Chapter 94 Soul-devouring Prohibitive Technique

ubine is merely a concubine of Father King; she's just a stepmother, how can she be considered my mother As far as I know, the hierarchy among officials' wives in court is quite strict." Cloud Qianyue...Chapter 94 Soul-Devouring Prohibited Technique

Although the old emperor nearly killed Ye Tiantian due to Fourth Prince and Zhao Kehan's matter that day, a month later, everyone seemed to have forgotten about it. Today, as before, Fourth Prince’s residence was still bustling with traffic and guests.

The sedan stopped in front of the Fourth Prince’s residence. Ye Tiantian dismounted from his horse, and according to ancient marriage customs, he began shooting at and kicking the sedan door. This is commonly known as a display of power upon arrival (xiemawei).

Cloud Qianyue finally got rid of all the gazes she had received on her way here. She dismounted from her horse too, thinking that there was nothing left for her to do today. She followed the guests intending to enter.

"Sister Moon, come help Haner!" Ye Tiantian stopped Cloud Qianyue in time.

"My good brother, you really treat me as your own sister" Cloud Qianyue turned around helplessly.

Ye Tiantian smiled at her, revealing a bright set of teeth. His blood-red brocade robe added to his charm. He said with a smile, "You are my beloved sister, come over quickly!"

Cloud Qianyue could do nothing but walk over helplessly. Today was someone else’s big day, and she had no choice but to assist.

She supported Zhao Kehan as they crossed the fire basin and walked on red silk all the way to the decorated bridal chamber.

In the bridal chamber, everyone had already taken their seats. The old emperor was ill in bed, and after drinking last night, he naturally couldn't attend the ceremony today. Unexpectedly, Empress Consort was present today. She sat alone on the dais with her servants surrounding her.

Cloud Qianyue looked at the empress consort and noticed that Auntie had lost a lot of weight in two months but still wore makeup to cover it up; her face wasn't too bad. Calculating the days, she was now eight months pregnant. Time passed so quickly.

The officiant announced that the auspicious hour had arrived. Cloud Qianyue let go of Zhao Kehan's hand and stood beside the officiant.

First bow to heaven!

Second bow to high hall!

Couple’s bow!

Entering the bridal chamber!

Everything went smoothly. The guests congratulated Prince Ye Tianyi one after another, and he led Zhao Kehan into the inner courtyard's rear palace.

Cloud Qianyue sighed in relief. She thought that she had completed her mission now; she could finally sit down to have a sip of wedding wine. Unfortunately, just as this thought arose, she heard Zhao Kehan who was being dragged by Ye Tianyi scream out in pain. Shocked, she turned around abruptly and saw Zhao Kehan clutching her stomach, bent over with the bridal veil slipping off her head, looking extremely pained. She paused for a moment and looked down; there was blood on the ground beneath her. Her face changed, and she hurriedly walked over.

The guests were stunned by this sudden turn of events.

"Haner!" Ye Tiantian's expression also changed drastically as he called out urgently.

Cloud Qianyue rushed to her side, took Zhao Kehan’s pulse, and began diagnosing her condition.

"Sister Moon, what is happening How could this happen..." Ye Tiantian asked anxiously, looking at Cloud Qianyue in a rare panic.

Cloud Qianyue felt Zhao Kehan’s pulse for a moment and pursed her lips tightly. Hearing Ye Tiantian ask, she looked up at him but didn't speak immediately.

"Sister Moon, what is going on Say something!" Ye Tiantian became even more anxious upon seeing Cloud Qianyue's unusual expression.

“She has miscarried!” Cloud Qianyue blurted out.

“What” Ye Tiantian was so shocked that he let go of Zhao Kehan and stared at Cloud Qianyue in disbelief.

Zhao Kehan, without support, nearly fell to the ground.

Cloud Qianyue immediately caught her and said to Ye Tiantian, "After examining her pulse, she did miscarry."

Ye Tiantian stared blankly at Zhao Kehan, seemingly stunned; his body was stiff as a board.

Zhao Kehan seemed shocked too. Her face twisted in pain and turned deathly pale.

"How... How can she have miscarried" After a moment of shock, Ye Tiantian supported Zhao Kehan again.

