Chapter 74 Desperate Wolves Unite for Annihilation

esn’t want to experience it again, Father can invite her back to rest. I won't say anything in front of her but only explain the matter to Father. This is such a simple thing; why does it need to come...Chapter 74: Desperate Measures to Eliminate a Common Enemy

Huh He actually plans to take over the class in the Imperial Study Hall When Yun Qianyue heard Rong Jing's words, she abruptly stood up from where she was sitting. A loud "bang" echoed as her head collided with the roof of the carriage. She instantly clutched her forehead and let out a pained gasp, but didn't forget to give Rong Jing a fierce glare.

Rong Jing looked up from his book, glanced at Yun Qianyue with resignation, and sighed, "I had no idea that you would be so stirred up by my taking over the class Should I feel happy about your willingness to see me Or should I go petition His Majesty to let me take charge of the Imperial Study Hall henceforth"

"You…" Yun Qianyue glared at Rong Jing angrily, "Who's willing to see you What's so exciting about that And why are you so heartless Causing trouble for one person isn't enough, now you're going to the Imperial Study Hall to cause trouble for the princes and princesses. How can you be such a pest Am I going to see you everywhere I go"

Looking at Yun Qianyue's agitated state, Rong Jing slowly nodded his head, "I don't know if I'll appear in your sight wherever you go, but what I'm sure of is that during the time when the Grand Tutor is ill, you'll see me every day."

"I don't want to see you!" Yun Qianyue snorted and angrily shouted out, "Stop the carriage! I won't attend class anymore!"

"It's not up to you. His Majesty has already issued an edict for this; if you refuse to attend it would be considered disobedience. And do you think I want to see you It was just now that Grand Guardian Yun Meng brought my grandfather’s message, saying that he knows about me taking over the Imperial Study Hall and asked me to look after you a bit. He's worried something might happen like your previous impulsive act of publicly petitioning for a marriage edict from His Majesty. Based on my grandfather's deep affection towards me, I couldn’t refuse."

"Yes, Young Prince Jing is indeed suffering a lot! Do I need to be unreasonable once more and run to the Emperor to ask for a marriage edict so that I can marry you That way you won't have to scheme every day to torment me. And why do you keep haunting me from the Rong王府 to the Yun王府, then to the palace" Yun Qianyue knew that imperial decrees held supreme power in this world, and she was still incapable of breaking free from her current life circumstances. She dared not challenge royal authority; thus, she could only glare at him with a voice so soft it seemed lethal.

Rong Jing's eyes flashed momentarily as his long lashes covered his gaze. He lifted his head again, calmly and gently telling Yun Qianyue in the same soothing tone that remained unchanged for ages: "It’s best not to do this. It is unheard of for a young lady to frequently petition for marriage edicts from His Majesty. After your first time doing so, all the common folk will surely laugh at you; it's no honor to request such things. You haven't yet reached adulthood—leave such matters to be decided by those who intend to marry you in the future. But currently, I don't have such intentions, so there’s no need for you to feel burdened!"

Yun Qianyue glared at Rong Jing with a solemn face; she thought that this person was truly despicable.

"Indeed, I am suffering greatly. Who wouldn’t be troubled by having such a major problem on their hands It’s not me bullying you; each time it's more like the opposite." Ignoring Yun Qianyue's solemn face, Rong Jing suddenly pulled his collar open and said, "Look at this mark, left behind by your tormenting of me. Even after a day and night, these marks haven't faded."

Yun Qianyue saw the faint red marks on Rong Jing's neck and spat out in disgust, "Well deserved! You brought it upon yourself!"

"Yes, I did bring it upon myself. I shouldn’t have given in to a moment of softness and saved you from being thrown into the Criminal Ministry’s牢獄 when Night Tianqiong wanted to do so at night in the palace; nor should I have followed after you to protect you when you fell into the Dark Passage under Lingtai Temple. To this day, the bruises on my back haven't faded yet! Neither should I have been rushing around for days to move those twelve Buddha statues out of the underground temple and hide them so that His Majesty wouldn’t discover them; nor should I have appeared at a time when Leng Shaozhuo was going to kill you and helped eliminate his hidden guards. Leng Shaozhuo probably still hates me now! There are many other things I shouldn’t have done, all of which I brought upon myself. Are you satisfied" Rong Jing threw the book in his hand away and closed his eyes.

