Translated by Eve
Edited by Wuxian
Carrying the scent of wine on his body, Sui Yuan, who was satisfied after eating and drinking his fill, carried away a big heap of good things. Next, he went directly to the palace to flaunt his own glorious achievement to his familyâs sweetheart. Meanwhile, Xie Ling who was left behind supported his tall, drunk, close friend, Zhang Zhenye. As he watched Sui Yuan mount his steed and stared at his quickly disappearing figure, he felt especially terrible.
Xie Ling was not a stingy fellow. Although it mentally pained him to promise those benefits earlier on, he did not truly take it to heart. It was just that the information he had paid such a big price for seemed rather unreliable no matter how you looked at it, ah?!
To Xie Ling, a person who could make Situ Yu, this illustrious individual, have them constantly on his mind, even if they were not as dazzling as Young Master Xuâpah! Even if they arenât a beauty unmatched within her generation, who was so beautiful she could cause the downfall of a city or state, it would at least be a noble woman belonging to a renowned family. However, âthe Shu daughter of the Grand Secretary of the Cabinetâ...what kind of joke was this?!
Not to mention, Xie Ling has never even heard of this Shu daughter named Lin Xiao before. Was this one really worth being constantly thought about by the Fourth Prince, and was he really unable to get her despite wanting her? He, the Fourth Prince, whose Cefei were all women with connections to people of high social classes?
ââNo matter how he thought about it, it just didnât seem possible, OK?! To get a Shu daughter, one only needed to say a single sentence and the matter would be resolved. There is no need to hesitate at all, OK?!
Xie Ling felt that he had been cheated. However, Xu Tu was so certain when he said this, saying that he had personally seen the Fourth Prince fall in love at first sight with this woman. His description of the scene where he had âstared unblinkinglyâ at her was very vivid and realistic, leaving Xie Ling no choice but consider it thoroughly.
...Even if it was for the sake of the good things he had paid with, he absolutely cannot take this information lightly, OK?! Even if he wanted to act like a prodigal son and squander away his familyâs wealth, he wouldnât do it like this!
Xie Lingâs head hurt so much he wanted to die. He had originally thought that Xu Tu and Zhang Zhenye were about the same. Even if they were considered smart and were cautious, they would not supercede his control. Who would have thought that the first time they met, the other would cause him to face such a difficult problem and cheat him out of many good things. Xie Ling couldnât help but wonder if he had looked down upon Xu Tu in the past.
ââOr rather, perhaps fortune favours the fools? Was it because Xie Ling had overthought matters that he was made a fool out of the otherâs feeble-minded remarks?
In short, regardless of how Xie Ling was cursing in silence, after he had escorted Zhang Zhenye back home, he immediately began to tirelessly collect information relevant to this âLin Xiaoâ. Furthermore, he tried to sound out Situ Yuâs thoughts about Lin Xiao.
Sui Yuan was certain that Situ Yu had some kind of opinion about Lin Xiao. Although he didnât know why he hadnât made a move at the Flower Appreciation Banquet, Sui Yuan was not at all worried as the men of this era were without morals and would not turn a blind eye to a âdelicacyâ that was set before them. Sui Yuan reckoned that perhaps it was because of the ill-timing of his arrival. At the Flower Appreciation Banquet, the protagonist gong had yet to inquire about Lin Xiaoâs identity before he was angered by Sui Yuan before subsequently fleeing. Furthermore, because he was an upright nobleman, he could not make inquiries about an unmarried woman. Therefore, he settled the matter by leaving it unsettled.
Now, Sui Yuan had directly delivered information about Lin Xiao to Situ Yuâs hands via Xie Ling. Naturally, Situ Yu would accept this information with a cheerful smile and make his move. Then, everyone would be happy.
Although Sui Yuan was mistaken about some main points, his guess, however, was still quite accurate. The protagonist gong, indeed, did not have the time to inquire about Lin Xiao because of Sui Yuan. Likewise, because of Sui Yuanâs interruption, although Situ Yu had recalled that glimpse of Lin Xiaoâs beauty before, what remained of his feelings towards this event was not goodwill but the shame of having been caught in the act.
Whenever he thought of Lin Xiao, the very first thing that appeared in his mind was Xu Tuâs side profile, donning a smile that was not quite a smile as he sneered at him. Not only did this make Situ Yu anxious but also made his goodwill towards Lin Xiao gradually weakened. In addition, as he hadnât had the chance to inquire about the beautyâs identity, he would not inquire about the inner residence of other people. Thus, he was not strongly attached to Lin Xiao nor did he make any superfluous actions.
This dragged on until he âunexpectedlyâ saw Lin Xiaoâs portrait in Xie Lingâs hands.
