush to his head. He suddenly said, “I’ll go ask His Highness to let you go!”

Xie He didn’t think Qi Qing would suddenly say such a thing. He got up at once to grab Qi Qing’s sleeve. Nervously, he said, “N-no need. I’m really fine. There is no need for you to go.”

Qi Qing was furious. How on earth did Xie He look fine?!

Xie He could not let Qi Qing go ask this of His Highness. This would only bring trouble onto Qi Qing’s head. He would not let go, his eyes turning red and his tone turning sorrowful, “Daren, Nu understands how you feel but you really don’t have to bother with Nu anymore….”

While the two of them were engaged in this kind of back-and-forth tugging scene, the door suddenly opened.

The movements outside had escaped Qi Qing’s notice because he had been overcome with anger and impulsiveness. At this moment, he turned to glance at the door and ended up seeing that Xiao Yan had unexpectedly come back earlier than scheduled.

Xie He had also noticed Xiao Yan. He froze and then abruptly let go of Qi Qing’s hand. He staggered back a few steps, his face deathly pale and his voice trembling. “Y-Your Highness….”

Xiao Yan was livid with rage, eyes ice-cold. He had come back early, looking forward to seeing Xie He. Who would have expected that he’d come home to the scene of Xie He and Qi Qing tugging at each like this. Xie He had originally been holding Qi Qing’s sleeve, eyes full of tears and distress. As soon as Xie He saw Xiao Yan, he had let go at once. It was like they had been caught in a secret love affair!

He had always been aware of Qi Qing’s feelings for Xie He. However, Qi Qing had always stayed within his bounds and had not done anything unusual as of late. He had never thought that the other would secretly come to see Xie He.

Xiao Yan’s chest was full of fury. As if one Song Heng wasn’t enough, even his subordinate wanted to steal his man from him! How could he tolerate this?! He scrunched his face up into a fierce expression and spoke in a frosty tone, “You’re still not going to leave?!”

If it were the past, Qi Qing would obediently leave the premises. Today, he had indeed overstepped his boundaries but…he had already decided that even if it meant disobeying Xiao Yan’s orders, he would never watch on helplessly as Xie He was hurt again. If His Highness could not make Xie He happy, then why couldn’t he let him go?!

Qi Qing didn’t move. He stood in place and looked up at Xiao Yan. “Your Highness, please allow Yuan Jin to leave the wangfu.”

Xiao Yan was furious. Qi Qing actually dared to disobey him. He couldn’t do anything about Song Heng, but it wasn’t like he couldn’t deal with his subordinate. In a cold voice, he said, “Are you questioning Benwang’s decision?”

Qi Qing knew how frightening Xiao Yan was when angry, but since he had decided to speak up today, he could not back down. He met Xiao Yan’s eyes, gaze unwavering, and grit his teeth. “Yuan Jin is not happy in the wangfu. Please let him leave.”

Xie He’s eyes glistened with tears as he watched this. Qi Qing actually dared to go against Xiao Yan for his sake. But he really couldn’t let Qi Qing continue speaking. He sobbed, “Daren, don’t say anymore. Nu is not unhappy. Nu is doing very well….”

Qi Qing’s words had poked Xiao Yan’s sore spot. How could he not know that Xie He was unhappy staying in the wangfu? How could he not know that Xie He loved someone else? If he could, he would let go…. He watched as Xie He looked at Qi Qing with concern, his face streaked with tears. The blood in his body turned ice-cold, a bone-chilling frost invading him.

Heh…he was the villain in their eyes. He had tramped over Xie He’s feelings…he had threatened, forced and plundered…. He was cruel and coldhearted….

Well then, he might as well play the part as the villain.

Xiao Yan’s gaze flickered from Xie He to Qi Qing. He had tolerated Qi Qing’s actions because of their years of camaraderie. As long as the other would not try to secretly covet Xie He, Xiao Yan would have let bygones be bygones. But right now, it was clear that Qi Qing did not understand Xiao Yan’s good intentions. He could not blame Xiao Yan for being ruthless then.