At this moment, his face was pale and serene, even though he wasn't injured, but it gave people a sense that he was feeling sad.

The anger instantly dissipated from Yun Qianyue. She looked at Rong Jing for a long time; he had his lips tightly pressed together and didn’t move an inch. She pursed her own lips as well and sat down, thinking about how many times this person had saved her life. Her attitude towards him was indeed unkind.

The carriage remained silent for a while, with both of them not uttering another word; the atmosphere grew tense.

After some time, Yun Qianyue reflected on herself and realized that she was already quite old when adding up her two lifetimes. Why did she bother to take offense at someone who was only in his early twenties But it was hard for her to remember his age due to the maturity of his speech and demeanor. Looking up at Rong Jing, he still had a calm and cool expression. She extended her foot lightly touching him, "Hey…"

Rong Jing didn’t seem to hear.

"Hey, uh... you..." Yun Qianyue was momentarily at a loss for words.

Rong Jing didn't even lift an eyelid and acted as if he wasn't in the carriage with her.

"Um… I’m sorry. It’s my mistake to pinch you. But it is your poisonous tongue bullying me, so I couldn’t help myself," Yun Qianyue sniffed; she didn’t know why she was apologizing She was also a victim! These days, how many times had he made her angry Yet yesterday, she shouldn't have pinched him that hard. It must have hurt terribly at the time Seeing Rong Jing still hadn’t lifted his eyelids or moved, she immediately leaned over and tied up his open collar, her voice softening involuntarily, "Okay, don’t be upset, okay I was wrong to pinch you so harshly. Sister won’t…"

"You’re not yet of marriageable age; your actual age is fifteen years old. As for me, although I haven't reached the age of twenty, my actual age is seventeen. How can you be older than me Also, when did the Rong王府 and Yun王府 become so close" Rong Jing opened his eyes and raised an eyebrow as he looked at Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue's hand paused, and she lowered her head to look at her small figure, falling silent for a moment.

"In this life, you probably can't be my elder sister. Even if you reincarnate, it would still be impossible. So, don’t mention the word 'elder sister' anymore," Rong Jing said again.

Yun Qianyue fell silent once more and couldn't help but harrumph softly, "Then can I at least be your younger sister"

"Probably not possible either. The Yong王府 and Yun王府 have had no familial ties for centuries, neither through marriage nor blood relations. Moreover, even if you were to marry Rong Feng, you could only be my niece-in-law. If you were to marry my brother, then you would only be my sister-in-law. My parents passed away ten years ago; even if you wanted to reincarnate and become my younger sister, it wouldn’t work," Rong Jing continued seriously, pausing before slowly adding, "Therefore, don't mention the word 'younger sister' either!"

Yun Qianyue fell silent again. She couldn't help but think that these people were indeed ancient folks! In this century, it was common to refer to each other as sisters and younger siblings, but here, such terms wouldn’t work. She remained silently sorrowful.

"You still have a button left unfastened," Rong Jing reminded Yun Qianyue.

Yun Qianyue replied with an "oh" sound, and reached out to fasten the top button of his shirt. Her fingertips brushed against his warm skin causing her to shiver slightly before she quickly pulled back. She retreated into her corner of the carriage. Her fingers involuntarily curled up in the sleeves as if trying to erase the sensation of warmth from a moment ago.

Rong Jing’s gaze swept over Yun Qianyue's sleeve, his eyes flashing but he remained silent.

Yun Qianyue felt her heart tremble slightly just now and couldn't help but secretly despise herself. She thought silently to herself: Yun Qianyue, you’re really reverting back to your timid ways. Has shrinking in age also made you more timid You're still a young man who hasn’t fully matured despite being exceptionally handsome; however, he is someone who wouldn't tolerate any slight and takes pleasure in bullying others. You merely touched him, why did your heart tremble Who cares if he's attractive! Look at yourself!

Rong Jing remained silent after that. Yun Qianyue also didn’t say anything. The carriage was quiet but this silence wasn't like the previous one; it now had a harmonious atmosphere, with a gentle calmness.