The protagonist shou and gong had an innate gravitational force between them. Even if Sui Yuan were a thick bar that stood between them, Situ Yu was still able to recognize the person within the portrait.
When he heard Situ Yu ask in surprise who the person in the portrait was, Xie Lingâs heart went âbadumpâ. He had only inquired about Lin Xiao because he didnât want the price he paid go to waste. He never thought that Xu Tu unexpectedly hadnât played him!
Xie Lingâs feelings were very complicated at this moment. He really did not know if he should rejoice that the price he paid was worthwhile, and that Xu Tu hadnât been scheming, or if he ought to be worried about his masterâs worrisome taste.
As a young master stemming from a large, influential family, Xie Ling was handsome, confident, at ease, an outstanding literary talent, cultured and gentle, and was always the perfect husband in the hearts of women. Therefore, he, who has seen all kinds of beautiful women, had a high standard. To be honest, Xie Ling did not think that Lin Xiaoâs appearance was all that worthy of applause. His personality was also mediocre. He basically did not deserve being the one constantly on Situ Yuâs mind. However, truly, it had happened already! It was just a quick glance but Situ Yu recognized this woman. If you were to say that he didnât think about her every day, even Xie Ling would not believe it at all!
#My masterâs sense of aesthetics urgently needs to be rescued, what to do?! Iâm waiting online, hurry!#
"This woman is the daughter of the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, Lin Xiao," although he was extremely conflicted inside, Xie Ling still told the truth while observing Situ Yuâs expression.
Situ Yu felt that this was rather sudden. Soon after, he quickly came back to himself and looked at Lin Xiao with furrowed eyes, "Why do you have her portrait? Could it be...that you want to marry her?"
"Of course not!" Xie Ling denied flatly at once. He did not fancy Lin Xiao, and that Lin Xiao did not suit a person of his status. Even if it wasnât like this, he would not dare fight over a woman with his master, ah! To want to NTR your boss, it was simply courting death!
Unable to find an appropriate excuse, Xie Lingâs eyes slightly rolled, and he decided to âsacrifice his brothers for the sake of his interestsâ, "You should know that Zhang Xiong and I have recently come into contact with Young Master Xu Tu, right?"
As soon as he heard Xu Tuâs name, Situ Yuâs heart subconsciously skipped a beat and he muttered an âenâ, unflustered.
ââHe knew, of course he knew! Because of this, he hadnât slept for many nights, ne! When he heard that the three of them drank, ate, chatted and hugged (?), Situ Yu felt envious and hateful. He was worried that his close subordinates would be hooked away too, so he was very tormented inside. However, he was in no position to prevent this.
"It is from Xu Tu that we found out about this woman. Xu Tu obviously minds this person quite a bit. I was rather curious so I did a little investigation," Xie Ling frowned slightly, face earnest and frank. However, this worried Situ Yu half to death, "Could it be possible that Fourth Prince also knows this woman?"
Xi Tu and Lin Xiao? âThe old loverâ and the ânew flameâ? How did the two of them develop a relationship?! Situ Yu was so exhausted he could love no more! Peopleâs brain circuits that were all muddled from love were all rather weird, let alone people who wanted someone but could not attain them. The holes in their brains would horrify people to death in an instant! Situ Yu instantly imagined a love/hate relationship between Xu Tu and Lin Xiao. Before the label of ânew flameâ could be successfully ripped off of Lin Xiao, a ârival in loveâ tag was directly placed onto him. He was completely attacked for no reason.
Situ Yu knew that Xu Tuâs and Lin Xiaoâs paths practically never crossed. Even if he didnât meet with Xu Tu, he had always paid attention to the otherâs every movement. He had never heard of him having secret relations with any woman. However, this did not stop a feeling of crisis from welling within Situ Yu. He wanted to immediately break the two people up before anything truly happened.
Xu Tu was always carefree when it comes to his lovelife. Although he restrained himself after being reprimanded by the Emperor, if he really took a fancy to someone, he would quickly bring that person to his rear court! It wasnât like Xu Tu had never forcefully taken a commoner girl before. Moreover, this Shu daughter of the Grand Secretary did not have a high position, nor was she favoured. As long as Xu Tu opened his mouth, she would most likely be packed up and sent to that little overlord in the name of fulfilling her filial duty, ah!
Break them up! He definitely had to break them up! Strike first to gain the upper hand!
Situ Yu could not do anything to Xu Tu but it was easy to take in the Shu daughter of the Grand Secretary. Besides, his heart was moved by her before. Since he was very unlikely to get Xu Tu in this lifetime, he might as well settle for the next best thing and choose this woman. This was the most correct way, ba? It was much better than being unable to have either of them! Rather than sigh while thinking of things that could not be, wasnât it better to properly cherish the person in front of him? After a long time, he should be able to gradually forget those abnormal, throbbing feelings he holds towards Xu Tu, ne?