“We need to investigate further. For now, we don't know the reason yet. First, take her back to her room! Miscarriage is very dangerous; we need to find out the cause as soon as possible and give her medicine accordingly. Otherwise, the consequences will be unimaginable.” As Cloud Qianyue spoke, she glanced at the guests but saw neither Ye Tianyi nor Rong Jing or Yu Zishu there; only Ye Qingran and Rong Feng were present.

Hearing this, Ye Tiantian didn't care about Zhao Kehan's blood anymore. He quickly scooped her up in his arms and rushed towards the room in the rear palace.

Cloud Qianyue gestured to Rong Feng and Ye Qingran, who immediately got up and walked over to her. The three of them followed Ye Tiantian into the rear palace.

The wedding banquet encountering such an incident left everyone speechless for a moment.

The queen wanted to stand up and follow, but a nanny behind her pulled her back. She knew she shouldn't move too much and sat on the main seat without further action, watching as the three people left.

They arrived at the rear hall where Ye Tianyu placed Zhao Kehan in the bridal chamber. Yun Qianyue led the way inside, followed by Ye Qingran and Rong Feng who exchanged glances before entering.

"Moon Sister, please take her pulse again and see what's really going on How could she have conceived and miscarried today What did she eat" Ye Tianyu stood by the bed, his face paler even than Zhao Kehan's in pain.

Yun Qianyue nodded and carefully took Zhao Kehan's pulse again. After a moment, she let go of her hand and said to Ye Tianyu, "She didn't eat breakfast. Not only did she not eat, none of us at the Shallow Moon Pavilion ate anything either. Since she didn't eat, it must be something she came into contact with on her way out."

"What did she come into contact with" Ye Tianyu asked again.

Yun Qianyue didn't answer and gestured to Yun Qingran and Rong Feng, "Your medical skills are better than mine. Come take a look, what did she come into contact with"

Yun Qingran glanced at Ye Tianyu who made no move to stop him. He walked over and took Zhao Kehan's pulse. After a moment, he let go of her hand and shook his head at Ye Tianyu.

"Don't tell me you can't figure it out" Ye Tianyu's face was dark.

"I really can't," Yun Qingran shook his head.

"Rong Feng, come take a look!" Ye Tianyu looked at Rong Feng.

Rong Feng stepped forward and took Zhao Kehan's pulse. After a moment, he also shook his head at Ye Tianyu, "I can't figure it out either."

"This is odd! The three of you with such high medical skills can't figure it out Could it be some deadly poison in the world" Ye Tianyu didn't know whether to be shocked or angry; his voice was trembling with rage.

"Rong Feng, go find Rong Jing!" Yun Qianyue looked at Ye Tianyu and said to Rong Feng.

Rong Feng responded and stepped out of the room.

Yun Qingran glanced at Zhao Kehan who had been lying silently since he carried her back from the bridal hall, then also stepped out.

"Everyone out!" Ye Tianyu suddenly waved his hand. All the maids in the room fell silent and left.

Soon, only Ye Tianyu, Zhao Kehan lying on the bed, and Yun Qianyue remained in the room.

Yun Qianyue saw that Zhao Kehan had bitten her lip to bleed. In just these moments, the sheets she was lying on were already stained with blood. She took out a pill from her sleeve and held it near Zhao Kehan's mouth, saying softly, "First take this!"

Zhao Kehan struggled to open her mouth, swallowed the pill, then shut her eyes in pain.

"Moon Sister, you know what's going on, right Yun Qingran and Rong Feng also understand why they're not saying anything" Ye Tianyu stared at Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue shook her head, "I really don't know!"

"Not purple grass Not the same as Qin Yuning last time who was contaminated with purple grass" Ye Tianyu looked doubtfully at Yun Qianyue.

"No! The blood of those contaminated by purple grass turns purple, but hers is red," Yun Qianyue shook her head.

"Then what's going on here!" Ye Tianyu was frustrated and angry.

"I gave her a heart-protecting pill. I don't know the situation so I didn't dare prescribe anything for her treatment; wait for Rong Jing to come," Yun Qianyue comfortingly looked at Ye Tianyu, "Don't worry yet. How can Sister Zhao be in such pain and not make a sound What are you worried about"

Ye Tianyu looked at Zhao Kehan who gave him a weak smile, her voice faint, "Don't worry, with Moon Sister here... When Rong Shizì comes... He's the best doctor in the world... I'll be fine..."