Xiao Yan spoke coldly. “You dare offend Benwang. Guards, drag Qi Qing out and give him fifty blows!”

Qi Qing’s expression did not change. He did not resist. He was dragged out into the courtyard and pressed onto the ground. The guards pressing him down all knew that Qi Qing was Xiao Yan’s most trusted aid, but they didn’t know why Xiao Yan was suddenly so enraged. They looked at Xiao Yan hesitatingly and did not immediately act.

Xiao Yan’s expression was ashen. He said, “Hit him.”

The guards shuddered and didn’t dare to hold back. They slammed the large wooden paddle onto Qi Qing!

A cold sweat broke out on Qi Qing’s forehead from the pain but he still had no intention of admitting his wrong. He said, “Yuan Jin does not want to stay in the wangfu.”

Xie He covered his mouth, tears still flowing down his cheeks. Fifty blows. Even if it were Qi Qing, he’d end up either dead or badly injured. This was Xie He’s fault. Qi Qing had saved him once and was currently even going against His Highness for Xie He’s sake. Meanwhile, Xie He only ever brought harm to him.

Xie He suddenly leapt over, covering Qi Qing’s body with his own. He shut his eyes tightly and waited for the paddle to fall.

But the guards were quick to react. They didn’t dare hit Xie He. They immediately stopped, their expressions growing awkward…. What was going on today? Did they accidentally witness His Highness being cheated on? Would they be silenced with death…? How scary….

Xie He struggled to kneel in front of Xiao Yan when he saw that the guards had stopped. Xiao Yan’s eyes were on Xie He the whole time. How could he let him kneel? He reached out to hold him. Actually, he was still furious, but he couldn’t bear to hurt Xie He. He only said with a straight face, “I told you before, you don’t have to kneel again.”

Xie He couldn’t kneel, so he looked up at Xiao with teary eyes. “Your Highness, please let Qi daren off. Nu deserves death. Nu should not have seduced Qi daren.”

Xiao Yan’s chest ached. “I know that you didn’t seduce him. It’s his fault. Therefore, he should be punished.”

Xie He kept shaking his head and sobbed. “It is not Daren’s fault, it is Nu’s fault. Your Highness, kill Nu. It is all Nu’s fault!”

He could not remain calm. He had enough of the false peacefulness. He didn’t want the people who cared about him to be implicated. He should just die. Why must Xiao Yan torture him so?

Xiao Yan watched as Xie He begged for death, disregarding his life for Qi Qing’s sake. Xie He’s mournful words were like knives, piercing his heart, making him hurt so much he wished he were dead. They also made him so angry he wished to destroy everything. But in the end, he managed to suppress the impulsive desire to do such a thing…. Qi Qing had always protected Xie He. When Xiao Yan had coldly disregarded whether Xie He lived or died, it had been Qi Qing who had risked his life to save Xie He time and time again…. With Xie He’s gentle and kindhearted nature, he would never forget this kindness. He would never be able to watch as Qi Qing suffered.

He understood this reasoning but understanding…and accepting it were two different matters.

Xiao Yan felt like the jealousy and pain were about to drive him insane.

Qi Qing hadn’t expected that Xie He would suddenly jump onto him and beg His Highness for death without any regard for his own life. His eyes turned bloodshot. Although Xie He…didn’t love him, Qi Qing felt that he could die without any regrets now that he knew Xie He was willing to do such a thing for him.

【Ding, Qi Qing’s Favourability Value +5. The current Favourability Value is 95.】

Although Xie He was held in Xiao Yan’s arms, the wide, warm chest could not warm his heart. He only felt the icy touch of fear. His voice shook, “Your Highness, kill Nu.”

Xiao Yan peered into Xie He’s eyes and could see that the other was sincerely asking for death. His chest hurt so much he couldn’t breath. He could only strike fear in Xie He’s heart…he would never be able to make him feel safe. No matter how long he stayed by his side, or how gently he loved him, this would never change.

Xie He could smile gently at anyone. It was only towards Xiao Yan that he would show fear and dread.

