C39 Vice Consort

After some thought, Beiming Yuan tightened his grip on Dugu Rou's hand. "You've been at the Heaven Obeying Hall for two weeks now. I've been so busy with state affairs that I've neglected you."

"Crown Prince..." Dugu Rou's cheeks flushed as she leaned into his embrace.

Beiming Yuan wrapped his arms around her. "I've heard some rumors circulating in the palace lately. I know you don't pay them any mind, but I can't let you be wronged. I've spoken to my mother about it, and we both agree you deserve a title. It's just..."

Her heart, filled with joy, plummeted at the word "just."

Dugu Rou stiffened, her lips parting as if to speak, but she held back.

She couldn't ask!

Beiming Yuan hesitated, hoping the ever-understanding Dugu Rou would take over the conversation. Unlike Dugu Yan, Dugu Rou's greatest strength was never putting him in a difficult position.

So this time, he hoped she would continue to be the sensible woman she always was.

But Dugu Rou was unwilling!

She had been sensible for so many years, all for the day she would become the Crown Prince Consort!

Should she just let it go?

The atmosphere suddenly grew tense. Though she sat in Beiming Yuan's arms, Dugu Rou felt as if she had fallen into an ice cave.

All she felt was cold, a chill that seemed to emanate from within, freezing her in place, nearly encasing her in ice.

Beiming Yuan's grip gradually loosened, his stern face losing its gentle demeanor.

For some reason, Dugu Rou thought of her half-sister. Throughout history, emperors have been known for their lack of emotion. Who could compare to what Dugu Yan sacrificed for Beiming Yuan? Yet, she met the most tragic end.

"The porridge has gone cold. I'll warm it up for you, my lord..." At this moment, Beiming Yuan had already released Dugu Rou. As she stood up and moved toward the food box, she heard a voice behind her.

Dugu Rou didn't catch what Beiming Yuan was saying. Abruptly, she turned and knelt down. "I know my status is humble and I've never dared to hope for the position of Crown Prince Consort. I'm deeply grateful for any recognition from you and the Empress."

The vows of the past still echoed in her ears, remembered only by her.

Looking at Dugu Rou kneeling before him, Beiming Yuan's expression softened. "I've told you before, when we're alone, there's no need for such formalities. Please, stand up."

Consort?

Dugu Rou forced herself not to cry, but her eyes were red when she looked up. She had waited a long time for this title, but what Beiming Yuan offered wasn't the "Consort" she longed for.

There can be countless Vice Consorts, but only one Crown Prince Consort. Despite all her schemes and sacrifices, she ended up losing everything.

When Beiming Yuan helped Dugu Rou to her feet, he gently tucked the stray strands of hair behind her ear with utmost tenderness. "I'm sorry for the trouble."

"As long as I can stay by your side, my lord, I don't feel troubled at all," Dugu Rou replied, resting her delicate yet slightly pale face against his chest.

There was no heartbeat. This man had no heartbeat!

They say the heart of a ruler is made of stone, and now she believed it...

At the South Suppressing Marquis Mansion, in the Silk Garden, Feng Tiange was acutely aware that her understanding of the Grand Yin Scripture was only superficial. This internal martial arts technique, recorded in such a unique way, was far more precious and powerful than any ancient texts passed down through generations.

Yet, even with just this superficial knowledge, her internal strength had increased by fifty percent, a remarkable speed.

Taking a deep breath, she slowly opened her eyes, her mind drifting to the strategist from Zhao Country.

The Ping King had sent someone to find Feng Yan, likely to send a message to Beiming Yuan. Given the Ping King's ambition and years of patience, he was probably ready to make his move.

Though this matter seemed unrelated to her, it had significant implications for Beiming Yuan. If the Ping King gained power, Beiming Yuan would have a formidable ally.

When it came to Beiming Yuan, Feng Tiange's principle was straightforward: she didn't care if it benefited her, but if it didn't benefit him, she would act.

In the heart of the capital, who could she possibly speak to about matters concerning Zhao?

Virtue Helping Hall, Stone Chamber.

Rong Qi couldn't help but admire Chu Ping. Despite their close relationship, Chu Ping could turn hostile at the drop of a hat.

"Saving a life is more virtuous than building a seven-story pagoda. Your medical skills are meant for healing, so why are you upset when I ask you to save someone?" Rong Qi, with his strikingly handsome face that seemed to outshine the world, was filled with emotion.

"Are you seriously claiming you don't know whose work this prescription is?" Chu Ping slammed the pestle down, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Rong Qi leaned in, scrutinizing the prescription he had just placed on the table. "I have no idea."

Chu Ping took a deep breath, exasperated. If anything, he had to give it to Rong Qi for his audacity!

The esteemed prince could lie without even a hint of blush!

"You should know about my connection with the rogue healer Pei Qing. If I save the Zhao King, Pei Qing will know I'm alive, and he'll stop at nothing to find me." Chu Ping picked up the pestle again. "What do you think Pei Qing will do if he finds me?"

"He might just chop off your arms and turn you into a human puppet."

Rong Qi couldn't understand why, when two top-notch healers met, they wouldn't show mercy. Instead, they'd fight as if it were a matter of life and death!

Chu Ping had a look that said, "If you know, just take back the prescription," as he picked up the pestle again.

“With me around, he won’t find you,” Rong Qi assured him, never delving into the grievances between Chu Ping and Pei Qing, only aware it involved a woman. “If you don’t save King Zhao, once Ping King succeeds and takes the throne, he’ll become Beiming Yuan’s greatest ally. Then, dealing with Beiming Yuan will be nearly impossible for us.”

Chu Ping paused, raising his head. “Can’t you come up with a different excuse?”

“An excuse doesn’t have to be new, just effective,” Rong Qi replied, knowing Chu Ping had agreed.

If it weren’t absolutely necessary, he wouldn’t risk Chu Ping’s safety. But the poison affecting King Zhao could only be cured by Chu Ping. He’d heard his third royal sister was nearly frantic in the Zhao palace, even cutting back on her drinking.

Before leaving, Rong Qi told Chu Ping that not everyone he wanted to protect could be saved, but Pei Qing clearly didn’t have Beiming Yuan’s capabilities.

Chu Ping understood that the person Rong Qi couldn’t protect was Dugu Yan...

The events at the Jade Garden had passed several days ago, and since then, Feng Xueyao hadn’t left the South Suppressing Marquis Mansion. She claimed it was to prepare for the Imperial Academy entrance exams, but Feng Tiange was skeptical.

Doesn’t she realize what she’s done?

Among the noblewomen in the capital, the only real friend Feng Xueyao had was Xie Ruxuan. After being brought back from the No-south House by her father, Xie Jin, the Minister of War, Xie Ruxuan had been grounded for two days. As soon as she was free, she rushed to the South Suppressing Marquis Mansion to visit her dear friend.

Inside the Mingxiang Pavilion, Ruxuan was standing up for Xueyao. "Don't listen to those people outside talking nonsense, calling you a seductress. Ugh! They're the real flirts, always trying to cozy up to any man they see. Besides, even if they wanted to get close to Dugu Jin, they wouldn't stand a chance!"

Xueyao just watched Ruxuan without saying a word. She had been staying indoors these past few days to avoid hearing the gossip outside, so it wouldn't affect her focus on preparing for her exams. Now, she was almost fully aware of the situation.

​