"The baby... You... How did you get pregnant" Ye Tianyu stepped forward and held Zhao Kehan's hand.

Zhao Kehan shook her head, "I don't know either. These past few days my body has felt unwell, I thought it was because of the upcoming wedding making me nervous so I couldn't eat properly... but I didn't think... Tianyu... If I had known earlier maybe I would have been more careful and not come into contact with something dangerous. Sorry..."

"Don't apologize, you don't need to," Ye Tianyu looked at Zhao Kehan, regretful and self-reproaching. "I've only been busy with the wedding these days and didn't notice that your body was unwell, nor did I call in a doctor... "

"It's not your fault, you've given me everything," Zhao Kehan shook her head.

Ye Tianyu wanted to say more but Yun Qianyue interrupted him, "Now regretting it won't help! You'll have children in the future. Sister Zhao's health is most important."

"Right, your health comes first, Hani, you must get well and can't have anything happen! I only have you left now," Ye Tianyu buried his face in Zhao Kehan's palm.

Zhao Kehan gritted her teeth and nodded firmly, "I will be fine!"

Yun Qianyue didn't speak anymore. She turned away from them, thinking that the great joy of a wedding turning to sorrow was no exaggeration.

The room fell silent again, with only the faint and suppressed sounds of Zhao Kehan's pain filling it.

About two or three cups of tea later, footsteps were heard outside. Although the steps were extremely fast, they were also very graceful.

Yun Qianyue looked towards the door and saw Rong Jing walking in, followed by Rong Feng. They quickly entered the room. The moment Nite Tianyu heard them, he immediately stood up and looked at Rong Jing, urgently saying, "Prince Jing, come over here quickly! See what's wrong with her!"

Rong Jing nodded, walked slowly to Yun Qianhuan’s bedside, and tied a thin thread around her wrist from his sleeve.

Yun Qianyue also turned back to look at him.

Nite Tianyu stared intently at Rong Jing without blinking.

Rong Jing remained calm. After a while, he pulled the thread back and said to Nite Tianyu, who was staring at him, "It's a spell from the Southern Frontier!"

"What" Nite Tianyu’s face turned cold.

"Indeed, it is a spell from the Southern Frontier!" Rong Jing said calmly. "And specifically, it's the banned soul-devouring technique."

“How could this happen” Nite Tianyu's eyes were sharp and fierce.

“She’s been with me all along; how did she fall for this” Yun Qianyue also looked at Rong Jing. She had just taken the pulse of Zhao Qihan but couldn’t figure out anything, so she suspected it was a spell from the Southern Frontier. Night Qingran and Rong Feng thought similarly to her, so there were already hints in her mind. Now that Rong Jing arrived to confirm, if he said it’s soul-devouring technique, then it must be.

“The soul-devouring technique needs a soul guide to work. The fourth prince's concubine was affected by the soul guide three days ago. Someone activated the soul-devouring technique from the shadows today, causing her condition.” Rong Jing explained slowly.

“Three days ago” Nite Tianyu looked at Zhao Qihan and asked, "Hani, what did you do three days ago"

Zhao Qihan had beads of sweat rolling down her forehead as she painfully shook her head.

"Don't ask her now! Prince Jing, saving lives is the priority!" Yun Qianyue said to Rong Jing.

Rong Jing nodded and walked over to the table. He wrote a prescription on a piece of paper spread out there before turning back to Nite Tianyu and saying, "Fourth Prince, have someone prepare the medicine first! The fourth prince's concubine can't keep her child, but I can save her life."

Nite Tianyu nodded. He walked heavily over to the table, picked up the prescription, then shouted outside, "Come in!"

As soon as his shout fell, a close attendant came in. He handed the prescription to him, and he hurriedly left.

"Did you give her a heart-protecting pill just now" Rong Jing asked Yun Qianyue.

"Yes!" Yun Qianyue nodded. She had always kept some emergency medicine on her over the years; only during the time she lost her memory did she not have any, but after recovering her memories, she resumed this habit.