A couple of incense sticks later, the carriage stopped. Xuan Ge’s voice came from outside: "Young Master, we've arrived at the Imperial Palace!"

“Mmm!” Rong Jing responded.

Yun Qianyue rubbed her hands vigorously as if trying to shake off something. After rubbing twice, she noticed Rong Jing looking at her and immediately stopped. She coughed softly and picked up the flower basket beside her, lifted the curtain, and jumped down from the carriage lightly.

Rong Jing chuckled quietly and looked down at his own collar. His eyes showed a hint of amusement as he gently touched the two buttons on his neck with delicate fingers before straightening up, lifting the curtain, slightly leaning forward, and slowly stepping out of the carriage.

Yun Qianyue didn't turn around but heard Rong Jing's low chuckle. The slight tremble that had risen in her just now immediately vanished; it was much more effective than when she rubbed her hands vigorously. She pursed her lips, thinking to herself: indeed heartless. No matter how the world changes or heaven collapses, his heartlessness remains unchanged.

"I knew Moon Sister would come with Young Master Jing!" Yu Ning's voice came smilingly, warm and pleasant.

Yun Qianyue turned her head in the direction of the sound. In front of the Imperial Palace gate were more than ten carriages, all exceptionally luxurious, decorated with colorful ribbons in red or green or bright colors. Before each carriage stood many young men and women holding book boxes or carrying flower baskets. Yun Qianyue scanned through them but didn’t recognize anyone except Yu Ning who was walking towards her gracefully, warm and dignified, truly deserving the title of the most beautiful woman in the world.

Yun Qianyue blinked her eyes and glanced at Rong Jing; seeing his indifferent expression, she gave a faint smile. "So it's Miss Qin Did you come to the Imperial Palace today as well"

"I come every day to the Imperial Palace!" Yu Ning stopped walking and smiled while bowing slightly to Rong Jing. "Young Master Jing is so courteous!"

"Miss Qin, no need for such formalities," Rong Jing replied coldly.

So that’s how it is! Yun Qianyue thought to herself: her days in the Imperial Study wouldn't be boring then!

"That day at Lingtai Temple, I was scared out of my wits. Luckily, Young Master Jing appeared and helped Prince Consort and me climb up from under the temple, saving us from being trapped there. Unfortunately, I also got a head injury and had to rest for several days back home until I heard that Moon Sister and Young Master Jing returned unharmed. I was delighted and intended to visit you both but learned on my second day of recovery that you went straight to Yong王府. Later when you left Yong王府, I went there but was told that you were concentrating on your lessons and couldn't be disturbed. So I had to return home. Only yesterday did I finally see Moon Sister at the martial arts champion assembly. Today, hearing about the cancellation due to Little Prince’s illness, I thought today might actually allow me to see Moon Sister again. Indeed, it is true! Moreover, I'm even more surprised that Young Master Jing will be teaching in the Imperial Study, which was my wish long ago."

Yun Qianyue admired the woman's skill, thinking that regardless of what she was thinking, at least on the surface, her actions were flawless. Her proficiency in expression and language was truly admirable! She really could be compared to Wang Xifeng!

"Miss Qin overestimates Rong Jing; I’m merely substituting for a few days." Rong Jing's face remained as usual, not even changing his expression as he spoke. After speaking, he no longer paid attention to Yu Ning and started walking towards the palace gate. After taking two steps, he instructed Yun Qianyue: "My book box is in the carriage; please help me bring it inside!"

Wasn’t such a beautiful woman eagerly coming over just because of him Yet this man treated her with indifference and coldness. Truly amazing! While admiring Rong Jing, Yun Qianyue also felt不甘: "Why should I carry it for you Don't you have hands to do it yourself"

"Yesterday making that braised mandarin fish nearly wore me out; you know how complicated the process is. I spent the whole afternoon and night cooking, my hands are very tired now and can’t pick up anything heavy anymore. Please help me carry it!" Rong Jing said without turning back, as if it was a matter of course.

Yun Qianyue opened her mouth but didn't say anything; she tacitly agreed. In general, one is soft when in someone else's debt and short when eating their food.

