C14 Meeting Again

The grand palace stood as magnificent as ever, its golden splendor untouched by time. The jade-white floors showed no trace of the bloodshed that once stained them. The upheaval in the palace would eventually fade from people's memories as time went on.

Tiange walked ahead in silence, her heart weighed down with an unbearable heaviness. Scenes of the Thirteen Sects' leaders sacrificing themselves flashed before her eyes. She could only watch helplessly as Beiming Yuan disemboweled their bodies.

"Beiming Yuan, in this life, I swear you'll wish for death over life. Even if I have to destroy everything, I won't hesitate!"

"Miss, the Crown Prince..."

Across the way, Beiming Yuan, clad in a dark robe, approached, surrounded by attendants. Tiange, prompted by her companion, looked up, her heart seething with hatred like molten lava. Yet, she was too weak to act and had to suppress her feelings.

"Your servant greets the Crown Prince," Tiange said respectfully, stepping aside.

Beiming Yuan had already noticed Tiange. Unlike before, his royal sister now wore a veil over her face.

"Visiting the Royal Grandma?" Beiming Yuan paused, speaking indifferently.

"Yes, Your Highness. I had some free time and thought I'd come chat with her," Tiange replied without looking up, fearing her eyes would betray the immense hatred she felt, inviting suspicion.

Beiming Yuan regarded her for a moment. "It's rare to see such devotion. Make sure to visit the Empress Dowager often and keep her company."

Just then, a maid approached cautiously from behind. "Your Highness, the Crown Prince Consort is probably getting anxious waiting for you at the Heaven Obeying Hall..."

Hearing this, Beiming Yuan turned his gaze and saw the maid bowing humbly.

Tiange recognized the maid as Mo Hua, Dugu Rou's personal attendant.

"In the future, if there's anything urgent, you can come directly to me. The Empress Dowager is getting on in years; let’s not trouble her with trivial matters," Beiming Yuan said, his lips barely moving, his tone calm and unreadable.

"I humbly bid farewell to Your Highness," Tiange said, executing a perfect curtsy without ever lifting her head.

Once Beiming Yuan had passed by, Tiange rose and walked away without hesitation, never glancing back.

Beiming Yuan suddenly turned his gaze, and as he watched her slender figure retreat, a subtle heaviness settled in his heart...

Inside the palace, Tiange explained her intentions to Empress Dowager Chu.

She wanted to apply for the entrance exam at the Imperial Academy. Tiange knew she was a bit older than most candidates, and the South Suppressing Marquis Mansion's slots were already filled, making this a challenging endeavor.

If it weren't absolutely necessary, she wouldn't trouble the Empress Dowager. But gaining admission to the Imperial Academy was her unwavering goal.

In contrast, when Tiange made such a request, Empress Dowager Chu was overjoyed. To her, it was comforting to see her granddaughter with such aspirations.

"Don't worry, Miss Tiange. It's just a matter of a word from the Empress Dowager. Tomorrow, I'll make a trip to the Imperial Academy to secure a spot for you," Nanny Sunn said, placing a tray of rare winter lychees on the low table by the fire with a smile. "What do you think, Empress Dowager?"

"It's good, very good..." Empress Dowager Chu pulled Tiange closer, her expression kind. "Tiange, if you truly wish to enter the Imperial Academy, just one word from your Royal Grandma, and you won't need to take the exam. I can make that happen."

Tiange appreciated the Empress Dowager's kindness, but she feared the disappointment if she didn't pass the exam.

"No, I want to take the exam. I've learned a lot at Puning Temple over the years, and I want to give it a try." Before the Empress Dowager could respond, Tiange turned to Nanny Sunn. "Not just the Wenn Mansion, I also want to apply to the Martial Academy."

Nanny Sunn was taken aback by Tiange's words and looked to the Empress Dowager for guidance.

"Tiange, the Imperial Academy's exams are no trivial matter. Important officials will be present on the exam day," Empress Dowager Chu said with concern.

"I never thought of it as trivial. The spot at the South Suppressing Marquis Mansion was given to Xueyao, so my participation in the Imperial Academy exam is to represent you, Royal Grandma..." Tiange gently held the Empress Dowager's aged hands. "Rest assured, I will make you proud."

"Alright... alright!" The Empress Dowager was fond of Tiange's confidence, especially so. "I will certainly be there that day."

Tiange could see the hidden sorrow and emotion in the Empress Dowager's kind smile, and she felt a pang of regret herself. She should have had Silver Mask remove his disguise earlier, allowing the Empress Dowager to take pride in him. Yet, she thought there was plenty of time, so why rush? But that wait meant the opportunity was lost forever...

In the palace, at the Heaven Obeying Hall.

When Beiming Yuan entered, the main hall was empty. It wasn't until he stepped into the inner chamber that he saw the enchanting figure lying on the couch. Even through the silk quilt, the woman's graceful curves were evident. Her face wasn't exceptionally beautiful, but it had a delicate, fragile quality that stirred a protective instinct in anyone who saw her.