“Fortunately there was a heart-protecting pill! Otherwise, Ms Zhao might never be able to conceive again!” Rong Jing said.

Nite Tianyu’s face darkened. "Who would dare to use the banned technique from the Southern Frontier to harm someone And even attempt to kill Hani and her child"

"The person behind it wants not Ms Zhao, but her unborn child. There might be a spy in your household who hasn’t been discovered by you or Ms Zhao, yet they noticed she was pregnant. Hence this incident happened today." Yun Qianyue said.

“Only someone close to the body could have done such an act!” Rong Jing added.

"Servants come in! Summon everyone who has been serving me and Hani these days over here! I will question each of them one by one. Let's see which one had the gall to harm Hani." Nite Tianyu walked out with great strides, standing at the door and commanding those waiting on either side sternly.

The people outside responded in unison and went about calling everyone.

Yun Qianyue looked at Zhao Qihan. She saw her lying there, her face showing pain but with deep thought in her eyes as if she was recalling something. Yun Qianyue shifted her gaze to Rong Jing and asked, "Why didn’t you come to the wedding banquet today"

"The emperor was furious yesterday over Duke Xiang’s matter and hurt his heart and lungs. I have been in the palace with Prince Seven since morning." Rong Jing said gently.

“What about Zishu” Yun Qianyue asked again.

“He said he was exhausted from yesterday's horse racing, so didn’t come to the wedding banquet and went back to the Glory王府 instead!” Rong Jing replied.

Yun Qianyue nodded and did not ask further.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps approached outside. Soon after, they filled a courtyard.

Yun Qianyue walked to the window and looked out. She saw a crowd of people gathered there, with Nite Tianyu standing at the door with a stern expression on his face. Everyone was kneeling on the ground, many trembling in fear. Yun Qianyue glanced at them, feeling bored, then asked Zhao Qihan lying on the bed, "Ms Zhao, have you thought of anything"

Zhao Qihan gathered her thoughts and gritted her teeth as she shook her head.

"Think about when you first felt unwell. Who was around you at that time Maybe it’s a very ordinary thing but the more usual something seems, the less usual it actually is." Yun Qianyue prompted her.

Zhao Qihan thought again carefully for a moment and then suddenly said, "It's Ling'er!

"Ling'er" Yun Qianyue looked at her.

"It's Ling'er! It must be her. I only felt uncomfortable myself but didn't tell the others to avoid worrying Tianyu. Of course, I wouldn’t say it to anyone in the Fourth Prince’s residence either. Only she, my personal maid who has been following me all along, knows about this." Zhao Kehan said with a pale face.

Yun Qianyue nodded and opened the window, shouting outside, "Who is Ling'er"

No one in the courtyard answered her call.

Night Tianyu seemed to have heard Zhao Kehan’s earlier words because he asked sternly from outside, “Who is Ling'er”

Still no response came from anyone.

"Are you all mute" Night Tianyu shouted angrily.

"Your Highness, Ling'er hasn’t arrived…" Finally someone spoke up.

"Where Go find her!" Night Tianyu ordered angrily.

A few people immediately got up from the ground and walked out.

Night Tianyu turned around and returned to his room. He said to Zhao Kehan, “I told you when you came here not to keep this maid, but since she’s been with you since childhood and claims to be loyal to you and won’t betray you, it turns out that the mistake lies with her!”

Zhao Kehan pursed her lips without saying anything.

Seeing Zhao Kehan's expression, Night Tianyu didn't want to scold her. He walked to the bed and held her hand. "Everyone here has been carefully selected after countless tests before being allowed in. Since I was young, I've always guarded against my second brother’s persecution. Afterward, through guarding against each other, we became a united front. Now, we are together in defending others. Since you’ve married me, such incidents as today will not be rare in the future. You should have learned your lesson this time and shouldn’t be soft-hearted anymore from now on."

"Yes!" Zhao Kehan nodded with red-rimmed eyes.

Night Tianyu released her hand and shouted outside, “Why isn't the medicine ready yet Someone go check!”

“Yes!” One person immediately responded and left.

In no time, the person who had gone earlier with the prescription to make the medicine came in holding a bowl of medicinal soup. Night Tianyu glanced at it and instructed him, "Take this for Shizuo’s Lord to have a look!"