"Sister Moon, Lord Rong Jing actually… cooked for you personally" Yu Ning saw that Rong Jing didn’t even look at her and stiffened. Hearing what Rong Jing said, she turned back to Yun Qianyue and asked softly.

"Don't listen to his nonsense; he's just too lazy to pick things up himself. Think about it, can a man who spends all day writing poetry, weak as a reed and never touches hot water, really cook Don't forget who he is—Rong Jing! He’s always high-and-mighty above everyone else. It's less likely for him to cook than pigs climbing trees." Yun Qianyue met Yu Ning's gaze and snorted: "He just wants to bully me and make me his personal servant carrying his book box."

"That's true!" Yu Ning also thought that it was impossible for Lord Rong Jing to personally cook. Her heart, which had risen to her throat a moment ago, suddenly fell back into place. The look on her face softened instantly as she laughed at Yun Qianyue: "Sister Moon, please don’t talk like this; others would kill to be in your shoes! I think Lord Rong Jing treats you differently than the other ladies in the capital."

Yun Qianyue rolled her eyes and thought that she had no common language with anyone. She disdainfully turned her head, lifted the carriage curtain, took out Rong Jing's book box, and suddenly felt it was heavy as lead in both hands. She estimated she would definitely be arm-weary by the time she reached Upper Study.

"Sister Moon, if you don't want to carry Lord Rong Jing's book box, give it to me! I'll bring it inside for him." Yu Ning smiled at Yun Qianyue’s sour look and said: "We're going into the palace together anyway."

Yun Qianyue lit up; since someone was willing to help, she wouldn’t refuse. She immediately handed Rong Jing's book box over to Yu Ning: "Great! You can carry it then!"

Yu Ning reached out to take the book box but just as her hand touched it, Xian Ge’s stern voice rang out: "Miss Yun Qianyue, unless my lord allows it, no one is permitted to touch his belongings. If someone does, they should be prepared for severe consequences; cutting off a hand would be considered mild."

Yu Ning immediately stiffened and her smiling face instantly froze.

Yun Qianyue was also stunned, turning around to look at Xian Ge. She saw him looking coldly and sternly at her with an obvious expression of dissatisfaction in his eyes. Yun Qianyue snorted and withdrew the book box back onto her arm, muttering: "What a big fuss!"

"Lord Rong Jing truly treats Sister Moon differently," Yu Ning said softly; the look she gave Yun Qianyue had changed.

"Didn't I say he likes bullying people for fun This kind of blessing, I’d rather not have. If we make it to Upper Study without me getting exhausted or my arms being crushed, I’ll be lucky." Yun Qianyue didn’t want to argue with this beauty any longer and started walking forward. Why should she trouble others when there were so many women who would do the same After two steps, she suddenly had an idea and turned back around with a smile: "Miss Qin, why don't you help me carry my flower basket"

Yu Ning was taken aback as Yun Qianyue’s face lit up like spring sunshine; it was exceptionally radiant.

"Do you value the beautiful woman over friendship You only see that weak beauty and forget your older sister here Don't you see these two heavy ones I'm carrying Could you really bear to watch my arms collapse under their weight" Yun Qianyue said with a disdainful look.

The stiff expression on Yu Ning’s face immediately softened as she hurried forward, stretching out her hand toward Yun Qianyue and smiling: "Sister, what are you saying I can't even maintain my dignity. It's only because of your unwillingness to carry Lord Rong Jing's book box that I'm helping you; it seems like you're turning the tables on me. Since Sister finds it tiring, isn’t carrying both your basket and his equally burdensome Give me yours!"

"Okay then! Thank you!" Yun Qianyue immediately lit up with a smile, praising her effusively. She placed her basket onto Yu Ning’s arm and turned to walk forward lightly, still urging: "Hurry up; I’ve never been to Upper Study before. Let's see what there is to see."

Yu Ning felt her arms go heavy as she looked at the flower baskets on them—though they darkened slightly for a moment, they quickly returned to normal. She turned around and saw that Xian Ge was looking up at the sky instead of paying attention here. Then she noticed the maid from Chancellor’s Manor carrying her basket approaching; she quickened her pace to catch up with Yun Qianyue and smiled: "Sister Moon is joking; you’ve been to Upper Study before, but after just a couple of days, you refused to go again."