Xiao Yan shut his eyes, his voice regaining his calm. “Take Qi Qing away. Lock him up.”

Xie He’s eyes were wet with tears. “Your Highness….”

Xiao Yan carried Xie He to his room. A long while later, he slowly said, “From now on, don’t ask me to kill you again. I will not kill you.”

Xie He’s body shook and he quietly said, “Nu understands.”

Xiao Yan smiled to himself in self-deprecation. Now, he could only rely on using scare tactics to frighten Xie He into obedience. Xie He obviously didn’t believe him at all, but he still forced himself to smile and acquiesce….. Qi Qing had likely come asking Xiao Yan to let Xie He go because he had seen Xie He’s unhappiness.

But he couldn’t let go…. Xiao Yan raised Xie He’s chin and caressed the other’s soft lips with his thumb before kissing the other deeply. His eyes were sombre.

You are the only person I want. I want you to spend the rest of your life with me. How can I let you leave me…?

No one should dare to think about taking you from my side.

Xie He trembled, his eyes widening. He didn’t know what Xiao Yan was planning. His Highness had been so engulfed by rage that he had looked like he was planning on killing someone a moment ago. Now, he was kissing Xie He so gently and lovingly. He was really a temperamental being….

Xiao Yan had always had astonishing willpower. Even if the jealousy and anger had nearly submerged him, he could still act gentle while in front of Xie He.

With just a short moment to adjust himself, he had been able to control his expression and get back to normal. He had been impulsive just now and had frightened Xie He. Xiao Yan muttered to himself for a bit and then softly drew Xie He into his arms. “I’m sorry. I scared you just now.”

When Xie He heard Xiao Yan speak in this soft tone, he shook even harder. How should he react to these words? He had been the one who had been in the wrong for having had a private meeting with Qi Qing. Yet not only had His Highness not punished him, he was even apologizing?

Xiao Yan stroked Xiao Yan’s hair. “I know that you don’t like him. You only pleaded for leniency on his behalf because you feel grateful towards him for his help in the past…. I won’t do anything to him. I’ll only lock him up for a bit so that he remembers his place and puts away thoughts he shouldn’t have. I’ll let him out after a few days, so don’t worry.”

Xie He: “….”

Xiao Yan continued, “If you feel gloomy, wait until I have some free time. I’ll take you outside for a walk. And it’s not like you can’t see Qi Qing anymore. But you have to remember that you’re mine, and that you’re his master. Do not forget your places.”

Xie He weakly said, “How could Nu be Qi daren’s master…?”

A faint smile appeared on Xiao Yan’s face. “Everyone in the wangfu is your servant. You’ll get used to it.”

Xie He didn’t make a sound. He felt that this would be really difficult to get used to.

Xiao Yan could see that Xie He had finally calmed down. But he didn’t know if his comforting had really worked. He had already put down his dignity. Qi Qing had obviously done something out of line, but not only could he not punish Qi Qing, he also had to coax Xie He while worrying about Xie He’s concern for Qi Qing…. If it had been a concubine that acted like this, he would have thrown her into a river in a pig cage.He would never have swallowed down his anger like he had today.

Xiao Yan’s heart hurt but he knew, if it weren’t because he had been so coldhearted back then, Qi Qing would never have gotten to be Xie He’s saviour…

This was the consequence of his own actions.

………………………………

【Xie He：See, didn’t I say that XiaoXiao was a teachable child. Smile.JPG】

【444：……】

【Xie He：His comprehension abilities aren’t bad. He just needs a bit of reminding. But a lack of development won’t do. We should give him a bit of a push.】

【444：(⊙o⊙) I see. 】

【Xie He：Big strong men like this are typically a bit slow-witted. 🙂 】

【444：……】

Xiao Yan had managed to get Gong Min to defect to his side. Before the Crown Prince made his move, Gong Min gathered all the missing taels that had been embezzled away back then. He also got his hands on a vast amount of evidence. He directly submitted it to the Emperor. The Emperor had been furious and had confined the Crown Prince to his palace. He had then dispatched people to investigate the Crown Prince’s crimes. The Crown Prince’s position suddenly fell into imminent danger.