Xie Ling watched as his masterâs expression changed erratically and his mood also undulated with it. He still held a very good opinion of Xu Tu and was afraid that after he used Xu Tu as a shield, Situ Yu would get angry that he had ideas about the person he liked and would try to teach Xu Tu a lesson. If things evolved in that direction, it would be inevitable for him to carry this burden and would need to notify Xu Tu of this matter...
While Xie Ling was worried about that candid and lively fellow and was brainstorming for his sake, he suddenly saw the expression in Situ Yuâs eyes when the other lifted his head. His gentle and differential expression nearly collapsed right there.
Fortunately, Situ Yuâs mind was also a complete mess. He did not notice Xie Lingâs momentary loss of self-control, "Xie Ling, do you think it would be feasible for me to go to the Grand Secretaryâs family to ask for marriage?"
Xie Lingï¼"........................"
ââXu Tu, I wonât curse you for cheating me again. The one whoâs doing the most cheating is obviously my familyâs master, ah!
Xie Ling silently re-arranged the expression on his face and smiled, "In all likelihood, Lin daren will be very willing to accept this marriage."
Situ Yu steeled his heart a bit and slowly nodded, "Since itâs like this...then weâll do it like that, ba...."
The Fourth Prince Situ Yu proposed to make the Grand Secretary of the Cabinetâs Shu daughter his Cefei! Once this news spread around, the entire Capital was in an uproar.
What was the status of the Fourth Prince? What about the status of the Grand Secretaryâs Shu daughter? This was simply a case of flying onto the branch and turning into a phoenix, ah! Not to mention, this Shu daughter was invisible in the Capital. First of all, her appearance was nothing special. Secondly, she had no talent nor education. What about her made her worthy of the Fourth Princeâs favour?! The first reaction of everyone who heard this piece of news was âthis is impossibleâ. Then after inspecting and verifying this piece of news, their reaction became âWTF?!â
Grand Secretary Lin, who was personally visited by the Fourth Prince, was dumbstruck. He had never thought that the Shu daughter he had never put in his eyes would unexpectedly have such good luck! Refuse? Of course not! If it wasnât for the Fourth Prince proposing to have a ceremony to induct her into his residence as his Cefei, Grand Secretary Lin would impatiently carry Lin Xiao out of his residenceâs side door and into that of the Princeâs that very day!
The Fourth Prince was always low-profile, as if he held no interest in the Emperorâs position. He was a very secure choice for marriage. Even if they were drawn into the battle for succession in the end, she was but a single Shu daughter. The Lin Family was very willing to part with her!
The Fourth Prince and Grand Secretary Lin hit it off. The most troublesome part, however, was the palace. Cefei were not like an ordinary concubine. They required the approval of the palaceâs Empress and Emperor. The Fourth Princeâs Mufei did not like having this kind of low-ranking woman, who would be of no help to her son whatsoever, occupy one of the few Cefei spots. However, before she was able to speak out to prevent it from happening, the Emperor, who was usually completely indifferent towards the Fourth Prince, suddenly stuck his foot in this affair. After hearing the news of this matter, he directly approved this marriage, his work especially efficient and direct.
The Fourth Princeâs Mufeiï¼"........................"
The Fourth Princeï¼"........................"
Xie Lingï¼"........................"
ââYi, why does it feel like something isnât right? Is it my misconception?
Although everyone felt that the course of events was a bit strange, the Emperorâs words were law and there was no way to change things. The Fourth Princeâs Mufei silently choked down a mouthful of blood and took the initiative to help the Fourth Prince prepare, making arrangements to accept the new Cefei. Recently, the Emperorâs thoughts were increasingly unfathomable. The concubines in the royal harem, whether their position were high or low, were all calm. Not to mention whether or not the Emperor was willing to enter the harem, they would already thank the heavens if their wrongdoings werenât exposed, which would have gotten them punished.
The Emperor allowed the Fourth Prince to have a woman whose status wasnât good enough as his Cefei! Then so be it! And she would be brought in with a happy and solemn manner!
The protagonist shouï¼"........................"
ââWho did I provoke?! Who is the Fourth Prince? Iâve never seen him before, ah! There was not even a single sign and now I suddenly have to marry him. Save me. QAQ
Things proceeded so smoothly, making the Fourth Prince feel both relieved and depressed. He had thought that Xu Tu held intentions towards Lin Xiao and he would definitely try to ask Emperor Father to not allow this marriage. Furthermore, based on how Emperor Fatherâs doting attitude in which he practically granted anything Xu Tu asked for, so long as Xu Tu spoke, Lin Xiao would not be his. In an instant, she would be granted to Xu Tuâs residence.