"Huh When was that I don't remember," Yun Qianyue’s heart skipped a beat.

"Hmm, it's been about ten years, that long ago indeed. No wonder elder sister doesn't remember. At that time, you were the Lady-in-Waiting for Princess Six."

"Oh, it has already been over a decade! Who can still recall such an old matter!" Yun Qianyue sighed in relief and waved her hand, "Looks like the Upper Study Hall isn't very interesting. That's why I didn't stay after just two days!"

"The Upper Study Hall is only for studying; naturally, if you don't like reading, you won’t enjoy it there. But apparently, you left not because you disliked reading but due to the Crown Prince. At that time, His Majesty summoned a private tutor for the Crown Prince alone, so after seeing him twice and finding him absent, you stopped coming too," Yu Ning said in a low voice with a smile.

"So it was like this! My memory isn't as good as yours; looks like I’m not cut out to be a bookworm." Yun Qianyue nodded her head, thinking of how she must have been blessed by some previous life for that body's original owner to fall in love with the Crown Prince so deeply.

"It's said that back then, Empress Dowager was displeased when she heard you weren't coming anymore. His Majesty also wanted you to continue attending. But later on, the Prince of Yong王府的容王爺在勝仗歸來時被害於途中，容王妃殉夫，景世子又遭了大難生了一場大病，幸得靈隱大師救了景世子。雲王府雲世子失蹤被找回來昏迷了好幾個月，也是得靈隱大師相救，再後來文伯候府被人一夜之間滅門，那一年天聖不太平，還發生了許許多多的事情，皇上和皇後孃娘無暇顧及你，也就由了你了。後來你越發頑劣，就這樣一晃十年。姐姐的課業也就是這樣耽擱了下來。”玉凝歎了口氣，有些疑惑地看著雲淺月，“這些難道姐姐都忘了嗎？”

“有些記得，有些忘了。你也知道，我這些年一心隻要夜天傾那個討厭鬼，哪裡有心思理會彆的？不記得也不稀奇，渾渾噩噩過了這十多年，如今總算清醒了。”雲淺月也裝模作樣地歎息了一聲。

"Actually, the Crown Prince is quite a good person," Yu Ning bit her lip and said softly.

"Yes, he's indeed very good. Otherwise how could I have been hated by him for over ten years! Back then, I didn't know my limits; without any talent, I still insisted on sticking to him, offering my warm face when his was cold. That’s why I was disliked. But if you were in my shoes, your talents and beauty would surely make him cherish you," Yun Qianyue nodded randomly and redirected the topic back to Yu Ning.

Yu Ning's steps paused as she said with a smile, "I, Yu Ning, think myself lowly, unworthy of the Crown Prince. That’s why I don’t dare to harbor any thoughts about him."

"Oh!" Yun Qianyue stretched out her voice and suddenly leaned close to Yu Ning, “So you secretly admire Rong Jing instead His status also seems quite high!”

Yu Ning blushed, "Elder sister knows how to bully me; Prince Shi Jing is as unreachable as a celestial being, so I wouldn’t dare think of him."

"Is it that you don't dare to think about him or are you secretly thinking of him" Yun Qianyue looked at Yu Ning teasingly, enjoying her blushing face.

Yu Ning hadn't been exposed to the enlightenment of the twenty-first century like Yun Qianyue; her face turned red all over and even her neck turned crimson. Before she could push away Yun Qianyue with a reproachful expression, a familiar voice came from behind them, "Just now, this Crown Prince suddenly saw two sisters standing there and thought for a moment who it might be! It's you, Moonie and Miss Qin!"

Upon hearing the familiar voice, Yun Qianyue shuddered in disgust. Talk about mentioning Cao Cao and he appears! This Night Tianqing was really like an unwelcome ghost. She feigned ignorance, turned her head away and moved a bit further from Yu Ning.

Yu Ning was startled and immediately turned back to bow respectfully to Night Tianqing, "Your Highness Prince, Your Majesty, please be well!" she said with a red face in a low voice.

