Xiao Yingxun had been immersed in his own thoughts, isolated from the world around him, but Gu Lingwan’s provocative inner voice struck him like a bolt of lightning, pulling him back to reality.
He slowly lifted his eyelids and stared at Gu Lingwan’s lively, calculating phoenix eyes. After watching that pair of clear, contrasting eyes for several moments, he shifted his gaze and parted his lips slightly, his voice deep and steady. “I have lost.”
With that, Xiao Yingxun closed his eyes. There was no doubt; this performance was a display of genuine talent, so exceptional that words could hardly describe it. Furthermore, throughout the entire piece, Gu Lingwan had been focused and free of distraction, only emphasizing the authenticity of his ability.
Gu Lingwan had walked away from this birthday celebration having made a fortune; his mood could not have been better. As he lifted his robes to step off the stage and head toward Xiao Yingxun, Xiao Yanming rushed over like an eager fan. “Princess Consort, you are truly full of surprises! Northern Qi has someone with such a beautiful voice; if you are ranked second, no one would dare claim the first spot. I always thought you could not perform opera and had never learned it.”
The original owner had not, but Gu Lingwan had learned it since childhood. The Gu family was a famous family of opera performers with an excellent lineage. Since no one asked, Gu Lingwan could not be bothered to explain. After all, ever since he transmigrated into this body, he had already shattered the original owner’s persona beyond recognition. If anyone asked, he would just improvise on the spot. His ability to lie had become masterful in this world.
Gu Lingwan smiled modestly. “You all should stop praising me, or I am going to get conceited.”
“With strength like this, little Lingwan, you deserve to be conceited.” Xiao Rongbing walked over, eyeing Gu Lingwan with admiration. “Today, you have truly made me look at you with new eyes.” Recalling the version of Gu Lingwan who used to cry to him, he no longer felt any annoyance.
Xiao Mucheng approached and looked at Gu Lingwan, sighing with relief. “Fortunately, I did not bet with the Princess Consort. His talents were truly hidden away!” He was also glad that he had saved him back then; it would have been such a waste if someone so talented had died.
Xiao Zitang stood nearby, his eyes red and teary. He was caught between admiring Gu Lingwan’s brilliance and despairing over the astronomical debt he now owed.
Gu Lingwan, his performance concluded, went to collect his winnings. Naturally, he had to go to the Emperor for that hundred thousand taels of gold. The Emperor’s word was final, and he had the means to pay.
Gu Lingwan walked to Xiao Lanjie’s throne and bowed. “Your Majesty, are you satisfied with Lingwan’s performance?”
On Xiao Lanjie’s handsome face, a warm, gentle smile bloomed, as if it could melt anything. In stark contrast stood Xiao Yingxun, who shared the same facial features but looked like a cold, solemn iceberg, radiating an intimidating aura.
Xiao Lanjie said, “I have lived for twenty-six years, yet this birthday has brought me unprecedented joy. Every magnificent performance Lingwan brought today has satisfied me to the extreme.”
Gu Lingwan replied respectfully, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your high regard.”
Then, you big spendthrift, hurry up and give me the hundred thousand taels of gold.
Gu Lingwan’s gaze quickly flicked toward Xiao Yingxun. But looking at him, the vicious Xiao the Second’s temperament seems more suited to being the Emperor. He seems more concerned for the nation and its people, and from what I gather, his capabilities are higher than this muddle-headed monarch. So, was the late Emperor senile to pass the throne to the wrong brother? Or was the Emperor old and dim-sighted, confusing the two brothers?
Xiao Yingxun stood firmly in place, like an indestructible statue. His gaze was deep and focused as he listened to Gu Lingwan’s inner voice. His brows knitted slightly, and his usually calm face rippled with an indiscernible emotion, as if he were lost in deep thought.
On the throne, Xiao Lanjie caught the two glances Gu Lingwan had stolen at Xiao Yingxun. “After the banquet concludes, I will order the Minister of Revenue to withdraw one hundred thousand taels of gold from the treasury. However, it will take some time. Princess Consort, stay in the palace tonight; tomorrow, I will have someone send you and the gold back to the estate.”
If he kept him in the palace tonight, he could verify if this person was truly the Heir. If not, it would be interesting; and if he were the real Heir, it would be just as amusing, perhaps even more exciting. A treacherous smile flickered across Xiao Lanjie’s lips.
Gu Lingwan was focused entirely on that gold. He was impatient to get his hands on it, as that was the only way to feel secure. He opened his mouth to agree to stay the night, but someone spoke before he could. “Imperial Brother, the Princess Consort is unwell today and is not fit to stay in the palace.”
Unwell? Gu Lingwan turned to look at Xiao Yingxun, who had appeared beside him at some point. He lowered his voice and asked with a frown, “Your Highness, when was I ever unwell?”
Xiao Yingxun replied, “Has the Princess Consort not been complaining about leg pain?” He wrapped a long arm around Gu Lingwan and, in full view of everyone, pulled him into his arms.
Gu Lingwan wanted to struggle, but remembering their current status as a married couple, he knew he could not afford to be a laughingstock for the other royals. He gave up and nestled obediently in his arms. Xiao Yingxun’s voice rose again. “Imperial Brother, the Princess Consort’s leg ailment is severe. I will take him to the Imperial Hospital for treatment, and then we shall return to the estate to rest.”
Xiao Rongbing whispered, “Look, I told you! Sixth Brother cares for the Princess Consort; they are doing quite well.”
Xiao Mucheng added, “With someone this talented, who could treat him poorly?”
Xiao Yanming frowned. “In any case, it is different from before.”
Under these circumstances, even if Xiao Lanjie wanted to keep Gu Lingwan in the palace, he could not force it. With everyone watching, and the person in question being his own brother’s spouse, he suppressed his irritation at Xiao Yingxun’s interference. With a gentle expression, he offered his concern. “The Princess Consort’s health is the priority. Sixth Brother, hurry and take him to be treated.”
Xiao Yingxun carried Gu Lingwan toward the palace gates. As they passed Xiao Yanming, Gu Lingwan whispered, “Find me after the banquet ends.” He then raised his voice to remind the teary-eyed Xiao Zitang. “Seventeenth Prince, do not forget the nineteen million and nine hundred thousand taels of silver you owe me.”
He then waved goodbye to Xiao Mucheng, followed by Xiao Rongbing.
The man carrying him suddenly quickened his pace, exiting the Honghua Hall in what seemed like the blink of an eye. After walking for some time, Gu Lingwan said, “Your Highness, you can stop acting now. Put me down.”
Xiao Yingxun stopped and set his soft, weightless body on the ground.
Gu Lingwan lowered his head, gently smoothing the wrinkles in his brocade robe while asking the man, “Your Highness, why did you stop me from staying in the palace? And about that divorce paper, let us find a quiet place later, and you can write it.”