However, although Situ Yu had thought of many responses, he had never thought that he wouldnât be able to use a single one of them. Emperor Father did not try to stop him. He seemed to be unexpectedly itching to bring him and Lin Xiao together? Emperor Father dealt with a host of problems everyday. He had never bothered with such a trivial matter. Furthermore, Situ Yu was not favoured. Lin Xiao was also unworthy of Emperor Fatherâs interest...something must be amiss. Something must be wrong. Just what is he missing, ne?
Situ Yu completely did not have any of the joy that would come from being able to take soon as his wife the beauty that was constantly on his mind. On the contrary, he tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep for a long time. He carefully combed through the details that he had neglected before, recalling each and every action of Xu Tu and Emperor Father. Suddenly, thunder from a clear sky sounded within his brain.
Situ Yu suddenly sat up straight, his whole body breaking out in a cold sweat, face pale.
He finally clearly grasped onto the possibility that was in line with all the hintsâthe possibility that he had faintly perceived before but did not dare closely examine because of his fear and disbelief, and thus it ended up being tossedinto the back of his mind.
Why did his Emperor Father, who had used to praise Xu Tu only to put him at a disadvantage, suddenly treat him with sincere doting affection? Why did Emperor Father seem to get increasingly intimate to Xu Tu, order him to enter the palace to accompany him, and even have him stay the night frequently? Why was it that every time he saw Emperor Father and Xu Tu together, the atmosphere between the two people seemed intimate, far more so than what should be between father and son? Why was it that after Emperor ather reprimanded Xu Tuâs wives, Xu Tu did not only change his frivolous temper but even changed his frequency of entering his own inner residence? Why was it that when Xu Tu paid attention to Lin Xiao, Emperor Father very quickly bestowed Situ Yu a marriage with Lin Xiao? Was he afraid that the situation could change even if his words were law? Why was it that when he saw Xu Tu and Emperor Father together, he always felt a sense of crisis and always felt that the other had stolen away something that belonged to him?
"This....cannot be..." Situ Yu raised a hand, covering his forehead. His voice was trembling as he denied the possibility but his heart was more and more certain of his conjecture.
ââEmperor Father and Xu Tu were having a love affair, the kind between men and women. There was no doubt about this.
Situ Yu laughed bitterly. However, no matter how shocked he was, how panicked he was, he would let this secret rot in his stomach and never tell a soul.
In any case, he was destined to be unable to have Xu Tu. Right now, it was just that he knew that Xu Tu belonged to someone who was an existence he could only wish to be but could never be. It was not very different from how it was before....
ââNot very different my, ass, ah! Itâs simply scary to death and abusive to death, OK?!
Provided that the person in his heart peacefully stayed on his branch and belonged to no oneâremained available to everyone to love and adoreâeven if he was unreconciled, he could patiently bear with it until the day he is able to climb the tree and pick him off of the branch.
Right now, he could only watch on helplessly as the one he likes is picked up by someone else, played with in the hands of someone else, and affectionately looked after by someone else. Meanwhile, Situ Yu would never be able to reach him or touch him. This kind of setback and jealousy was unbearable, no matter who it was, let alone a Prince who had always thought highly of himself.
However, he had to endure. He could only endure. He could not expose even the smallest indication of his feelings. It was cruel, as if he was placed in a scorching, raging inferno but was not allowed to cry out in pain.
Situ Yu clenched his fists and shut his eyes, taking in a deep breath. When his eyes reopened, his gaze had already become calm.
The decision within his heart to ascend and stand at the top became increasingly resolute.
ââOnly when he truly sat on that seat would he be able to attain all that he wished for, just like how Emperor Father was able to take that person into his embrace without any scruples.
ââPerhaps, so long as he ascended the throne, he will be able to fight Emperor Father, tit for tat.
The author has something to say:
...I suddenly saw 18700 plus comments. I am simply both happy and vexed...what the heck is with that 10086 more comments! Have you guys ever seen a 1000+ novel on JJ! This is not Qidian Iâll bite you guys, ok! Ok, Ok, for now, Iâll write at my own pace. In any case, there are at least two or three worlds before the story ends. At that time...cough, weâll see then. As for the little sisters who say they want their own copies...this silly author is really lazy...truly really lazy. Contacting people to make the books and sell the books and what not, I donât want to do it at all [lies on the floor]. JJâs custom-made function reinstatement still seems far in the indefinite future. Thus...everybody neednât think too much, la, wwww. If I can smoothly finish this novel, then Iâll already be very thankful~
Eve: Iâd love to see SYâs reaction to Situ Yu trying to get him as his wifey after ascending the throne.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Wuxian: ZX.. hehehe.. a resolute competitor has arrived. Watch your back, bub.