"Miss Qin, you needn't kneel! Miss Qin, your beauty today surpasses all the peach blossoms and plum blossoms," Night Tianqing looked at Yu Ning’s blushing little face, his eyes flashing with admiration. He had never seen a woman look so beautiful when blushing before. Unable to help it, he praised her.

Yu Ning's face reddened even more as she straightened up without looking up and said in a low voice, "Your Highness is flattering me!"

No longer showing his amazement, Night Tianqing smiled and looked at Yun Qianyue. Seeing that she had her back to him and didn't even bow respectfully, he frowned slightly but restrained himself by walking to her side, smiling as he asked, "Little Sister Moon hasn’t attended the Upper Study Hall for ten years, has she"

Yun Qianyue glanced at him coldly, "Knowing that already, why ask!"

Looking at Yun Qianyue's face right before his eyes—just as beautiful and even more dazzling than Yu Ning’s fair countenance—he couldn't help but feel a tightening in his chest. Her pale skin and rosy lips made her look all the more enchanting under the sunlight, making his frowning expression soften instantly with an urge to embrace her.

Yun Qianyue sensed Night Tianqing's gaze and slight change in breathing; feeling coldness in her heart, she stepped forward immediately.

"Elder Sister Moon!" Yu Ning naturally noticed the change in Night Tianqing. Lifting her head to see Yun Qianyue leaving without a word, she called out.

Yun Qianyue walked a few steps before she remembered that she couldn’t find her way to the Upper Study Hall. She had no choice but to stop and urge Jade Condensation, "Sister Qin, why are you still loitering around Look at how late it is already! Even that weakling must have gone to the Upper Study Hall long ago. His heart’s as cold as ice; he’ll probably punish us with a bamboo ruler if we’re not there when he arrives."

After hearing Yun Qianyue mention Rong Jing, Jade Condensation looked and saw that Rong Jing had already entered the palace gates and was nowhere to be seen. She didn’t care anymore about Night Tianqiong and hurriedly bowed to him again before quickly following after Yun Qianyue.

"I heard this morning that Prince Jingshi will be teaching in the Upper Study Hall today, so I thought it would be a good opportunity for me as well. Let’s go together! It is indeed late." Night Tianqiong looked at both of them and said before following after.

Yun Qianyue felt her heart sink. So he planned to bother her all day today She turned cold and looked back at Night Tianqiong, "What ability does a prince need to have in order to be as idle as you"

Night Tianqiong’s expression froze and he said solemnly, "Sister Moon, it doesn’t matter if you hold prejudices against me, but please be careful with your words. Prince Jingshi is the number one genius of Tiangong, famed across the land. Even though I’m very busy today, hearing that Prince Jingshi will be teaching in the Upper Study Hall means that I have to come. A lesson from him surpasses a decade’s worth of learning."

"I really didn’t know you admired Rong Jing so much!" Yun Qianyue snorted. Don’t think she doesn’t understand his thoughts. Although this person seemed very deep, what he was thinking was still evident in his eyes. Even Lian Qingran was someone who was hard to read from the outside, and Nan Lingrui’s personality was also hard to predict. As for Rong Jing—who always remained calm no matter how much of a crisis occurred—his intelligence far surpassed Night Tianqiong. He clearly thought she would look back at him Ridiculous!

"Prince Jingshi is revered across the land, even Father Emperor holds Prince Jingshi in high regard; I naturally need to learn from him." Night Tianqiong sped up and walked side by side with Yun Qianyue. Seeing her sneer disdainfully, he sighed at her and said gently, "It’s a good thing that Sister Moon is honest and direct, but one easily breaks if they’re too rigid; you…"

"I’m very sorry, Your Highness the Prince. I don’t have your extensive knowledge. What do honesty and directness mean What does ‘one easily breaks if they’re too rigid’ mean I really don’t know! You talking to me is like playing music for a cow." Yun Qianyue suddenly cut Night Tianqiong off. "I think we are not on the same wavelength, so it’s best that we take different paths."

After finishing her words, Yun Qianyue quickened her pace and went down another path; she really couldn’t stand Night Tianqiong! She had never hated anyone this much before. Even though she thought that the trials of past life gave her patience, tenacity, and forbearance, but it was useless against Night Tianqiong. She began to wonder if she had done something wrong in a previous life!