The person immediately took the bowl to Rong Jing.

Rong Jing looked at the medicinal soup in the bowl, slowly nodded his head, "Give it to the Fourth Prince's concubine."

The man handed the medicine bowl to Night Tianyu. He spooned out the medicinal soup one mouthful after another and fed Zhao Kehan while the room was filled with the scent of medicinal herbs and blood, making the once joyous bridal chamber now oppressively gloomy.

Yun Qianyue turned her head and looked out the window again. She saw a few people carrying someone dressed as a maid walking over. The maid didn’t make any sound, obviously already dead. She narrowed her eyes and concluded it was inevitable before turning back to look at Night Tianyu.

Night Tianyu raised his head and followed along the curtain by the door to see the scene outside, his expression immediately darkened.

"Ling'er is dead" Zhao Kehan also turned her gaze towards the door.

"First drink your medicine. After you finish drinking it, rest! You don’t need to worry about other things!" Night Tianyu averted his eyes and continued feeding Zhao Kehan her medicine.

Zhao Kehan nodded and opened her mouth obediently as she swallowed the medicinal soup one mouthful at a time.

When the bowl of medicine was empty, Night Tianyu stood up with the empty bowl in hand. He called two people from outside to help Zhao Kehan clean off the bloodstains and change clothes. Afterward, he glanced at Rong Jing and Yun Qianyue before stepping out of the room.

Rong Jing followed Night Tianyu’s footsteps out.

Yun Qianyue approached the bed and whispered to Zhao Kehan, "Older Sister Zhao, it's not that serious. You'll have more children in the future. Take care of your health."

"Yes, thank you younger sister!" Zhao Kehan nodded with red-rimmed eyes.

Yun Qianyue didn’t say anymore and turned around to leave the room.

In the courtyard, Ling'er lay on the ground. From her appearance, she had been dead for some time. Night Tianyu instructed someone to investigate those who had interacted with Ling'er in recent days, then went through all the people kneeling in the courtyard one by one before dismissing everyone. He glanced back at Rong Feng, who hadn’t left since calling Rong Jing inside, as well as Ye Qingran, who had come earlier and stood outside after leaving the room. Lastly, he looked at Rong Jing and Yun Qianyue.

"Given what has happened, let's cancel the banquet!" Yun Qianyue said.

"No, continue with it!" Night Tianyu shook his head. "Younger Sister Moon, go ahead and greet our guests for me."

Yun Qianyue looked at Night Tianyu; seeing the clear bloodshot eyes in him, she nodded. She realized today she had been thoroughly taken advantage of by him. Reaching out to pull Rong Jing along, she greeted Rong Feng and Ye Qingran as well. "Let's go, we need to greet our guests!"

Rong Jing didn’t object and followed Yun Qianyue’s pace.

Ye Qingran cast a glance at Ye Tianyu, patted his shoulder and followed the others without uttering a word.

Rong Feng came up to Ye Tianyu and said, "Fourth Prince, you should go into your room now and comfort your concubine."

Ye Tianyu glanced over at Rong Feng then nodded. After that, Rong Feng remained silent as he followed Yun Qianyue and the others.

The three of them left the courtyard and Ye Tianyu finally let go of his hand; it was covered with blood. In a moment, he closed his eyes before turning around to enter the room.

Right after they left Fourth Prince’s residence, they were stopped by Ye Tianqing who rushed over in panic. When he saw Yun Qianyue and the others, he asked in worry, "Sister Moon, what happened"

Yun Qianyue recalled that she hadn’t seen him earlier; it seemed like he was rushing here after receiving news. What could have been so urgent for him to miss Fourth Prince’s wedding banquet She collected her thoughts and said, "Urgent Sister Zhao fell victim to the Soul-Consuming Technique of Southern Wilderness. The child is gone but she survived!"

Ye Tianqing relaxed as he heard this news, "Thank goodness! Otherwise, it’ll be a huge blow for my brother."

Yun Qianyue fell silent; Zhao Kehan had indeed managed to survive, however, the blow on Ye Tianyu was considerable.

"Since you are all out now, I don’t have to enter anymore!" Ye Tianqing said as he glanced back at Rong Jing, Rong Feng and Ye Qingran.