Xiao Yan was exhausted but he didn’t show it at home. He endured all the pressure on his own. Before, he had been determined not to lose because it would mean he’d meet his end. Now, he was even more determined not to lose because he had to protect his beloved….

If he were to lose, Xie He would likely die. Everyone that followed Xiao Yan would likely meet a bad end. He had to fight to his last breath.

Only when he had free time would Xiao Yan disguise himself and secretly go meet with Xie He.

After seeing each other a few more times, Xie He was no longer as afraid. He slowly opened up his heart and began to look forward to Xiao Yan’s arrival. The two of them had gotten much closer, like friends that could confide in each other. Being able to have Xie He’s trust and smile while in disguise was Xiao Yan’s only solace in life.

Today, Xiao Yan had once again snuck over to meet with Xie He. He also brought some snacks from outside.

Xie He was very happy to see him. Since the matter with Qi Qing last time, he had become even more cautious and prudent. The only time he could relax was when he was with Yan dage. He happily ate what the other gave him and beamed. “Yan dage, I’ve really troubled you.”

Xiao Yan gave him a gentle smile. “It’s no trouble. You saved my life. This is nothing. Even if you wanted me to marry you, it wouldn’t be asking for too much.”

Xie He laughed. This Yan dage was really funny. He would even talk about marriage. Moreover, to Xie He, the debt of saving the other’s life had long since been paid back.

Xiao Yan stared at him. “You don’t believe me?”

Xie He smiled charmingly. “I believe you. You treat me so well. Unfortunately, I can’t let you marry me. I belong to His Highness.”

Xiao Yan was silent for a while. He said, “Well, since it’s like this, I won’t try and steal someone else’s love away. I’ve watched you for a while now. It seems that His Highness really treats you well. He will not treat you unfairly if you stay with him.”

When Xie He heard this, the smile disappeared from his face. Recently, he’d gotten close to Yan dage and thus spoke more freely with him. He said, “His Highness will never like me.”

Xiao Yan’s eyes dimmed. He asked, “Why? What has he done wrong?”

Xie He shook his head. “I don’t know what His Highness is thinking but what I do know is that he will never like me. To His Highness, I’m nothing but a lowly courtesan that can be thrown away at any time. He is a noble descendant of the imperial family. How could he ever like someone like me?”

Xiao Yan wasn’t convinced and said, “But I think that he really likes you, ah.”

Xie He returned his gaze with an earnest one of his own. “So what? It’s only a momentary interest, that’s all. I have no name or title, my status is low…if I were to be killed or sold, no one would care…. His Highness is temperamental and difficult-to-read. Today, he may pamper me if he’s in a good mood. Tomorrow, if he happens to be in a bad mood, he may kill me…. I cannot rely on someone like that.”

Xiao Yan watched as Xie He said this in a calm tone. He remembered that he had done exactly as Xie He had said. Back then, he had thought of Xie He as nothing but a mere courtesan. He wouldn’t have even blinked if the other had died, had been thrown away or had been given to someone else. It had been Xiao Yan who had time and time again betrayed Xie He’s trust. He could not blame Xie He for not believing in him. Xiao Yan regretted it terribly but he had nothing to say in his defense. Slowly, he said, “I understand.”

Xie He laughed in spite of himself. “What does it matter whether you understand or not? Ai, let’s not talk about this anymore. I’m just trying to get by. At least I eat well and have nice clothes. There’s no need to think of tomorrow’s suffering.”

Xiao Yan’s heart ached as he said, “But you were originally meant to lead a good life….”

Xie He shook his head, sorrow and grief appearing in his eyes. “No, I was meant to shoulder this sin because my father committed a crime…”

Xiao Yan pursed his lips. In the end, he let out, “Perhaps he didn’t sin. Perhaps he had been framed.”

Xie He’s eyelashes trembled. A long time later, he quietly said, “Thank you for comforting me. Actually, I also wish that he hadn’t done it. I’ve always respected and admired him. I had never thought…he’d do such a thing and hurt so many people…. Unfortunately, it’s nothing but a wish. Everyone says that the evidence is irrefutable.”