"Sister Moon, you’re going towards the Imperial Garden; this is the only path that leads to the Upper Study Hall!" Jade Condensation exclaimed.

"You go ahead first, I haven’t been to the palace for a long time, so I want to take a look at the Imperial Garden. I’ll head over to the Upper Study Hall later." Yun Qianyue waved her hand and quickened her pace, soon disappearing into the distance.

Night Tianqiong’s expression darkened; he clearly understood that Yun Qianyue didn’t want to walk with him anymore. She even wanted to avoid seeing him! He was at a loss; before she had chased after his every step as his shadow and could always be seen no matter where he went, but now he couldn’t get her attention. Whenever he tried to approach her, she would give him cold glances or harsh words. Not only did it cost him face, she didn’t even care about their relationship at all. She wanted to marry Feng of the Wenbo Family despite not having any family background to rely on, while she had a noble title as Yun’s eldest daughter; how did Yun Qianyue treat him Was he too nice and accommodating towards her recently that it made her more bold

"Your Highness the Prince, Sister Moon has always been quite temperamental towards others." Jade Condensation saw Yun Qianyue disappear and carefully advised.

But this only added fuel to the fire, making Night Tianqiong’s expression even darker with anger.

"Yesterday I heard that Sister Moon requested for a royal decree from His Majesty during the martial examination conference to marry Feng of Wenbo Family. I was wondering why Sister Moon would want to marry him suddenly. Could it be that she already knows him Since I didn’t get a chance to ask her, there must be something hidden in between." Jade Condensation continued.

"She wants to marry Feng A dream! Don’t think she can do as she pleases," Night Tianqiong clenched his fists inside the sleeves; thinking of yesterday’s events made his forehead veins bulge. He turned around and walked down another path, a road that led straight towards the Imperial Study Hall.

"Your Highness the Prince, are you not going to Upper Study Hall anymore" Jade Condensation asked.

"I suddenly remembered something I need to report to Father Emperor, so I won’t be going. State affairs come first, anyway; it’s all the same if I go tomorrow and listen." Night Tianqiong finally realized that his anger and thoughts were known by Jade Condensation; he stopped in his tracks and suppressed the seething rage within him as he said solemnly to her, "Miss Qin, you need to pay attention to your lessons. A lesson from Prince Jingshi is a once-in-a-century opportunity. If you perform well and receive special treatment from Prince Jingshi, I’ll report to Father Emperor on your behalf; it wouldn’t be an embarrassment for Miss of the Chancellery Family."

Jade Condensation’s heart rejoiced as her face turned red again; she bowed deeply while lowering her head and said softly, "Thank you very much, Your Highness! Jade Condensation… I will pay attention to my lessons so that I don’t disappoint your good intentions."

"Mm-hmm!" Night Tianqiong didn’t speak any more; he turned around and walked towards the Imperial Study Hall with large strides.

Jade Condensation waited until Night Tianqiong left before slowly straightening up; her lips were tightly pursed while she clenched her fists inside her sleeves. She would seize every opportunity if it presented itself. There was no reason why she couldn’t be better than Yun Qianyue, who had lost all martial arts abilities and could do nothing. With the assistance of Your Highness the Prince, she would have a greater chance to succeed. Thinking about that person’s charm made her heart tremble; once upon a time, it was impossible for her to even think about meeting him in this lifetime. Now that her wish had been fulfilled, she felt like it wasn’t enough and wanted to get closer to him.

"Miss, you’re still holding Lady Yun’s flower basket!" Jade Condensation’s maidservant Chuxi reminded softly.

"Take it!" Jade Ning handed the flower basket in her hand to Chuxi, who was behind her, and stepped forward. She thought that Yún Qiányuè not going to the study hall was the best outcome, so Jing Shizi's eyes would no longer have any trace of her presence. The usually gentle and composed woman suddenly felt a strong urge to move forward quickly. Her small steps were fast, and in a blink of an eye, she walked quite far.

Chuxi hurriedly took the flower basket from Yún Qiányuè’s hand, carrying one under each arm as she panted heavily while chasing after Jade Ning.