“He told me to continue with the banquet and ordered me to entertain guests. Now that you’re here, it’s perfect! I’ll leave this place in your hands.” Yun Qianyue didn’t hesitate as she dumped everything on Ye Tianqing.

Ye Tianqing took a look at her and saw that she looked slightly exhausted; he remembered that she had spent the whole day looking after Zhao Kehan yesterday and accompanying them to their wedding today. He agreed without hesitation, "Okay!"

“Then I’ll head back!” Yun Qianyue said as she turned around and asked Rong Jing, “Will you stay here for dinner or will you return with me”

"I’ll go with you," replied Rong Jing.

Yun Qianyue didn’t say anything further; instead, she grabbed onto Rong Jing’s hand and walked off.

"Little girl!" Ye Qingran suddenly stopped Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue paused as she turned to look at him.

Ye Qingran seemed like he was going to say something, but then changed his mind and waved her off instead. "Everything is fine."

Seeing that Ye Qingran didn’t intend to speak further, Yun Qianyue did not press on either; she turned around and continued walking ahead.

As they passed the main hall, they found out that Empress Dowager had left since her seat was empty. Yun Qianyue suddenly felt too lazy to walk any longer; she leaned onto Rong Jing’s body and said, "Carry me back."

Rong Jing held her in his arms; he jumped with a light step and they disappeared from the Fourth Prince’s residence.

The cold autumn wind blew past them. Yun Qianyue was wearing thin clothes that could not withstand such chilly weather; she shivered slightly as Rong Jing tightened his embrace, wrapping her up with his wide sleeves. He murmured softly, "You should wear more clothes."

"Mm." Yun Qianyue gave a feeble response.

"Do you feel unwell" Rong Jing asked in concern.

“Mm.” Yun Qianyue responded again.

Rong Jing looked at her; the long eyelashes cast a shadow on her face. He said gently, "It’s normal for this to happen today. Since Ye Tianqing couldn’t leave any successors behind, wouldn’t it be the same case with Ye Tianyu"

Yun Qianyue remained silent.

"This is what being part of the imperial family means; until a new master is appointed, there’ll never be peace. Perhaps even after he’s appointed, this kingdom might not be at peace either," Rong Jing said with no discernible emotion in his voice.

Yun Qianyue looked up and said suddenly, "Ye Tianyu and Ye Tianqing are bound to rebel now."

Rong Jing’s eyes flashed but he did not reply.

Yun Qianyue didn’t speak further as she closed her eyes and added, “This autumn has truly deepened; the weather is very cold! What you said is right. I should really be wearing more clothes.”

The two of them returned to Cloud Manor while chatting.

Rong Jing leaped onto Yun Qianyue’s boudoir and carried her in.

“Young Master Rong, what happened to Miss” Ling Lian and Yi Xue asked with shock upon seeing that Yun Qianyue was back without opening her eyes. They thought something must have occurred so they hurriedly inquired.

"Nothing serious; she’s just feeling unwell at the moment! You two don’t need to worry," Rong Jing said after casting a look at them.

The two of them relaxed as they heard this and stopped asking questions.

Back in Yun Qianyue’s room, Rong Jing placed her on the bed; he sat by the side watching over her without speaking.

Yun Qianyue kept her eyes closed for a moment before opening them. She then said to Rong Jing, "The old emperor is forcing these two princes into rebellion. Do you think they’ll die

Rong Jing stared at Yun Qianyue, asking, "Do you want them to die or not"

"Is that up to me" Yun Qianyue raised an eyebrow.

"In certain situations, it does depend on you!" Rong Jing nodded.

Yun Qianyue fell silent again. As he watched her for a moment, she said softly, "I grew up with them from childhood. If possible, I don't want them to die. But if they defy me, I believe that I won’t help them."

Rong Jing lifted his eyebrows and asked, "Why"

Yun Qianyue looked deeply at Rong Jing before lowering her eyelashes and saying, “Because you don't want me to help them.”

Rong Jing laughed softly as he pointed a finger at Yun Qianyue's nose. "Yun Qianyue, your heart is always so transparent! How can I not love you"

"You love me because my heart is transparent" Yun Qianyue looked sideways at Rong Jing.

