“If you approached me under false pretenses because of Jun Qingnian, this pill will destroy your appearance.”
Jun Rongpei trembled in fright. As a concubine-born daughter, she dared not dream of marrying into a wealthy household. But if her looks were ruined, even becoming the wife of a modest family would be impossible.
Jun Ning held the pill in her hand, gazing at Jun Rongpei’s pale little face without the slightest trace of pity.
The Jun Ning of her previous life was already dead. Now, even if everyone in Pingkang’s household were to perish, she would not bat an eye.
Jun Rongpei’s heart twisted with conflict. She knew that choosing the wrong side would mean eternal ruin.
Weighing the options, Jun Rongpei steeled herself, snatched the pill, and swallowed it dry.
Jun Ning’s eyes glimmered with a smile as she reached out to lift Jun Rongpei from the ground.
“Jun Rongpei, give this to Jun Qingnian. Make sure she wears it every day. Can you do that?”
Jun Ning drew a sachet from her waist. Jun Rongpei accepted it, and a faint fragrance drifted out. Instinctively, she felt this was no ordinary sachet. “Elder Sister, what is this?”
“It’s something that will make Jun Qingnian happier.” Jun Ning’s eyes sparkled with amusement, though she did not explain further. Jun Rongpei felt a chill crawl down her spine. She was somewhat relieved at the choice she had just made. If she had walked out of Yunfei Courtyard earlier, would this item have been used on her instead?
Jun Rongpei dared not think further.
…
Prince Xuan’s residence.
Under the brilliant sun, with golden light streaming down, the courtyard was filled with the songs of swallows and orioles. Seven successive courtyards stretched inward, with shadow walls and covered walkways. Yellow glazed tiles covered the rooftops, while the ground was paved with warm jade from Kunshan. Elegant pavilions stood beside flowing streams, every corner ornate and magnificent.
Xiao Moyuan sat in his study, carefully tracing the newly delivered books, recognizing each character by touch as his fingertips moved across the page.
“Your Highness, General Tao requests an audience outside.”
Xiao Moyuan’s fingers paused. He had no deep ties with General Tao—only a few brief meetings years ago when he had visited the army, exchanging a handful of words. Now, in his current state, General Tao’s sudden visit could not be for official business.
He had heard that General Tao was Jun Ning’s cousin. Surely, this visit must concern Jun Ning’s marriage.
Placing the book beneath the desk, Xiao Moyuan finally spoke: “Invite the General in.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Your servant greets Your Highness.” Tao Yanzhen cupped his fists respectfully, though his face showed little warmth.
Standing to the side, Cang Ying felt instinctively that this General Tao had come looking for trouble.
“General Tao, please sit.”
Tao Yanzhen flicked his robes aside and sat down without ceremony.
“Bring tea.”
“Your Highness, I appreciate the gesture, but I will decline. I came today with urgent matters to discuss with you, so I will not drink tea.”
With such an attitude, it was clear he had not come to discuss anything in earnest—he was here to provoke.
Cang Ying’s sword had already slid halfway from its sheath at his waist, waiting only for his lord’s command to drive this man out.
Xiao Moyuan rested both hands on the desk. Though he could not see Tao Yanzhen’s expression, he could sense displeasure in his tone. He could understand it—if his own sister were to marry a scarred, blind man, he too would be unwilling.
“I’ve heard General Tao has long lived in the army, known for being stern and impartial, strict in discipline. Yet you show particular care and affection for your cousin, the Second Miss Jun. I imagine you’ve come today for Jun Ning’s sake.”
Tao Yanzhen raised his brows, his gaze toward Xiao Moyuan shifting slightly. At first, he had thought Jun Ning’s chosen man was Wen Jing, the Assistant Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. But recalling her words that day, it was clear she had meant the Prince Xuan who had entered from outside the hall!
No wonder she had asked him if anyone would do, so long as it wasn’t Xiao Yunjie. She had already made up her mind.
“Since Your Highness already knows, I won’t beat around the bush. The imperial edict has not yet been issued. I ask Your Highness to petition the Emperor to rescind his command.”
“You siblings truly go too far!” Cang Ying seethed with anger, feeling stifled on his lord’s behalf.
One night, the sister barged into the prince’s residence demanding marriage. Now that the marriage was settled, the brother barged in demanding it be annulled. How dare they toy with the prince like this! Did they think the Prince’s household had no one to defend it!?
“Cang Ying, do not be rude. Step back.”
Cang Ying glanced at his lord, then reluctantly withdrew. In his current state, it seemed everyone wanted to trample the prince. Yet the prince never resisted, never grew angry. Watching this pained him deeply.
Tao Yanzhen knew he had little justification, but for the sake of his sister’s lifelong happiness, he was willing to throw away his pride. He could not stand by and watch her marry here.
He had seen Xiao Moyuan in the past—brilliant, unmatched in talent and grace. But fate had played cruelly. Now Xiao Moyuan was like a broken man. Judging from Xiao Yunjie’s demeanor that day, he would not let matters rest. If Jun Ning entered Prince Xuan’s household, Xiao Yunjie would surely act, and Tao Yanzhen could not protect her.
Tao Yanzhen rose, lifted his robes, bent his knees, and knelt on the ground.
“Your Highness, I know this matter is my fault. But it concerns my sister’s lifelong future. I beg Your Highness to grant mercy!”
Xiao Moyuan’s ears twitched, recognizing that Tao Yanzhen was kneeling before him. Clearly, he cared deeply for Jun Ning—otherwise he would not have come here today, nor spoken words that would anger anyone who heard them.
“General Tao, are you not afraid that I might kill you?”
“Your servant has already committed the offense of defying his superior. Whatever punishment Your Highness wishes to impose, I am willing to accept. But I have only this one younger sister—so I had no choice but to come.”
“…” Xiao Moyuan fell silent for a moment, his long fingers lightly tapping his forehead, an inexplicable pressure radiating from him.
Tao Yanzhen’s heart tightened. The world said Prince Xuan had lost his martial skills and was nothing but a cripple, yet as a military man, how could he fail to sense the aura of power emanating from Xiao Moyuan?
Could a man who had truly lost all martial ability project such force?
For the first time, Tao Yanzhen realized he had been too rash. He could not see through Xiao Moyuan, nor did he truly understand him.
“This prince and Jun Ning have already pledged marriage before His Majesty. Soon, I will go to the Earl household to present betrothal gifts. General Tao’s request—I cannot grant it.”
“…” The result was unexpected, yet also within reason. Tao Yanzhen hesitated, torn in his heart.
Xiao Moyuan rose, supported by Cang Ying, and approached Tao Yanzhen. He bent slightly, reaching out to lift Tao Yanzhen by the arm and help him up from the ground.
“General, I understand your feelings in wanting to protect your sister. The Second Miss Jun is intelligent, eloquent, and refined—not an ordinary woman. Though I no longer possess the brilliance of my past, I can still protect my princess.”
“What you fear, I know well.”
“Prince Jing is already part of her past. Once Jun Ning enters Prince Xuan’s household, she will be of Prince Xuan’s household. She will never be bullied by outsiders.”
Yet, looking at Xiao Moyuan’s current state, such words were difficult to believe.