As he said this, tears gathered in his eyes. “Do you know how upset I was…? Do you know how much I once trusted him…?”

He had revered his father so much but his father had disappointed him.

Xiao Yan couldn’t stop himself from wrapping his arms gently around Xie He’s shoulders. He could feel the youth’s trembling body. In a low voice, he said, “Don’t cry. I believe in him.”

I will definitely let everyone know that your father was innocent, that you’re innocent. None of this should have been yours to bear. The true offenders should have borne the consequences. They should be the ones to be punished.

Xiao Yan comforted Xie He for a while and then left.

…………………………

The wangfu was serene but storm clouds were gathering outside. Everyone was on edge. Evidence of the Crown Prince’s crimes was decisive: he had engaged in corrupt practices and bent the law; upright officials had been killed by him; he had secret ties with foreign powers, and so on. All sorts of unforgivable crimes were exposed one after another. It had been so shocking. The Emperor had nearly died of anger. He decreed that the Crown Prince would be deprived of his title of Crown Prince and would be imprisoned.

The Crown Prince had fallen and the other princes lacked the desire to compete for the throne. Many people now sided with Xiao Yan. The Emperor’s body was unwell these days and would likely not hold on for long. Xiao Yan was the most likely successor.

Although victory had been won, there were still many things to handle in the aftermath. Xiao Yan was as busy as ever.

Today, Xiao Yan came home very late. However, Xie He had yet to go to bed. He was still waiting for him.

After so much time had passed, although Xie He still feared Xiao Yan, he no longer showed it so obviously. Seeing that Xiao Yan had returned, he flashed him a lovable, gentle smile. When Xiao Yan saw this smile, his heart softened.

He had returned in the middle of the night and the only person he loved was waiting for him with a smile. It made his life feel satisfying.

If he didn’t have this, even if he were to become Emperor, he would only feel regret.

Xiao Yan walked over, pulling Xie He softly into his arms. He said, “I made you wait for a long time.”

Xie He opened his lips slightly, “Nu.…”

But he had only managed to utter this one word before Xiao Yan blocked his lips, kissing him deeply. Xie He was kissed until he was gasping for air. His face was flushed and he couldn’t say another word.

A long time later, Xiao Yan let go of him. He smiled and said, “Don’t refer to yourself as ‘Nu’ anymore, OK?”

Xie He looked at Xiao Yan distrustfully. He didn’t know why the other was suddenly saying such things. At this moment, he heard Xiao Yan say, “Ning er, be my princess-consort, OK?”

Xie He’s eyes widened. He looked at Xiao Yan in utter disbelief. His Highness must have gone insane to say such a thing.

Xiao Yan gazed at him with deep affection. He did not conceal the love in his eyes. He stressed each word. “Be my princess-consort. From now on, no one will belittle you or humiliate you. No one will dare call you lowly or base…. You don’t have to worry that I will sell you or kill you if unhappy from now on. Because you shall be my only wife. I will love you and respect you with everything I have.”

Xie He was flabbergasted and tongue-tied. “Your Highness, you….”

The corner of Xiao Yan’s lips raised into a smile, his eyes tender and loving. He said, “I know you don’t believe me but….”

He grabbed hold of Xie He’s hand and solemnly placed a jade pendant in his palm. He spoke in a low, slow voice, as if making a lifelong vow. “I told you before, you saved my life. Therefore, I am willing to pledge my life to you.”

【Ding, the target Xiao Yan’s Favourability Value +2. The current Favourability Value is 96.】

Xie He stared at the jade pendant. At first, he was mystified. Soon after, shock replaced his confusion. It was like the world had turned upside down. His lips trembled. “You…you are….”

Xiao Yan’s gaze was fixed on Xie He and he slowly nodded. “It’s me.”

The author has something to say:

Next chapter, Xiao Song will come out for a stroll, heihei~~

sere: ooooof its been revealed…. Anticlimatic if you ask me