Rong Jing shook his head with a smile and leaned down to press his lips against Yun Qianyue's, kissing her gently. Yun Qianyue parted her red lips to meet him, and their lips exuded an intoxicating fragrance.

That day, the fourth prince’s mansion turned from joyous celebration into deep sorrow; however, the guests did not disperse, and the wedding ceremony continued as planned.

That day, Fourth Prince Consort Zhao Kehan quickly transformed from a newlywed to a noblewoman in a convalescent ward.

That day, the old emperor issued an edict, sealing off Wuhu Sifang gambling house and forbidding it from reopening. All members of Wuhu Sifang were exiled to harsh northern military service stations, never to return to Jing City again.

That day, Phoenix Pass received news that Princess Luo Yao of the East Sea had appeared in Phoenix Pass, accompanying Prince Rui for its renovation and repairs.

...

Many things happened on this day, but what was truly shocking was still the magnificent wedding ceremony at Fourth Prince’s Mansion, as well as the tragic news of Zhao Kehan losing her unborn child due to a forbidden technique from Southern Borderlands.

The next day, the sky was clear and sunny.

Yun Qianyue received Xi Yan Yue's letter early in the morning. The letter contained no urgent matters but just mentioned his current situation in Western Yan, asked about her well-being, and expressed his longing for her. Every word was warm and filled with affection, which alleviated some of Yun Qianyue’s gloomy mood from Zhao Kehan losing her child.

As soon as she finished reading the letter, Ling Lian came to report that Leng Shaozhuo had arrived. Yun Qianyue held the letter and looked out the window; indeed, there was Leng Shaozhuo walking in. His mood had changed from a few days ago when he was gloomy due to Third Young Master Xi Yan Yue's situation. Now, he appeared more composed and reserved. The old emperor’s order to close Wuhu Sifang was a significant loss for the Filial Piety Prince’s Mansion. She silently guessed why Leng Shaozhuo came to see her.

Soon after, the curtains were lifted as Leng Shaozhuo entered the room from outside.

Yun Qianyue turned around and smiled at him, asking, "Did you come find me before eating breakfast"

"I thought about having breakfast with you and wondered if you would give me a meal," Leng Shaozhuo said with a smile.

“Ling Lian, bring the morning meal here! Two sets of bowls and chopsticks!” Yun Qianyue called out to her maid outside.

"Yes, miss!" Ling Lian responded from outside.

Yun Qianyue smiled at Leng Shaozhuo as she sat down at the table. She asked him with a smile, “Is this okay”

"Sure! That’s perfect," Leng Shaozhuo said without being picky and sat down. Seeing the letter in Yun Qianyue's hands, he focused his gaze and seemed to contemplate something.

"This is a letter from Xi Yan Yue. Do you want to read it" Yun Qianyue offered him the letter.

Leng Shaozhuo looked at the letter being handed over; then he gazed with surprise at Yun Qianyue, asking, “Can I look”

"Why not If you want to read it, just do so!" Yun Qianyue tossed him the letter.

Leng Shaozhuo hesitated for a moment and opened the letter. He lowered his head and read through it before smiling and folding the letter back up, returning it to Yun Qianyue. “I know he’s doing well now; I’m relieved. Although he isn’t my real brother, I’ve always treated him like one, and will continue to do so!”

Yun Qianyue looked at him in approval.

Ling Lian brought the food over as Leng Shaozhuo and Yun Qianyue simultaneously picked up their chopsticks. They chatted aimlessly while eating. After finishing, Yun Qianyue asked Leng Shaozhuo, “Well What are you here for Do you want to take back your father’s gambling den”

Leng Shaozhuo shook his head and said with a smile, "I just wanted to have breakfast with you. Would you believe that"

Yun Qianyue rolled her eyes.

Leng Shaozhuo looked at the fluttering eyelids of Yun Qianyue before lowering his voice and saying after a moment, “I’m here to tell you that I saw Qin Yuning yesterday.”

－－－－－－Extra－－－－－－Jing in her room Recalling Ye Tianyi, she let out a sigh."Miss, earlier on, the head steward came to inform you that Miss Yun Xianghe is clamoring to go to Marshal Feng’s residence and seek your permi...