Yún Qiányuè walked briskly for a moment before stopping to hide behind a stone wall and watching Night Tianqiu and Jade Ning. Although she had no martial arts skills, she was able to read lips and heard what the two of them said; a sneer formed on her face as she thought: So this is the infamous collusion between wolves She accidentally overheard it.

"I didn’t expect us to be so in tune with each other. Knowing that I am here waiting for you, you came so quickly!" Suddenly, a warm voice sounded behind Yún Qiányuè, and Rong Jing slowly emerged from the pillar on her left side.

Yún Qiányuè was startled; she stood up suddenly and turned around sharply. When she saw Rong Jing, her eyes widened in surprise: "Rong Jing" Did she see him wrong That man who had gone to the study hall!

"Yes, it’s me. Have you forgotten me so soon after a short while of not seeing each other" Rong Jing's gaze fell on Yún Qiányuè’s hand, and he saw that although her own basket was missing, she tightly held his bookcase. A hint of amusement flashed in his eyes.

"Didn’t you go to the study hall" Yún Qiányuè raised an eyebrow. Even though she didn't know where the study hall was located, she knew clearly that one path led to the main entrance and imperial study hall, another to the imperial garden, and the third was the route Jade Ning had just taken for her. That day when she left the palace, it was this very road; therefore, she naturally understood that it led to the imperial garden. Could he have possibly gone down a wrong path

"I knew you would come here to stroll around, so I waited for you here. Since we’re already on our way there, how could I leave you behind" Rong Jing walked over with a smile and said softly: "Let’s go! We’ll head to the study hall together."

Yún Qiányuè looked speechlessly at Rong Jing; had he really calculated that she would come here Did it mean that he knew that Night Tianqiu, that obnoxious fellow, would appear and walk with her, causing her to leave in frustration Wasn't he still human then After staring at him for a while, she said: "You’re truly comparable to Zhuge Liang!"

"Who is Zhuge Liang" Rong Jing tilted his head and asked.

"The progenitor of scheming! But with you around, he would have resigned," Yún Qiányuè thought that if Zhuge Liang were alive today, he wouldn’t be as good as this man. There had been times when even Zhuge Liang made mistakes, but this fellow never did; especially not in bullying her. She was completely convinced of his superiority.

"Yes, since I’m old now, it’s time to resign," Rong Jing paused and nodded in agreement.

“It's not that you’re old, but dead!” Yún Qiányuè deliberately said this to disgust him, twisting her words as she insulted him.

Rong Jing stopped again, turned around to look at Yún Qiányuè and smiled faintly: "Rest assured, I will live well. As long as you’re still alive, I won’t die, lest someone bully you when I’m gone." Then he said softly: "Let’s go! It’s time; the study hall should be starting lessons."

“Who else would dare bully me besides you” Yún Qiányuè asked in annoyance.

"Didn’t Night Tianqiu just bully you Otherwise, why did you get so angry and run here" Rong Jing glanced sideways at her, speaking slowly.

Yún Qiányuè recalled Night Tianqiu’s face with disgust: "Can you please not mention him!"

"Sure, let's go," Rong Jing nodded and urged her to move on.

“I’m not going!” Yún Qiányuè thought of that disgusting person also heading to the study hall, so she stood still.

"Don’t worry, Night Tianqiu was infuriated by you just now. He wouldn't go to the study hall; he probably went to the imperial study hall." Rong Jing’s gaze flashed a deep look before stepping forward. He smiled warmly at Yún Qiányuè who was still standing: "They say that Empress and the concubines of various palaces are admiring the lotus flowers in the rain today in the imperial garden! Are you sure you want to wander around there"

That would be better than going to the study hall. Yún Qiányuè immediately followed Rong Jing’s pace. As she walked behind him, Rong Jing smiled and didn’t speak anymore as he headed towards the study hall. However, his gaze narrowed slightly when turning back: So this was what Night Tianqiu had done Jade Ning hadn't disgraced his status. Well played!

－－－－－－Sidebar－－－－－－ not speak for some time.Yun Muhuan replied, "She's at the Southern Frontier envoy's residence preparing to return.""Return I thought she would be in a hurry to leave. After so long, Southern Frontier...